It was a question we asked a LOT at Indie Wed this weekend and we received a bunch of wonderful descriptions and ideas in reply: from couples who aren’t afraid of incorporating a little colour to their day, to events and people being contemporary and artsy, to fostering new ideas in order to make a wedding something personal and not being afraid to embrace the independent spirit and express oneself.

My personal favourite, came from Jolene Sullivan at Delicate Creature, an event services firm: indie couples, she explained, appreciate the artisanal culture of the independent business owner and “care for the hand behind the wedding.”

Delicate Creature's Indie Wed booth

Aesthetically, indie weddings can take any form and can go from black tie to jeans and t’s but some really broad themes do seem to be popular at the moment with couples pushing beyond the boundaries of a strictly traditional event and a handmade or DIY feel often permeates: nature, for example is a current favourite, especially with city couples. Sullivan’s booth was themed Spring in Chicago and featured butterflies, moss, birch bark placemats and small vases of petite single bloom flowers.

It was a theme we saw reflected in The Wedding Show as well; Graydon Hall used a neutral colour scheme, butterflies, natural wood elements and served gourmet hot chocolate while Cake Opera Co. used a lighthearted theme of Milk and Honey to incorporate the soft look of milk glass, bees and honeycomb … it’s absolutely amazing to consider that these three very different companies can all draw from a similar inspiration point and achieve something so unique in which to express their professional identity.

Graydon Hall's Wedding Show booth

Cake Opera Co.'s Wedding Show Booth