After two years of cancelled and rescheduled weddings thanks to the pandemic, 2022 has been a year of relief and much celebration for many, and we’ve seen more nuptials happening this year than almost any in recent history.
Now that weddings are well and truly back on the cards, some exciting new trends are beginning to emerge that are set to change the way we tie the knot forever, and from a host of newly acceptable attire options to a complete overhaul of the traditional wedding party – not to mention some unorthodox destinations and locations – 2023 is set to be a thrilling year for anyone planning to say ‘I do’.
If you’re in the early stages of planning your big day, then it’s time to get creative and embrace the modern trends that could be about to make yours one to remember even more than it already would have been. We asked the experts at Cicinia to share the biggest ones to consider incorporating into your celebrations – and if this little lot whets your appetite, then for more unique wedding ideas, check the Cicinia blog.
Elopements
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker surprised the world this year when they eloped to Las Vegas, and when it comes to the Kardashians, it seems their influence knows no bounds. Online searches for ‘elopements’ have surged this year amongst couples planning their nuptials for next year, but beyond simply copying the reality TV star’s choice of wedding, it’s easy to see why some might prefer to tie the knot in such a way.
Wedding planning is said to be one of the most stressful tasks you’ll ever undertake, and for those whose families don’t see eye-to-eye, ensuring things run smoothly on the big day can feel like a huge amount of pressure. Eloping somewhere beautiful or that is meaningful to you as a couple, whether it’s the place you met, somewhere you’ve always wanted to go or a destination you’ve frequented together many times over the years, is a great alternative. It also relieves you of the perceived obligation to please others and will allow you to simply focus on each other, which for many, is an immeasurably more romantic way to say ‘I do’.
Something blue
While blush pink bridesmaid dresses have always been the more traditional choice, we’ve seen a host of different hues come in and out of fashion over recent years, with various shades of green dominating in 2022. But next year, it’s going to be all about the blues, which are set to take the baton as a key wedding trend for 2023.
Thanks to the ongoing popularity of Netflix period drama Bridgerton, regency colours are having a moment, which means blues and lavenders will be big news, and could be set to infiltrate everything from your wedding party’s outfits to your flowers and décor. If you prefer to mix things up a bit, then ice cream colours will again be a big hit, so accents of rose pinks and pastel yellows are the perfect choices to complete a gorgeous spring or summer colour scheme.
Humanist ceremonies
Non-religious wedding ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular, and humanist ceremonies, conducted by humanist celebrants, are deeply personal alternatives that are gaining popularity. It is different from a civil wedding in that it is designed specifically to reflect the humanist beliefs of couples, which prioritise rationalism and consider human beings as the starting point for both philosophical and mortal inquiry.
So, why is this particular type of wedding becoming popular? Humanism itself has been garnering significant attention of late, so it stands to reason that interested parties may wish to embrace it in all forms. Humanist celebrants have reported a dramatic surge in the number of bookings for 2023, which means it might just be one of the biggest – and most unexpected – trends of the year.
Going green
Upcycling has been a key wedding trend for the past few years, but we’re continually finding new ways to plan more eco-conscious weddings. And in 2023, it’s the turn of the humble wedding favour, with couples opting for sustainable gifts like plants, flowers, seeds and edibles as gifts to thank guests for their attendance.
A growing number of couples are also opting for handmade cards and gifts, as well as getting creative for items for the day itself, like table plans and welcome signs. It’s not about saving money, but about prioritising environmental values – and for arty couples, making things together can be a fun way to get excited together about the big day.
