New wedding trends are here! The New Year is upon us and that means goodbye 2015 HELLO to 2016! Check out top emerging wedding trends for 2016 and bring your favorites to your one-of-a kind reception at Ball Event Center and your special day will be one for the books!

1. Metallic Color Palettes

Metallics are surprisingly versatile, says New York City event-planning guru Harriette Rose Katz. “Depending on how and where you bring them into your celebration,” she says, “they can be elegant, whimsical, ethereal or even very natural.” (Think glitzy golds to pop out room decor at a black-tie wedding, copper lanterns at an outdoor reception or on a rustic tablescape.)metals

No matter the venue or theme, designers across the country say rose gold will show up on everything from rings to table linens. Even the food and drink get in on the trend, with shiny blush icings on desserts and rose-hued cocktails. One metallic that is on the wane, however, is silver.

2. Lighting Galore

The key to setting a romantic mood? Ambience. “Every couple wants to create a more romantic and intimate environment,” says Los Angeles–based event designer Trish Stevens of Classic Party Rentals. “Wedding lighting is the best — and simplest — way to establish both.” Event designers say they’re using more pendant lights with bare “Edison” bulbs, chandeliers (both vintage and modern) and candelabras to cast a soft glow.

3. Creative Seating Plans

Couples are moving away from a reception layout based on large round tables, which has a tendency to feel too much like a conference event, and are instead opting for either very long, rectangular tables or a mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables — all for a more intimate vibe. And lounge areas, complete with comfortable seating options, remain a crucial part of the cocktail and after-party hours.

4. Non-Floral Centerpieces

Pottedtable trees, succulents, ferns, lavender sprigs and decorative leaves (such as magnolia, begonia) are no longer reserved for anchoring flower arrangements — these days they can become the focal point of the décor. Flowering plants and blooming branches (think flowering quince, crab apple or cherry blossom) also work well as creative centerpieces. And a budget-friendly elegant idea is to adorn bare branches with crepe-paper flowers or sparkly jewels.

5. Glitzy Invitations

“Shimmer, sparkle, glitter — across the board everyone loves high shine,” says Amber Harrison, style expert for Wedding Paper Divas. Warm tones like rose gold and copper are the most requested metallic shades for 2016. And the trend is showing up on stamped and foil-pressed lettering and in shimmery papers.

6. Funky Fonts

There’s such a strong cultural interest in words and graphics that it couldn’t help but spill over into the world of wedding invitations. “Using multiple fonts on an all-type invitation adds fresh personality,” says Tifany Wunschl of Gourmet Invitations.

7. His and Hers Cocktailsdrinks

What better way to give your guests a glimpse of who you are than by serving them your favorite libations? Event planner Alison Laesser-Keck of VLD Events points out that this trend is not only easier on the budget (no more guesstimating for an open bar) but it’s an instant conversation starter.

8. “Naked” Cakes

“Naked” cakes, which are unfrosted (or partially frosted) and simply adorned with berries or fresh flowers, are trending from coast to coast — and at both relaxed receptions and more formal affairs, says Nataly from the Great Dane Baking Company in Long Beach, California.
 

So much careful thought and planning go into making your big day something truly magical; make it easier on yourself and book your wedding at Ball! Ball Event Center has so many great features to offer such as an event planner to plan the reception and then be there the day of to make sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you live in Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Roeland Park or anywhere in the Kansas City metro, Ball is convenient for your guests and beautiful to boot. Ball also has a full list of vendors to recommend from DJ’s to caterers. Call or tour Ball online today to learn more about what Ball can offer you!

Special thanks to Huffington Post.