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

Amber, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Lately I have been seeing a lot of old money aesthetic & draping trends. While I was creating a mood board for Italy lats year, I noticed European venues (think castles, historic estates, and villas) were showcasing more draping, layered with architectural details that naturally exude that old money elegance. This aesthetic isn’t just about looking luxurious; it’s about elevating the venue’s existing beauty with the main goal of timeless elements. A classic black tux, silk bridesmaid dresses, Candle sticks, and table touch lamps all help set the tone, but what truly defines the old money vibe is refinement, muted colors, high quality materials, and an effortless sophistication. Swapping polyester linens for satin or patterned fabrics, choosing classic jewelry like pearls or gold accents, these small yet intentional upgrades make a significant impact.

I think after years of bold and ever-changing trends in fashion and weddings, couples are gravitating toward something that stands the test of time, something classic and elegant. The challenge, though, is that not everyone can achieve this look on a budget. If you’re planning for 200 guests, you’ll likely need to spend well over $100K to execute it properly. The venue also plays a huge role. In Ohio, we don’t have as many historic architectural venues as in Europe, so to truly capture this aesthetic, couples should look at old estates. If you’re in Cincinnati, I have a few venues in mind that would be perfect for this look!
Another trend I’m seeing the Flower garden vibe. You can’t go wrong with a flower garden theme, it’s another timeless look, though it leans more whimsical than the old money aesthetic. I planned a wedding last year that fully embraced this trend, and choosing a flower farm as the venue made all the difference. When you’re surrounded by seasonal blooms in their natural habitat, it creates an atmosphere that feels effortlessly romantic and immersive. That being said, flowers are expensive, and to truly achieve the overgrown garden effect, you need a lot of them. It’s definitely possible to work within a budget, but the real magic happens when you go all out with floral installations, arches, and tablescapes. Couples love this look because it feels organic and serene, it’s like bringing that peaceful feeling you get when walking through a wildflower field into your wedding space.

Like all wedding trends, I think these will have their moment for about 3-5 years before we see a shift. I predict we’ll move toward something more eclectic, colorful, and playful, less traditional but still intentional. I also have a feeling that gold is on its way out, with silver making a major comeback soon (which, as a gold lover, I’m not excited about!). When it comes to destination vs. local luxury weddings, the execution of these trends will vary. Draping will be far more prevalent in European weddings because the architecture naturally supports it, and it’s often more cost effective to find a venue with built-in historic charm there. In the U.S., it’s definitely a luxury trend because creating that old-world aesthetic from scratch requires a larger budget. Right now, I’m loving how elevated and timeless these trends feel, it’s refreshing to see couples moving toward something classic, and as a planner, it’s been so much fun bringing these visions to life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Amber Hansen, the owner and lead planner behind Amber Hansen Events. I’ve been in the wedding industry for over a decade, and my passion is bringing timeless, elevated weddings to life, whether that’s a luxury destination wedding in Europe or a stunning local celebration here in Cincinnati. I fell in love with wedding planning because it blends two things I thrive in: Organizing/logistics and helping others bring their visions to life! I’ve always been someone who loves making things beautiful, but I also love the behind the scenes magic of pulling all the details together seamlessly. Over the years, I’ve worked with couples who have a vision but don’t have the time (or energy) to plan every little detail. That’s where I step in to take the stress off their plate and turn their dream wedding into a reality.

At Amber Hansen Events, we specialize in full-service wedding planning, design, and coordination for couples who want a luxury, stress-free experience. My team and I take care of everything, from curating the perfect vendor team to designing a wedding that feels intentional and elevated. A lot of my clients are busy professionals who don’t want to spend hours worrying about logistics. They want a wedding that feels effortless, personal, and stunning, but they don’t have the time to make it all happen themselves. My job is to bring that vision to life while making sure they can actually enjoy the process (because wedding planning should be fun, not overwhelming!).

