2022 is set to have over 2.6 million weddings in the Us. Can you believe it? That is a 40-year high- which means a lot of couples are going to be wondering about wedding trends and ideas for their special day.
We spoke with some fellow wedding planners about what they've been seeing and doing for their trendsetting clients- as well as what has fallen off the wedding map (at least for now.) Here are the wedding trends that we forecasted on the horizon for 2022, and what to avoid.
What's In
Themed Parties
The festivities of the wedding are not just for the wedding day itself. Couples are starting to spend more time and energy on the details surrounding their Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Parties. With themes that are all about fun and humor and whimsy. We have seen requests for everything from circus, outdoor bonfires in the woods, masquerades. Theme like Count of Monte Cristo, disco nights, Old Hollywood, the Great Gatsby and more have all been on the list of requests. We love all of these non-traditional viewpoints on celebration.
Silver Touches
The trend for so long has been gold and rose-gold. Silver will be making its way more on to the scene this year. It has the ability to add some old-world charm to any modern space.
Wallpaper Accents
Using it as your grand entrance backdrop or the scene behind the band, these are the perfect places to bring in your signature wedding colors.
Serious Wedding Guest Style
Maybe because we were all stuck inside for so long but wedding guests style is trending in a way where we are seeing people pull out all of the stops with their looks- head to toe- really using attending weddings as an opporunity to get dressed and wear very special pieces. After all that time on the couch, guests are excited to get dressed up again. Black tie is back, so dust off your tuxedo. Remember to stop by Anthony's Bridal and Tuxedo for all of your special attire needs including tuxedos.
Big Blowout Weddings
As much as we loved the intimacy of 2020 weddings, couples are ready to go big. Big weddings are coming back! We feel like "micro weddings" are now a thing of the past and people are ready to have their big blowout bashes again.
Virtual Save-the-Dates
Virtual Save-the-Dates are a lifesaver and can help avoid spending budget on a whole round of custom stationary, printing, mailing, and also as a way to open the line of communication in more of an instant kind of way, in case plans need to change. There is an instant gratification of sending save-the-dates and instantly getting replies. Also, being able to start communicating messages about the details of the wedding weekend virtually has been very appealing to our clients. One thing we were sure to have learned in 2020 was the need to communicate to guests in real time. So many of our friends and family were dispersed during the pandemic, so as we come into 2022, we encourage our clients to go the virtual route for save-the-dates and invites.
Technicolor Schemes
Couples want to celebrate in technicolor! They want to sit at lively tables decked out in florals and dine under ceilings of florals and lights.
Open Air Tents
As we have become less comfortable crowding together in enclosed spaces open-air environments have become much more attractive. Open-air environments allow guests to rest easy while still feeling protected from the elements.
Multiple and Speciality Bars
Prelockdown satellite bars were trending. Couples seem to be very excited to see them return. Bourbon bars seem to be favored especially alongside premium cigars.
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Hanging Florals
There is a huge demand for hanging florals and also large floral installments where they are suspended above tables or even move from florr to ceiling along the full length of the table such as these that were created by Coastal Flowers and Design, LLC.
Art-Inspired Design
The whole event becomes an immersive experience. Clients are thinking about ways to creatively fill (or add to) empty spaces, creating complex signnature graphic or artistic branding into their details.
The Long Wedding Weekend
Clients want to stretch out their wedding weekend with different kinds of events throughout three to four days, from a large welcome party, a rehearsal dinner, and something active to do during the day, whether it's a round of golf on one of the Gulf Coast's gorgeous golf courses or a group hike/walk/ run, all sprinkled into the long wedding weekend. And of course end the long wedding weekend with a day party to send your guests off.
What's Out
Family Style Meals
Casual suppers will be left for summertime BBQs. Clients now want formality, ritual and elegance... and lots of room on the table for flowers.
Twinkle Light Ceilings
They were and are still very beautiful, but rather than drawing desing updward clients desire to draw attention to the tables and dance floors
Multiple Toasts at the Reception
Toasting is happening the night before or for the smaller group at the rehearsal dinner. At receptions, brides are saying, "Let's dance!" and having with long, formal dinners. Getting the speeches out of the way the night before (except for the groom, best man, and father of the bride's) turns the reception into a dinner party, letting the guests get onto the dance floor much earlier in the night.
Monogrammed Dance Floors
We will always love a monogram, but the statement dance floor monogram we can leave with the trends of the 2010s. If branding the dance floor is for you, think further with artistic touches and graphics to create a statement, pattern, or color that represents your overall wedding style and personality. Checkout the local company, In Love Lights- they create personalized names and sayings in lights that are perfect for a selfie station with a beautiful backdrop like a boxwood wall.
Muted Color Schemes
We are seeing less white/ivory/green this upcoming year. 2022 is looking to be quite vibrant. As lovely and classic as white is, couples want to pick a color and go for it. As the saying goes, Go Big or Go Home!
Overly Packed Welcome Bags
Couples are now offering a simple yet thoughtful treat or gift for guests to enjoy. Many times these goodies relate back to the location of the wedding. This also means less "stuff" for guests to travel home with.