Inside the creative world of modern event styling
After setting the date for a wedding or any major life event that calls for a celebration, the next step is to look for suppliers. At the top of the list should be the venue, because many churches and event places have to be booked at least three months in advance. Then, there’s the whole shebang.
You can ask for recommendations from your family, friends, and other connections. You can get leads from online sources. But you cannot miss going to bridal and debut fairs and, better yet, a celebrations expo that caters to various types of special social events.
“Finding Your North” was an eye-opener for those new in the game when it ran earlier this month at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City. It brought together a curated community of seasoned professionals, emerging talents, and creative newcomers across the weddings and events industry.
Curator Marbee Shing-Go, a longtime industry insider, pointed out, though: “This isn’t about who’s best. It’s about finding what feels right for you. It’s about opening doors for the next generation while celebrating those who’ve paved the way.”
Works of event stylists Teddy Manuel and Badang Rueda, who are considered legends in their field, shared the spotlight with those of other luminaries including Miguel Bautista, Kyno Kho, Bhem Meijer, Jo Claravall, and Nikki Chatto.
The spotlight was also shared with the works from six rising event styling brands. Ralph & Co showcased a playful pink candyland and Dan Ordoñez, some bold sunset hues. Smitten Events and Floristry impressed with a bakery-inspired setup that matched Eye Candy Manila’s translucent floral garden. Moki Gray stirred painterly romantic emotions, as Anna Winstel presented a refreshing greenery-on-mirror creation.
Trends and tips
Manuel talked about how he transformed a nondescript corner into a cocktail lounge inspired by the Villa Palladio Jaipur. His homage to the famed boutique hotel, which he visited during a trip to India, came complete with a fountain centerpiece, striped canopies, and curated accents from Glam Lane Rentals, Flower Mom PH, and Forsc Ink.
He noted that couples are looking for new setups for their wedding, not just the main reception area and photo walls. That’s why he designed a cocktail lounge where guests can cool their heels in comfortable and chic surroundings. Around this time, the newlyweds typically take their postnuptial portraits in another place before heading to the reception.
To achieve the planned overall look of a wedding or any event, Manuel said that there should be a “two-way relationship” between clients and stylists. The stylist should be the one to “edit ideas” tossed by the client or couple, their parents, relatives, and friends. Additionally, know when to say no by giving options.
Indy Ycasiano, owner of Smitten Events and Floristry, has noted how clients’ taste can go from minimalist to artsy. The latter best describes her tablescape using croissants and flowers. Its centerpiece—a sculptural croissant tower titled “Fleur de Croissant”—was designed to captivate not just the eyes but also the other senses.
Another unique way to capture guests’ attention in a big event is to set up a wine bar. There’s a growing appreciation for wine, said Odie Pineda, a certified sommelier affiliated with beverages provider Tastemakers. They have hosted programs on wine appreciation during corporate events and private dinners.
Enter dancing
To enliven the celebration, dancing is a top choice. Rej Tee, who put up Made to Dance with her boyfriend of seven years, Ken Laput, said they wanted to update and elevate the moves of events honorees.
The former members of De La Salle University’s dance troupe choreograph routines for the newlyweds’ entrance to the reception and performance in the program, as well as for their parents. Their services are also sought for debuts and other parties.
Tee explained that they tailor-fit the dances to the personalities of the event honorees and try to come up with something different each time. They also get inspiration from K-pop hits and TikTok trends, while mixing fast and slow moves.
For wedding giveaways and party favors, pocket-sized scents are always a hit, especially among female guests. They will get more excited when they see a booth, like the one set up by Tally Manila at the expo, that offers a selection of fragrances.
Fleur Play Bloom Bar takes the token-giving practice to another level with three options. First, guests can go for ready-made bouquets of fresh flowers. Second, they can choose two flower stalks that the house florist can bunch up with fillers and foliage like baby’s breath and eucalyptus for an elegant posy. Third, they can make their own small bouquet.
Candid camera
When it comes to photography and videography, clients now have a clearer idea of what they want for their prenup shoot and on their wedding day. Videographer Sherard Yu has observed the preference for candid, lighthearted, at times “editorial-style” photos, and always letting them be who they are.
He agreed that either or both services can get pricey because of the costly equipment they use and the artistry put into every project.
Shooting all aspects and details of the wedding can be tedious, too, not to mention the editing process, especially for the same-day edit that everybody at the event looks forward to watching. The appreciative response, however, is a reward in itself, Yu said.
