NEW AND NOTABLE

FRESH TAKES AND HOT WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2020

by Julia Dilworth

LET’S GET PERSONAL

“The biggest wedding trend for 2020 and going forward will be incorporating personality: a bespoke sense in the couple’s celebration,” says Heather Siu, artistic director and lead florist at Myrtle et Olive. Think custom everything, comprehensive colour palettes, bold attitudes and experimentation, with styles influenced more by interior design (hello, Art Deco!) than by what’s #trending in weddings. “Custom dinnerware for the head table can be a keepsake,” says Siu. Or decorative mirrors can be used as signage and will live on at home, like the ornate Anthropologie Wooded Manor mirror (from $248). anthropologie.ca

THE 100-MILE WEDDING

A “regional” destination wedding doesn’t sound that sexy until you consider how our backyard is old-growth forest, mountain peaks and oceanfront coastline. Sorry, Mexico, but in 2020, couples are going to be keeping it closer to home. “It’s all destination, destination, destination... but here on the West Coast,” says DreamGroup planner Chrissie Vides. Local spots like Whistler, Vancouver Island, Squamish and Grouse Mountain (pictured; inquire for pricing) offer that getaway glamour in a more accessible (sometimes via chairlift) fairy-tale setting. grousemountain.com/weddings

FASHIONABLE FELLA

Couples are throwing tradition to the wind, and man-gagement rings are the happy result. And these aren’t just any wedding bands; they’re blinging eye-catchers with frosting, mixed materials, custom designs and everything extra to draw attention to that hand (like this Stittgen wedding ring in 18- and 19-karat white gold with accent diamonds; price upon request). stittgen.com

MAKE ROOM FOR BLOOMS

Our Little Flower Company’s Lizz Miles says loose and messy bouquets with ample greens are being replaced by monochromatic, bloom-heavy arrangements that use flower frogs and chicken wire instead of not-so-fabulous-for-theenvironment floral foam (boo, microplastics!). More sustainable options—like dried flowers, vase rentals or real plant rentals—will be popular, too. olfc.ca

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Local bridal gown powerhouse Gaby Bayona (Truvelle, Laudae) has launched another new brand. Halseene, with romantic styles exclusively for today's modern curvy brides. The 2020 collection has eight dresses ranging from flirty halters to strapless lace silhouettes to A-lines covered in gold organza in sizes 14-40. We liked the fitted crepe Paloma with its all sequin train ($2,525). halseene.com

COLOUR RUSH

“This is the year of bold jewel tones and weddings that rival the best New York galas in decor,” says the Lazy Gourmet’s Shannon Boudreau. “Tablescapes are plentiful and lush, and gone are the subdued colour palettes.” Swap the traditional china whites for emerald, magenta and gold—if you feel like a splurge, the wild and glamorous Voyage en Ikat dinnerware from Hermès would do quite nicely (from $705 per plate). atkinsonsofvancouver.com

SECRET MESSAGE

Individuality is the name of the game, and so DreamGroup planner Sandy Hoong says to look out for embroidery showcasing all manner of personal messages, from “big and bold, like in a veil for all to see,” or “understated and private, hidden in a dress’s design.” Just in time, local brand New Phrenology launches a 2020 collection of customizable handmade veils this January, with embroidery, fringe, beading and pearls (from $280). newphrenology.com

THE GRAZING HOUR

Hanging around waiting for the next scheduled event can be a drag for wedding guests, which is why Epic Event’s Briar Johnston says people are moving toward scheduling ceremonies later in the day: shortening cocktail hour or having a dusk ceremony accommodates a better time flow for guests. Naturally, late-night snacks like charcuterie grazing boards (like this one from Board and Peckish, bespoke from $275) with artisanal cured meats, seasonal berries and fresh blooms are all the rage. boardandpeckish.com