Keeping up with trends is one of the most critical responsibilities of an events business owner. It is easier than ever for clients to arrive at your first appointment with lots of ideas about what’s new, hot and coming soon. As we head into prime booking season, it can truly pay to stay on top of next season’s trend forecast. We took a look at what’s on the horizon in lighting so you’d have up-to-the-minute information about what’s in store for 2018.
Going green
There was a time when going green was still a fad, and clients had limited awareness of their carbon footprints and the impact that a single event could have on the environment. Now that awareness is a way of life for many of us, and clients are increasingly motivated to limit their impact in measurable, recognizable ways. Thankfully, sustainable practices are much easier to implement today than in the past. Start with products like LED lights, recyclable décor and locally sourced foods and beverages, and let your clients know that you are committed to their efforts.
Photo credit Stephanie Yonce Photography
Sparkle, please
Metallic finishes took the design world by storm this year, and they won’t be going away any time soon. Look for more rose gold, gunmetal and copper. Silver will continue to fade as a “start” hue, but it will be present in combination with other metals. Sparkle is the name of the game this year, so look for opportunities to add something shimmery to every celebration.
Light it up
Professional lighting is another design trend that started as a “nice to have” element but has grown to a “must have” feature at most events. We’ll see more hanging lighting in the new year, in the form of industrial strings of Edison bulbs, custom chandeliers and a variety of other tricks of the trade used to illuminate décor. Adding ambience enhances the overall guest experience, so clients are even more likely to include professional lighting in their list of design demands.
Photo credit Don Mears Photography
Industrial revolution
It’s funny, sometimes, how far the design pendulum swings in the course of just a few years. Shabby and rustic chic have been so popular now for so long, but the new trends point to a much more industrial approach to glam. Tin, iron, strong contemporary patterns and textures and venues that shift the focus from the surroundings to the experience are super hot. The contrast between stark urban backdrops and glitzy, sparkling décor is irresistible and will continue to be in high demand for 2018 events.
The 2018 trends are gritty, realistic, yet sophisticated. They should be a fun challenge for our industry’s creative types, with opportunities to show off your talent in new and exciting ways.
Kevin Dennis is the editor of WeddingIQ and owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, a full-service event company based in Livermore, California. Dennis is the current chapter president for Silicon Valley NACE, and a past national president for WIPA.
See Kevin Dennis at #Catersource 2018!
Kevin Dennis will present, "Creating Symbiosis Between Caterers and Venues" in Las vegas this coming February. Click here for additional information!
