Trends

In the world of weddings and events, we’ve seen it all. And by “all,” I mean we’ve seen the colors and extravagance of “loud” luxury where every inch of the space screams “WOW”—and then there’s the serene, minimalistic trend of “quiet” luxury, which basically whispers, “I’m expensive, but I’m not going to make it too much.” It’s safe to say that luxury, in all its forms, is what we know best.

Dubrovnik has thrown us a luxury curveball. We call it Calm Luxury. Don’t be fooled by the name—this isn’t some dull middle-ground between “loud” and “quiet” Oh no, calm luxury is the new “it” trend, and trust us, it’s probably the most exciting thing happening in the world of high-end weddings and events right now.

Dubrovnik: Where Venues Don’t Need to Scream, They Just Exist (Elegantly)

Let’s take on our city and our plethora of venues.

Dubrovnik’s venues are so inherently grand, they don’t need a single touch-up. The city itself is practically begging you to embrace its natural splendor. It’s what we like to call “potential” in event business, meaning; let your imagination go wild! Basically, these venues are so gorgeous, even if you did nothing but show up with your groom (or bride) and a half-decent bottle of champagne, it would still scream luxury.

Calm luxury here means taking that grand, awe-inspiring backdrop and shaping it into your own personal style. It’s more than just plonking down flower arrangements and calling it a wedding. We’re talking about creating an event where Every. Single. Detail. is a reflection of you—right down to the subtitle napkin quote.

Photo: Alyssa Mcelheny

Wedding, 2024 – Dubrovnik Event

Big White Wedding Fatigue? 

Remember, “Big White Wedding” trend is still a craze. The main point is that everyone wants to escape it to be different.

Dubrovnik’s calm luxury, on the other hand, manages to be extravagant and elegant without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. It’s the perfect middle ground. Imagine a venue like Višnjica, where every corner feels naturally luxurious, and the whole place seems like it’s always looked that stunning—except, spoiler alert: you don’t see the meticulous work behind it to achieve that effortless look.

Photo: PhotoAdria

Višnjica, 2023 – Dubrovnik Event

Nature’s Luxury: Dubrovnik’s Secret Weapon

A huge part of Dubrovnik’s calm luxury appeal is in the nature surrounding it.

Let me break this down. While other destinations rely on pristine, manicured gardens or sterile, ultra-modern venues, Dubrovnik gives you natural extravagance. These venues are already stunning on their own, set against backdrops of ancient walls, the sparkling Adriatic, and those sunsets that make you want to drop your phone because no picture could ever do them justice.

But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t just another form of “quiet” luxury. Oh no. Quiet luxury has this tendency to feel, well, bland—as if it’s trying so hard to be effortlessly chic. Dubrovnik’s venues, by contrast, are effortlessly grand. They’re extravagant, yes, but in that old-money way that whispers “I belong here” instead of “I’m trying to be something I’m not.” It’s not about being brand-new and shiny; it’s about leaning into the authenticity of the place while making it entirely your own.

“What and Where!” – you might ask.

Dubrovnik’s status as a luxury wedding destination is defined by its most exclusive and cherished locations. Among these is MOMAD, also known as the Art Gallery in Dubrovnik. This stunning venue, with its exposed brick exteriors and breathtaking views, offers a versatile canvas where couples can bring their dream wedding to life, using the best of what we have to offer.

Photo: Tomislav Kriste

MOMAD, 2023 – Dubrovnik Event

For the ultimate in exclusivity, Lovrijenac Fortress stands in a league of its own. Its dramatic stone architecture makes it one of the most unique venues in Croatia. The grandeur of this ancient fortress allows for an unforgettable celebration, giving couples the freedom to fully express their vision in a setting steeped in history and majesty.

Photo: Vlasta Weddings

Lovrijenac, 2023 – Dubrovnik Event

For 2025, we predict that the calm luxury trend of our city will grow exponentially and we are so looking forward to creating new and exciting wedding dreams come true.

