January 2014 archive
7 Event Design Trends for 2014
Last month I attended The Event Gallery’s 2014 trend event, a showcase from local wedding and event vendors at The Event Gallery’s uptown Minneapolis space.
Here are seven standout trends to consider for event planning in the upcoming year.
Farm to Table
Farmer’s markets, eating local and organic everything are all so big right now, it’s no surprise that incorporating farm-inspired, nature-sourced elements into event décor is a popular wedding trend for 2014. This can include using re-purposed, found and salvaged objects, such as the pallets that form the backdrop for this scene. Farm to Table is a perfect theme for sustainability-minded couples. With vegetables and fruits taking center stage in lieu of a traditional floral centerpiece, the decorations look good enough to eat. Stylist: Girl Friday & The Vintage Type Floral: European Floral Rentals: The Vintage Type Stationary: A Milestone Paper Co.
Sequin Sweetheart
Indulge in all the sequins, glitter, gold and pink your heart desires. Sequin tablecloths, glitter details, chandelier-inspired centerpieces, satin napkins and pink roses make a luxurious and glam statement. The little details of the glitter-dipped miniature champagne bottles and gold silverware are the perfect finishing touches to bring the look together. Whether you want this whole look or just a touch a touch of sparkle for your event, there is a lot to be inspired by in this set up by Linen Effects.
Donut Bar
Following on the heels of the popular cupcake trend, donuts are rising to the top. There’s something charmingly retro about the deep-fried pastries and this display really showcases that charm. This vintage-glam donut and dessert bar features non-traditional flavors that will surprise and delight guests. Like cupcakes, the donut bar gives a selection of sweets choices to attendees. To round out the variety, meringues or macaroons make a lovely addition too. Rentals: The Vintage Type Donuts: Glam Doll Donuts
How Do You Know…? Pins
This is such a brilliant idea, I don’t know why I’ve never seen this done at a wedding before. A display of pins lets guest select and wear the one that best describes how they know the happy couple. It’s a genius way to help attendees break the ice and get to know one another, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing it used more and more often in wedding seasons to come. Stationary: By Stelie Designs
Laser Cut Stationary
Custom invitations get a new edge with laser cut designs. The detail and level of customization you can get with a laser cut process is unbelievable. Design by A Milestone Paper Co.
Realistically Detailed Cakes
See the oak leaves and tree bark? That’s all marzipan, baby. This style of frosted masterpiece, well, takes the cake. Created by The Cake Divaz.
Yarn Bomb
Yarn takes center stage as a backdrop, decoration and centerpiece in this textural, fiber arts inspired display by Girl Friday. Knitting skills not required! Stylist: Girl Friday Tablecloth, Plates, Glasswear: Mani Mela Floral: European Floral Stationary: Stelie Designs
So there you have some amazing trend inspiration to kick off your event planning for 2014. Which event trends have you seen lately and loved?
Minneapolis Chandlery
Good news, candle lovers. Minneapolis just got its very own candle store. Located in South Minneapolis, the storefront offers a place to meet all your candle needs (and candle wants), including an offering of classes in candle making for adults and children. A chandlery, if you’re wondering, is an old-fashioned name for a candle maker’s shop, but the candles sold here are delightfully modern.
All the candles at Minneapolis Chandlery are made in-house with renewable waxes (soy or beeswax) and 100 percent cotton wicks for a pure, natural product. This is a big deal because many scented candles are made with less pure ingredients and contain toxins that are released during burning into the air you breathe. This is a concern for asthmatics and really anyone who cares about their bodies and health!
Shop owners Audrey and Jonny got their start in the candle biz in Chicago, where apparently candle stores are a thing. In Minneapolis, not so much. Until now, of course. They opened Minneapolis Chandlery in October 2013 and are off to a great start, building off their successful business track record on Etsy and the craft fair circuit.
The scents change seasonally so you can always find something different. Seriously, the candles smell amazing.
Keep an eye on this adorable store; you’ll surely be seeing more from them.
Blacklist Vintage Closing Sale
It’s sad to see a good store close, and Blacklist Vintage is no exception. For six years, Vanessa has provided Uptown Minneapolis with one of the best-curated vintage collections in town. She is closing down the bricks-and-mortar store in order to travel and focus on selling exclusively online.
The silver lining of the store closing is my favorite four-letter word: SALE. Blacklist will be clearing out its inventory beginning January 25th and continuing for a month. Vanessa created an event page so her fans can keep updated on the liquidation.
You’ll be able to score finds like the scarves and hats pictured here, among the rest of Blacklist’s collections which include treasures from every era. Everything from 1920s gowns, vintage records, fab furs, 60s aprons, and more, they’ve got you covered. The discounts promise to get steeper as the weeks go by, so you’ll want to check back for the latest updates. After the store closes, you’ll still be able to find Blacklist Vintage online on Etsy.
Green Weddings
Who knew that weddings could be so bad for the environment? These are some tips for how to plan a more green, eco-chic wedding day.
As mentioned in the article, Barnwood accents, such as these by Lisa Curry Designs, are one of the ways to add eco-chic flair to your big day.
Shopping Finds
Some of the really adorable pieces I wrote the descriptions for are on sale now over at Parc Boutique. These were a few of the most unique products I worked on this past season. I miiiight be biased because I spent so much time with these figuring out the unique features and story of each piece, but I think they would make a great addition to any wardrobe 
