If we were to use one word describing the wedding trends to watch out for, the word would be fun.
Or maybe, memorable.
Would personal be a better word?
Unique guest experience even? That’s way more than one word though.
Oof! Well, when it comes to hot new wedding trends, there are just too many to define with a single word.
Keep reading to learn what they are …and to get some insight into why choosing one word to describe them all is such a challenge.
Hot Wedding Ceremony Trends
When it comes to the ceremony, many of the traditional elements are being tweaked or swapped out for more heartfelt personal expression.
Here are the wedding ceremony trends more and more couples are gravitating towards:
Personalization
From reciting vows composed straight from the heart, to surprising guests with a song or dance. Many couples are livening up tradition by curating their ceremony to make it feel more personal.
Intimate Ceremonies and Larger Receptions
The wedding ceremony is very important to the couple—for obvious reasons—and the reception is usually the highlight for the guests—for obvious reasons as well.
This may be why more and more couples are opting for micro-ceremonies, where it’s just them and a handful of their closest friends and relatives in attendance. Then, everyone else gets invited to the reception, where they get to raise a glass and celebrate.
Outdoor Venues
No matter how hard human beings try, Mother Nature almost always does it better.
We’re seeing a trend of couples using this to their advantage. Dismissing fancy-schmancy venues, and choosing the natural beauty of the great outdoors for their special day.
Reception Trends to Watch
Following in the footsteps of the ceremony, trends centered around the reception are getting hit with a healthy dose of personalization and fun as well.
Here are some wedding reception trends to keep an eye on in the upcoming season:
A Separate Wedding Dress for the Reception
Yup, it’s true… and honestly, we love the idea of reception dresses for brides!
This way, they get to wear a more traditional style gown for the ceremony, and then change into something that lets them move a little freely: A gorgeous dress that doesn’t come with worries about tripping over a train or needing bridesmaids’ assistance in the restroom.
Creative Menu
From interactive food stations to late night food trucks, wedding food is branching out beyond the expected to include some real treats.
And it doesn’t end there, some couples are including a signature mocktail along with their cocktail menu, and including some real cheers-worthy non-alcoholic beverage options.
Out of the Box Entertainment
Yes, DJs and live bands are always fun… but so are silent discos! That’s where people slip on headsets and select the music of their choice… and dance!
Always fun to watch, silent discos are also a great solution to noise ordinances.
Other entertainment gaining popularity is hiring an artist to paint the celebratory scene from various angles—and some couples even hire comedians to MC their wedding receptions.
These are only a few examples. The real takeaway here is couples are getting quite creative at finding fresh new ways to liven up the wedding reception experience.
Eye-Catching Wedding Design Trends
We predict cozy lounge-style seating areas, with plush throw pillows and rugs, and more sustainability-inspired decor.
But there’s so much more. The future is bright and uplifting when it comes to design and décor trends.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Maximalist Aesthetic
Featuring bold color palettes, patterns, and layers of texture, when done well, the maximalist aesthetic is a feast for the senses.
Metallics
This trend is all about being liberal with gold and silver. Choosing gold leaf accents and shiny satin bridesmaids dresses in a bold metallic hue.
These precious metals are being invited in with the same enthusiasm pastel shades were in the 90s!
Sustainable Décor
Sustainable principles are becoming more and more common, leading couples to choose natural items that won’t tax the landfill like wood and sprigs of greenery.
Some savvy couples even thrift their decor: colored glassware and delicate china is a gorgeous addition to any space.
Statement Lighting
Lighting has the power to create a mood, and many couples are taking full advantage of this. Use statement lighting, colored lights, or a soft amber glow to set the tone.
Conclusion:
The common denominator of all these trends is freedom. While it’s always hard to predict the future, the upcoming season will likely contain a ton of creativity.
It will blend the best of modern technology with thrifted décor from the 1970s. It will be bright and colorful, and maybe also monochromatic, hombre, and peaceful.
Best of all, it’s going to contain your influence! Since you’re planning a wedding, your big day may contain something unique and special that ends up becoming a trend that impacts the following season.
Have fun with this, and just be you.