We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Grace Song a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

The wedding industry is experiencing a wave of innovation, with new trends reflecting couples’ desires for meaningful and memorable celebrations. Experiential weddings are leading the way, as couples prioritize guest experiences that engage and delight. From interactive food stations like build-your-own dessert bars to immersive photo ops and live entertainment, weddings are transforming into events that celebrate not just the couple but also the shared joy of their loved ones. I recently worked with a couple who incorporated a live artist painting their ceremony in real-time, creating a unique and lasting memory for everyone in attendance. This trend challenges planners to think creatively and elevate every detail to ensure guests leave with unforgettable experiences.

Personalized and purposeful celebrations are also gaining prominence, as couples use their weddings to tell their stories and share their values. Décor elements, speeches, and activities often reflect the couple’s journey, hobbies, or cultural heritage. Charitable giving has also become a thoughtful addition, with donations in lieu of traditional wedding favors. One couple I worked with made a donation to an environmental charity, leaving their guests touched and inspired. These weddings feel deeply authentic and meaningful, though they require careful planning to seamlessly integrate personal touches without overwhelming the event’s flow.

In terms of aesthetics, bold, statement designs are replacing traditional whites and pastels. Couples are embracing vibrant color palettes, unique floral arrangements, and daring design choices that reflect their individuality. Bright hues, cascading floral installations, and unexpected textures are becoming hallmarks of modern weddings, creating a visual impact that feels fresh and contemporary.

Tech-driven events are also on the rise, with couples leveraging digital tools to streamline planning and enhance guest experiences. QR code invitations, wedding websites, and digital RSVPs have become staples, offering convenience and reducing waste. Drone photography and videography are also gaining popularity, providing breathtaking aerial perspectives and dynamic footage. For one outdoor wedding I coordinated, the couple used drones to capture the ceremony from above, delivering a dramatic and cinematic feel to their wedding album.

Another growing trend is the rise of extended celebrations. Weddings are no longer one-day affairs but weekend-long events that include welcome parties, after-parties, and farewell brunches. These extended celebrations offer couples and their guests more time to connect and enjoy the festivities. For instance, I recently helped plan a wedding weekend that included a Friday evening welcome dinner, a Saturday wedding, and a Sunday farewell brunch featuring a mimosa bar and live jazz music. These events require extra coordination but allow for a richer and more immersive experience.

Finally, there is an increased emphasis on mental wellness in the wedding industry. Vendors are prioritizing stress-free planning experiences, offering resources to help couples stay relaxed and enjoy the process. Couples, in turn, are focusing on creating calm and joyful atmospheres for their guests. From wellness lounges with aromatherapy and meditation areas to leisurely-paced itineraries, the goal is to reduce stress and maximize enjoyment.

These trends reflect a broader shift toward authenticity, creativity, and connection in wedding celebrations. They present exciting opportunities for planners to innovate while emphasizing the importance of thoughtful execution to bring each couple’s unique vision to life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Grace Song, founder of Charis Events & Design, is a celebrated figure in the world of luxury event planning, bringing over two decades of experience to the craft. Her journey began in the corporate planning space, where she mastered the intricacies of event logistics, large-scale coordination, and creating impactful experiences. This foundation paved the way for her to establish her own firm, where her creativity and passion could flourish.

Charis Events & Design, named after the Greek word “Charis,” embodies the essence of grace, charm, beauty, charisma, and human creativity. This philosophy underpins every event Grace and her team design, ensuring a balance of elegance, meaning, and exceptional artistry. From luxurious weddings to high-profile corporate conventions, the firm specializes in crafting bespoke celebrations that reflect the unique stories and values of its clients.

Based in Southern California, with offices and teams in Northern California and Las Vegas, Charis Events & Design also has an impressive footprint in the destination event space. Leveraging strong partnerships with vendors across Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe, Grace delivers seamless and unforgettable experiences in stunning locales. Her extensive network ensures access to top-tier venues, caterers, and designers, allowing for extraordinary attention to detail and unparalleled execution.

What sets Grace apart is her ability to combine artistic vision with meticulous planning. She and her team approach every project with the philosophy that no two events should ever feel the same. Whether orchestrating an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Grace listens intently to her clients, translating their dreams into awe-inspiring realities. Her dedication to storytelling through décor, entertainment, and personalized details ensures that every event feels deeply meaningful and uniquely memorable.

Grace is particularly proud of the accolades her firm has garnered over the years. Charis Events & Design has been recognized among PartySlate’s 33 Best Wedding Planners in Los Angeles and The Vendry’s Top 8 Event Planning and Production Companies. The firm is also a longtime Platinum Member of Grace Ormonde’s coveted list and has received numerous honors from The Knot and WeddingWire, cementing its reputation as a leader in the industry.

In addition to her event planning prowess, Grace is also the visionary behind a private Napa Valley wine line, a testament to her dedication to curating luxury experiences. Each bottle represents the same commitment to quality and refinement that defines her approach to event design.

Grace’s greatest pride lies in the relationships she builds with her clients. By limiting the number of events she takes on each year, she ensures that every couple, family, or organization receives her full attention and the highest level of service. Her goal is not just to meet expectations but to surpass them, leaving her clients with memories they will treasure forever.

For those seeking an event planner who blends sophistication, creativity, and heartfelt passion, Grace Song and Charis Events & Design are unmatched. Whether you’re envisioning a wedding in a lush garden, a destination celebration on a pristine beach, or a high-powered corporate gala, Grace’s expertise, dedication, and unique vision make her the ideal partner to bring your dream to life.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey as a wedding and event planner is an unwavering passion for the dynamic and ever-evolving world of events. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the magic of bringing a vision to life—where every moment matters, and every detail contributes to a larger story.

What fuels me is the thrill of the unexpected and the satisfaction of solving challenges in real-time. Events are live experiences, and there’s no “pause” button, which means every second counts. It’s this high-stakes, high-reward environment that inspires me to deliver excellence, no matter what it takes.

Beyond the logistics, my goal is to create unforgettable moments that resonate with my clients and their guests for years to come. Each event is a reflection of the people at its heart, and my mission is to craft experiences that are as unique, meaningful, and beautiful as they are.

Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by a deep love for human connection, the joy of celebration, and the belief that life’s milestones deserve to be honored with intention and care. Seeing the smiles, the tears of happiness, and the pure joy on my clients’ faces is the most fulfilling reward of all.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The foundation of my reputation within the market lies in consistency, transparency, and teamwork. Over the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to delivering high-quality work and maintaining a standard of excellence that clients and vendors alike can rely on. Consistency in my approach ensures that every event, no matter the size or scope, is executed with the same level of care, attention to detail, and creativity.

Transparency is also a cornerstone of my work ethic. I believe in open, honest communication with my clients and vendors, which fosters trust and confidence. This approach ensures that everyone involved has a clear understanding of expectations, timelines, and goals, creating a seamless collaborative environment.

Teamwork is at the heart of what I do. Orchestrating nearly 100 vendors for a single event requires not only strong leadership but also the ability to bring together diverse talents and perspectives under a shared vision. I take pride in aligning everyone’s efforts toward the common goal of a successful, memorable event. This ability to unite and inspire a team has been instrumental in building lasting relationships within the industry and solidifying my reputation for excellence.

Ultimately, what has helped me stand out is my unwavering commitment to creating extraordinary experiences while fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. It’s this blend of consistency, transparency, and teamwork that has earned the trust of my clients and partners over the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charisevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charis_events/

Image Credits

Chernogorov Photography
David and Photography