The Ultimate Personalization Playground

Whether you’re hosting a wedding where the theme is timeless elegance or an event where you want to highlight the incredible natural setting (while sneaking in just enough sparkle to remind everyone this is a luxury affair), Dubrovnik has you covered. It’s a place where the setting is so exceptional, it practically does the work for you, and yet there’s endless room for creative freedom.

Think of it this way: Dubrovnik’s calm luxury is like getting the best of both worlds. You get all the grandeur, all the personalization, without the overwhelming pressure to conform to someone else’s idea of “luxury.” It’s not loud. It’s not quiet. It’s just…right.

So, next time someone asks you about the latest trend in luxury weddings and events, smile knowingly and tell them, “It’s calm luxury, darling. And Dubrovnik has it mastered.”

Introduction

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, but one trend that’s been gaining traction is the micro wedding—an intimate, scaled-down version of the traditional big wedding. The ongoing trend of small weddings and elopements really gained a new popular best friend – Micro.

This is just you and Dubrovnik.

We understand why someone would choose to come alone and enjoy this breathtaking city and have the best memory ever – eternal love. To help showcase the beauty of this trend we have decided to share one of our lovely clients’ experiences with you.

Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Devin, who recently had a micro wedding with her husband, John in Dubrovnik, to dive into the details of their unique experience.

This blog is designed to be interactive —I’ll ask Devin specific questions about their journey, and you, our dear reader, can think about how you’d answer them if you’re planning your own micro wedding. Let’s jump in!

The Start

Photo: Fabijan Drnas

What Initially Drew You to the Idea of a Micro Wedding?

We were initially drawn to a micro wedding due to the financial gain of not spending $50-100K in the US to have a wedding and the positive of being able to immediately go on our honeymoon and create such a combined, special experience for just the two of us! I loved the idea of the micro wedding because we took most of a year to tell everyone what we were doing, get them used to or excited for the idea and were still made to feel like a bride and groom the entire experience! I feel like an elopement typically has a hidden component to it. There were components that I felt were necessary for me to feel like we had a wedding which you all were able to assist me with coordinating and creating. Including florals, live music, hair and makeup, photography and videography etc.

Devin, there is an idea of what a wedding is and ‘needs’ to be in our society, it differs in cultures and religions and sometimes even in family opinions. What is a ‘wedding’ to you and what are some of the biggest decisions that you made to make it YOUR wedding.

A ‘wedding’ to me is the opportunity to create beautiful moments, isolating that you have chosen to spend your life with someone and being able to capture that special time. I think the concept of choosing to spend your life with someone is often forgotten with a wedding and the wedding becomes more about what a family wants and needs for the day rather than what you as a couple want. We strongly refused to allow that to happen for our wedding. Some of the big decisions we made were the dress, the veil and the tuxedo. Customizing our own wedding bands and choosing a location that encapsulated European architecture, the beach without sand and gorgeous photo opportunities.

Photo: Fabijan Drnas

I loved your wedding dress and your overall style on your wedding day! It really showed how much time you invested in the wedding to be a special moment for you without having to sacrifice anything or any part of you. Was this really important to you? To find the right dress, shoes and makeup stylist to help bring this idea to life on the wedding day?

Thank you!! Yes, the dress was pivotal to me for our wedding. I think every girl dreams of their wedding dress and just feeling gorgeous on that day so I was sure to make sure I loved it. I bought the dress in November 2023, it arrived in July 2024 from Australia and was handmade. Had it altered and carried it by hand to Dubrovnik from Texas. The drama of the dress was perfect for the stunning setting of Dubrovnik, in my opinion. Shoes wise I went for comfort because of the cobblestone and lots of walking. Makeup styling, I really wanted to lean into warm colors as that’s what matches my skin tone best. I brought some Pinterest inspiration to the team in Dubrovnik (Salon Up – Barbara) and she absolutely crushed it.

