Fall Design Trends

The changing of the seasons is always an exciting time in event design. Summer is about to give way to fall, and with the new season we anticipate fresh color inspiration, interesting twists in design and catering concepts and the inevitable departure of some of the recent most popular ideas. So get your cider mugs and favorite scarves ready, because fall is almost here.

Cfeam and gold will give way to darker jewel tones as the season progresses. Photo Don Mears Photography

Color & texture trends

This fall, we’ll see more color in both linens and floral design. The cream and gold palette so prominent in spring will fade and a deep, dark jewel tone palette will take over.

Some recent favorites aren’t ready to go anywhere, of course! Mixed metals came back last year and do not appear to be leaving anytime soon. Gold, silver, and rose gold floral containers and candles also continue to be hot, hot, hot!

The comfort of a Mac & Cheese station will never fade. Photo Don Mears Photography

Engaging stations

Action stations such as whiskey tastings and cigar rolling are becoming increasingly popular fulfilling the continuing demand for guest engagement. The trend will ramp up this fall, and continue to grow in popularity.

Even if your client can’t afford a full event of action stations, try to incorporate a taste of the trend. Add one station to a more standard event—pick the one that best represents the client and their guests will appreciate the novelty and attention to detail.

No more Mason jars! Photo Mike B Photography

Out with the old

Creative types will rejoice knowing that some of the most popular trends of recent years are finally on their way out. Mason jars are going away and will be limited to barn weddings and less formal rehearsal events. And get ready to say goodbye to burlap and lace! While it’s important that you understand that your clients will rarely be ahead of the trends unless they are Pinterest monsters, we understand what a relief it is to know that they will soon be exposed to innovative event ideas.

Stay balanced

As you transition into a new season’s trends, always think about the end result of what your client is seeking. As a professional, you know better what is elegant and what is overkill. Yes, you can use pumpkins for a November wedding, but they don’t need to be on every table. Use them on the catering stations instead of guest seating areas, for example. Incorporate pumpkin spice in one signature cocktail, not every beverage and menu item. Or, capture the time of year by offering a dessert table with apple pie and or pumpkin tarts.

Adding pops of fall color is fine, but don’t get carried away. One pop of deep orange is phenomenal here and there, but most of your clients don’t want their guests walking into a Thanksgiving party all season long. Know when to encourage honoring the time of year, and when to prevent an over-theming disaster.

This year, let the change of seasons refresh your event brain, give you an opportunity to shake off the “been there done that,” and welcome those things you can’t wait to offer your clients. Keep an eye out for opportunities to meet your client needs in new, yet reasonable ways, and most of all, enjoy the journey!

Kim Sayatovic is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Belladeux Event Design, a full service wedding and event design firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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