Planning a wedding can seem a bit overwhelming, especially with the myriad of decisions ahead. First you need to decide on the venue but then who do you invite? What food shall I offer my guests is a common concern and then, especially for brides, deciding what to wear on the big day demands a lot of thinking!
In order to help you navigate these tricky questions it always helps to draw inspiration from current trends, many of which can offer valuable insights for your own planning process. From venue ideas to bridal jewellery tips, relax, unwind and sit back as we unravel the biggest wedding trends for 2024…
Alternative Wedding Venues
Top of the list of wedding trends for the upcoming year is the shift towards alternative wedding venues. Brides and grooms are now exploring beyond the conventional, seeking unique settings that elevate their special day into an unforgettable experience.
For example, in 2023 the popularity of vineyard weddings reached new heights, with couples increasingly choosing these picturesque locations to exchange vows. In 2024 we expect this trend to continue: after all, what could be more magical than lush rows of vines providing a natural backdrop, creating a romantic ambiance that is hard to replicate elsewhere? Beyond vineyards, the allure of other non-traditional venues is growing, with options ranging from botanical gardens, historic libraries, to art galleries. These settings not only provide a distinct atmosphere but also allow couples to infuse their personalities into every nook and cranny.
The lasting impact of the pandemic is also evident in the sustained popularity of outdoor weddings. Gardens, parks, and even private residences are being transformed into magical, open-air venues and we expect this to continue in 2024. This surge towards embracing the outdoors is complemented by an increasing demand for exclusive venue hire. In 2024, more and more couples are likely to be drawn to the idea of curating an intimate space, tailoring every element to align with their unique wedding.
Wedding Décor Trends
Over the last few years pastel colours have reigned supreme but leading stylists are predicting that these soft hues are set to be replaced by more bold and lively colour palettes. Think vibrant reds or striking greens as couples really look to stamp their individuality across their big day.
Although flowers will always be integral in some capacity, 2024 is also set to see non-floral arrangements take on a leading role, providing couples with the opportunity to experiment with textures and unconventional materials. Think carefully crafted installations that captivate without overshadowing, offering a contemporary and eco-friendly twist to traditional floral decor.
Decorative drapes and streamers are also surging in popularity, transforming venues into enchanting spaces. Drapes, gently cascading from ceilings or adorning walls, create an intimate yet grand ambiance. Paired with the playful charm of streamers, they infuse movement and festivity into the surroundings.
Oversized statement signs are also very much in-vogue, adding yet another personalised touch to the decor. These signs, adorned with quotes, names, or important dates, not only serve as decorative elements but also convey the couple’s unique personality. Further, 2024 weddings are also set to see the introduction of more elements related to interior design. According to prominent lifestyle bloggers like Moliree cosy couches and inviting lounge areas will be a mainstay.
Culinary Trends
Within the landscape of wedding culinary trends for 2024, a significant evolution is occurring, a move towards a more communal dining experience. Traditional sit-down courses are yielding ground to the popularity of sharing platters as couples look to try and generate a sense of togetherness and interaction among guests.
Introducing sharing platters is also seen as a more budget friendly option and the diversity of choice can have the potential to ease a lot of headaches, especially when it comes to catering for picky eaters or those with special dietary requirements.
Self-serve wedding dining is also set to become more prevalent over the next 12 months. Dessert bars, featuring an array of sweet treats, are very much in demand and provide guests with the autonomy to curate their own pudding. Similarly, the rise of cocktail bars allows guests to craft their own personalised tipple. With a curated selection of spirits, mixers, and garnishes, attendees can participate in the creation of their signature cocktails, adding an entertaining and customisable aspect to the wedding dining experience.
Taking that one step further, some couples have even decided to make their own wedding cake. This option may not be suitable for everyone but further hints at the trend towards making the day unique and personalised.
Videography & Photo Trends
Owing to the emergence of new technologies, couples are now spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to capture the day’s big moments through the lens. Whilst high quality videography has been prevalent for years, 2024 is set to see a shift towards more ‘documentary’ or ‘cinematic’ style wedding videos.
Cinematic-style videography is becoming more popular as it can tell the story of the couple’s love in a way that is both emotional and visually stunning. Videographers are getting more creative in how they employ special effects, and this is also contributing to the timeless nature of the footage.
In terms of video length, partly due to the rise of video-first social platforms, couples are also set to prefer shorter videos in 2024 with professionals like Emmanual Films noting a big rise in requests for footage that lasts around 6 minutes and hones in on the day’s most important highlights.
Like this year, 2024 will also see the continued rise in popularity of the drone. Whether it be stunning aerial shots or wide-angle group photos, drones offer up a plethora of different possibilities for capturing the day’s big, and small, moments.
Wedding Fashion
Fashion takes a deeply personalised turn in 2024, with couples opting for customised dresses and tailored suits that embody their individual style. The traditional white dress, while still timeless, is also set take somewhat of a backseat this upcoming year, making way to more adventurous and colourful bridal ensembles. Red, ivory, and magenta dresses in particular gaining popularity, with red of course most associated with romance and deep love.
In terms of wedding dress styles, drop-waist wedding dresses are experiencing a revival, combining classic elegance with a modern twist. Independent wedding dress boutiques like Caroline Castigliano are also noticing a resurgence in lace styles and have curated collections accordingly.
Additionally, dramatic veils are making a triumphant return, with celebrities recently such as Sofia Richie, Kourtney Kardashian and Olivia Attwood showcasing this look and therefore inspiring increased demand.
Bridal Jewellery Trends
No bridal outfit is complete without the addition of stunning bridal jewellery and as we look to the new year several interesting trends are emerging. Coloured gemstones are becomingly increasingly popular as brides look to showcase their personalities, and this is reflected in the bridal jewellery collections of many leading jewellers across the world.
For example, the bridal jewellery collection by Meaden features everything from exquisite rose pink diamond halo earrings to aquamarine rings. Other leading jewellers are offering retro necklaces and bracelets leading some wedding fashion commentators to forecast that 2024 will see vintage jewellery make a stylish comeback.
In line with the overall trend towards personalisation, custom bridal jewellery is also set to steal the spotlight in 2024. Demand for intricate pieces made with CAD technology is likely to increase whilst engraving wedding rings or other vital bridal jewellery items with special messages is set to become even more popular.
Wedding Celebrants
According to Google trends data there has been a noticeable uptick in searches for wedding celebrants, indicating they could play a vital role in many wedding in 2024. Essentially, a wedding celebrant is a trained professional who specialises in conducting wedding ceremonies. However, unlike traditional clergy or officiants, celebrants offer a more flexible and personalised approach to crafting a ceremony that resonates with the couple’s unique love story.
Wedding celebrants like Nat Raybould are keen to point out that the benefits of this type of ceremony include: “ True flexibility, freedom of time and place and space, ample room for inclusivity and cultural diversity within a single ceremony, a close personal bond with your chosen celebrant who is truly rooting for you throughout your process and beyond.
She added that “a celebrant-led ceremony is crafted to be a precise reflection of the couple themselves, containing their values, their passions and their joys – their unique love. Their ceremony won’t be like anyone else’s ceremony, just as their love isn’t like anyone else’s love.”
