Ready to break the mold & set the NEXT BIG TREND in weddings?
This is your moment to make a statement, turn heads, and show the world what happens when creativity
doesn’t hold back.
Introducing, Styled SHOOTS by Southern Bride:
The Trendsetter Series!
We’re calling on visionary wedding pros, bold thinkers, and trendsetters from around the globe. This is your chance to shine on a major stage and showcase your most extraordinary wedding designs. Each selected team will be featured across all of Southern Bride’s platforms — because your talent deserves to be seen.
No limits. No rules. Just full-on wedding magic.
Do You Want To Be The Next Trendsetter?
INSPIRATION
Think visual impact, bold fashion, cultural details, editorial design, and out-of-the-box thinking. Prioritize sustainability, personalized party style, unexpected venues, artful cakes or desserts, and meaningful storytelling. Focus on mood, individuality, and innovation—all anchored in timeless, elegant expression.
venue
Think visual impact, bold fashion, cultural details, editorial design, and out-of-the-box thinking. Prioritize sustainability, personalized party style, unexpected venues, artful cakes or desserts, and meaningful storytelling. Focus on mood, individuality, and innovation—all anchored in timeless, elegant expression.
key team members
Your team should share your vision, creativity, and collaboration, and be experts who push boundaries while honoring tradition. They bring fresh ideas, meticulous detail, and seamless execution, ensuring every element reflects cohesion, innovation, and timeless elegance for a truly unforgettable, trendsetting look.
IF SELECTED FOR THE TRENDSETTER SERIES
Design Narrative
What’s the story or concept behind the design?
Is it emotionally engaging, editorial-worthy, and aligned with Southern Bride’s forward-thinking yet classic ethos?
Color Palette Direction
Does the color scheme evoke the intended mood (moody romance, fresh minimalism, modern heritage)?
Is the palette cohesive and photogenic across décor, florals, fashion, and paper goods?
Texture and Materiality
Are they thoughtfully layering fabrics, finishes, florals, and tablescapes to create depth and dimension?
Is the combination tactile, rich, and unexpected?
Fashion Integration
How do the bridal and wedding party fashion choices reflect the story?
Are hair, makeup, and accessories considered part of the design aesthetic—not just styling?
Floral Philosophy
Are flowers used artfully (sculptural, deconstructed, monochrome, wild, or refined)?
Do they complement or define the tone of the design?
Tablescape Artistry
Are tabletop elements editorially styled with attention to layering, symmetry, contrast, or negative space?
Is there a statement element (custom menu, experimental layout, unexpected material)?
Venue Harmony
Does the design respect or creatively contrast the architecture or natural elements of the venue?
Is the space being used in a way that feels fresh?
Lighting Mood
How does lighting (natural or added) enhance the scene — areas should be well lit for photoghraphers, scenes should not be set up in windows, but near them for added natural light, when available.
Photographic Composition
Are they designing with the camera in mind—height, shape, negative space, symmetry, shadows?
Will this design create iconic shots?
Editorial Edge
What makes this stand out in an oversaturated visual market?
Is there one unexpected detail that will become the shot or the talking point?
If selected
The following MUST be submitted within 2 weeks to styledchallenge@southernbride.com by the Team Leader
- 20-30 Inspiration Images of Your Design
- A brief description of your design, 250-300 words
- A Bio and headshot
PROMOTIONAL VALUE
- Pre-event advertising on social media, Google Ads, and newsletters.
- Event day social media coverage.
- Post-event interviews, video, print, and digital features on all of Southern Bride’s platforms.
FAQ
Is there a fee to participate?
There is no fee for wedding vendors.
There is a participation fee for venues only (email for more information).
All participants will be included in a 2-page spread, a digital feature, social media collaborations, and Pinterest posts.
Do we need to hire a photographer?
What can I expect on the day of the shoot?
Setup is typically scheduled the day before the shoot, with final touchups the morning of the shoot.
Depending on the venue(s) we will escort small groups of photographers/content creators to each venue or design space between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. This timeframe can vary.
Will we receive the images from the shoot?
Yes, everyone on your team and the venue will receive all images.
Is Southern Bride able to provide a budget?
No, everyone contributes. We promote you and the venue, manage the shoot, and publish everything while you and your team cover your own expenses.
Can vendors participate that are from another city?
We want to keep this a local event. You and your team MUST be within a drivable market of the event location.
What is each team responsible for designing?
Each team will be required to design three spaces in different ‘well-lit’ areas within the designated venue :
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Wildcard space – ex: Bar set-up, groom’s getting ready room, champagne/drink tower, unique seating chart, getaway car, etc.
- Flatlay – ex: bridal/groom’s flat lay, invitations, jewelry, shoes, veil, flowers, etc. – that ties your theme together. This is a fun place to get creative!
Who is responsible for getting the models, hair & makeup?
Each team leader is responsible for sourcing your models, hair, and makeup..
What are the guidelines for securing models?
Southern Bride is inclusive of everyone. You will determine the models you would like to use. We suggest asking some of your past couples or fun-loving couples you know – the chemistry is always better for images. If this is not an option, professional models are always welcome.
Do we have to get our own fashion for the models?
If you have connections in your area, we suggest you use those first. We would love to showcase them! Southern Bride is happy to assist with sourcing fashion; however, we want to feature as many local vendors as possible.
Does everyone on my team need to produce a COI?
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