When it comes to wedding planning, there’s one thing everyone can agree on — it’s overwhelming! With a never ending to-do list that includes selecting a venue, a dress, making a guest list, deciding on decor, music and entertainment, menu items, officiants, and more, who has time to keep up with trends, too? But if you’re already putting so much effort into your perfect big day, it only makes sense to want to be “current” too. Don’t stress — you can totally plan the wedding of your dreams and keep up with the most recent trends, too.
To help, we spoke with Jacquelyn Aleece, founder of The Wedding Plan & Company, for her wedding trends forecast. Here’s what she had to say.
Jacquelyn Aleece
is the founder of The Wedding Plan & Company.
Meet the Experts
1. Put a bow on it
If you’ve ever been wedding dress shopping then you know just how many options and styles exist out there. Selecting a silhouette, neckline, material, length, embellishments — it’s a lot! But one relatively simple detail on your gown that can make all the difference this year is a bow. Aleece says, “Bows are having a major moment on wedding gowns and this trend will be here through the rest of 2023 for sure. A bow ensures that our brides look beautiful walking both ways down the aisle.”
The best part of this trend is that it’s easy to fit into your own personal style. Whether you have a dramatic bow that ties in the back or a small, feminine accent on your heels, you can embrace the trend and make it work for you.
2. Dramatic, dimensional florals
Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas like in a warehouse or studio, or are tying the knot at an already-decorated venue, there are ways to truly customize your space while also embracing the hottest wedding trends of this year. First up, florals. “Florals are going to be all about statement pieces,” says Aleece. “Using florals to frame lounge area vignettes for guests to use throughout the night is going to be a big trend as traditional photo booths take a back seat for a bit. Floral ceiling installations are a huge trend right now to add a unique flare of dimension to reception rooms.”
If big, dramatic florals aren’t quite within your budget, there are other ways to embrace this trend that are a bit more economical. You could always opt for faux florals (there are some out there that look super realistic) or check out your local online marketplaces to nab a used one for a fraction of the price.
3. All about the aisle
All eyes will be on you when you walk down the aisle, but a close second — the decor. Aleece says, “It’s all about the aisle,” and that having “statement” aisle decor is a trend that won’t be going away anytime soon. She says, “Aisle runners and flooring have come a very long way and couples are using their aisle to create jaw dropping ceremonies.” Go ahead, and take your first steps as a married couple in style.
Another trend? Classic black and white color schemes with crystal accents. While some couples will always prefer colors, more and more are opting for the more classic and timeless combo of black, white, and sparkle.
4. Start things off right
Who doesn’t love a little party before the party? According to Aleece, more and more couples are moving cocktail hour up to before the ceremony which really sets the tone for the evening ahead. Though the trend has picked up slowly over the past few years, it’s really caught on. Aleece explains that since guests have spent the day getting ready and traveling to your event, “the first thing they want to do is eat, drink, mingle and use the restroom.” By giving them an “arrival cocktail hour” you can then proceed to the ceremony, dinner, and dancing.
5. Farewell, favors
Many couples will breathe a sigh of relief when they find out that favors are really falling out of favor. Little trinkets or personalized small gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation used to be “the norm” but according to Aleece, “They’re really making an exit.” She says, “Unless a family member or close friend is an artisan who offers their goods, most couples are opting out of distributing favors as a way to save money, time, and resources.” Plus, she says that the excess of leftover items or uselessness of many favors is off putting.
Whether you choose to embrace all, one, or none of these forecasted trends, just make sure you take some time out of your big day to soak it all in.
