Weddings are something that never go out of style. The romance, the promise of the day, and the joy a wedding signifies stand the test of time. However, the wedding industry can seem fickle because trends come and go. In the past decade, we’ve seen plenty of those instances, but there seems to be something else happening at the same time. The foundation upon which weddings are built seems to be shifting. What was considered standard practice at a wedding 10 to 15 years ago may not be the case today.
If you’re in the early stages of wedding planning, there’s a good chance you’re trying to figure out what your wedding will look like. To help you crystalize your vision of your special day, here are several wedding trends that have changed in the last decade.
In the past, brides would flip through the top wedding magazines to find which dresses were considered stylish, but times have changed. It’s no longer so much about the style of wedding dress or which designer is popular; rather, it’s about picking a dress that speaks to the bride. Which dress best reflects her personality and style, and which one does she feel most confident in?
Because there is less emphasis on a specific type of dress, it has opened the door to more variety. Brides can choose from different lengths, fabrics, styles, and even colours. For these reasons, it can also make wedding dress shopping less stressful because brides aren’t worried about whether they look ‘stylish’ enough.
Wedding Season Is No Longer Just Spring and Summer
When you hear the words ‘wedding season’, it’s common to assume it is spring and summer, but once again, times have changed, and this is no longer the case. There are plenty of couples who will still prefer the warmer months, the natural beauty outside, and the vibe it creates, but many couples feel differently about it.
The fact that spring and summer are no longer considered the only popular time to have a wedding can be attributed to all kinds of factors, but for many couples, it comes down to cost. Statistics show that the average cost of a wedding in the UK between 2020 and 2023 was £20,700. That’s a lot of money, and not every couple wants to spend that much on a wedding. One way to cut costs is to choose a less popular month for the wedding. In the UK, the cheapest month to get married is January.
Moving Away from Traditional Wedding Venues
It’s not just the time of year that is changing, but also the venue. Banquet halls, convention halls, and other traditional venues are known for hosting weddings, but they can feel stuffy and old-fashioned.
Today, it’s common for couples to want a garden wedding, a reception at their favourite restaurant, a country or manor house, and more. Couples are now basing their choice on their personalities and the overall vision they are trying to create.
And let’s face it, some of these less traditional venues also tend to be more cost-effective, which helps them rank higher in the list of options.
Couples Are Embracing Outdoor Weddings Like Never Before
Speaking of a move from traditional venues, outdoor weddings have also increased in popularity over the past decade. The one downside is that couples need to have a backup plan because weather is never a guarantee. But if everything works out, an outdoor wedding can be visually stunning.
Wedding Receptions Are Using More Personalised Décor
Wedding reception décor still plays a very important part in the day. The décor helps to set the tone and atmosphere and elevate the venue. The current trend, however, is for couples to give more traditional elements a modern twist that feels more personalised. This can include DIY décor and asking the bridal party to help out with making the decorations.
The Guest List Tends to Be Smaller
It wasn’t all that long ago that the notion of ‘the bigger, the better’ applied to the wedding guest list. The problem with this approach is that the wedding no longer feels personal, and costs can quickly balloon out of control.
Smaller weddings are ideal for couples who don’t want to spend excessively on large events, even if they’ve won big on the sites found on casinos.com. There’s just no need to drop that much cash on a wedding, and couples are realising they can invest that money elsewhere, such as purchasing a home.
There Is an Emphasis on the Menu
Finally, let’s talk food. For the couple, the big part of the day is exchanging wedding vows, but for guests, it’s all about the food and drinks. Couples are becoming more mindful of guest experience and are now choosing menus that are sure to wow people. If there is any place to splurge in terms of planning, catering is often the category couples put more money into.
Couples Are Free to Forge Their Path When Planning a Wedding
As you look at all these changing trends, one thing is clear: couples should feel free to forge their own path. There’s no need to worry about what’s considered trendy; instead, it’s about creating a day that is personalised and filled with love.
