Updated ways to tie the knot
NOVEL NUPTIALS
When you’re starting to plan your wedding, you might begin to wonder what you can incorporate to make the entire celebration stand out and stay memorable. One way to do that is by incorporating the latest trends that are floating around the wedding industry and seen by those at the front lines of it all: wedding planners.
Take a look at what these wedding planners say are their favorite trends for 2023 that they are seeing so far.
Photo Credit: Tony Anderson
NON-TRADITIONAL GUEST BOOKS
It can be hard to spend a lot of quality time with all of your guests at your wedding, so having a guest book can allow you to reflect on the memories and loving words they left you on your big day.
One fun trend that wedding planner Brianna Parks has started to see is around non-traditional guest books.
“Whether it’s signing a polaroid book or leaving an audio message, we’ve been seeing a huge influx of non-traditional guest books for signing,” says Parks. “It’s much more fun for both the couple and the guests.”
Photo Credit: Morten Falch Sortland
VIBRANT COLOR PALETTES
If you have bold taste and find yourself eager to create an atmosphere for your wedding that’s filled with pops of color and bright designs, wedding planner Amy Parmar says that she’s seeing couples go for more vibrant color palettes when planning their decor.
“Rich jewel tones, bright summer colors, and saturated pastels are more popular and are coming through especially in flowers,” says Parmar.
Photo Credit: Carolin Voelker
LIVE VENDORS
A fun way to make your wedding memorable is by incorporating unique vendors that put on a show. Wedding planner Chrissy Wolfman says she’s been seeing more live entertainment at weddings and it’s really been something that guests are impressed by.
“This can be as simple as a solo musician at the welcome party, a string ensemble at the ceremony, a band at the reception, live painter, dessert made on-site, anything and everything that can elevate the day is up for consideration,” says Wolfman. “Adding a live element to any celebration will instantly create a wow factor.”
Photo Credit: Digital Vision.
INTIMATE MOMENTS
Even if your guest list is larger than you thought it would be, you can still find ways to create more intimate and private moments throughout your wedding adventure. Wedding planner Abby Frye has been seeing couples do more of that so far in 2023.
“I have been seeing couples do multi-layered ceremonies,” says Frye. “A lot of her couples are choosing to hold intimate church ceremonies before they exchange vows in front of a crowd at their wedding venue.”
Photo Credit: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc
POP-UP WEDDINGS
For the couples who don’t have a dream wedding in mind, wedding planner Kate Norrishas seen more of going down the path of tossing a twist into celebration by doing a pop-up wedding.
“I have seen more couples choose to have a surprise or impromptu ceremony in an unexpected location, such as a scenic park or an art museum,” says Norris. “These whimsical celebrations allow for couples to inject a sense of spontaneity and surprise into their special day.”
Photo Credit: John Henley
BRIDAL STYLISTS AND DRESSERS
One extra vendor that wedding planner Stephanie Teague has started to see couples hiring in 2023 are bridal stylists and dressers.
“Brides are looking for someone to not only help with the dress selection but also assist with attire for the whole wedding weekend (think welcome parties, rehearsal, and farewell brunches),” says Teague. “When it comes to wedding day, a bridal stylist can develop their entire look from their accessories to their hair and makeup. Having a bridal dresser on wedding day can also be priceless. They will ensure the dress and accessories are properly steamed and prepped and they will ensure throughout photos and different parts of the day that the bride is always looking her best.”
Teague says the benefit of this is that it relieves so much of the work that often falls on her bridesmaids or other wedding vendors.
Photo Credit: Terry Vine
A PRIVATE LAST DANCE
If you’re looking for an intimate and memorable way to end the reception, wedding planner Thomas Beaman says he has seen couples do a private last dance as their guests line up outside for the grand exit afterward.
“This gives the couple a few moments to get close and think about the amazing day they just had,” says Beaman. “Plus they get a few more amazing photos. The DJ plays one last song as the guests make their way outside to line up for the grand exit (usually a sparkler exit). Once the song ends, the couple is just about ready to make their big exit.”
Photo Credit: KOLOstock
MISMATCHED BRIDESMAID DRESSES
When deciding on what type of dress style, color, and design you want your bridesmaids to wear, wedding planner Marissa Johnsonsays she has seen a lot more bridal parties go with a mismatched trend.
“This is because of the rising popularity of customization and personalization in weddings,” says Johnson. “As more and more couples aim to make their special day truly unique, they are turning to creative solutions like mismatched bridesmaid dresses to add a touch of individuality to their wedding party.”
Photo Credit: Thomas Barwick
CONVERTIBLE WEDDING DRESS
If you want to wear multiple looks at your wedding but you don’t want to spend the money buying two dresses, wedding planner Ashley Thompson says many brides are choosing convertible wedding dresses.
“When wearing a convertible wedding dress, you can seamlessly transition through your wedding day with a variety of looks,” says Thompson. “For example, you can start with all your bridal layers on, and during key moments throughout the day, you start taking off layer by layer to create new looks. This saves you money, and it also saves you a lot of headaches looking for multiple perfect dresses.”
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