Unplugged weddings are one of the biggest wedding trends for 2026. Weddings continue to evolve toward greater meaning, intention, and emotional depth. After years shaped by constant digital presence, a powerful and deeply human trend is taking center stage: unplugged weddings — weddings without phones.
At Brightside Events Geneva, a wedding planner in Geneva and event planner working across Switzerland and Europe, we are seeing more and more couples embrace this approach as part of their desire to create elegant, authentic, and emotionally rich celebrations.
Far from being a restriction, unplugged weddings are now considered a true luxury — the luxury of being fully present, reconnecting with emotions, and giving space to genuine human connection.
Couples we support as a wedding planner in Geneva share a common wish: to experience their wedding fully, without screens, filters, or digital distractions.
They want to see their guests emotionally engaged, attentive, and present — not focused on capturing photos or videos for social media. Many couples are moving away from instant content and choosing memories lived in the moment instead.
Choosing an unplugged ceremony is also about trusting your photographer and videographer and letting them do their work properly. It prevents a sea of raised phones from blocking views, disrupting the atmosphere, or impacting the visual elegance of the ceremony.
Contrary to popular belief, an unplugged wedding is not a wedding without technology. In 2026, technology is used with intention and style, especially in luxury weddings and bespoke events.
On the wedding day, guests are invited to put their phones away and focus on what truly matters: the love being celebrated, the words exchanged, and the emotions felt. Aesthetic considerations also matter — unplugged weddings result in cleaner, more elegant photographs, free of glowing screens, raised arms, and visual distractions.
The success of an unplugged wedding lies in how the request is communicated. It is not about imposing rules, but about inviting guests to take part in a meaningful experience.
When communicated with warmth and care, guests respond very positively and quickly understand the value — and beauty — of being fully present.
Unplugged weddings create a very special atmosphere. Guests feel more involved, emotionally connected, and attentive. Eyes meet, smiles are shared, and emotions flow without interruption.
Many couples supported by Brightside Events Geneva later tell us that their ceremony felt timeless — almost suspended — far removed from the fast pace of everyday life. It is also a way to restore the wedding’s original purpose: a moment of connection, celebration, and shared humanity.
Unplugged weddings are part of a broader movement shaping weddings in 2026:
The goal is no longer to show the wedding — but to truly live it.
At Brightside Events Geneva, a wedding planner and event planner specializing in high-end weddings in Switzerland, we see unplugged weddings as a natural and positive evolution.
A wedding without phones is, above all, a wedding designed with intention, where every decision reflects the couple’s values and story. Our role is to guide our clients in finding the right balance between modernity and emotion, innovation and human connection.
Because in 2026, more than ever, the most meaningful memory of a wedding is not just an image — it’s how it made you feel.
As a luxury event planner in Geneva, Brightside Group reimagines iconic event themes into elegant, bespoke experiences. Planning a year-end celebration that feels fresh, elegant, and effortless—without falling into clichés—can be tricky.
This year, we’ve taken three timeless party themes—Fun Fair, Rodeo Night, and Sahara Nights—and reimagined them for the modern era. Think of them as luxury experiences that spark emotion, tell a story, and leave guests inspired long after the music fades.
Because let’s be honest: the best parties aren’t just events—they’re experiences you can feel.
Forget the crowded carnival from your childhood. Imagine instead stepping into a scene where Parisian funfair meets modern art gallery—where sculptural installations replace striped tents and warm lights dance softly on polished surfaces.
At Brightside, we love reinventing nostalgia through design. Picture elegant game corners that invite guests to play, but in style—a “fortune booth” offering handwritten notes, a champagne sabering station, or a tasting of locally sourced Swiss chocolates.
The atmosphere feels cinematic: dimmed Edison bulbs tracing a soft golden glow, velvet accents, and just enough color to make everything pop. Guests mingle with glasses of Swiss crémant or mocktails infused with herbs from the region, while music sets the mood—a live jazz trio that seamlessly transitions into a vinyl DJ set.
It’s not about spectacle; it’s about charm. And in that moment, the room feels alive—luxurious, yes, but joyfully so.
Rodeo Night doesn’t need cowboy hats and hay bales to tell its story. For us, it’s about texture, warmth, and understated glamour—think high-plains minimalism with a Ralph Lauren sensibility.
This version celebrates craftsmanship: saddle-stitched leather details, raw linen runners, flickering candlelight, and wide-plank wood underfoot. The mood is intimate, moody, and effortlessly elegant.
The menu? Comfort with sophistication. Smoky aromas, but make it fine dining: juniper-glazed Swiss beef, smoked beet tartare, bourbon-vanilla desserts. Every flavor layered, every bite intentional.
Between courses, a folk-jazz band plays acoustic reinterpretations of classic Americana, and guests find quiet corners—leather lounge chairs and woven throws—perfect for conversation.
