Wedding season is upon us! Here are the emerging trends industry experts are looking forward to seeing in action this year.
Authenticity. "The best trend is absolute unabashed authenticity in your wedding day. When in doubt, throw the rule book out the window and plan a day that feels deeply unique and personalized to you and your betrothed rather than replicating ideas you've seen repeated at other weddings." —Mandy Connor, Owner, Hummingbird Events
Photo: Zac Wolf Photography via Cape Cod Celebrations
Prints & patterns. "We're foreseeing lots of prints and patterns incorporated throughout wedding designs in 2023. From fashion to linens to stationery, couples are embracing the ability to make a bold statement with an impactful design element instead of muted solid colors. We're excited to see lots of fun patterns this year!" —Kristy Breed & Helen Semovski, Director & Designer, Le Rose Stories
Photo: Longbrook Photography via Crossed Keys Estate
Sustainability. "More and more couples are putting an emphasis on sustainable wedding choices, and we're all about it. From reusable décor, silk or dried florals to rented attire, we're hoping couples will put sustainability at the top of their wedding wish-list in 2023 to host beautiful weddings that prioritize environmentally-friendly options." —Jason Jackson, President & COO, Generation Tux
Photo: Layce Bauman Photography via Alston Mayger Events
Black. "Black is such a chic and strong statement color to incorporate into your color palette. It goes with everything, strengthens the color pops of the colors you add to it, and it's timeless. Consider black bridesmaid dresses (your girls will thank you), black plates, black napkins, or black stationary as you plan for a timeless and incredibly chic wedding day." —Mandy Connor, Owner, Hummingbird Events
Photo: Jessica K Feiden via Hummingbird Events
High-impact florals. "I love a good wow factor and couldn't be more excited that high-impact florals are on trend for 2023! Think installations suspended from the ceiling, over-the-top escort walls, full ceremony backdrops dripping with florals, floral cake tables, or out-of-this-world entry pieces. The options are endless!" —Nora Sheils, Founder, Bridal Bliss, Co-Founder, Rock Paper Coin
Photo: Rebecca Yale Photography via Bridal Bliss + Rock Paper Coin
Photo: Hunter Photographic via Kirkbrides
Personalization. "Adding intense personalization to a wedding day is a trend that I want to see even more of! Writing personal notes to each guest as their 'seating card' is such a beautiful way to celebrate your guests. Incorporating family recipes into your catered affair makes for a menu based on happy nostalgia. And displaying personal photos of the bride and groom with various guests makes your guests feel less like a spectator and more like a celebrated member of the day." —Mandy Connor, Owner, Hummingbird Events
Photo: Layce Bauman Photography via Alston Mayger Events
Bespoke. “More bespoke furniture pieces. Completely impractical, but oh-so-wow-worthy, I am loving when I see a couple leaning into an entirely custom-built piece that supports their day. Escort card displays, framed altars, cake walls, and signature drink displays are three of my favorites I've seen so far and would love to see more of." —Ashley Lachney, Owner, Alston Mayger Events
Photo: Brogen Jessup Photography via Bridal Bliss + Rock Paper Coin
Technology. "I'm super excited to see more wedding pros embracing technology. Our industry has been stuck in the dark ages for a bit, but with so many new wedding tech platforms available, it's refreshing to see companies streamlining the way they do business. From contracts, invoices, diagrams, and timelines, so many tasks that were done manually for so long can now be automated with a personal touch. It's a win for the pro, for the planner, and for couples getting married." —Nora Sheils, Founder, Bridal Bliss, Co-Founder, Rock Paper Coin
Photo: Longbrook Photography via Crossed Keys Estate
Guest experiences. "In 2023, I am so excited to see more guest experiences throughout the wedding night by being creative with signage! An escort card display can be more than just cards on a table, it can be envelopes with personal notes inside for each guest, a wall of flower boxes with wooden picks for guest 'cards,' or even globes with locations you both have been with names listed below. Thinking outside the box and being unique to create a 'wow' factor for your guests are the trends for the coming year." —Casey Stamouli, Owner & Lead Planner, Casey & Co. Events
Photo: Longbrook Photography via Crossed Keys Estate
Cold sparks. "Cold sparks inside are an amazing way to highlight bride and groom announcements or the first dance. They are really fun and create an exciting moment and surprise!" —Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Photo: Balsam and Blush Photography via Kirkbrides
Dance floor decals. "Dance floor decals make a huge impact — use patterns, motifs, colors, and more on top of the existing dance floor to elevate the entire room and enhance your décor. Many times, couples match the invitation designs here." —Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Photo: Balsam and Blush Photography via Kirkbrides
Fun dress codes. "As a wedding planner, one thing I'm ready to see more of is originality in dress code! Your standard black tie will always be classic and chic, but let's turn it up a notch and get funky with our threads. My favorite dress code from a client's wedding was 'creative black tie,' and the description was anything formal that is fun and makes you feel fabulous — colors and patterns encouraged! I also love when couples send out a broad color palette to guests so the photo gallery looks consistent." —Melanie Levin, Owner, LuckEleven Events
Photo: Cuckoo's Nest West Photography via LuckEleven
Cake gardens. "Cake gardens have become a beautiful focal point for the reception. Reuse ceremony décor, such as bouquets, to form a beautiful display of floral surrounding and adorning the cake." —Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Photo: Amanda K Photography via Bridal Bliss + Rock Paper Coin
Drone shows. "Drone shows are a jaw dropping alternative to fireworks. Bring your guests outside and tell them to look up as a magnificent show of drones fly in the air and form shapes, words, and entertain with their colors and lights." —Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Playful stationery. "Wedding stationery has come a long way since our parents tied the knot, and while there are some guidelines you do have to follow to ensure your invitation includes the appropriate components, it doesn't mean you can't shake things up a bit. I always encourage my couples to challenge tradition by incorporating verbiage that celebrates their personalities. Don't be afraid to throw in playful language to give guests a glimpse of who you are as a couple." —Meghan Shaughnessy, Lace and Belle
Photo: Peterson Design & Photography via Lace and Belle
Champagne towers. "Champagne towers have definitely made a big comeback and are becoming almost as popular as cake cutting! It's a lovely moment when the bride and groom pour the champagne into the tower together." —Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Traditional elements. "We are seeing a throwback to traditional elements. The most recognizable trend so far has been a wedding cake reminiscent of what your parents or grandparents may have had; but we are seeing tradition in other places. Today, couples are resisting trying too hard and many want designs that aren't overthought or overproduced. They have a pulse on timeless designs that will stand the test of time rather than trendy elements or things they've seen too many times before." —Elizabeth Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz Boutique Design & Event Planning
Photo: Erin McGuinn Photography via Elizabeth Lutz Boutique Design & Event Planning
Colorful florals. "Our in-house floral and décor team is excited to see colorful florals and details make a big comeback this year. While stunning white florals and greenery reigned supreme last year, we’re ready for a pop of color to make its way back into weddings." —Jessica Rodrigues Hanselman, Crossed Keys Estate
Photo: Longbrook Photography via Crossed Keys Estate
