7 Wedding Predictions for 2020 from Aspen Professionals
Proposal season is wrapping up, and a new year brought a new title to many. We’re talking about fiancé/fiancée status. Newly engaged couples, and those holding out for that perfect 2020 wedding date, are eagerly planning and prepping for their big day this year. We sat down with several Aspen-based wedding professionals and vendors to get their take on this year’s trends.
Images via TSG Aspen and Premier Party Rentals
1. Aesthetics are Everything | Colors will continue to thread wedding elements together in 2020 with textures and details adding a personalized, curated touch. “There is definitely a movement away from everything needing to match and strict adherence to symmetry, in favor of a more natural mix of colors and textures that add an organic feeling to an event space or outdoor venue,” says Jordan Matthews, co-owner of Go West Event Rentals. “Incorporating the look of curated and found items into wedding decor is one of our favorite trends that has crossed over from interior design.” Business partner and husband, Zac, agrees, “We love finding and creating one of a kind items that can be a functional and beautiful conversation piece.”
For Aspen events, natural colors are trending in 2020. “We’re working with couples that want warm hues and greens with some metals mixed in,” reports Kayli Pace of Premier Party Rental. And yes, mixing metals is a thing. Copper, gold, and silver are all RSVP’ing yes to weddings this year. But don’t expect a full-on vintage vibe. Couples are veering towards small, eclectic accents paired with more minimalist pieces. “Think fun, colored cut glassware dotting the table,” says Pace.
Images via Tara Marolda and Carolyn’s Flowers
Bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, and event details go beyond traditional florals, incorporating greenery for summer weddings and grasses for the fall. Carolyn’s Flowers of Aspen expects florals to continue to go beyond the table, with ceiling features and vertical installations showcasing blooms and natural touches.
Beyond the décor details, expect to see personal touches around every corner. “The specialty cocktail world is getting very elaborate! Think candied jalapeno's, brandied cherries, edible flowers, and infused simple syrups,” says Julie Wiig, venue coordinator for T-Lazy-7 Ranch.
Image via TSG Aspen
2. A Wedding is More Than One Day | It’s about a marriage, yes. But it’s also about stretching out the celebration throughout a weekend (or more). Matthews tells us that, “Welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches and beyond allow couples to ensure their guests enjoy the local culture and take part in the couple's favorite activities. Whether it is a field day and picnic in the park complete with lawn games, lounges, and the smell of fresh kettle corn popping or a group hike, bike, or river raft to a spectacular farm to table dinner, the setting has to be perfect.” And yes, couples can rent a tipi restroom, canopied lounge, and relaxing swings for an extended day outdoors with guests.
Images via Bundles Gift Co. and TSG Aspen
3. Sustainability is Here to Stay | A new decade brings an enhanced focus on creating eco-friendly events. Wiig says, “I find that wedding planners and florists are shifting to eco-friendly policies.” A move that aligns well with T-Lazy-7′s ethos to take care of the land upon which they have spent generations serving the community.
Couples looking to lessen the impact their event has on the environment are looking at everything from food to flowers to what guests find in their welcome bags. Reusable water bottles are frequently spotted in welcome bag deliveries by Bundles Gift Co. Not only good for the environment, but they also go a long way in keeping guests properly hydrated at Aspen’s high altitude.
Images via Tara Marolda
4. Capturing the Moments | From destination engagement photography sessions to a post-wedding brunch, Aspen photographer Tara Marolda sees wedding work that extends beyond the ceremony and reception moments. “The majority of my couples choose to have a first look moment,” she notes. And a resurgence of keepsake images is happening. “Black and white photography is classic and timeless,” Marolda says, “and any wedding photographer should always include b+w images with a wedding package.”
Photographers are stepping into bridal suites to capture the getting ready process. One trend Marolda sees for wedding dresses? “Many of my brides have opted for more modern, clean, and simple silhouettes. They are choosing more sophisticated gowns with fewer frills,” she says.
