wedding trends 2023
As a record breaking 2022 wedding season comes to an end (phew), I have teamed up with some epic wedding suppliers to find out what 2023 wedding trends we are likely to be seeing. Most couples I have booked in for 2023 have a strong focus on making the wedding an event to be enjoyed by everyone. This means dropping a few traditions and reimagining a few more. Providing more of an experience. One that can be enjoyed and talked about long after the wedding day.
Fashion wedding Trends 2023
80s nostalgia
The 80s are back. Well they never left my house. I have no problem letting you all know I listen to 80s hits and not a lot else. Just like Rick Astley, Im never going to give that up. However, 80s vibes are going to be popping up in wedding dresses. Think a modern twist of the big poof sleeves, dramatic design details, not fully Princess Di but a nod to it. Brides who want to stay clear of the big dress are searching for women bridal suits. According to SEMrush data for April 2021 and April 2022, The search for ‘women bridal suits’ went up by 125%
Pearls and Bows
Again thanks to the 80s wedding trends coming through bows and Perls are also being searched for more than ever. Jimmy Choo’s Sacaria shoe is completely studded with pearls have a look here .You’re welcome! https://www.jimmychoo.com/en/collections/womens-collections/pearl/sacora-100/white-satin-sandals-with-all-over-pearls-SACORA100WOZ080308.html?cgid=collection-pearl#start=1
Ive already seen the Pearl details in wedding veils and shoes towards the end of this year. I’m excited to more in 2023 weddings.
Inclusive language
FINALLY! We seem to be shifting towards a more inclusive vocabulary when talking about our weddings. I haven’t used certain words like ‘Bridal Party’ and ‘Bride and Groom” in any in my booking forms or questionnaires for years. It seems couples booking their weddings are also changing up their wording. ‘Bridesmates’, ‘Sten do’ and ‘I do Crew’ are going to be showing up on socials more. A more inclusive way to talk about friendship groups with out being gender specific. I’m all for it. My husband was a ‘flower dude’ for his uncles wedding this year. He enjoyed it more than being best man.
I would like to put a strong emphasis on ‘inclusive language’ not being a trend, or a popular bandwagon to jump on. This is something we all need to be doing out of love for our fellow humans. The wedding Industry has a long way to go still.
Colour Wedding trends 2023
Bright colour pops
Earlier in the year I had an inspiration shoot with Rachel Bray at Kiss and Make up where we included some of the predicted wedding trends 2023. One trend we were wanting to highlight was colour. Specifically clashing colours like Bight pink and Bright Orange. There is a lot of this coming through on Pinterest and Instagram and is set to continue in to 2023 weddings. You can see some more of Rachel’s makeup looks here https://www.kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk
Black Metals
Think of the displays at weddings and instead of the rustic wood, white painted wood or copper piping, it’s going to be lots of black metal. From welcome signs to cake stands, black metal is everywhere. In another inspiration shoot last month, black metal was used with white signs and black fonts. Creating elegant, clean and simply styling.
Burnt orange
According Lauren at Bluebird creative, a wedding planner, YouTube sensation and all round epic human, we will be seeing much more Burnt Orange. Not just in bridesmaids dresses but also in the styling and decor. Continuing on with a little nod to the 70s vibe we have been seeing this year. Lauren is an expert when it comes to all things wedding and her YouTube Chanel is a hub of information for couples planning a wedding. You need check out this epic video on wedding trends for 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sihIsDOqKco
Clean and Simple Styling
I asked Amy at The Blissful Bride what her her couples are asking for and what wedding trends 2023 she is expecting
“The big wedding trend for 2023 styling is monochromatic with geometric elements. Couples are mixing it with greens and foliage. More and more couples are keeping it clean, sleek and minimal”
This ties in perfectly with the wedding stationery I’ve recently been shown for a 2023 wedding. Lots of white and black with elegant fonts, creating a more classical style.
You can find out more about wedding styling and prop hire from The Blissful Bride here https://theblissfulbride.co.uk
Location Location Location
Before the Covid pandemic you could only get married outside in England and Wales if your venue had a licensed outdoor structure. So you would need a venue with something like a pergoda or a bandstand. However during the pandemic, to keep people safe and weddings going ahead, venues were granted a temporary permission to host wedding ceremonies outside. This was a popular choice and has now been made a thing. So now, if your chosen venue has a wedding licence guess what, you can get married outside. Hooray! 2023 will see a huge number of couples opting for an outdoor ceremony. Now if we could just control the weather that would be perfect.
Sustainable weddings
The increased conversations we are having in the wedding industry around sustainability are making waves with couples as well as suppliers. I have already seen some beautiful and creative ways to reduce waste. More couples are looking at the way their wedding effects the environment. Save the date cards are going digital, cutting out paper. This allows more in the budget to make something special with your invitations or menus.
Favours made out of seeded card that you can take home and plant, will be back in 2023. Upcycling ‘something old’ to ‘something new’ and incorporating that into you day will also be more popular. Even renting a wedding dress has been in conversation with a bride.
These may all be baby steps, but collectively, over a wedding season, will make a huge difference.
Weekend Weddings
I caught up with Rachel Terrett from Salt and Scent Events, A wedding planner, stylist and freelance event manager based in the cotswolds, to find out what wedding trends for 2023 couples are booking.
“Weekend weddings are going to be in full swing in 2023. After years of restrictions, couples are ready to make the most of being surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Treating them like the VIPs they are! Many couples are choosing to kick off celebrations the night before with a casual supper and drinks. Along with hosting a hungover brunch to catch up on all the wedding gossip before everyone heads home”
Find out more about Rachel’s wedding planning and styling, or book a consultation here https://www.saltandscent.co.uk
My favourite wedding trend 2023
Cocktail hour! Yes party people the cocktail hour is back. After talking weekend weddings Rachel also mentioned that her couples have already been providing cocktails this year and look set to continue long into 2023. “Cocktail hour is also hugely popular at the moment. Made personal with ‘His and Her’ choices , or their famous family recipe.
As a wedding photographer I love this idea of people mingling with their cocktails, such a joy to photograph. Lots of opportunities for some great candid shots.
For more wedding reading visit my previous blogs here
https://www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk/wilderness-reserve-suffolk-wedding/