Trendy Urban Weddings

There's one thing you know for certain: this is not your mother's wedding. Today's wedding trends are changing the look of weddings, trends that start first in the largest urban areas. To check on the latest wedding ideas, we've talked with Cindy Doyle, Marriott Certified Wedding Event Planner for Renaissance Chicago Hotel for her insight into today's urban wedding trends.

What trends are you seeing in urban weddings in terms of requests by brides both for the ceremony and the reception?

My brides and grooms are stepping “outside the box.” They are personalizing their menus to express who they truly are. These creative couples serve cocktails that are personalized with their name and send each guest home with milk and warm chocolate chip cookies to go.

The traditional “fluffy” centerpieces, elevated on high pedestals, are rapidly fading. The centerpieces I am seeing are trendy, funky, and clubby. They are not your traditional wedding centerpieces.

Another look I am starting to see is, what I would describe as, a “Napa Valley” look. It is a very understated, sophisticated look achieved using a “less is more” approach to the decor. For example, couples are choosing floral arrangements using hydrangeas, different types of lilies, and Gerber daisies. Roses seem to be a thing of the past.

Do you see the recent popularity of numerous reality shows featuring celebrity weddings influencing bridal expectations? Are brides, seeing the many possibilities available to them, coming to you with more (and perhaps bigger) ideas?

I am happy to say I do not see any influence whatsoever from any of the recent reality shows -- thank goodness! Again, the majority of my brides and grooms are personalizing their wedding based on what truly seems to fit their style and personality.

How can specialty lighting help set the mood for a wedding?

Pinspotting the aisle for a wedding ceremony and pinspotting the centerpieces on the dinner tables make a world of difference. Pinspotting should not be an option as I believe it is an essential element of the décor. An investment in proper lighting is money well spent. It gives the room an elegant rich feel. And, with all the money spent on the table centerpieces, why not pinspot them and show them off?

How can brides incorporate terraces into an urban wedding for an indoor-outdoor atmosphere?

Our terrace is used for both ceremonies and receptions. We use the terrace in conjunction with both of our ballrooms.

Sometimes brides choose to have the ceremony and cocktails outside, and then move inside to one of the ballrooms for dinner. Others wish to have their ceremony in one of the ballrooms and then move to the terrace for cocktails and then back inside to the ballroom for dinner and dancing. The terrace can also be tented in case of inclement weather.

Also see:

• Interview with Cindy Doyle about planning a wedding at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel

To plan a Marriott wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.

Photos courtesy Renaissance Chicago