Photo: Fabijan Drnas

How did you and John choose Dubrovnik as your wedding destination? How did it differ from what you would have picked for a larger wedding?

We chose Dubrovnik due to the stunning architecture, the access to seafood and the beach with no sand but crystal clear water. The combination we knew would make for stunning photos and videos. Dubrovnik is so beautiful and really Google/online photos don’t even do it justice. It is just a place you have to see in real life and is so magical for a wedding. Since it was just us two, it was so much easier to plan the travel and coming so far from Texas. If we had done a bigger wedding, we would’ve done a destination wedding with a closer destination to Texas to ensure parents and friends could spend less $ on travel and it would be more convenient travel (less time). A prime example of a wedding being about guests/others and not the couple :).

With a smaller wedding, you can potentially save in some areas and splurge in others. How did you and John decide where and how to allocate your budget?

We 100% saved with the decision we made to have the micro wedding and honeymoon combined. I know for a fact we spent 1/4th of what we would’ve originally spent to have a wedding and we got the trip of a lifetime out of it simultaneously. It was a no brainer for us! We chose areas that were important to us to splurge. Our outfits, our custom rings, florals and photography/videography were most important to us and we spent the most money on those things. My dress cost more than both of our round trip flights to Dubrovnik. In total for the wedding and the 12 day trip of a lifetime with stays, excursions, eating, in-home care for our dogs, literally every single expense- we spent $20K and are very happy with that.

Photo: Fabijan Drnas

Now, having done your beautiful ceremony at the Viewpoint with just the two of you, would you change anything about it? Tell us about the moment that was ‘perfect’ in the ceremony for you.

I honestly wouldn’t change anything about the day, except something that is unchangeable, which was the weather the day before our ceremony. The intimacy of our ceremony left us time to focus on just us, which was really special and so rare with a wedding typically. We had zero distractions, frustrations, quarrels, drama- just a wonderful day. My perfect moment was when my chosen song started playing via violin and cello, I saw our beautiful venue and my perfect floral arrangement waiting for me and I was walking down the aisle. I immediately started sobbing!

We had record rain on Monday for Dubrovnik in September and our ceremony was Tuesday. We couldn’t get to Old Town on Tuesday due to the flooding and extreme traffic issues so we had to do the photo shoot Wednesday morning. Ora’s on the spot pivot in plan and getting everyone on board was the reason it was so successful and turned out just fine! I would recommend dealing with more heat and doing April-August for the wedding, if I were to do it again!

From Dubrovnik With Love

Since you had a longer vacation in Dubrovnik, let us know what was your favorite part? We spoke about having a ‘local’ experience, and I shared my Dubrovnik with you, now share yours with us!

My favorite parts were the setting, the Dubrovnik Event Team and your vendors and the excursions we chose to go on and experience. We really had such a wonderful time all around, it’s hard to give one favorite. The setting component- seeing Old Town was, of course, really cool but we also really loved the Konavle area. We got to go horseback riding there with Kojal and the team. Our vendors- Ora, you were a highlight of the trip and created the memories of a lifetime for us. Truly forever grateful. We also loved Fabijan and Ivana- our husband and wife photography and videography team. They were effortlessly our friends from the moment we met them. They were able to coach us properly to get such natural but beautiful photos. We’ve seen 11 in a sneak peak and are already so happy with them. All our friends and family are saying they are magazine worthy! Excursions outside of horseback riding, we zip lined over Old Town with Panoramic Zip line and loved it! We also went to Lokrum island which was really cool for the day. So much to do and see in Dubrovnik!

What Advice Would You Give to Other Couples?

Finally, Devin, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a micro wedding in Dubrovnik?

Trust the Dubrovnik Event Team and their vendors! Do not try and do a micro or macro wedding on your own, if you’re not natively Croatian. They were pivotal to the success and happiness we have around our wedding. Oh and carry your dress, ladies! If you are traveling, do not risk checking it and losing it!

