Farewell matching bridesmaids, goodbye stuffy wedding breakfasts, so-long diluted pastels and beige by the bucketful. There’s something in the air; it’s almost certainly love, but this year we see it from a different perspective with wedding trends that welcome fun in place of weighty traditions. Confidence and joy reign this year; think rainbow dresses and Champagne towers, floral arches and family-run tearoom-style dessert tables of homemade tarts and wonky Victoria sponges. The next 12 months open the door to a round of weddings where personal tastes have no bounds, the catalyst for technicolour memories; the year of the un-wedding is upon us.
Intimate Gatherings
Bijou gatherings look set to stay this year, with couples valuing deep conversation and selective guestlists over a more bombastic party. These are gatherings at which everyone knows everyone, and there's a focus on connection, giving space for stunning dinner locations, on clifftops or under willows, and freedom from standard celebration rosters. Micro weddings give way to personalised days, where nothing, and everything, should be expected.
Sustainable celebrations
The environment remains an important point for to-be-weds this year, with couples making more considered choices when it comes to their dream day. “In 2024, sustainability continues to take centre stage in the world of weddings. Couples are becoming increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, and this extends to their wedding plans. From using biodegradable decor to choosing locally sourced, organic catering options, eco-conscious weddings are here to stay!” says Dale of Dale Alexander Events.
Rust weddings
Despite its title, there’s nothing ‘old’ about this trend. With Pinterest reporting a 695% increase in searches for “burnt orange wedding theme” think terracotta canopies backlit with the warm glow of candlelight, copper candelabras and bouquets a fiery sunset. These schemes afford a year-round allure for couples, whether embracing an autumn wedding where foraged hedgerow finds create dramatic centrepieces, or a bohemian edge to summer scheme, where crumpled russet tablecloths offset oversized pampas wreaths.
Retro design
With nostalgia tipped as one of this year’s most prominent interior design trends, expect nuptials with a touch of Saturday Night Fever to be featuring within the wedding sphere. A scheme that will find guests of all generations getting truly on board with, they’ll arrive adorned in pin cord suits and wide-collared shirts, vivid jumpsuits and clashing heels. Here, polaroid cameras and unplugged ceremonies sit alongside disco balls and a 70s groove, accompanied by layered cakes, vol-au-vents and Martinis. These are vibrant and uplifting gatherings with soul.
Weekend-long affairs
Why enjoy a day-only celebration when you can spend an entire weekend toasting togetherness? "Couples are choosing to extend their festivities, allowing more time for cherished moments with family and friends at exclusive-hire venues. Having quality time to spend pre and post the wedding itself affords a more relaxed essence to the big day, enables the excitement to build in the run up to the main event and time to re-live all the memory-making moments the day after.” Says Lucy of Lucy Ann Events.
It's all about the "Wow!"
Individuality is at the forefront of weddings this year, and backdrops that are about more than Instagrammable moments will take the lead in memory-making immersion. While flower arches and photobooths have been commonplace wedding accompaniments, 2024 will see these go even bigger and brighter. Brass bands, fireworks, thrift-store only dress codes and secret speakeasies; it’s all about the one-of-a-kind experiences that will linger longer.
