It’s your day to go all out. From the invitations and florals to the icing on the cake, no detail is too small when it comes to making your wedding more personal and an authentic celebration of your love.
Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY
GARDEN VARIETY
For years, when people thought of a wedding tent they thought of two things: a silver frame tent or a tall sailcloth with flags at the top, according to Devin Van Bortel, owner of Amazing Event Rentals. “With the higher-end events, designers would need to bring in custom draping or something unique to those traditional tents to create a different atmosphere,” says Van Bortel. This year, Amazing Event Rentals has introduced a new option, raising the bar on luxury. “Garden/atrium structures are definitely trending right now. Garden tents are very chic and contemporary,” Van Bortel adds. “With its black powder-coated frame, you don’t need to bring in anything additional to dress the tent up. The double-pitched roof line, clear vinyl and black framework speak for themselves.”
Designer/Planner: Tara Skinner Events
Florals: Petal Productions
Venue: Montage Palmetto Bluff
COLOR RIOT
Infuse personality into your event design with a pop — or a dozen — to your palette. Couples are opting for bright colors for their table decor, florals, linens and more, says Sophie Longwater, owner of Dapper Event Co. “And I am here for it! Now don’t get me wrong, I love a simplistic all-white wedding, but color is just way more fun.”
STAY COOL: Looking for a party favor that is actually useful? Consider offering guests a stylish accordion hand fan — especially for outdoor celebrations in the warmer months. Savannah artist Mia Amanda uses traditional water marbling techniques for her stunning creations. She accepts custom orders tailored to complement your event’s aesthetic. Bonus: each one comes individually packaged in a small organza bag that guests can carry with them, and the colorful designs will double as a fun photo prop.
POSH PRODUCE: Citrus, grapes, tomatoes, cherries — nothing is off limits when it comes to designing a fresh tablescape full of natural beauty. “Using fresh produce in floral designs has quickly become the biggest wedding trend to catch fire,” says McKenzie Millard, owner of Hey Jude Florals. Her advice to couples looking to incorporate this modern medium? Consider the season and what will be available. “I like to tell our clients that having a wish list is better than being set on certain types of produce due to the uncertainty of Mother Nature and the reality of buying perishable goods.” Bright-colored fruits such as oranges, dragon fruit or grapefruit are playful additions to an already colorful tablescape, she suggests, whereas produce like pears, figs or artichokes can bring a new spin to more traditional neutral palettes. “By using produce with a variety of sizes, textures and colors, you’ll be able to create a cohesive but interesting design that will bring your florals to life.”
LET THERE BE (DIM) LIGHT: For evening fêtes, a new wave of battery-operated tabletop tealights are game changers when it comes to creating ambience. Give new meaning to “bridal glow” with lamp shades in punchy marbled prints or a romantic red linen from Houses & Parties.
KEEP ON TRUCKIN’: Surprise your guests with a stylish souvenir: a customizable trucker hat. Thanks to the mobile cart from Mess Hall Truck Shop, you can bring this City Market retail experience to your reception with fun mix-and-match pins and patches. Or, prep hats in advance as a silly gift for the wedding party.
SEAL OF APPROVAL: When it comes to personal touches, Amy Lane of Amy Lane Weddings suggests couples start with a custom crest or toile motif filled with all their favorite things — their pets, mementos of favorite vacation spots or anything that symbolizes their love story. “I have one client who is an onion farmer, and they incorporated little onions in their wedding crest,” Lane says. “These crests can be displayed in fun ways beyond printed items. You’ll see them on bar backdrops, lounge pillowcases, matchbooks, cups, embroidered napkins and, of course, signage. It’s like personal branding for your wedding.”
SUGAR RUSH
“We have been loving the trend of vintage-inspired, Lambeth buttercream wedding cakes making a comeback,” says Abby Longwater, owner and lead cake designer of Wicked Cakes. Whether the main attraction during a reception or a sweet surprise at the after-party, she sees the style gaining traction because “brides want to stand out and want something different than the usual perfect, clean look” — and what better way than playing with this romantic vintage design in various colors and piping detail?
Cake: Wicked Cakes
Planners and Florist: Ivory & Beau
Hair and makeup: Southern Belle by Maria Noelle
Venue: Victory North
THIS JUST IN
Brooke Roberts of Brooke Roberts Photography says she is always looking for different ways to thank couples for trusting her team with their wedding memories. She surprised one bride with heart-shaped sunglasses and customized newspapers as a gift. “All the bridesmaids were sitting on the bed reading the newspaper when she walked into the room. She had no idea it was going to happen,” Roberts recalls. What made the photo really special was that the maids were wearing matching sundresses while getting ready. “They all looked adorable, and it was easy for them to change without messing up their hair and makeup.”
DON’T MISS A THING: A growing wedding trend is the hiring of content creators such as Kenzie Sikes (@contentbykenzie) to capture and share special moments of the day, says Andrea Locorini, director of marketing at Perry Lane Hotel. “These fun professionals provide high-quality, creative content with a quick turnaround that couples can share on social media” — making it easier to share the memories and look back on them for years to come.
