Upcoming Wedding trends of 2023

One of the trends for 2023 is the twilight wedding (which is a wedding that happens as the sun goes down and not, a wedding themed like the Twilight series).

Whilst near-darkness weddings can be difficult in summer, they’re perfect for the shorter days of autumn and winter and make for a truly magical backdrop for nuptials.

Imagine walking down a candlelit isle, with the sun setting on a mild September evening

Fashion

From 80's gowns to pearl detailing, 2023 is certainly shaping up to be iconic where attire is concerned, puff sleeved dresses were in abundance during Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week along with shorter rah-rah skirt inspired detailing by Viktor & Rolf. Sleek and chic bridal suits are also growing in popularity.

Pearls are adding an elegant touch to any brides style, from simple earrings to more extravagant pearl covered heels or even a pair of white converse high-tops for the more alternative bride. Bows are also making an apperance in 2023, from large focus grabbing bows on dresses to smaller bow details, adding pearl studded bows will ensure you are bang on trend.

Wedding Squad or I Do Crew

Moving away from the term Bridal Party towards a more inclusive Wedding Party allows for more neutral norms such as Grooms-maids or Mate of Honour. More and more brides are looking for male bridesmaids or female groomsmen which reflects their friendship group as a whole rather than gender specific roles. The joint hen and stag party or Sten party is also growing in popularity as many couples share friendship circles and would prefer to celebrate with their entire friendship group.

Which brings us nicely to the guest list. During the pandemic couples had to be strict with their wedding guest lists in order to comply with government guidelines. Weddings post pandemic have remained on the smaller side and it seems as though this may continue. But what do you do if guests assume that they have a plus one or assume that they are invited to the day time celebrations as well as the night time party. Being firm yet polite is an absolute must, a simple "I’m so sorry but due to budget limitations/venue capacity, I’m afraid we can’t justify plus ones" should work well. But what about the children? Remember it is entirely your day and you can choose to have an entirely child free day, invite immediate family children only or include all children.

The Big Day

Alternative weddings such as Hand Fastings or humanistic ceremonies are quickly becoming more popular in 2023, in the UK however a humanist ceremony is not legally recognised as it is in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Handfasting dates back over 2,000 years and, unsurprisingly, there are many variations to the binding together of hands as a symbolic act of unity. Using ribbons, lace, or cord, or material that has significance to the couple, the celebrant or chosen wedding guests bind together the hands of the couple either whilst or before they make their vows. Humanist ceremonies and Handfasting can be done anywhere and work nicely with commitment ceremonies. 

Elopements are becoming increasingly popular in 2023 and with the cost of an elopement at Gretna Green starting at £195 elopement is an ideal way of having an intimate wedding on a small budget.

Food and Drink

Cocktail hour has been popular in the US for many years, but it is finally making its way across the water, couples can create a signature cocktail, or incorporate spirit/gin making workshops as part of their hen or stag parties and serve those also using miniatures as wedding favours. Alongside the cocktails, Hors D’oeuvres can be served, such as Cheese and/or Vegetable trays, Breadsticks, Flat bread, Olives and Nuts (taking in to consideration any allergies), Savory puff pastries, Pizza bites, Pinwheel bites, Garlic bread and Bruschetta. 

The humble fruitcake is set to be revamped in 2023 with more modern flavours being incorporated such as strawberry and rose, lemon and elderflower or raspberry and white chocolate becoming increasingly popular. more unique flavours also lend themselves to vegan couples such as coconut and lime, Blackberry and gin or raspberry and lemon. 

New Traditions

The first in an upcoming new tradition trend is the First Look photograph, this is where a small amount of time is set aside for couples to capture the first time they see each other in their wedding attire, this forgoes the whole not seeing each other until the wedding and can be a memorable experience. there are of course pros and cons to this and it wont be for every couple. As couples rally against patriarchal wedding traditions, this idea of keeping apart pre-ceremony seems more and more dated by the minute.

Secondly, alternative first dances, from hiring retro dance mats to mother/son, father/daughter dances, including the wedding party in the first dance can take a lot of pressure off the couple as they wont be the centre of attention (unless they wanted to of course)