2022/2023 : Top Wedding Trends

With wedding season nearly upon us, we took some time to compile the trends we expect to see prosper long into 2023! Whether you’re deep in the midst of planning, or just newly engaged, we have some fun, unique ideas to take inspiration from and give you an idea of the type of themes you’re likely to see in the coming year.

1. Intimate Celebrations

Born from necessity due to the pandemic, scaled-back, smaller celebrations are going nowhere! Less guests means more meaningful interactions with your nearest and dearest, less expense and a more inclusive experience for all. So, it’s no surprise that the huge weddings of the past are no longer desirable to the modern couple. Inviting distant relatives, extravagant venues and excessive novelties added to the pomp and circumstance of weddings, but in 2023 expect to see a lot more relaxed, subtle celebrations of love. The bonus of this approach is budget can go towards other areas too!

2. More personality

A wedding is the merging of two unique, individual personalities, gathered with their closest people to celebrate their love. 2022/2023 weddings are going to continue to focus on individuality and personality. Expect unusual themes, variation from the traditional and sweet homages to the couples love story throughout. Personalised cocktails designed by the couple, childhood pictures, fun timelines of the relationship and having guests design the playlist are all great ways of adding personal touches.

3. Technology

Expect to see a lot more technology involved in 2022/2023 weddings, with live streaming the ceremony and speeches expected to continue long after the pandemic. No longer must relatives who live far away choose between the expense of travelling, or missing out on the wedding completely! Also, wedding websites are a brilliant way to provide all your information to your guests in advance, it speeds up RSVP time and is environmentally friendly. It’s no surprise this has been one of the most prominent trends in recent years – with no sign of its popularity fading.

4. Audio Guest Book

Another fun way of including some technology and a personal touch, instead of guests fumbling to sign a guestbook, is to have them record an audio clip a couple of seconds long that you can download and keep forever. This will help catch all the emotions of the day, and can be more authentic than guests fumbling to think of something to write. It’s also a really fun feature, a telephone, phone box or record players are great ways to include this idea.

5. First Looks

Love them or hate them, first looks are going nowhere! A first look allows the couple to see each other fully dressed, before the ceremony, and they’re becoming very popular. It can be a lovely way of taking some time with each other before the vows, and focusing on all the emotions of the day before the chaos. With a photographer standing by, first looks are an amazing opportunity for some beautiful pictures. But, if you want to save the moment you see your spouse until you are walking down the aisle, first looks with your parents, bridesmaids or groomsmen can be a great alternative.

6. All-Inclusive Venues

All-inclusive venues, where you can have your ceremony, pictures and after-party are going to be very popular in the upcoming season. They reduce stress, travel disasters and create a more cohesive day, allowing allows you and your guests to relax and get comfortable, without worrying about the dreaded journey between ceremony to dinner. And there’s no better place than Donegal for an all-inclusive wedding, with many hotels, country homes and castles offering beautiful scenery for photos, stunning ceremony settings and large dining rooms for all celebrations.

7. Brighter, Bolder Colours

Neutrals have been in for a very long time, and for good reason. There’s something beautiful about a soft and simple wedding theme. But, be prepared for much more boldness in 2022/2023. In a post-pandemic world, brighter colours will symbolise joy, vibrancy and new beginnings – perfect for bolder couples.

8. Funky Food

Another way we expect to see more personal touches to a wedding is through food. Instead of traditional, sit-down dinners, we expect 2022/2023 will continue to see unique menu options. Buffets, tacos, grazing tables and food trucks are all fun ways of changing up the food at your celebrations. As well as this, funky cakes are here to stay. Think donut towers, brownie stacks, churro cakes or a combination of desserts!

9. Natural, Minimal Bouquets

While we still love a huge bouquet, we are starting to see more minimalist floral trends and expect this to continue in 2022/2023. More chic and subtle, a minimal bouquet with complementary natural colours and textures will ensure the focus remains on your dress.

10. Mismatched Bridal Parties

Gone are the days of bridesmaids in huge, puffy, over the top dresses. Bridesmaids and groomsmen in recent years have been more stylish, and complementary to brides and grooms. In 2022/2023, we expect to see this go further. Bridesmaids in different styles and colours can be a beautiful way of softening the overall look of your wedding and can tie in your whole colour scheme. It also has the added bonus of not having to find a dress style that suits everyone!