IN A FLASH: Before the reception ends, photographer Kelli Boyd of Kelli Boyd Photography captures the night’s revelry by creating one-of-a-kind flat-lay images. Bringing together remnants of cake slices, makeup, beverages and other party favors, Boyd’s resulting images have become so popular on social media that she is planning a print series of images and is open to commissions for someone looking for a specific scene. “I love the story behind each one created and to capture the revelry that is happening in the moment,” she says.
FEELING FEMME
The hautest accessory for your gown? A detachable bow, says Nicki O’Connell, owner of Camellia Bridal. These bring a playful, feminine touch, offering a clever way to effortlessly switch up a style as the day unfolds, she adds. “Brides can make a stylish statement without being limited to one look.”
EASY DOES IT: Wedding beauty trends in 2025 are expected to reflect a blend of timeless elegance with modern twists, says Bride’s Side Beauty owner and premier hair stylist Lindsey Rusek. Overall, she sees brides aiming for a minimalist approach — focusing on enhancing natural beauty rather than heavy makeup or overly intricate hairstyles. “These trends highlight a shift toward natural elegance, personalized touches and sustainable choices, reflecting the evolving preferences of modern brides.”
Lindsey’s go-to Hair & Makeup Styles:
- Soft Waves and Loose Curls: Natural, flowing waves and curls will continue to be popular, offering a romantic and effortless look.
- Sleek, Low Buns: Elegant low buns, often with a sleek and polished finish, provide a sophisticated and timeless appeal.
- Half-Up, Half-Down: Combining the best of both worlds, these hairstyles offer volume and structure while maintaining a soft, romantic feel.
- French Twists: Go for a more current take on the classic style. These can be messy or structured styles to fit any occasion.
- Glowing Skin: Radiant, dewy skin with a focus on skincare and luminous foundations achieves a natural, healthy glow.
- Soft, Smokey Eyes: A more subdued smokey eye, using softer colors like browns and taupe, provides depth without overpowering.
- Subtle Contouring with Blush: Light contouring enhances natural features, avoiding heavy makeup in favor of a more natural look.
GET READY TO GLOW: Temple Day Spa recently expanded to a second distinct location on Savannah’s Bull Street for a complementary wellness experience. At the new Temple Treatment Loft, the focus is on advanced skin techniques to help heal acne, lift pigmentation, vanish fine lines and achieve a glowing complexion before the big day. Meanwhile, the day spa maintains its serene environment dedicated to relaxation massages and rejuvenation — providing a perfect escape from wedding preparation stress. Want to treat your wedding party to look and feel their best before wedding celebrations begin? Host a DIY skin care party at Temple Treatment Loft or a group spa day at Temple Day Spa, fostering connection and self-care for all.
TASTE OF THE SOUTH
Fresh fruits and veggies aren’t just for looks, of course. The experts at Thrive Catering believe local ingredients and environmentally friendly practices are menu musts. “Chef’s insider tip: local ingredients taste incredibly better!” says Wendy Armstrong, executive chef/owner of Thrive. As a forward-thinking, full-service caterer, she is excited about offering alternative flours and grains for gluten-free guests, incorporating fermented and pickled items for their health benefits and embracing upcycled foods to minimize waste. “We are Green-Certified, which means we adhere to eco-friendly practices throughout our business,” she says. “From sustainable sourcing to eco-conscious event execution, we strive to lead by example.”
Chef Armstrong’s tasty tricks and favorite suppliers:
- Fresh, seasonal vegetables, all sourced from the friendly associates at Local Farmbag. Expect to savor eggplant from Evans Farm, tomatoes from Livingston Farm, and kohlrabi from Browns Farm, all grilled and composed on site for a delightful culinary experience.
- Mushrooms from Swampy Appleseed are perfect for those exploring plant-based innovations. They are rich in health-boosting properties and align with the trend of functional foods.
- Microgreens from Little Plant Things add an extra boost of nutrition.
- Fresh greens from Betterfresh Farms are sometimes even gifted as take-home favors, offering guests a taste of local flavor.
- Local honey from Capital Bee Co. infuses our dishes with natural sweetness.
- Seafood sourced from Russo’s Seafood ensures fresh and sustainable options, while high-quality meats are sourced from Hunter Cattle Farm.
PAYING IT FORWARD: “There are so many people who seek to make the world a better place, and we share those values, which is why sustainability is important at Perry Lane Hotel,” says Andrea Locorini, the hotel’s director of marketing. “We are committed to preventing food waste by converting it into compost, which is then used to nourish the greenery around our hotel, especially on our rooftop bar, Peregrin, where we host many ceremonies and receptions. This eco-friendly practice not only reduces waste but also enhances the beauty of our surroundings, creating a lush and sustainable environment for weddings and other events.”