What Was the Most Surprising Thing About Having a Micro Wedding?

For Devin: “Was there something about the day or the planning process that caught you completely off guard?”

How completely comfortable I was just going with the flow. I completely remember the day with pure joy. I was surprised at how not super stressed I was because I knew I had the perfect team to rely on for any issues! Our only issue was the weather and we had an immediate solution all thanks to Ora.

Photo: Fabijan Drnas

Devin and John’s micro wedding is a perfect example of how you can create a truly meaningful and intimate celebration in our Dubrovnik! Devin, thank you for being a part of this amazing story, have a lifetime of love and laughter!

What do you think dear reader?

XO
DE

Hello, darlings! Ready to dive into the sun-kissed, crystal-clear waters of beach wedding planning in Dubrovnik? Well, buckle up, because today, we’re navigating the glamorous seas of love to uncover the hidden gems of beach venues in this historic paradise. You might think Dubrovnik is all about those iconic city walls and charming cobblestone streets, but guess what? We’ve got some stunning seaside spots that are perfect for your dream wedding in Dubrovnik. Let’s set sail!

The Unexpected Beach Bliss of Dubrovnik

First things first, Dubrovnik might not scream “beach wedding destination” like, say, the Maldives or Hawaii, but let me spill the tea—the problem that Dubrovnik faces is that no beach may be privatized! You can hire your beautiful beach wedding while knowing that it is not entirely privatized in the area where people would like to swim. Although this may pose a setback for some, there are ways and locations that offer privatizations of the specific  parts of the beach, listed below.  This Adriatic gem offers a surprising array of gorgeous seaside venues that will make your heart skip a beat faster than you can say “I do.” Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, Dubrovnik’s coastline has got you covered.

Copacabana Beach: Where Fun Meets Romance

Let’s start with Copacabana Beach. No, not the one in Rio, but our very own slice of paradise right here in Dubrovnik. This lively spot offers a unique blend of fun and romance. This beach venue is available for both ceremony and reception part of your wedding!  Imagine saying your vows with the gentle waves as your soundtrack, and the sun setting in a blaze of colors. After the ceremony, keep the celebration going with a beach reception party that’ll have your guests talking for years. 

‘The Reception’ Photo credit: shevtsovy photo

‘The Ceremony’ Photo credit: shevtsovy photo

Vala Beach at Hotel Palace: Luxury and Tranquility

For those of you who crave a touch of luxury, Vala Beach at Hotel Palace is the venue of your dreams. Nestled within the lush cliffside of this upscale hotel, Vala Beach is a serene oasis offering spectacular views of the Elaphiti Islands. It’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated and intimate wedding reception. Enjoy a lavish reception under the stars, with impeccable service and gourmet cuisine that will leave your guests in awe.

Photo credit: Mihoci Studio

Island Escapes: Villa Rose and Lafodia Hotel

But wait, there’s more! Just a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik are some exquisite island venues that are simply to die for.

First, let’s talk about Villa Rose on Koločep Island. This stunning villa offers a secluded paradise with lush gardens, elegant terraces, and breathtaking sea views. It’s the epitome of a fairy-tale wedding, where you can exchange vows in a picturesque setting that feels like it’s straight out of a movie.

And then there’s Lafodia Hotel on Lopud Island. This luxurious retreat combines modern elegance with natural beauty. With its beach and panoramic views of the Adriatic, Lafodia is a haven for couples looking to tie the knot in a tranquil and intimate environment. And guess what? In our next issue, we’ll dive deep into why Lafodia is the perfect island retreat for your destination wedding. So stay tuned!

Your Dubrovnik Wedding Awaits

Whether you’re a fan of vibrant beach parties, historic elegance, or secluded island bliss, Dubrovnik has a beach venue that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable. As your trusted Dubrovnik wedding planner, Dubrovnik Event is here to make sure your special day is as magical as the city itself. So, ready to embark on this romantic journey? Let’s make waves together!

