Ayesha Hakki, founder of Events by Ayesha, brings over 24 years of expertise as an art director, event producer, and former publisher of Bibi Magazine. Known for her work in the luxury event space, she crafts culturally rich and one-of-a-kind experiences, with one of her events even featured on Bravo’s The Newlyweds. Ayesha has also gained recognition as a wedding and cultural style expert, with appearances on E! Channel, Associated Press, and USA Today. Her commitment to storytelling ensures that no two events are ever the same. Drawing from her expertise as a luxury wedding specialist, she shares with SEEMA, her insights into the latest trends.
Popular color palettes for South Asian weddings this year:
South Asian brides are leaning into colors that they like rather than following any particular trends. That being said, there is a general move towards a more organic palette with colors such as terracottas, hot pinks and oranges accented with sage, olive and natural greens. I’ve had a lot of couple’s asking for neutral color tones which can range from ivory to dusky blue, lavender and periwinkle. Of course, the 2024 Pantone color of the year is peach fuzz, which is chosen based on the mood of the current zeitgeist. I believe it’s best to choose primary colors that you like, and then compliment it with colors that are current and modern.
Emerging trends in floral arrangements:
Brides are moving away from structured arrangements and towards looser flower arrangements with trailing vines. The key to this look is to mix floral shapes and greens in your arrangements so that the colors, shapes and textures compliment each other in unexpected ways. For example, round blooms like roses, hydrangeas, peonies and ranunculus can be mixed with longer shapes like delphinium, orchids, gladiolas and amaranth branches to create structural interest. Texture can be found in both floral blooms and greenery from smooth silver dollar eucalyptus to the stacked texture of large ginger flowers. Try unexpected combinations like calla lilies and carnations (yes, new varieties of carnations are making a comeback) or baby’s breath with peonies accented with berries and olive branch leaves.
Incorporating sustainable or eco-friendly elements into wedding décor:
Younger couples are definitely considering the environment when considering their wedding elements. When choosing floral decor, look for flowers that are in season and easily available. It’s best to use locally available flowers when possible. I suggest working with your florist to see which flowers and greenery are easily available and sourced from sustainable farms. Also, I recommend using decor pieces, such as candelabras and vases that your decorator already has instead of custom-making pieces that will be of no use after your event. Of course, you can personalize these elements with thoughtful additions like pearl strings or pinspot lighting.
Modern interpretations of traditional mandap design
Most of my clients hire me because my outlook is very contemporary. This past year, I’ve designed quite a few mandaps that are basic wooden structures that are then enhanced with flowers, greenery and other unexpected elements. This gives a softer, more personalized look, which adds more meaning to the ceremony. For those couples that want a more traditional look, think about how you can take something traditional and still make it look fresh and exciting. Some ideas would be to add looser arrangements to the columns and supports in modern color combinations.
Creative ways to personalize wedding décor:
I tell stories through my events, meaning I reflect the couple’s personalities, lifestyles, hobbies, storylines etc into their events. This way, no matter what Instagram image they show me, I can find a way to take that and make it more personal. One of our couples got engaged while bike riding in Italy and so for their cocktail hour, we up-cycled a vintage bicycle and filled the basket with sunflowers and surrounded it with yellow and green Italian greenery. Their wedding favors were Italian pastries sourced from an authentic Italian bakery and placed on a vintage cart.
Using decor to create immersive experiences:
We had one couple recently that wanted their wedding to be about the moon and stars as it was a part of their dating history. So we brought in elements that transformed the room into a starry night from a twinkling starlight backdrop, to the starburst napkins rings and to the dark blue up-lighting with stars projected on the high ceilings of the venue. It was an immersive environment…. as “Fly Me to the Moon” was the welcome song as guests entered the ballroom.
Integrating new technology into wedding décor:
Lighting and sound can transform any event from great to fantastic! Lighting sets the mood for any event and today’s technology allows for you to change your room colors during the course of the event. For example, you can start the evening with lighter, more romantic lighting and then make it moodier and moving to the beat of the music when everyone is dancing. I find projection mapping to be very exciting, but only makes sense financially if a venue already has the technology built in. We did one event where we transported the guests to the Taj Mahal which was projected on the walls, and the decor leaned into that aesthetic to complete the look. LED screens and dancefloors are also an excellent way to elevate an event experience. One of my favorite things to do is projecting EDM style visuals on an LED screen during the latter part of the night. It really gives a club vibe to the celebration.
Unique or unconventional decor trends:
I make sure that each event I do is personalized and fresh in its approach. We’ve done a few events on yachts and one time, we converted the inside of the yacht into a tropical paradise by bringing in potted plants and trees accented with LED lighting and adding bamboo and rattan furniture. Another time, our couple left the venue in a vintage 1950’s red Chevy Impala convertible while all their guests held sparklers creating a lighted pathway. To me, the most important thing to make any event memorable is to really lean into your personality and choose experiences that reflect your tastes and lifestyle. That is the best way to create an event that will be truly yours and totally memorable.
