Spotlight: 17 Wedding Trend Predictions for 2024

Wedding experts unveil what trends will shape the industry next year.
Written by
Laura Cross

As the calendar turns another page, the world of weddings is ready to embrace a new era of trends and timeless innovations.. From fashion-forward attire to immersive experiences, here's a glimpse into the top wedding trend predictions for the upcoming year.

1. Bite Sized Desserts
Courtesy of Forever & Ever Desserts

Courtesy of Forever & Ever Desserts

Adding a touch of sweetness to the festivities, bite-sized desserts are set to become the darling of wedding trends in 2024. As predicted by Paula Brito of Forever & Ever Desserts, these miniature delights will feature vibrant colors and original flavors, offering guests a delightful culinary experience. From decadent petite pastries to intricately crafted mini-cakes, the bite-sized trend promises to satisfy sweet cravings in style.

2. Dress Code Precision
Rachel Graff Photography

Rachel Graff Photography

Melody Hall of Events by Melody emphasizes the growing importance of dress code precision in 2024. Guests are encouraged to pay close attention to the dress code, as couples move beyond generic requests for "cocktail attire." Instead, more specific directives such as "wear neutral colors" or "wear all black" are becoming prevalent. This trend reflects a desire for a cohesive visual aesthetic, ensuring that guests contribute to the overall aesthetic of the celebration.

"I've seen countless wedding photos, specifically of the couple coming back down the aisle after their first kiss, with the guests standing up and cheering," states Hall. "Guests who are wearing hot pink, bright green, and other such colors tend to stand out, and not exactly in the best way." A more specific dress code can create a harmonious visual experience and ensure that everyone looks their best in those cherished moments.

3. Uniquely Shaped Invitations
Laura Alpizar Photography

Laura Alpizar Photography

Evelyn Miller of Epitome Papers predicts 2024 will offer a departure from traditional rectangular invitations. Square or uniquely shaped invitations are set to make a statement, becoming an extension of the wedding's theme and style. Couples are embracing the opportunity to showcase their creativity right from the start, setting the tone for an event that promises to be as unique as their love story.

4. Custom Suits
Meara Grace Photography

Meara Grace Photography

Custom groom attire is a fashion trend that is growing with intensity, according to Milbern Clothing, creating unforgettable moments by surprising the bride with the first look. The journey from the way they first met to cherished memories becomes a narrative woven into the fabric of their special day. The rest of the wedding party complements the groom's unique ensemble, donning solid suits to match. Grooms, in particular, are seeking distinctive features such as double-breasted vests or horse-shoe vests that deviate from traditional styles, emphasizing the growing demand for custom-made, personalized attire. 

5. Elevated Experiences
LK Creative Co
LK Creative Co

Laine Palm of Laine Palm Event Planning & Design believes there will be an emphasis on more intimate, personalized, and immersive experiences, reminiscent of a 'high-end dinner party.' Envision long tables adorned with family-style food platters, encouraging guest interaction and shared moments. The menus, far from being merely informative, become works of art, featuring handwritten or illustrative designs that infuse a personalized touch. This trend is designed to create a sense of community and warmth, evoking the comfort of a home gathering but elevated to an elegant, high-end level.

Beyond the culinary experience, the aesthetics of events are undergoing a transformation. While floral centerpieces have been a staple, designers are exploring more creative alternatives. Enter food sculptures—intricately designed edible pieces of art—making their way to the center of tables. This innovative approach seamlessly blends decoration and dining, introducing a unique and visually captivating twist to events. Brace yourself for a year where weddings embrace a heightened level of sophistication, creating unforgettable and immersive experiences for couples and their guests.

6. Boudoir-Inspired Bridal Looks
Evelyn Bridal Collection

Evelyn Bridal Collection

Brooke Daniels from Bride and Jewel Co anticipates a departure from classic white and ivory bridal gowns, with a surge in boudoir-inspired styles gaining increasing favor. The allure of this trend lies in the incorporation of style aspects from boudoir, where a gorgeous corset top with intricate illusions takes center stage. This emerging trend is rightfully making waves as it exudes sexiness, youthfulness, and confidence—a truthful reflection of the women of today. The corset top becomes not just a garment but a statement, symbolizing empowerment and embracing one's unique and confident self. 