Stay fabulous, and see you at the beach!

XOXO,

Dubrovnik Event

To the readers who look up at the starry sky and everything is more beautiful.

To the dreams, creativity, elegance & practicality; Design.

In the glitzy realm of weddings, design isn’t just about pretty decorations; it’s the soul of the soirée. As wedding planners, we are tasked with taking your vision and turning it into design. Simply we need to connect the venue to you, crafting an event that screams, “This is so your wedding!”

Isn’t there a nicer comment someone can tell you! The location is something everybody will remember, especially if it is a vintage stone house elegantly ‘designed’ to fit you.

Welcome, darling readers, to the world of wedding design! Picture this: a grand entrance adorned with cascading florals, guests gasping in awe at the exquisite table settings, and a bride who looks straight out of a fairy tale. What’s the secret ingredient that ties this all together? You guessed it – design.

Let’s dive into the juicy details, shall we?

First off, why does design even matter? Well, picture attending a soirée where the decor resembles a sad high school prom from the ’80s – yikes, right? Design sets the tone. It’s the difference between “Wow, this is fabulous!” and “Did someone forget to hire a decorator?” That is where we advise you best! We love our venues, these venues have deep history and the importance of design is to make your vision in them.

Looking at design suggestions and inspiration, draw from what you like to do in your everyday life. If you like olive oil and olive colors, let’s combine those. We will make personalized olive oil guest favors and table design and stationary in your favorite colors.

When thinking about design we can divide it into few categories, first is the décor which takes the largest portion of design and which we have a lot of trusted vendors we help guide through your vision. Things like Stationary & Signs are our expertise and we pride ourselves with personalizing all aspects of your wedding and personalizing décor is just one.

Design is in the food, drinks, music, entreatment even light decoration. If you want to have a minimalist wedding with a “WoW” effect, wait until the sunset. Once the last sun rays hit the venue your guest will start anticipating. And, WoW! All of a sudden a spectacle begins! All that bring together the whole event.

If you want to design your dreams, and do stare at the starry sky we can help bring those stars for you.

Catch us next week, where we are going to discuss design further, we will dive into the world of Extras! Hmm, interesting… well, see you next time dear reader.  

‘Not’ Another Clique Story of Endings and Beginnings: A Wedding Planner’s Tale of 2023

In the city where the long lasting Summer and patiently awaited bestie Winter are only true units of time measurement, we make our story.

As the final days set on the season of 2023, we find ourselves reflecting on the endings and beginnings that have graced our summer (insert; emoji with a single tear in it’s eye).

In the world of wedding planning, each year is a unique story waiting to be told.

These tales are not just about the grand finales and new beginnings of countless couples but also about the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, weaving dreams into reality.

If we were to write a novel, it would be titled “The Tales of a Wedding Planner,” or more accurately known as „Oh I love it and I hate it at the same time“…

It would be a testament to the dedication, the strength, and the love that goes into making each wedding day truly special.

Endings, in the world of weddings, are bittersweet. They mark the culmination of months, sometimes even years, of planning, creativity, and anticipation. The meticulously chosen colors, the carefully curated playlists, and the painstakingly crafted flower arrangements are all a part of the narrative, add to that that Dubrovnik is truly a magical place to get slim during a summer season.

I believe I counted maybe 18965378 steps… this time.

The brides and grooms, each with their unique love story, bring their dreams to us, entrusting us with the task of turning those dreams into a magical reality. And when the final dance is danced, the last slice of cake is eaten, and the guests have gone home, we are left with the beautiful memories of an ending that is also a new beginning for the couple.

foto: Saša Tomić

It is needless to say, wedding planners work tirelessly to ensure that the big day goes off without a hitch, but it’s the behind-the-scenes moments that truly define our journey.

