Beyond Trends: The Quiet Shift Shaping Modern Celebrations

For over a decade, our work has centred on intentional design, emotional storytelling and environments that feel considered rather than constructed.

What’s interesting now is not so much the emergence of new “trends”, but a wider cultural shift - one that feels long overdue, and one we’ve been quietly working within for years.

If I’m honest, I’m not convinced this moment can even be described as trend-led. It feels more like a collective recalibration.

A response to global noise, political uncertainty, and a growing desire for meaning, calm and authenticity in how - and why - we gather.

From ostentation to intention.

There is a noticeable move away from overt displays of “luxury” as excess. Instead, we’re seeing a deeper appreciation for restraint, craftsmanship and thoughtful curation. Design that feels effortlessly expensive because of the quality and consideration behind it, not because it’s shouting for attention.

This shows up across event design and production: sculptural, architectural florals rather than abundant arrangements; lighting that shapes space and mood rather than simply illuminating it; custom linens, artisan tableware and tablescapes that reference fine dining more than traditional wedding décor.

At the very top end of the market, elevated restraint is replacing maximalism. Interestingly, this sensibility is also filtering down. We’re seeing couples choosing minimalism over fuss, making deliberate savings on décor and instead leaning into fashion, photography and atmosphere to achieve something that feels cool, modern and personal.

Spaces as exhibitions, not backdrops

One of the most exciting evolutions in our work has been the increasing freedom clients give us to treat spaces as if they were exhibitions or interior design projects, rather than one-dimensional event backdrops.

Across several projects, we’ve been commissioning bespoke short films, black-and-white photography and even candid guest footage, which is then woven into the design through projection and lighting. These visuals might play subtly during dinner, or transform a space entirely for an after-party. The result is immersive, playful and deeply personal - storytelling made spatial.

This approach allows environments to evolve throughout the event, creating moments of surprise and emotional resonance rather than a single static “look”.

Sensory design and the power of memory

Sensory design has always been central to our process, but it’s becoming something clients are increasingly drawn to - particularly scent.

Long before it became widely discussed, we were integrating scent into our design journeys, from the way a space is first experienced to how it connects with menus developed alongside our catering partners. Scent has a unique ability to imprint memory, calling on the past while laying down something new for the future.

Looking ahead, this is an area I see deepening even further: custom room sprays, candles, and even bespoke perfumes designed specifically for an event or celebration. It’s subtle, emotional, and incredibly powerful when done well.

The end of “trend” thinking

One thing I feel strongly about is that conversations around wedding “trends” (particularly themes and colours) are becoming increasingly outdated. Of course, colour palettes matter. But they are a consequence of a broader aesthetic, not the starting point.

Design should always be driven by story and feeling. By who the clients are, how they want people to feel, and the atmosphere they want to create. Nothing cookie-cutter. Nothing chosen simply because it’s popular. Intention first, always.

Sustainability as a core value, not a tick box

As generations move through, sustainability is becoming central, not as a token gesture, but as a meaningful part of decision-making.

This goes far beyond the basics, like avoiding floral foam or choosing rentals over disposables and purchases. It’s about scrutinising supplier credentials, investing in local artists and craftspeople, creating zero-waste menus, and actively considering the environmental impact of guest travel - including thoughtful ways to offset it.

Even fashion is part of this conversation, with more couples encouraging guests to rent rather than buy. Sustainability, social responsibility and aesthetics are no longer separate discussions; they’re increasingly intertwined.

A return to film, imperfection and honesty

And then there’s photography. Film is back, properly back. It feels almost cyclical, like a nod to 2010, but without the vintage décor tropes that once accompanied it.

We are seeing couples actively seeking out raw and unpolished moments over overly directed perfection, or performative content.

You don't need to follow all of the more social media driven trends that this style of photography is leaning into - like the wonky Dutch angles, direct flash, underexposed or excessive grain, motion blur and purposefully visible film scan borders - which are all super popular at the moment, but in my opinion likely to date quite quickly. You can invest in film photographers who specialise in styles that are still true to tone, beautifully atmospheric and flattering, requiring high levels of control and precision whilst still capturing moments authentically and with emotion.

It is the candid shots that are the high value images in an album now, and that will last a lifetime.

This return to imperfection we are seeing across photography generally really ties everything together though: less shine, less gloss, less obvious polish, and more honesty, emotion and atmosphere.

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What excites me most is that none of this feels forced. It feels like a natural evolution, and one that aligns beautifully with how we’ve always approached our work.

Calm, considered, emotionally led design that values craftsmanship, story and experience above all else.

And that, to me, feels far more enduring than any trend.

Jessie xx