Cheers to 2024! We asked our wedding industry experts about their views on what's new in the New Year
Blog of the month
January 2024
"2024 will be the year of unconventional weddings and personalisation," says Editor of Rock My Wedding, Jennifer Read-Dominguez. "From non-traditional wedding venues and catering options with a less formal feel, to alternative wedding dresses that reflect your personal style. And let's not forget the rise of wedding planning with a little help from AI!"
From unique decor ideas to personalised experiences, these popular wedding trends go beyond the traditional to create a wedding that truly reflects your style and personality. Whether you're a fan of rustic charm or modern elegance, there's something for everyone.
Let's see what 2024 will bring to (the) weddings (table)..
#1 Pantone Colour of year '24
The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2024 has been announced as Peach Fuzz.
The soft velvety hue (PANTONE 13-1023) is nestled somewhere between orange and pink and adds a pop of positivity and warmth.
It's the colour that has been designed to bring "a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration," says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of The Pantone Colour Institute. Will you choose Peach fuzz as your wedding's colour theme?
#2 Destination Weddings are back and trendy in 2024!
As travel restrictions ease and adventure spirits arise, destination weddings are making a triumphant comeback in 2024. This trend encompasses the couples' love for travel and their desire to host an unforgettable celebration in a location that holds sentimental value or offers an exotic backdrop to their special day.
Destination weddings have always exuded romance and excitement. The allure of saying ‘I do’ in a picturesque castle, a tranquil beach, a rustic vineyard, or an adventurous mountaintop and turning the wedding into a vacation for the guests adds a unique spin to the wedding celebrations.' Adds Jessica Stewart (Event Planner Expo NYC)
The most desirable locations for destination weddings in 2024 extend from cultural treasures like Paris, Venice, and Morocco, offering architectural wonders, to tropical paradises, such as Bali and the Maldives, that display natural beauty. Secluded, lesser-known places like a quaint vineyard in Tuscany or a remote beach on a Greek island are also gaining popularity, with couples opting for exclusivity, tranquility, and an authentic cultural experience.
The appeal of destination weddings extends not only to the beautiful locale but also to the intimate setting it fosters. With a selective guest list, characteristic of destination weddings, you can enjoy a more personalized, immersive celebration across multiple days, with various occasions allowing the guests to build a deeper connection with the couple’s narrative and each other.
Having a destination wedding also opens up a palette of creative options. Couples can weave the local culture, cuisine, and traditional customs into their wedding, making it a profoundly personal and unique event. Whether it's a grandeur-infused opulent celebration in a European castle or a simple, romantic beach wedding, couples can kindle a unique ambiance reflecting their shared interests, values, and love story.
#3 Sustainable weddings & Sustainable wedding dresses
True sustainability is a key wedding trend for 2024 according to Agi Duhig, General Manager at Lapstone Barn: “Sustainability and identifying how weddings can be more sustainable and eco-friendly is big on the agenda for lots of couples. At Lapstone Barn, we understand this desire to host a more sustainable wedding. That’s why we only allow real petal confetti and we don’t use plastic straws. Plus, we have electric car charging points for guests with electric vehicles.” She has also found that couples are increasingly opting for locally sourced food and wedding flowers and researching how to create sustainable wedding centerpieces for their tables.
Floral arrangements and centerpieces can be re-imaged using "upcycled" or repurposed items, reducing waste and adding a unique touch to the wedding decor. Additionally, couples are increasingly turning their focus on ethical wedding attire, opting for designers who prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials and approved sustainable manufacturing practices. Wearing second-hand or vintage wedding gowns is also on the rise, redefining the idea of a sustainable yet elegant bridal look.
At the center of this trend is the idea of mindful consumption, which encourages reconsidering the need for a one-use wedding accessory or product. As a result, couples are likely to shift towards renting or borrowing decor items and furniture, reducing their carbon footprint overall and contributing to a circular economy. Furthermore, eco-friendly favors such as potted plants, seeds, artisan honey, or handmade soaps make for sustainable and memorable parting gifts that guests will cherish long after the wedding.
In keeping with the sustainable wedding theme, there’s been a growing trend for sustainable wedding dresses. Brides are increasingly looking to hire their wedding dress or are choosing to customise second-hand or vintage wedding dresses as a way of making their big days more eco-friendly.