(insert; lengthy direct address – and that are truly the best laughs sometimes.. let’s remember a certain dress malfunction that included: one ‘churhcy’ church, one planner baffled and two laughing their sweet faces off for the rest of the day!).

The stress, the late nights, the countless phone calls, and the endless to-do lists may not be visible, but they are the threads that weave the fabric of a successful wedding. The sacrifices, the unending hours of work, and the unwavering commitment are what set wedding planners apart.

It takes a special kind of person to embrace this role, one that goes beyond mere profession and becomes a passion.

This is our time to say thank you.

Not to you, dear reader; not this time, but to all those who make this sacrifice. We owe our gratitude to our incredible team, who is not just a work family, but true family in every sense of the word. We spend more time with them than with our biological families during the season, and they are the ones who stand by our side through thick and thin. Their unwavering support, their infectious enthusiasm, and the smiles they bring to the job are what keep us going. It’s a smile that says, “I love that I am here with you,” and that kind of energy is truly contagious.

This energy is what inspires us to keep doing what we do, year after year. It creates a circle of people who love what they are doing, and that love, that passion, is what makes your wedding day so incredibly special. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling, a vocation, and a labor of love.

foto: Saša Tomić

So, we bid ‘adio’ (famous last words spoken in Dubrovnik..) to the season of 2023.

Thank you.

Season 2023, you will be loved, cherised, cried over, gossiped over (insert; wine bottle) but ultimately; closed.

As always dear reader, this is not a goodbye, endings are necessary for new beginnings. This is…let me rest for a minute. All jokes aside, let me say there are never enought good quotes spoken so..

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

Hope you remember this one.

This is a nod to the hidden stories, the unseen sacrifices, and the relentless dedication that make every wedding planner’s tale a story worth telling.

Yours truly, DE.

To all our dear followers, clients and readers welcome to another week of new wedding tips and tricks…Let me tell you something you should be thinking about in your planning stages of your Dubrovnik wedding. While planning a wedding involves countless details, one critical aspect is managing the guest list and RSVPs.

Tracking RSVPs ensures you have an accurate headcount, allowing you to plan seating arrangements, finalize catering orders, and create a memorable experience for everyone attending. In this blog post, we will guide you through an effective approach to tracking RSVPs for your wedding, making the process streamlined and stress-free.

Firstly, start by creating a preliminary Guest List: compile a guest list that includes family, friends, and acquaintances you wish to invite to your wedding, or anyone that comes to your mind in the moment, remember it is preliminary . Organize it into categories (e.g., family, friends, work colleagues) to simplify the list for later.

Photo: Camilla J. Harts

Set finalized Guest List and Send Invitations: Once you have your guest list ready, send out beautiful wedding invitations well in advance. Provide clear instructions for RSVPing, including the deadline and preferred methods of response (e.g., email, website, phone). Consider online RSVP tools, such as wedding websites like TTO (That’s The One) or dedicated apps, to make the process more convenient for your guests. *A tip is to send them up to 8 months before, to give more than enough time for everyone to respond before the final deadline to save you some nerves and get your guests excited about your wedding.

Implement a System: Establish a systematic method to track RSVPs and their responses. Some of your options could be:

• Traditional RSVP Cards: Include pre-stamped and addressed RSVP cards with your invitations, allowing guests to respond via mail. Create a tracking system to record the responses as they arrive.
• Online RSVP: Set up a wedding website with an RSVP feature, the one website we absolutely loveee is TTO (That’s The One) it enabling guests to respond online with all details included, regarding their plus ones and more.
• Phone or Email RSVPs: For guests who prefer a more personal touch, provide a dedicated phone number or email address for RSVPs. Is case you would have to again, create a spreadsheet or document to track their responses.

