23 Trends for 2023 Weddings

2022 was the year of the post-pandemic wedding boom and this was a big influence on how the wedding market operated last year. As we enter a New Year, we’re so excited to bring you our pick of the trends we predict you’ll see at 2023 weddings, from fashion tips to possible colour schemes, read on and see how many you’d have for your own wedding to stay ahead of the curve…

 

1. RUFFLES 

The 80’s called and they want their ruffles back… Wedding dress styles at the bridal fashion weeks in 2022 were overrun with puff sleeves and ruffled dresses adorning the catwalks. So, whether 2023 brides plump for a layered organza skirt or a detachable ruched shoulder piece, we’re predicting an influx of ruffles.

 

2. WEDDING SUITS

Suits aren’t just for the grooms, we’re seeing a surge in suits for women for the 2023 season. They’re ideal for pre and post-wedding celebrations and are a great contrast to your wife’s dress if you want to express your own style. So if ruffles and organza aren’t your thing, maybe a chic blazer and stylish trousers could be your aisle style?

 

3. WEDDING TERMS

It’s high time the wedding industry became more inclusive and we’re pleased to witness the marriage between gender-neutral and inclusive terms and weddings in 2023. Moving towards phrases like ‘wedding party’ rather than the limiting ‘bridal party’ and having ‘mates of honour’ and ‘groomsmaids’ are all fantastic ways to make everyone feel included and reflect your actual friendship group rather than the traditional norms we think we have to follow. 

 

4. SOMETHING BLUE

2022 saw the popularity of sage green bridesmaid dresses surge, but for 2023, experts are predicting that blue and lavender tones will be taking over. After Bridgerton inspiring regency blue at weddings and the official Pantone colour of the year announced as ‘Very Peri’, your bridesmaids will be totally on trend and spoilt for dress selection if you choose them as your ‘something blue’!

 

5. GUEST LISTS

Many couples didn’t have a choice when it came to guest lists during the pandemic, but actually being forced to have a more restrictive guest list could be a blessing for 2023 couples. Most couples would admit that they often feel pressured to invite certain people to their big day, but a post-pandemic world means micro-weddings and limited guest lists are a great way to make sure your nearest and dearest will be present at your wedding this year. 

 

6. OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

Before the pandemic, you could only wed outdoors in England and Wales if the venue had a registered outdoor structure, but outdoor weddings proved so popular that now you can get married anywhere outside at your venue! Along with venues injecting time and money into upgrading their outside space, 2023 will be the year of saying your ‘I do’s’ in the great outdoors! 

 

7. WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS

Weddings aren’t just one day affairs anymore, couples are taking the opportunity to prolong their celebrations over several days or a weekend. Sandwich the big day with spa treatments and parties with your loved ones this year.

 

8. ELOPEMENTS

Maybe it’s the Kourtney and Travis effect, but the number of elopements is up, up, up in our post-pandemic world. Jet off to Lake Como with your love for a romantic weekend or wed on a beach in the Maldives surrounded by flower arches and the lapping ocean. Remember, elopements don’t have to be solitary affairs, bring your loved ones with you and make a magical holiday from it!

 

9. SIMPLE FLOWERS

Wedding flowers usually summon images of huge, excessive floral displays spilling from every surface, but for 2023, less is definitely more. Tablescapes will feature minimal and clean floral displays in neutral shades. We predict that there will be fewer smaller displays dotted all over the venue and an uptake on larger installations like flower arches and floral clouds to create beautiful photo backdrops. 

 

10. SUSTAINABILITY

Something that shouldn’t be a trend but rather a requirement for 2023 weddings is incorporating sustainable practices into your day. Couples are becoming more aware of how their one big day could have an even bigger impact on the environment, so we think reducing your carbon footprint will be an important consideration for weddings.

 

11.  REUSABLE FAVOURS

On the theme of sustainability, reduce your waste by having reusable favours for your wedding day. We think 2023 weddings will feature eco-conscious favours, like potted succulents, homemade jams and seed paper, ideal for your guests to take home whilst also acting as a placename holder!

 

12. COCKTAIL HOUR

More couples will be dedicating an hour of their day to the much-loved cocktail according to wedding experts. We’re seeing couples curate their own cocktail menu with their favourite recipes and personalised names to reflect their relationship, whether that’s pet names or favourite holidays.

 

13. FRUIT CAKE

But not as you think! Couples are moving away from the traditional currant fruit cake and incorporating fruit into their wedding cakes in fun and creative ways. In terms of 2023 wedding cake flavours, raspberry and white chocolate will be a hit, as well as lemon and elderflower for a fresh flavour. 

 

14. FIRST LOOK

Usually, the first look happens between the couple as their eyes meet up the aisle, but photographers are offering a chance to capture that moment on film. Couples now dedicate some time before the ceremony to get the look in each other’s eyes on camera for a private and intimate moment. 

 

15. AISLE STYLE

As well as capturing the first look on camera, couples are also switching up how they walk down the aisle. To fit with modern family structures, there is no longer a need to be ‘given’ away to your partner by your father as this is an outdated, patriarchal practice. Instead, walk down the aisle with someone you love and appreciate or walk yourself down the aisle!

 

16. SPEECHES

Traditionally, the father of the bride, groom and best man give speeches, but 2023 is set to subvert this tradition. Weddings should consider who would give the best speech, rather than which role automatically assigns you a speech, after all, it might be someone’s nightmare to give a speech and someone else’s dream.

 

17. BOUNCY CASTLES

It may sound like something you’re more likely to have at a kid’s birthday party, but bouncy castles are set to storm wedding entertainment. Now available for hire in wedding colours that can match your theme, we can only imagine the fun you could have capturing photographs bouncing away!

 

18. DISPOSABLE CAMERAS

Wedding photography is an expensive part of your day, so get your guests to help you out! Placing disposable cameras on each table and letting your guests capture candid shots is a trending way to see your wedding through your guest’s eyes. Give one to each of your bridesmaids with a list of what you want them to snap to ensure every element is captured. 

 

19. EVENING FLATS

Brides often swap their heels out for flats to dance the night away, but there are so many choices now! A trending choice is to have personalised trainers with your name and date on them, a comfy and stylish choice we’re set to spot in the new year. Check our personalised shoe feature on page 38 for more ideas!

 

20. SWEET TABLE

Dessert for weddings is so much more than just cake these days. Couples are opting for a sweet table full of baked goods like macarons and cake pops to go alongside the big cake centrepiece. A pick ’n’ mix candy cart is also a lot of fun for guests to customise their own sweet selection from vintage glass jars and striped paper bags. (Photo: Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium)

 

21. POLAROIDS

As well as disposable cameras, polaroids are another camera trend we think will continue to soar. Whether you put polaroid snaps as your table names, let your loved ones snap a picture of themselves to stick in your guest book or just create some memories along the way, polaroids are a fantastic instant way to capture the moment!

 

22. WEDDING SCENT 

Senses are so important, and smell is one we think will be prioritised for 2023. Couples are using candles and diffusers to scent their wedding day, everywhere from the bridal suite to the ceremony. You could save some of the candles to burn on your anniversary and transport you back to the special day.

 

23. HAIRCUT

Most brides plan their beauty prep months in advance, but why not do it on the day? We’re seeing a surge in brides getting their haircut between the ceremony and the reception to tear up the dancefloor with a flirty, shorter hairdo! Do you have the nerve to take the chop?

Words by Callum Topazio