What makes us different? We don’t do cookie-cutter weddings. Every event we plan is completely tailored to our couple’s style, story, and vision. Whether it’s an intimate elopement on a cliff in Red River Gorge or a multi-day wedding at a historic estate, we focus on thoughtful details, timeless aesthetics, and a seamless guest experience. I also specialize in destination weddings, which means I know how to plan a wedding anywhere, from dreamy European venues to remote nature escapes. My team takes care of the logistics, so my couples can focus on celebrating (and actually enjoying their wedding weekend). But beyond the details, I think what truly sets us apart is how we make people feel. I’m a firm believer that weddings should feel exciting, and stress-free. My goal is to make sure my couples feel fully present on their wedding day without a single worry about what’s happening behind the scenes.

This year, I’m celebrating 10 years in business, and I couldn’t be more proud of how Amber Hansen Events has grown. With our recent rebrand, we’ve refined our look and services to better represent the level of experience, creativity, and attention to detail we bring to every wedding. But honestly, the thing I’m most proud of? The relationships we build. Nothing makes me happier than hearing a couple say, “We couldn’t have done this without you.” Being trusted to bring someone’s wedding vision to life is such an honor, and I never take that for granted.

If you’re a couple who wants a wedding that feels timeless, effortless, and unforgettable, let’s chat! Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant old-money aesthetic, a whimsical flower garden wedding, or a one-of-a-kind destination wedding experience, I’d love to help bring it to life.

You can reach out through my website or DM me on Instagram! I can’t wait to hear your vision and start planning something incredible together!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation in this industry has been built on a foundation of networking, honesty, kindness, and trustworthiness. Weddings are deeply personal, and couples want to know they’re working with someone who truly cares, not just about the event itself but about them. I’ve always believed in being upfront and honest with my clients, whether it’s about budget realities, vendor recommendations, or how to bring their vision to life in the best way possible. That honesty builds trust, and trust is everything in this industry.

Networking has also played a huge role in my success. I’ve built strong relationships with vendors, venues, and other industry professionals over the years, and that network allows me to offer my clients the best possible experience. When you surround yourself with great people who share your values, it elevates the entire planning process.

At the end of the day, I want my clients and vendor partners to know that I’m not just here to plan a wedding, I’m here to support, guide, and advocate for them. That commitment to kindness and integrity has helped me build long-lasting relationships and, ultimately, a strong reputation in the luxury and destination wedding space.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I knew in high school that wedding planning was something I wanted to do. I actually talked about this in a recent podcast episode of “India and Stuff” it’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. But like many entrepreneurs, I didn’t jump in right away. I was working a corporate insurance job when my division was unexpectedly shut down, and we were all let go with a severance package. That was the moment I realized: If I don’t take this opportunity to start my business now, when will I?

By that point, I was already certified in wedding planning and had been preparing for this leap. A close friend gifted me business cards, a website, and a domain, which was such a huge encouragement at the time. From there, I booked my first wedding and then another the next year. By my third year, I had three weddings, and by my fifth year, I had three full-service weddings and two day-of coordination clients. It wasn’t an overnight success, but I was building something sustainable.

Over the past decade, I’ve grown my business intentionally, creating a strong foundation, building a community of trusted vendors and friends, and gaining the experience that allows me to serve my clients at the highest level. Last year, I planned 11 events, which taught me an important lesson: 11 is my max. That’s the sweet spot where I can balance life and work while still giving my clients the personalized attention they deserve. One of my favorite parts of this journey is how my clients often feel like friends by the end of it. I give them my all because I know how important these moments are.

I was once told: If you make it to year five in your business, you’ll most likely make it to year ten. And if you make it to ten years, you’re probably a lifer. Well, here I am at 10 years in, and I can happily say, I’m still loving what I do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amberhansenevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberhansenevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberhansenevents/?eid=ARA-tYxMA4cYxEtYu285QUUbZa95gJFS4F9PhJ78NSFu-Z08_bzF0QMMBVTXTEjrTlCg6MAxRzBGvqfX&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=100000079483014&fref=tag&__xts__[0]=31.[100000079483014%2C%22intro_card%22%2C%7B%7D]
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansenamber/
• Other: Tik Tok -https://www.tiktok.com/@amberhansenevents?

Image Credits

India Jade Photography
Sylvia Stahl Photography