Photo: Nina Anić

Set a Deadline for your Guests: Sometimes your guests get a little bit…relaxed, and they need to be reminded to get things done. You need to specify a clear RSVP deadline that gives them time to respond while allowing you to make necessary arrangements in time. Ideally, set the deadline a few weeks before your wedding day to provide room for follow-ups with non-responders.

Finally, follow-up with Non-Responders: As the deadline approaches, it’s common to have some guests who haven’t RSVPed yet. Reach out to these guests through email, phone calls, or text messages to confirm their attendance, be ready to handle with care and a bottle of wine to ease the headache…

Once you are done with pushing everyone to respond… you can finally  relax and enjoy in the idea of your beautiful Dubrovnik wedding with all your close friends and family having the best time of their lives.

Viva La Color!

Welcome back my dears and a happy Thursday!

We are in a new year, new trends, new stories and new people… We are opening a new season of love and our favourite… WEDDINGS! We believe that every couple this season has a special story to tell, and you can expect to be the ones to hear all about it! In the following season on this Blog, you can expect heart throbbing stories form our clients, from the lovely story of how they first met to the chills they felt before their big day.

We will give you a unique insight into our lives and our lovely team this year, you will get to deep dive into Dubrovnik itself with us. Additionally, we would like to show you more about what we do and how our team of women manage to do it all!

Now, Season 2023….

We can tell you one thing for sure and that is that 2022 trends are gone. Gone are the days of muted and pastel colour palettes dominating wedding ceremonies. Instead, expect to see couples embracing bright and playful palettes and flavours. These things are sure to add energy and excitement to your event and will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Photo by Danilo i Sharon

Maximalist design is one theme that is keeping in trend this summer, from extravagant flower arrangements, bold tableware and grasping luxurious ceremony settings. This means incorporating more layers, patterns, and textures into the decor and overall aesthetic of the day.

Along with maximalist design, sustainability is also expected to play a larger role in 2023 weddings. Couples are leaning towards eco-friendly and ethical choices when it comes to everything from flower arrangements to catering, in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

Photo by Danilo i Sharon

Another trend that is predicted to become more popular is alternative wedding dress styles. Expect to see more brides opting for coloured, printed, or even metallic dresses instead of traditional white gowns. Grooms are also getting in on the trend by experimenting with statement suits in bright hues or bold patterns.

Photo by Danilo i Sharon

All in all, 2023 is shaping up to be a year of bright colors, bold designs, eco-friendly choices and good times! Whether you’re planning your own big day or attending as a guest, these trends are sure to make for an unforgettable wedding experience.

Kalimera !, from Rhodes, Greece, where the seventh congress of destination wedding organizers recently took place – the largest B2B networking platform of the global wedding industry, where finally, after a break of almost two years – gathered over 350 participants from almost 50 countries. Croatia was one of them.

This is my fifth participation in a congress like this and I will tell you that this is a gathering that really everyone from the wedding world wants to go to and not just now in COVID time when we are so desperate for socializing and traveling that we are able sit in the car and drive to Neum (at least in our case in Dubrovnik) just to get a personal or even better at the border, bring a passport and come home with the stamp of another country, even if it was BIH.

The motto of the Wedding Planners Congress is “Work hard, play harder”, so we just hung out on the first day. It started with a noon party at the hotel pool by the beach (hotels that are a kind of host of this congress are always on your bucket list if you travel to these locations, believe me- this time the host was Mitsis Alila exclusive all-inclusive resort located at miles long sandy beach of sunny Rhodes – see us walking barefoot and frescoing in the Aegean Sea before the lecture?), continued with a tour of the old town of Rhodes and just sailed into the first party of the congress.

It is a congress where we meet new people and connect in ways the Internet will never be able to connect us, on the other hand, it is a place where we learn minute by minute from colleagues from different countries, connect cultures in the most beautiful ways and not just exchange experiences and talk about trends- here we create trends. This is going to be our topic of the day 🙂

Wedding trends of 2022!