Wedding industry visibility specialist Pamela Rae-Welsh says: One of the key components of achieving an eco-friendly wedding is reducing waste and incorporating sustainable practices. Couples can opt for digital invitations, eliminating paper waste while maintaining elegance and personalisation through creative design and typography. Another essential aspect of eco-friendliness is incorporating locally sourced and seasonal ingredients in the catering menus, promoting farm-to-table philosophy, and supporting local businesses.
#4 Something New Something You! Customize..
Retro or Disco? Say Yes!
Did you love the 80s? Vibrant colours, retro hues and even disco themes are all set to be big wedding colour trends for 2024 – all guaranteed to look sensational in those wedding photo booth pictures!
Customized Wedding Dresses
Jessica Stewart and the Event Planner Expo team in their article I Do, Redefined: Charting the Future of Weddings with 2024's Top Trends take you on a journey detailing the future of weddings in 2024. 'As we step into 2024, the transition into a more personalized, unique, and meaningful wedding trend is promisingly evident.' Wedding attire is a quintessential expression of the brides and grooms' sense of style on their special day, and 2024 is all about customization. The classic white gown, although still beloved, now shares the stage with an array of shades, designs, and styles. Custom wedding dresses have taken the industry by storm, providing couples the opportunity to don clothing that represents their tastes, preferences, and unique love story.
The shift from conventional white gowns to an array of colors, intricate embroideries, and personalized embellishments has allowed brides to break free from the mold. More people are embracing colors like blush, champagne, and even bolder hues, depending on the wedding theme and the bride's choice. Modern brides are increasingly opting for non-traditional cuts, silhouettes, and even jumpsuits or suits, challenging the age-old stereotype of the "perfect bridal attire."
Images courtesy of: Markarian & Elie Saab
As for the grooms, their wardrobe choices have also evolved to incorporate custom designs and vibrant colors, reflecting their personality and complementing the bride's attire. Tailored suits and tuxedos with unique detailing and accessories are essentially commonplace for contemporary grooms who wish to make a statement.
Designer wear plays an influential role in this trend, with many designers offering personalized clothing options that cater to the couple's preferences. Couture-made wedding attire allows the couple to enjoy a curated, one-of-a-kind experience, paying attention to every detail – from the choice of fabric and style to embellishments and motifs – all connecting to a greater significance that symbolizes the love between the couple or their cultural heritage.
As we usher in the era of customized wedding attire, gone are the days of conforming to dated ideals of matrimonial fashion. Weddings in 2024 celebrate the individuality and creativity of the couple, hand-in-hand, making a statement on their unique journey to forever.
#5 New: Immersive Experiences
How about the idea of treating your guests with immersive experiences? These days, couples focus more on incorporating unique entertainment experiences to make their day more memorable. From dance performances to musical nights, live painting, and firework displays, every part of the entertainment is carefully thought of to leave a lasting impression.
Virtual Reality Weddings?
As technology and innovation continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, its influence is inevitable in wedding planning and celebrations. Virtual Reality (VR) has quickly emerged as a groundbreaking tool in the wedding industry, bolstering the experiential aspects of this pivotal event. In 2024, VR weddings have gained traction, offering extraordinary experiences for couples and guests alike.
Through VR technology, couples can live the wedding of their dreams without limitation. With high-quality 360-degree imaging and immersive experiences at their fingertips, couples can walk down the aisle to a virtual destination, be it by the Eiffel Tower, on a stunning beach, or on a snow-capped mountainside. This allows couples to dream big about their special day without geographical or logistical boundaries.
Furthermore, VR weddings have created an avenue for couples with long-distance friends or relatives unable to attend the ceremony physically. By offering a virtual attendance option, loved ones from anywhere in the world can be a part of the couple's wedding in an immersive, interactive way. With VR, this transcends mere video streaming, enabling the guests to remotely experience the wedding as though they are present at the venue.
Besides enhancing the guest experience, VR technology is instrumental in streamlining wedding planning. Couples and wedding planners can now take virtual tours of venues, visualize how different color schemes, lighting, and décor will look in a specific space, and even try on wedding outfits in virtual showrooms – all without leaving the comfort of their homes. The tech-driven approach is revolutionizing wedding planning (and decision-making!), making it more efficient, engaging, and enjoyable for today's digitally-minded couples.
