Wedding adaptations
photo c/o Brittanie Raquel Events
Unique touches and guest experiences are trends for the year
photo c/o Knot Too Shabby Events
by
WILMAmag.com
S herri C rawford
When it comes to wedding trends, some aspects of what’s hot and what’s not can change quicker than you can say “I do.” But one thing that never goes out of style is the love that fuels these events in the first place. After COVID emerged, couples concentrated more on what – and who – truly mattered on their wedding day. With that foundation set, couples are focused on celebrating their way in 2022. “Couples are ditching aspects of the event that don’t feel like ‘them’ and focusing on creating an ambiance that’s full of personality and will be sure to give their guests an experience, unlike anything they’ve attended in the past,” says MELISSA BURTON, owner and principal event planner of Knot Too Shabby Events (knottooshabbyeventplanning.com). “At the end of the day, a wedding is meant to be a celebration of a commitment
to love, surrounded by the people most excited to see it.” RAY BACA, owner and event manager at downtown Wilmington venues Pave’ (eventsatpave. com) and Belle Vue Wilmington (bellevuewilmington.com), echoes Burton’s sentiments. “One thing I am noticing is that couples are having the wedding ‘they want’ versus what is or was expected,” he says. “Weddings are more personal, eclectic and fun – that reflects their personalities (and values).” One way couples are achieving this is by choosing unconventional venues. Think sites and settings that hold meaning, as tops in 2022. “With an intimate guest list, couples are thinking outside of the box by marrying in nontraditional wedding venues and transforming some of their favorite neighborhood places into lasting memories on their wedding day,” notes BRITTANIE PATE, owner and lead wedding planner of Wilmington-based Brittanie Raquel Events (brittanieraquelevents.com). “This can make your wedding day all the more special by choosing a location that
FEBRUARY 2022
WILMA
23
