Hot

Trends Theme parties, food trucks, photo booths are hot

By Collin Kelley

Traditional is out and unconventional is in when it comes to planning wedding receptions, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs and other types of celebrations. Local party planners and retailers are excited about these new trends, which offer many more options for the hosts and guests.

Ashley O’Donnell, who works in marketing for gift and party store Swoozies (swoozies.com), said one of the biggest gift trends was items that could be personalized or monogrammed. “It just adds that extra special touch,” O’Donnell said.

She also said that gold – from gold foil accented invitations to décor items –were nearly impossible to keep in stock. One of the trends O’Donnell is most excited to see returning is party-planners going back to sending paper invitations.

“Everyone was sending invitations online for years, but now they are going back to traditional paper invitations for baby showers, birthday parties or even just a girls’ night out,” she said. “It’s refreshing.”

Terri Moore with Naomi’s Paperie (naomiespaperie.com) said wedding couples want to create a day that is more personal, intimate and reflective of their personalities. This includes everything from color scheme, locally sourced food for the reception, satellite bars, to his and hers specialty cocktails.

“Thematic and destination weddings are very popular whether it be at the beach, in the mountains or even a barn wedding,” Moore said. “This can make it easier to plan décor. Lighting is always important and couples are looking more for a romantic, intimate ambiance. Soft glow pendant lights, chandeliers and candelabras help create the perfect mood. For weddings with a country feel, burlap and chalkboard décor are still on trend.”

Bobby Yun, owners of Citi Wine and Spirits (facebook.com/citiwineandspirits) said small batch whiskies, local craft beers and specialty gins were very popular right now. “Vodka is also popular, and there are many new flavor-infused versions so mixologists can make up these crazy