Terracotta and burnt orange tablescape by Ann Johnson Events — *Ann Johnson Events,* *Photo by:* *Heirlume Photography*

Planners are the true backbone behind every wedding. With their expertise in managing logistics, handling vendors, and staying on top of the countless details, they take the stress off the couple, allowing them to fully enjoy their special day. Planners are also skilled in curating a cohesive vision, ensuring that everything from the decor to the timeline runs smoothly. By anticipating potential challenges and solving problems before they arise, wedding planners help create a seamless and memorable experience, making the celebration not only beautiful but also stress-free and truly magical.

Here in Santa Barbara, we have a sensational troupe of expert wedding planners. And, we can’t thank our member planners enough for all they do for our local couples and community. These include Timeless Event Planning, Gatherings for Good, Events by Fran, KB Events, Tonya Szele Events, Ann Johnson Events, and Felici Events, the brainchild of Santa Barbara Wedding Style’s very own Zohe Felici.

All are featured below but we also recently picked our planners’ brains about trends they are seeing right now in the industry. Dive in to see how the wedding world is currently changing and take these tips into your own wedding planning journey.

Wedding Planner Trends

Cheerful, vibrant florals are becoming increasingly popular, adding a joyful, lively touch to wedding decor.
Incorporating fruits and vegetables into centerpieces is not only a sustainable choice but gives your entire reception a unique, organic aesthetic. Fresh produce like figs, artichokes, and grapes lend a rich palette and texture to tablescapes, creating a lush and seasonal look. This natural touch gives centerpieces a homegrown elegance, perfect for those who love farm-to-table style.
Bridesmaids in varied dresses: Many couples are embracing flexibility, allowing bridesmaids to choose dresses within a specific color or palette for a more personalized, flattering look.
Outdoor, garden-inspired themes are trending, with couples opting for a garden party atmosphere or dress code, bringing a relaxed yet elegant vibe to the celebration.
Interactive catering experiences like tri-tip grills at the buffet or pasta-making stations in a cheese wheel during cocktail hour engage guests and add a fun, unique touch to the dining experience.
Farm-to-table, family-style dining is also being chosen more often over traditional plated meals. This allows guests to pass dishes and share in a communal experience. This style enhances the intimate, familial vibe and showcases local, seasonal ingredients, which many couples see as a way to support local farmers and showcase the bounty of their region.
Personalized moments such as private vow exchanges—either before or after the ceremony—are becoming more popular, offering an intimate and meaningful experience outside of the spotlight.
Content creators are a growing trend, allowing couples to capture the emotional highlights of the day through affordable highlight reels or behind-the-scenes footage, offering a fresh alternative to traditional videography.
Budget-conscious couples are prioritizing venues with natural beauty and visual appeal, reducing the need for extravagant florals or decor while still creating a stunning atmosphere.
Micro-weddings continue to rise in popularity, with couples choosing smaller guest lists for more intimate, meaningful connections and focusing on quality experiences over quantity.
Alternative dessert options are replacing the traditional wedding cake, with couples opting for interactive dessert stations (e.g., make-your-own), pies, cookies, churros, and donuts to add variety and fun to the celebration.
Bridal outfit changes are becoming a popular trend, with brides switching from formal ceremony gowns to more relaxed, cocktail-style dresses for the reception, allowing for easier movement, photo opportunities, and a fun after-party look.
Mocktail hours are on the rise as couples offer non-alcoholic beverage options, providing refreshing alternatives to traditional cocktails for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
Sustainability is a key consideration, with couples choosing eco-friendly options to reduce waste. This includes minimizing single-use items and plastics, repurposing flowers and decor, and opting for more sustainable catering and packaging choices.
Flash Photography is taking over, adding a nostalgic, documentary feel to wedding photos that’s full of energy and spontaneity. Couples are looking for images that capture not only the candid moments but also the mood of their celebration. It brings a candid and retro vibe, perfect for couples who want to keep things fun and natural.
Multi-day experiences are becoming more popular. Weddings nowadays are an extended celebration with multiple events happening over the course of a weekend or more. From welcome parties to post-wedding brunches, the affair is more so a memorable getaway than just one special day.

KB Events

KB Events is known for creating luxurious, one-of-a-kind weddings that are tailored to the unique personalities and tastes of each couple. Whether you dream of an elegant ballroom wedding or a laid-back garden affair, their team works closely with you to design a celebration that perfectly captures your love story. From initial consultation to the final farewell, KB Events takes care of all the details, offering expert guidance and unmatched service to make your wedding day flawless.

Timeless Event Planning

Timeless Event Planning specializes in creating unforgettable, seamless weddings that are a perfect blend of elegance and personal style. With years of experience in both local and destination weddings, they focus on designing events that reflect each couple's unique love story. They guide couples through every step, from vision development to day-of coordination, ensuring stress-free planning and a beautiful celebration. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence makes them a top choice for couples seeking a classic, sophisticated wedding.

Gatherings for Good

Gatherings for Good is an innovative wedding planning service that combines a passion for event design with a commitment to social responsibility. Specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable weddings, they help couples plan weddings that are both stylish and mindful of the environment. Whether it’s sourcing locally or donating portions of proceeds to charity, Gatherings for Good ensures that every event is meaningful, impactful, and memorable, making it ideal for couples who want their celebration to reflect both beauty and purpose.

Ann Johnson Events

Ann Johnson Events is a high-end wedding planning company that brings sophistication, creativity, and expert organization to every event. With a reputation for crafting luxury weddings with meticulous attention to detail, Ann’s team works tirelessly to ensure that each couple’s dream wedding becomes a reality. They specialize in large, lavish weddings and provide full-service planning, offering guidance with everything from vendor selection to logistics, and ensuring that the day runs seamlessly from start to finish. Their warm, approachable nature makes them a trusted partner in the wedding planning process.

Events by Fran

Events by Fran brings a warm, personalized touch to every wedding they create. With years of experience in the industry, Fran’s team is known for its impeccable organizational skills, creativity, and an innate ability to execute flawless events. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, Events by Fran ensures that every detail is thoughtfully planned and executed, leaving couples stress-free and able to enjoy their special day to the fullest. Fran’s collaborative approach helps couples bring their vision to life while exceeding expectations.

Tonya Szele Events

Tonya Szele Events is a full-service wedding planning and design company known for its refined, chic aesthetic and exceptional customer service. Tonya and her team work closely with couples to craft weddings that are both beautiful and perfectly executed. With a background in design and event coordination, Tonya Szele creates weddings that not only look stunning but also run smoothly, providing a stress-free experience from start to finish. Her focus on personalization ensures that every event is uniquely reflective of the couple’s style and vision.

Our Expert Event Planners Talk Current Wedding Trends