Written by Rachel Barber

Engagement season is coming to a close—and that means it’s time to start the wedding planning process. Every year brings its own unique wedding trends, and 2018 is no different. To get the lowdown on what you’ll be seeing at ceremonies this year, we spoke to Melissa Andre, founder of Melissa Andre Events.

Andre’s celebrity clientele includes The Weeknd, Drake, Future, DJ Khaled, Ronda Rousey and more. She’s also created luxurious and memorable moments for brands like Dom Perignon, Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, Lacoste and Veuve Clicquot, among others. Andre’s experience with elevated and exclusive VIP entertaining make her a go-to in the industry.

Here, the expert details what she is forecasting for wedding season 2018.

Written by Rachel Barber

Smaller guest lists

“Guest lists will continue to get smaller in 2018. We’ve seen a steady decline in the number of guests at weddings [over] the last decade and 2018 doesn’t look like an exception to the ongoing trend. Couples are opting for much more intimate gatherings where they aren’t meeting friends of their parents for the first time or not-so-significant others of friends who they’re likely to never see again. Even couples who are opting for very formal weddings are compiling guest lists of under 100 invited guests.”

Written by Rachel Barber

Evites

“In 2018, more and more couples will be going completely paperless. Digital communication is so much simpler (not to mention inexpensive) than physical invitations and extremely accommodating for overseas guests or friends who are constantly traveling for work or pleasure and don’t get to their mailboxes as frequently as you’d like. Most importantly: paperless invitations have really easy-to-use RSVP functionality which makes planning for the appropriate attending guest count a breeze. You can even tell when your guests have received and opened the invitation so it’s easy to track the information you need for things like finalizing your guest count, food sensitivities, and accommodating out-of -town guests with hotel room blocks and air and/or ground transportation.”

Written by Rachel Barber

Steering clear of traditional & expected entrées

“Rather than choosing an entrée that’s safe enough for every single person on your guest list, we’ve had a number of clients choose a menu that truly represents them and encourages their guests to try something new. We’re seeing completely vegan menus, local menus, and even a total paleo menu. We’ve received requests to have dinner brought in from the couple’s favorite bakery, rather than the typical creme brûlée that everyone has loved forever (but doesn’t necessarily come off as creative or as a true representation of the couple we’re all there to celebrate).”

Written by Rachel Barber

Smaller bridal parties

“In 2018 we’re seeing the bridal party shrink down to just a maid of honor (or two). For years we saw bridal parties made up of every friend, cousin, and relative. Since couples are getting married later in life, and often have a wedding planner to do a lot of the things you’d previously expect your bridal party to help you with, the bride and groom are encouraging those closest to them to enjoy the entire day, and just choose one or two people to stand by them at the ceremony.”

Written by Rachel Barber

A focus on the after party, rather than the dinner reception

“After a few hours of the perfect ceremony, some cocktailing and a five-course dinner, your guests hardly have time to enjoy your live band, dessert table, or anything else you’ve planned for post-dinner celebrations. So, reception after-parties are making a big appearance in 2018. Having more time to enjoy a cocktail and celebrate with your family and friends, and a real-opportunity to hit the dance floor in that second dress or jumpsuit you plan on changing into is worth the extra planning and venue change if it means you can spend that extra bit of time with everyone.”