#6 Thematic Weddings
In 2024, thematic weddings have moved to the forefront of wedding trends, allowing couples to create a distinctive, immersive event that showcases their tastes and interests. This trend beautifully curates various aspects of the wedding, from décor and attire to catering and entertainment, anchored around a theme that intimately reflects the couple's story or shared passions.
Thematic weddings can revolve around a plethora of concepts. It can be a period or vintage theme, recreating the elegance of the Roaring Twenties or the chic aesthetics of the nineties. How about a cinematic theme, transporting guests into a scene from a beloved film? For literature lovers, a wedding built around a favorite book or author are also popular. Fanatic of 'The Great Gatsby'? Embellish your wedding with art Deco details and flapper-style dresses.
Couples with a fondness for travel could adopt a world tour theme, incorporating elements from different cultures and cuisines they love. Nature-based themes are perfect for eco-conscious couples, utilizing floral or botanical elements and staging the wedding at a breathtaking outdoor venue.
There's also room for festive themes, such as Christmas weddings with snowflake details, pine wreaths, and a touch of red and green in the décor. Another rising trend is the boho-chic theme, exuding a relaxed, offbeat vibe, perfect for free-spirited couples.
Executing a thematic wedding requires a careful, detailed approach to ensure that the theme is weaved seamlessly into every part of the occasion, from invitations to venue decorations, wedding attire, and even food and music. The end result is an engaging experience that is fun for both the couple and their guests.
PS. Too many choices? Why don't you subscribe for a bridal subscription box that can help you decide and take you through all aspects of wedding planning? Checkout these helpful Destination:Weddings Bridal Boxes that will arrive to your doorstep every month!
So Wedding Industry Trends to Look Out for in 2024..
Kelly Mortimer, well-known Wedding Industry Expert, speaker, trainer & consultant summarized for us what's set to make impact in our fabulous wedding industry in 2024?
1️⃣ Eco-Friendly Celebrations: With increasing environmental awareness, couples are opting for sustainable and eco-friendly weddings. Expect to see creative use of recycled decor, locally sourced food, and even carbon-offsetting initiatives.
2️⃣ Tech-Infused Experiences: Technology will continue to enhance the wedding experience. From live online wedding tours to interactive guest apps, couples are embracing innovative ways to engage and entertain their guests.
3️⃣ Intimate Destination Weddings: As couples seek more intimate and meaningful celebrations, destination weddings will remain popular. Picture breathtaking landscapes, secluded venues, and personalized experiences for the closest family and friends.
4️⃣ Inclusive Celebrations: Weddings in 2024 will celebrate diversity and inclusivity like never before. Couples will prioritise blending traditions to create fusion weddings personal to them.
5️⃣ Sustainable Fashion: Ethical fashion choices will take center stage in wedding attire. Expect to see a rise in eco-friendly fabrics, vintage or upcycled wedding gowns, and conscious choices in wedding party attire.
6️⃣ Personalised Wedding Experiences: Couples will strive to make their weddings truly unique and reflective of their personalities. Customised menus, and interactive entertainment will be key elements in creating memorable experiences.
7️⃣ Non-Traditional Venues: Traditional wedding venues will no longer be the ONLY option (they'll continue to be popular but...) Couples will seek unique spaces such as art galleries, botanical gardens, and even private homes to add a touch of individuality to their special day.
8️⃣ Wellness-Focused Celebrations: Self-care and wellness will be a priority for couples and their guests. Expect to see yoga or meditation sessions the day before or after, healthy plant based menu options, and relaxation areas to create a holistic and rejuvenating wedding experience.
These are just a few predictions that lie ahead. The wedding industry is constantly evolving, and I can't wait to see how couples will continue to push boundaries and create extraordinary celebrations in 2024 and beyond! 🎉💍✨
Feel free to get in touch for further advice, or if you have questions or thoughts - our team is happy to help. Drop us a message via info@dwpa.co.uk
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DWPA UK Team is wishing you a fantastic, successful, happy and healthy 2024 for this year ahead!
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