Wedding trends aren’t always easy to predict, but based on what key wedding sources are saying, search engine stats and a bit of observation / common sense, here’s what we expect to see more of in 2022/23
Go Big….
With Covid restrictions easing we are seeing more elaborate and fun filled occasions with a real focus on bringing loved ones together and sharing joy.
Couples are more keenly aware of how much friends and family members mean to them and want their wedding celebrations to reflect this, so 2022 will certainly be a year for throwing massive parties with couples wanting their wedding day to reflect their personalities, creativeness and above all be fun!
This is also showing up in the desire for more elaborate and fun entertainment options, with searches for drag queens and circus acts for example on the increase.
….Or Go Small
At the same time, many couples who’ve had to reschedule multiple times have decided that the marriage is more important than the wedding. So micro weddings, featuring a small number of very close family members and friends, and elopements are also on the increase as couples decide to get it done in the sight of those that matter most and put years of wedding planning behind them.
‘Disconnected’ receptions or Anni-ceptions
With many couples having opted for simple ceremonies without receptions during Covid restrictions, they are now choosing to have their reception a few months after their wedding, or even on their first wedding anniversary. They often follow the trend for going big, especially as they’ve had extra time to save up!
Sustainable Weddings...
The average wedding could produce 14.5 tonnes of carbon! In a world where sustainability is becoming more and more important it’s no surprise that sustainable weddings are on the list for 2022/23.
Renting gowns, buying a sample or preloved wedding dress, shopping local and in season, forgoing favours in place of charitable donations and considering a meat free alternative for the wedding breakfast are all ways to decrease the overall impact of a wedding carbon footprint.
...And healthier options
The trend towards vegan options is also showing up for those wanting to have a more health-conscious celebration, as is the growing number of guests looking for non-alcoholic options. Offering guests something more exciting then than the usual soft drinks in the form of mocktails has seen searches for mocktail recipes explode this year!
Go Digital
Perhaps linking to sustainability, and also given that we’ve all had to make more use of digital media over the past few months, virtual Save The Dates and Invitations are on the increase – and going digital means you can have fun with videos and moving media in your invitations as well as static imagery.
Cake Arches
The cake table is getting a makeover for 2022! Whether it’s a cake arch or a hoop, decorated with flowers, balloons, dried foliage or left plain for a modern look, we are seeing more and more of an effort being made into cutting the cake. Going extra on the cake display gives the dining room a focus and I can’t wait to see more of them in 2022/23 weddings!
Cottagecore
Rustic weddings or ‘scandi-chic’ are showing no signs of slowing down for the forthcoming wedding season. The search term ‘rustic wedding ideas’ was up 125% through 2021 and there are more than half a million Instagram posts dedicated to this theme. Expect to see intimate and cosy vibes that bring the outdoors in from dried flowers to neutral tones.
Weekday Weddings
With a huge backlog of weddings as an effect of the pandemic we can expect to see more and more weekday weddings. While a weekday wedding requires a little more commitment from guests, such as booking time off work, many couples are happy to reap the benefits of having a wedding on a less popular day such as lower costs and better availability of suppliers and venues. Plus if you are having a smaller wedding you may find that having a weekday wedding doesn’t impact on who attends as much as you think it might.
Gin Bars
The fascination with gin shows no sign of slowing down this year with gin sales reaching an all-time high. Gin is still likely to be the tipple of choice for 2022/23 with many couples incorporating it into cocktails, having flavoured gins as part of the evening reception or having a G & T station.
Bold Colours
Pastel tones have certainly moved out and made way for bright or bold colours. Warm, earthy tones, vibrant hues and monochromes are in and here with a big bang! Colour trend predictors are saying that sonic blues, bright greens, orange tones, bubble-gum pinks and coral rose are going to be big for the season ahead – with Rust predicted to be one of the biggest colour trends of the year.
Bows
Big ones, little ones and everything in-between! Whether they’re on dresses, cakes, hair accessories, shoes or show up in décor!
Regency Romance
The Bridgerton effect shows no signs of leaving us soon as Season 2 arrives, and we’ll see lots of regency and romance on the wedding scene in 2022/23. With literacy inspired touches, regency blue hues and romantic elements all inspired by the hit Netflix show.
Modern Monochrome
Monochrome is a theme I haven’t seen for a while but it’s making a slow and steady comeback and gives your wedding a modern edge. Having a monochrome, black and white themed wedding would suit a Gatsby themed day or be perfect for an ultra modern theme. Pair it with gold for a striking look.
Garden weddings
Perhaps combining the sustainability trend and the rustic trend with the fact that some venues have been in short supply (as weddings spill over into this year from previous years), garden weddings and receptions are expected to increase – and the recent change in legislation to allow outdoor ceremonies is only likely to increase this trend.
And there you have it…whether you are planning a wedding for 2022/23 or will be attending as a guest, these are some of the trends and themes you can expect to see over the year ahead. Which ones are your favourite?