This isn’t a costume party; it’s a modern ode to the Western spirit. Rooted, warm, and beautifully human.
The desert has always evoked mystery and beauty—but at Brightside, we aim to translate that into something respectful, minimal, and luminous.
Imagine terracotta tones, rippling fabrics reminiscent of dunes, and lantern-inspired lights that glow softly like constellations. The space feels ethereal—serene yet powerful.
Tables are dressed in handwoven textiles, decorated with olive branches and golden touches. The scent of citrus and cedar drifts through the air (just enough to notice), and soft live music—perhaps a handpan or oud trio—fills the background.
It’s immersive without being overwhelming, evoking the stillness of the desert at dusk. Guests sip mint and orange blossom infusions served in artisan glassware, while the light shifts slowly from gold to indigo.
This is not a theme—it’s an atmosphere. An evening that feels timeless, modern, and quietly luxurious.
No matter the concept, what makes a Brightside event stand out is the feeling behind it. Each detail—from a menu inspired by local ingredients to lighting that moves with the mood—is designed with care.
Our team of event planners and designers in Geneva knows how to transform ideas into experiences, blending hospitality, creativity, and sustainability. We focus on the flow, the emotion, and the guest journey—so that everything feels effortless, even when it’s meticulously planned.
Because at the end of the day, what people remember isn’t the décor—it’s how it made them feel.
Let’s talk !When the end of the year approaches, companies in Geneva and across Switzerland look for memorable ways to celebrate successes, reward teams, and impress valued clients.
At Brightside, we know that unforgettable corporate events come down to thoughtful details and innovative trends.
For 2025, here are three powerful ideas to elevate your corporate year-end party:
We’ve been talking about drapery for a while now — and it has truly become one of the hottest décor trends of the season. Drapery instantly elevates any venue into a luxurious, immersive setting. Whether cascading from the ceiling, lining the walls, or framing the stage, it adds depth, elegance, and drama.
For corporate events, drapery is more than decoration — it can reinforce your brand identity by incorporating company colors or creating bespoke zones within the venue. Imagine stepping into a reception space where dramatic black-and-red drapes set the stage for a theatrical gala dinner, or soft white and gold fabrics reflect sophistication at a corporate award night.
The result? A stunning, made-to-measure ambiance that transforms even the simplest room into a memorable corporate experience.
A bar isn’t just a service station — it can become the focal point of your event. In 2025, bespoke cocktail bars are all about creativity, sophistication, and guest interaction.
Think Martini or Negroni stations where guests can personalize their garnish, or even a mocktail bar with botanical infusions for inclusivity. These stations are as much about design as they are about drinks: sleek glassware, premium spirits, and a touch of theatrical flair create an atmosphere of refinement.
This summer, the Spritz Bar proved to be a huge success, featuring variations such as the Classic Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz, the Lillet Spritz, and the Limoncello Spritz — a refreshing variety under the same theme.
Beyond the beverages themselves, curated bar design turns a simple act of ordering a drink into an experience. It sparks networking, encourages guests to mingle, and creates photo-worthy moments — all while reflecting your brand’s upscale image.
Entertainment is the heartbeat of any successful corporate event. In 2025, live music and theatrical performances are trending as companies seek immersive, engaging experiences.
Instead of relying solely on a DJ, consider elevating the evening with:
These artistic elements guide the mood of your event, from calm sophistication at the start to high-energy celebration as the night unfolds. More than entertainment, they create emotional moments that guests will remember long after the evening ends.
At Brightside Group, we specialize in designing bespoke corporate events in Geneva and Switzerland that blend creativity with precision. Whether it’s an intimate staff celebration or a large-scale gala dinner, our role as a luxury event planner is to transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind experience your guests will never forget.
Contact us to design a signature corporate event in Geneva, the Swiss Alps, or beyond.
Planning a wedding is not just about the ceremony, the décor, or the destination—it’s also about the thoughtful details that surround the big day, including one of the most traditional aspects: wedding gifts.
At Brightside Group, we bring over 15 years of expertise as a wedding planner in Geneva, crafting bespoke weddings, private celebrations in Switzerland, and memorable destination weddings across Europe. We’ve seen trends shift over time, and today’s couples often favour gifts that are modern, meaningful, and practical rather than traditional.
So, what’s trending for wedding gifts in 2025? After reviewing international wedding publications such as Brides, Axios, People, and The Knot, and observing the preferences of couples we work with across Geneva and Switzerland, we’ve narrowed it down to three main trends—plus a bonus insight on price expectations for guests.
In 2025, couples are placing a higher value on shared experiences than on material possessions. Instead of a toaster or another crystal vase, many brides and grooms prefer contributions toward activities that create lifelong memories.
Experiences don’t clutter a home—they enrich a couple’s journey together.