So the first panel of the second day of the congress was held on The Future of Weddings in Times of Instability where speakers were people we don’t need to represent much in our ranks-  like Bob Conti, JoAnn Gregoli and Koby Bar Yehuda, and we expressed the future through trends.

As my dear colleague and world-famous event designer, Eddie Zaratsian, said: “I don’t like the word trend because it gives the design a time limit and it’s really not necessary, especially for personalized events we deal with”, let’s go through what the big players from the world of weddings predict are upcoming, let’s call them- popular practices.

1. COLOR.

How long have we been waiting for that trend to come back to life! Let me hear you, who got tired of the terms “blush” and “white wedding”? I would like some green and white… Well let’s spice up a few things! Finally, that carousel spun and I can’t hide my enthusiasm for this announced trend! We’ll see what Pantone will choose for us as a color in 2022, but as long as we speak the language of bright colors through weddings and express our characters through color and dynamic concepts, I am an advocate of this trend. Colors can not only show how fashionable you are, but also elevate the whole design, location, speak a language that has been forgotten – the language of love!
Come on white, green and pink, go get some sleep! Red, yellow and coral – welcome!

2. EXCLUSIVITY.

I do not mean the obvious luxury that the word exclusive imposes. I think that the trend of exclusive rentals, ie the privatization of hotels, villas, B&B, farms – whatever the newlyweds find a way to make their guests feel safe and protected. COVID has brought us that awkward (not to say damn) sense of insecurity when moving in our own lives. Believe me, in the world of destination weddings it is more than noticeable – for example, the weddings of most of our American clients, which were supposed to be a hundred people, and were postponed to 2022, by default were reduced to at least half fewer guests who decided to travel despite the chaos we find ourselves in. And yes, I’m not mistaken, we are talking about 2022 – many people believe that weddings will recover only there around 2025 when we hope that this whole story will be behind us and travel will again become a completely normal and integral part of life. So for those who decided to get married next year, and according to the announcements we are talking about the largest number of weddings since the early 80’s, many are considering exclusive leases of hotels, complexes, more villas in one place and islands where somehow by default people they feel more detached, and so in the new age, unfortunately, more secure. In any case, the more private and exclusive, the more interesting, at least that’s what the announcements for next year say …

3. SUSTAINABILITY.

I can’t tell you my enthusiasm for this finally current trend in the world of weddings and events in general. Paying tribute to Mother Nature and thinking about what we use when planning our wedding – from materials, choosing locations and suppliers to recycling flowers, has finally taken the deserved and necessary throne we have been waiting for forever – ignoring is never cool and especially ignoring the alarming world “Trends” that concern us all, such as global warming, a drastic reduction in the number of bees and air pollution, which we are witnessing on a daily basis reading world reports. It was high time that this worrying reality was addressed in the world of weddings as well. So we, for example, held an entire three-day event for 350 people in wonderful, chic, organic tents. Yes, you read that right, organic tents. Feel free to Google “Organic Concepts”, a company from Belgium that was one of the congress partners and set up 4 tents handmade by nautical tailoring companies from proven, sustainable and organic materials. Waterproof, windproof up to 170km / h, extremely aesthetically attractive and absolutely in sync with all the postulates of sustainability. That is the future of events. This is a trend that we do not want to have a time limit. Ask yourself- how can I make my wedding more sustainable? Some of the ideas are reusing flowers, using live flowers in bunches (think rosemary, lavender, etc.), but add a little color to the world), renting a flower truck with additional florists who will make your guests a bouquet of the remaining flowers and give a bouquet on your behalf. What they like- the idea is a million, you just need to see how best to incorporate them into your wedding. And don’t hesitate to talk about it out loud – it’s a voice that needs to be heard far away!

In the end, I will agree with my colleague Eddie about the practical dislike of trends, but at the same time I will tell you- some new kids have arrived in the world of wedding design and thank God they did! Sustainability and respect for nature are more than welcome!