Knowing Trends and Your Clients is Key to Linen Selection
By Keisha Scott, PBC™, K. Scott Weddings, Graham, N.C.Beautiful colors, textures, and patterns in wedding linens are a great way to enhance any event or wedding decor. Each year, there are new fabrics and looks that are presented on the fashion runway, that end up inspiring and influencing the wedding industry. With hundreds of linen options from which to choose, your clients will turn to your professional expertise to assist them in selecting the best options for their wedding day. As a wedding planner, it is vital to educate yourself on the latest trends, so that you, in turn, can assist your clients with pulling off a seamless and cohesive look to their wedding details. It is also important that you are familiar with linen sizes, as well as the names of the linens, so that you are able to call them to mind should any questions arise. So, what’s trending when it comes to linens?
Radiant OrchidThe Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid has really taken off, with more brides requesting this purple hue for the upcoming year. Pairing it with fuchsia, lavender, blue, and silver tones creates a romantic atmosphere. You can also incorporate Radiant Orchid into your client’s napkins, centerpieces, or menu cards to help achieve your client’s look.Wedding Planner Tip: Although multiple shades of purple can be paired together, be careful not to add too much of one color to the venue space—especially with lighting. Purple lighting against purple linens can saturate the event space and create a mood of depression. Guests will notice that right away, so proceed with caution.
Pastel LinensSoft pastel hues can create a traditional and classic look. Colors such as blush pink, peach, gold, and neutral hues are a great way to create a vintage and timeless look. With pastel colors, it is easy to mix and match your linens to create a stylish look.Wedding Planner Tip: Softer, sheer overlays placed over pastel linens create another dimension of style. Create an inspiration board or linen design meeting to help clients visualize this idea.
Geometric LinensTo invoke a mood that is more playful and modern, brides are selecting pops of color, as well as multiple shapes on their linens to add a bold look for their reception space. Linens such as Chevron, Zigzag, or Checkered are great for spring and summer weddings and pair well with a rustic-chic wedding.Wedding Planner Tip: A great way to help clients add this into their reception décor is to use the geometric linen as a runner on long or round tables. Another option is to use a runner as a cap for a cocktail table.
Metallic LinensSince the movie, The Great Gatsby appeared last year, there has been a “return to glam” as the wedding industry refers to it. Platinum, gold, sequins, and silver linens that shimmer and sparkle really add a special look to any space. These specialty linens make a bold statement.Wedding Planner Tip: Advise clients that these specialty linens look best on selected tables (escort table, cake table, or even the sweetheart table). Guests will remember those little touches. In this case, less is more.
Texture LinensSimilar to the metallic linens, textured linens add depth to the event space. Petals, rosettes, and lace are considered textured linens. These are available in overlays as well as full linens and can really stand out in wedding photos.Wedding Planner Tip: Educate your clients that specialty linens are something not to leave as an afterthought. The sooner the client sees options and makes selections, the better the design process for you as a planner.Exploring the latest trends in wedding linens helps brides understand what their options are, depending on their style and personality. So, when is the best time to begin selecting linens? The answer? As soon as you can. Once you assist in selecting a venue, start creating ideas with sample swatches, mood boards, or as stated earlier, a design mockup just to begin the dialogue. Go over what your clients’ likes and dislikes are, what mood or feeling they would like to evoke during their wedding, and most importantly, their overall linen budget. This will assist you in selecting the best wedding linens to fit their budget and that will also reflect their style.