Image via TSG Aspen
5. It’s All About a Great Guest Experience | From the minute a wedding guest arrives in Aspen, the imaginary red carpet is rolled out. “Couples want their guests to have a unique experience and enjoy their favorite places and things, says Matthews. “Whether it is the ability to relax in a tipi hammock and take in the views or belly up to a specialty bar offering regional craft beers on tap or spirits from a local distillery.” Don’t be surprised when the Go West Piaggio pulls up at a wedding. The mobile bar makes a great conversation starter and serves up prosecco on tap.
EKS Events always provides a welcome bag or letter to guests when they arrive in town. “Knowing where to go, when events are, and what you can do in your downtime is key to setting the foundation for great guest experiences. It’s a must-do for every couple,” owner Elizabeth Slossberg says.
Welcome bags and gifts are often found at check-in or inside hotel rooms for out of town guests, with the help of Bundles Gift Co. We caught Wesley Brown, owner of Bundles, delivering for guests at The Little Nell. Inside the welcome bag? Something salty, something sweet, drinks, and an itinerary. Critical items to any good welcome gift. When guests travel for an event, couples not only want to give them a great hello and say thanks for coming, but keep their guests fueled, hydrated, and happy.
Images via EKS Events
6. Extravagance is Back | Small, intimate weddings are making way for large affairs. Pace says, “we see a lot of inquiries for extravagant in 2020!” With guests flying in from all over the country and a beautiful mountain backdrop, it comes as no surprise that events are stretching out into longer guest lists and more event days.
Splurges on extras are all about the experience, Slossberg indicated. Think tarot card readers in the bathroom and guest portrait sessions during cocktail hour. In 2020, couples will opt for a more elevated and immersive wedding. Something memorable, not only for the beginning of their marriage but for their friends and family. Surprise appearances by country music stars, outfit changes by the bride, dogs in tuxedos, and late-night lounges add that special touch to this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
One area of extravagance for 2020 includes just the couple. Bride and groom gifts are on-trend, from heirloom family mementos to a unique piece of jewelry. Commemorating the start of a marriage with more than a wedding band is one gift trend on the rise. We recently spotted an engaged couple perusing Meridian Jewelers with an eye towards investing in keepsake jewelry.
Images via EKS Events, Tara Marolda, and TSG Aspen
7. Location, Location, Location | The old real estate adage holds true for weddings in 2020, with destination events on the radar of many engaged couples. EKS Events not only plans weddings in Aspen but often travels to coordinate celebrations abroad. It’s not uncommon to see Slossberg and team at the Aspen airport, orange luggage in tow. Greece, Italy, Antigua, Bahamas, and France are just some of their latest jaunts.
Beyond the zip code the event takes place in, look to unique spots for ceremonies and receptions. Brides skiing down the mountain to a cocktail hour at The Little Nell, a couple rowing away from their service in a canoe, and tents popping up in the middle of fields are all on-trend for 2020. T-Lazy-7 has long hosted ceremonies and weddings at their ranch, with the Maroon Bells overlooking the couple, and weddings with an ode to the old wild, wild west are here to stay in 2020. McCabe Ranch now offers a serene Old Snowmass setting with bookings for this year in the works. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, or couples inclined to more casual nuptials.
Whether a couple opts for small and cozy or large and loud, weddings in 2020 will be personal, detail-filled affairs that produce long-lasting memories. Especially when in Aspen. Matthews sums up 2020 wedding trends well when she says that, “an overall wedding design inspired by the surrounding environment is always beautiful and timeless.”
Looking to plan an Aspen wedding? Look no further than these local vendors. Planning | EKS Events Photography | Tara Marolda Florals | Carolyn’s Flowers Venues | T-Lazy-7 Ranch, McCabe Ranch, The Little Nell Lodging | The Little Nell Rentals | Go West Event Rentals, Premier Party Rental Welcome Gifts | Bundles Gift Co. Rings/Jewelry | Meridian Jewelers Need additional local wedding resources? Visit the Aspen Chamber Resort Association website.