The second big trend is the shift toward meaningful practicality. Couples appreciate items they can use daily—elevated by quality and craftsmanship.
The key here is not extravagance, but thoughtfulness. A beautiful set of serving dishes a couple will use every holiday dinner is often more cherished than a flashy gadget that rarely leaves its box.
Charlotte Amar’s West sky story
Another major trend in 2025 is practicality adapted to modern living spaces. Couples often live in city apartments—Geneva included—where space is a premium. That means compact, high-quality appliances are favored over bulky ones.
As wedding planners in Geneva, we guide couples to think about real-life usage—because great gifts should serve them beautifully for years to come.
A common question for guests is how much to budget for a wedding gift. In 2025, sources like The Knot and David’s Bridal suggest an average of $100–$150 (approx. CHF 90–140) per guest, adjusted for closeness:
If attending with a plus-one, it’s customary to increase your contribution—often 1.5x or double. That said, as experts remind us (and we agree!), thoughtfulness matters more than the price tag.
Wedding gifts should reflect the couple’s values and lifestyle—whether that means unforgettable experiences, beautiful and practical items, or smart essentials for modern living. These 2025 wedding gift trends highlight a move from material to meaningful, thoughtful, and lifestyle-aligned choices.
For guests, the key is balancing generosity with personal connection. For couples, planning your registry should revolve around what matters most: memories, functionality, and sustainability.
If you’re planning a celebration—be it a bespoke wedding, a private celebration in Switzerland, destination weddings in Switzerland, or high-end corporate events in Geneva—our Brightside Group team is ready to help. With 15 years’ experience as a luxury event planner in Geneva, we ensure every detail reflects your story—from décor to gifts you’ll treasure for years.
Ready to curate a gift list that truly reflects your lifestyle? Contact us to design a registry aligned with your vision—whether you’re hosting in Geneva, the Swiss Alps, or beyond.
At the end of the day, a wedding gift is more than an item—it’s a way of saying, “I’m part of your story.”
This summer, the European cocktail scene is overflowing with creativity, elegance, and fresh seasonal ingredients. At Brightside Group, our role as a wedding planner in Geneva and expert in luxury event planning means we’re always scouting the latest drink trends for bespoke weddings, corporate events in Geneva, and private celebrations across Switzerland.
Clients are becoming more adventurous and discerning than ever. Whether it’s a lakeside summer wedding in the Swiss Alps or a rooftop cocktail hour during a business retreat, the drinks we serve are just as important as the decor or music. So, what’s everyone sipping on this season?
Tequila and mezcal are no longer niche—they’re now essentials. But forget the classic Margarita: clients are requesting elevated variations like spicy jalapeño-mezcal sours, smoky Palomas, or the sleek “Naked & Famous” (mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse, lime).
Named 2025’s “Drink of the Year” by top mixologists, this modern cocktail—a mix of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice—is becoming a staple on high-end cocktail menus at destination weddings in Switzerland. It’s balanced, unexpected, and visually stunning.
The trend is clear: sweet is out, umami is in. Cocktails with unexpected notes—like miso-infused martinis, pepper tinctures, and even tomato-based elixirs—are showing up more frequently. These are perfect for couples who want their wedding cocktails to stand out.
Mini martinis and low-alcohol spritzes are taking center stage at private celebrations in Switzerland. Think stylish coupes with elegant garnishes, perfect for sipping slowly during warm summer evenings. They’re also ideal for multi-course dinners and late-night toasts.
Rosé champagne, rosé vermouth, and even rosé-orange wine blends (“rosorange”) are being used in everything from highballs to creative spritzes. These light, bubbly concoctions are ideal for summer weddings and brunch receptions.
Whether it’s dirty, dry, or espresso, the Martini is back—with a twist. Flavored versions (think apple, elderflower, or chili) and mini servings served in crystal glassware are now requested by our more fashion-forward clients.
Think cucumber gin fizzes with edible flowers, lavender spritzes, and herbaceous gin & tonics garnished with fresh rosemary or basil. These drinks are extremely photogenic—perfect for Instagram moments at bespoke weddings.
Today’s clients are conscious. They ask for locally sourced herbs, fresh seasonal fruits, and sustainable spirits. Many venues and bars are now working with producers in Geneva and surrounding cantons, helping us align drinks with eco-friendly values.
From weddings under the Swiss sun to glamorous corporate events in Geneva, cocktails continue to set the tone. Clients expect more than just drinks—they want stories, style, and sensorial experiences. At Brightside, we believe the cocktail hour is the perfect canvas to reflect your event’s spirit.
If you’re planning your destination wedding in Switzerland or an unforgettable private soirée, we’re here to help you craft not only the perfect moment—but also the perfect menu.
Cheers to a beautifully curated summer!