A wedding celebrates many things including family and friends. But ultimately, it’s really about the bride and groom and how they envision their big day.
But drawing up a budget for that special enchanting day comes with sticker shock for many young couples. The average wedding cost in Canada is roughly $32,000 give or take a few thousand dollars.
“But if you’re planning on spending under $50,000 and under, you’re not engaging a wedding planner and designer,” said Sandra Cassios, founder of St. Albert’s Sandra Bettina Weddings & Events.
Cassios and her design team plan and execute high-end weddings that transform events into unforgettable experiences. Elegance and refinement are the topmost words to describe her work.
But it doesn’t come cheap. The extravagant affairs range from $500 to $750 per person. On average, Cassios plans eight full-service weddings every year for couples who have deep pockets and enjoy opulence and stunning visual interest.
“What we do is very detailed and personal, but we’re also focused on providing a special guest experience. I’m not just planning a wedding for one day. I’m planning a memory and giving people the element of surprise,” Cassios said.
Her team tucks in unexpected surprises keeping a wedding fresh. For instance, Cassios executed a beautiful and intimate plated four-course wedding party. Once the dinner was finished, a curtain on the back wall was pulled open revealing a surprise nightclub setting for the remainder of the evening.
Her clients tend to be in their late twenties or early thirties.
“They’ve received an education. They’ve started their careers and spent money and time travelling around the world. A lot wait to have the house and kids.”
When it’s time to discuss wedding aesthetics, one element stands above others. Couples focus on hyper-personalizing their big day as a way of telling their story.
Trends have shifted in the last five years, and Cassios sees a return to vibrant colour palettes that make splashy statements. In addition, same colour silhouettes are ditched for mix and match bridesmaid looks that create an overall aesthetic.
“Five years ago, blush, white, peach, cream and soft blues were big. It was romantic. Now people are looking at bright magenta, orange and green.”
The second trend she cites is that “old money" or "quiet luxury aesthetic” It focuses on vintage glamour and embraces timeless elegance, sophistication and refined simplicity. It is inspired by the past and evokes a classic luxury that transcends trends.
“The quiet luxury aesthetic is big on quality materials in black, brown, taupe and neutrals. Quality in the material seals the deal and shows off the aesthetic.”
Brutalism is another trend characterized by architectural styles. The aesthetic often features raw, unfinished material such as concrete. The look is softened by pairing floral arrangements thereby creating a clean, modern look.
“Brutalism has been around for 100 years. People who try it are bolder, or they’ve seen too much of the same thing and want something different, and they’re cool with it.”
A fourth trend Cassios has witnessed is the use of more organic materials in table settings. Bowls of fresh fruit and vegetable decor are strategically placed on tables between small floral vases and candles. It speaks to the rise of farm-to-table menus and couples’ interests in local produce.
“Every wedding we complete is different in looks. They are all personalized and are intentionally reflective of the couple getting married. The best thing is to surround yourself with an incredible vendor team. Every person that touches your wedding will have an impact.”