Who doesn’t love a wedding? It’s the happiest of times and I adore the fact that each wedding is unique to the couple who are being married. Although I have been married for over 30 years I am coming up to the time in my life where family members are planning weddings and friends are searching for that perfect mother of the bride outfit. Watching the weddings on Bride and Prejudice made me think about the many changes in wedding trends.
So when SheSociety were invited to the iconic Greek Club’s Wedding Showcase I was there in a flash to research all of the trends available to the modern bride and groom. It was also a chance for me to check out the new three million dollar refurbishment of this terrific and spacious venue.
Flowers
The first thing I noticed upon entering the rooms, set up beautifully by Celebrating In Style, were the fresh flowers. The people from Always Fabulous Flowers had created a range of different floral arrangements in every configuration. There were generous round arrangements filled with pretty pastel blooms in shades of pink and yellow.There were blooms in dramatic purple and lavender hues and even high vases with long stemmed white flowers making an elegant statement.
I particularly loved the bridal table that had been set up in the spacious Grand Ballroom with flowers in all shades of pink and white with greenery cascading down to create a waterfall effect. White flowers are still on trend but greenery and topiary are coming through. Pastels are always a winner, especially in Spring and Summer. Dramatic reds and purple shades can make a statement or choose the flower that is special to you. Blooming beautiful!
The Cake
Forget your traditional fruit cake, these days brides and grooms are spoilt for choice in the myriad of cakes on offer. At the bridal showcase we met Vas from Frosted Indulgence who had some tempting samples for us to try. “We have white chocolate and Nutella, white chocolate and raspberry, baklava, chocolate with chocolate ganache or a vanilla with coconut, “ she said. It was very difficult to choose but in deference to my Nutella loving first born son I tried the white chocolate cake with Nutella icing. It was perfect- moist but not too sweet and the nuttiness of the creamy Nutella frosting was a lovely change from your regular frosting choices. You can customise your cake and even match it to your dress, add fresh flowers or follow the latest semi naked frosting trend.
The Venue and Table Arrangements
At the Greek Club there are several rooms available and these can be customised according to the number of wedding guests. I spoke to Katherine, the Wedding Events Manager, who showed us around and gave us an insight into the latest wedding trends. Katherine has been working here for 15 years and her love for creating a perfect wedding shines through. “Our biggest wedding has been for 850 guests but we have a smaller room downstairs which can cater for more intimate weddings for under 100.”
At the Wedding Showcase some tables were set in traditional arrangements but there were some very modern criss cross patterns which we all loved. This configuration means no-one feels left out.There were even some intimate seating areas with couches and chairs in soft pink velvet fabric where guests can chill out. Of course they were so inviting She Society had to try them out.
I loved the look of the white Tiffany and Chanel chairs and Katherine explained that many modern brides were moving away from chair covers in favour of elegant white chairs.
Modern weddings were also using the ceiling as a focal point with not only the traditional draping but also suspended florals, beautiful chandeliers or coloured ribbon and fabric gracing the ceiling.
Food
Food at a wedding is important and we were offered some delicious canapés on the newly refurbished Grand Balcony. In the name of research I sampled the Kir Floral Champagne cocktails. Delicious and so very pretty!
Weddings these days can be tailored to most bride and groom’s tastes and cultures.
Katherine explains that “ As well as having modern Australian cuisine, you can customise weddings and many people do. For an Indian wedding there is a chef who comes in and cooks the traditional cuisine. You can enjoy a Greek feast or do as one family did and bring in a barista and serve Italian treats like cannoli.”
I remember attending Wedding Showcases many years ago before my own wedding. It’s a great way to see the future bridal trends, talk to suppliers, sample their wares and clarify some ideas for your dream day. Although some things have changed, it was good to see that many traditions stay the same. It was fun to see such beauty and craftsmanship all in the one place and be inspired by the elegance all around me. Personalisation seems to be key these days in planning the wedding that is just right for you and your guests. So tell me are you planning a wedding soon? What style of wedding suits you best?
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
Leave a Reply