Key Wedding Trends for 2023
Sustainability Remains a Priority.
Increasing concerns over climate change has propelled the demand for good-for-the-planet products and services. Modern couples are becoming more conscious of the resources they use and finding ways to celebrate without harming the planet. This can mean using recycled materials for decorations, no single-use plastics, sending out electronic invites, buying handmade goods, supporting local suppliers and choosing a local venue to help reduce the celebration’s carbon footprint. Still proving to be a huge trend for 2023 is furniture and decor made using materials with a minimal negative impact on the environment. Items made from quickly renewable, natural resources like cane, wicker and bamboo, will continue to be popular and there are SO many reasons why recycled, vintage and antique furnishings will be big again in 2023. Flea markets, local antique stores, and websites including Facebook Marketplace are excellent resources for sourcing fantastic vintage pieces. There is so much stuff already out there in the world, why not re-use and give old items a new life instead of buying new?
Colour Palettes
Bold colours and brights that offer energy and vigour will be seen in the 2023 wedding palette. Colour plays such a crucial role in wedding design and Pantone’s Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, a brave shade of red that ‘revels in pure joy’ could initially look a little tricky for those (like me) who favour the simplicity of warm neutrals or the classical crispness of green and white but adding in some jewelled tones into your wedding styling doesn’t have to be garish! Keep it classic and simple by using the same colour scheme running throughout, mixing deeper, rich colours with lighter shades brings warmth to autumn/winter nuptials, natural colours like plum, fig and berry are beautiful and use brighter hues for a spring/summer wedding. You can used strong colours toned down into dreamy watercolours and weave them subtlety through invitations, statement furniture pieces, tabletop decor, styled florals, cakes, and even plates and glassware.
Return to the 80s
No to legwarmers and slogan t-shirts or fingerless lace gloves but there does seems to be a percolating penchant for 1980s trends. Simplistic styles look set to be upstaged by bolder dresses and statement styles. This ‘80’s trend will inject a new and glamourous style into 2023 weddings, big shoulders, bow details, embellished veils, high-neck styles and ultra-high slits create eye-catching outfits and make wedding dress fashion fun once again. For the eco-conscious, this trend can tie in with lessening your environmental impact by seeking pre-loved or vintage clothing. It’s a great way to repurpose items and introduce styles that were prominent in the era into a modern-day wedding, as well as offering serious cost saving benefits.
Outdoor Weddings
Usually reserved for warmer climates, outdoor weddings are growing in popularity and many UK venues have adapted their outdoor facilities so weddings can be enjoyed in natural environments, with nature providing beautiful décor and stunning backdrops. New laws mean that couples can enjoy a wider range of locations than ever before, shimmering beaches, abundant gardens, historical ruins and striking industrial spaces with many locations offering the opportunity to turn the wedding into a weekend getaway.
Florals – Petite Bouquets and Grand Installations
Elegant and petite will replace abundant and wild larger bouquets in 2023. You can make a stunning impact with simple and elegantly understated florals and smaller posies. Minimal handheld bouquets are easy to carry and won’t hide beautiful wedding attire. In contrast ceremony and venue florals are set to be grand, ah yes, and that bold colour theme is back! Lilac and lavender will feature, along with all hues of pink, and brights like yellow and orange. Sweeping floor arrangements, dynamic table installations (choose wide tables to allow for opulent use of florals and centrepieces without overbearing the place settings) and an overall sense of bringing the outdoors inside.
Closing Thoughts
Wedding trends come and go, the design of a wedding should speak to your aesthetic and couples should surrender the idea that their wedding day must follow certain trends. If some wedding elements are untrue to you, then do away with them and create your own trends that feel aligned to you. Weddings are an affirmation of mutual love, a chance to celebrate the partnership between a couple with their family and friends. Your wedding should be an entirely unique experience to do completely and unashamedly your way.
