The current year is far from over, but a new year full of wedding celebrations is right around the corner.
The pandemic has changed the wedding world in so many ways. Cancellations and postponements wreaked havoc. Disappointment and worry were widespread, causing couples to have to make unbelievably challenging decisions
Now, with inflation and demand driving wedding costs higher than ever, many couples again find themselves needing to make adjustments to their wedding expectations.
A reassessment of values, expenses and priorities is here for weddings– and with it have come a number of changes predicted for 2023.
1. Long live the micro-wedding– guest lists are shrinking.
Slowly but surely, the idea that a BIG wedding is a better wedding, is starting to shift.
For years couples have sweated over trying to include everyone they can think of on their big day, even if that means going over budget and inviting several people that you wouldn’t talk to on a regular basis. As more weddings take place; however, the sentiment behind this idea has gently faded.
Particularly with the economic circumstances weighing heavy on so many, couples are deciding between a big wedding and down payment on a home. And many are saying “I’ll take the home.”
Nowadays, it is perfectly normal to have a limited guest list. A wedding should focus on bringing all the people close to you both under one roof, so keep this in mind when creating your guest list. It is far more acceptable to have an intimate ceremony in today’s world. People understand.
And more than that, intimiate weddings are gorgeous, with big tables that can seat all of your guests together and the ability to actually talk to everyone at your wedding.
Wedding trends in 2022 already have started to reflect this shift. In 2023, this trend will only continue, with small elopements and micro weddings also on the rise.
Read more- https://www.womangettingmarried.com/the-latest-wedding-trend-microweddings/
2. Local, small venues and AirBnB weddings.
With so much uncertainty in the world’s economy, wedding planners are trying to shave off money wherever possible. And cut down on travel expenses, as well.
Your wedding is supposed to be the best day of your life; but it’s is the people that create this atmosphere, not the location. It’s not the frills or fancy location that really make it worth the effort.
And in the spirit of trying to save on costs for friends and family, small, local venues are on the rise.
This is also likely due to availability, which has been especially tight as a result of the pandemic postponements. So the smaller, more local venues are getting more love.
Many are even opting to get married at nearby AirBnbs– with hosts touting wedding venue options as a part of their stays.
3. Bridal suits, jumpers and colored wedding gowns.
As we move further into the 21st century, traditional wedding ideas are slowly falling by the wayside. Gender equality might not be exactly where it should be, but society has made significant strides in the last twenty years. As a result, many of the outdated wedding tropes are no longer in place.
For example, a white wedding dress was always the standard as it represented purity. However, modern brides are starting to reject this old philosophy, and we have seen an increase in colorful wedding dresses. We expect there to also be a rise in bridal suits.
It is likely that many brides will ditch the dress altogether and opt for a wedding suit or jumper. These outfits can be equally as glamorous, and they are far more practical for a long day standing on your feet.
It’s also becoming more common for women to express their true selves on their wedding day, and not feel forced to fit an ideal that doesn’t feel comfortable to them.
We love this, and find it to be the most exciting trend to continue to grow in 2023.
Read more: https://hertrack.com/2022/05/25/wedding-dress-with-personality-tips/
4. No ‘giving away’ the bride or changing last names.
Another outdated notion in previous weddings is the giving away of the bride by her father. While this was a symbolic gesture in times past, it doesn’t really fit with modern values. The same with the changing of the bride’s surname to her new spouse’s last name.
Therefore, many brides are choosing not to be given away at their wedding.
Some brides will walk down the aisle alone, or have several people walk with them. The same goes for Either way, the sentiment of the bride being passed on as property is long gone. Good riddance to it too.
5. Minimal decoration.
Keeping on theme with a low-cost wedding, the decoration budget is one aspect that can quickly snowball. Some couples choose to rent their decorations from a wedding planner, which cuts down on costs. But the more economical solution to this problem is finding a venue that already fits your theme.
And letting that theme be minimal.
There isn’t a lot in the way of theming trends set for 2023, but many people are sticking with modern wedding décor. It just so happens that this modern wedding décor involves keeping things simple.
6. Combined bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The idea of the “last hurrah” before getting married is starting to get…antiquated.
Many couples don’t feel the need to mourn the “loss” of their single life at all, let alone with an expensive same-sex weekend getaway. They’d rather get all their closest friends together on both sides and celebrate together for a fun weekend.
This also again saves on expenses, as instead of dishing out funds for two trips the couples can consolidate costs into one weekend with everyone together.
7. No awkward speeches.
The wedding speeches take up a significant portion of the wedding day. They can also be very stressfull and nervewracking for some family or friends uncomfortable with public speaking.
Some couples are opting to skip this at the wedding, and do speeches at the rehearsal dinner instead. Or they’re relieving the duties all together, making it optional or letting anyone who would like to speak volunteer in advance.
It’s all in the spirit of making your own traditions, and leaning into what makes the most sense for you and your loved ones.
There is no way of telling exactly what the 2023 wedding season will hold, but we know one thing and that’s that it certainly won’t be boring.
Weddings continue to grow, just like we do as people, and that really is something to celebrate. 🥂