7. Sustainability via Repurposed Table Decor
Rachel Lahlum Photography
Rachel Lahlum Photography

Forecasting a compelling upcoming trend in wedding decor, Rachel Lahlum of Rachel Lahlum Photography predicts the repurposing of glassware, vases, and table decor to craft charming, sustainable, and vibrant table settings. This innovative approach resonates with couples who are increasingly captivated by the vibrant colors of yesteryear. The trend emphasizes the reuse and repurposing of elements, infusing weddings with a distinctive and personalized aesthetic. Beyond aesthetics, there's a notable alignment with a growing desire for eco-friendly choices. Couples are consciously embracing sustainability, making repurposed coordinating elements an integral and conscientious aspect of the evolving 2024 wedding landscape. This trend not only enhances the visual appeal of celebrations but also contributes to a meaningful and eco-conscious wedding experience.

8. Sweetheart Cakes
Annalise Photography

Annalise Photography

According to Callie Kiepke of Bunker Hills Event Center, there has been a shift towards couples opting for smaller "sweetheart" cakes, steering away from the traditional large sheet cake with a single flavor. Additionally, couples are offering a variety of petite desserts for guests. This nuanced approach to desserts not only brings a touch of personalization to the wedding but also aligns with the desire for diverse and delectable culinary experiences.

9. Audio Guestbooks
Minty Paperie

Minty Paperie

Lexi Johnson from Alexa Myli Photography shares a distinctive trend in weddings involving the incorporation of audio guestbooks. Among the various weddings she photographed this year, one particular audio guestbook stood out — it was "hosted" by a podcast. The bride and groom, being friends with the podcast hosts, arranged for the hosts to ask guests specific questions about the couple. This thoughtful approach not only added a personalized touch to the guestbook but also created a comfortable atmosphere, encouraging guests to leave heartfelt and genuine messages. As the audio guestbook trend gains momentum, anticipate weddings in 2024 to offer a unique and engaging way to capture the joy of well-wishes from friends and family.

10. Embracing Jewel Tones
Parsell Photography
Parsell Photography

During the latter half of 2023, a notable trend emerged with grooms embracing jewel-toned jackets. The infusion of colors like emerald, ruby, garnet, and sapphire brought a tasteful pop of vibrancy to weddings without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. This trend was not only loved for its striking visual appeal but also for its ability to introduce color without being excessively extravagant.

With the prevalence of this captivating trend in recent times, Rachel Parsell of Parsell Photography predicts that 2024 will witness a continuation and possibly an escalation of the Jewel Tone Jackets/Colorful Suits trend. As grooms continue to embrace these rich and distinctive hues, expect weddings throughout the year to be adorned with an array of jewel tones, contributing to a visually stunning and diverse tapestry of groom attire.

11. Petite Florals 
According to Anna Hiebert from Rush Creek Golf Club, a prevailing trend in wedding decor is the choice of small bud vases as centerpieces over larger floral arrangements. This simplistic yet beautiful centerpiece concept introduces a fresh and unique perspective compared to the traditional large floral centerpiece. The use of small bud vases not only adds an intimate touch to the table but also brings a sense of simplicity and elegance to the overall aesthetic. 

Alexandra Robyn Photo
Alexandra Robyn Photo

12. Springtime Nuptials
Melissa Stephan Photography
Melissa Stephan Photography

Krystal Houseman from Parley Lake Winery notes a rising trend among Minnesota brides who traditionally favor fall weddings but are increasingly drawn to Spring "I Do's." The winery has witnessed a notable pattern in recent years, with the first two Saturdays in June being booked before any others. This trend persists into 2024 and is expected to continue into 2025. Excitement abounds as brides eagerly embrace the blooming season, incorporating the natural colors of the landscape into their special day. 

13. Personalized Wedding Celebrations
Rachel Elle Photography
Rachel Elle Photography

Rachel Elle of Rachel Elle Photography shares an exciting trend that's adding even more fun to wedding days. Couples are increasingly making their weddings uniquely their own, embracing creative elements such as outfit changes, spontaneous photoshoots in elevators, innovative linen designs, champagne towers replacing traditional cake cuttings, and even the indulgence of sharing an entire cake meant just for the two of them. This trend signals a departure from conventional wedding traditions, allowing couples to infuse their personalities and preferences into the celebration. Rachel notes that this phenomenon has been steadily growing in the industry, gaining momentum with the help of social media. As the New Year unfolds, she predicts this trend to take off even more significantly. Her advice to brides is clear: if you have a unique or different idea in mind, don't shy away from it. Engage with your planner, photographer, and vendor team to ensure everyone is on the same page. After all, your vendors are dedicated to serving you and bringing your vision to life, making your wedding day truly unforgettable.

14. Mono-specimen Bouquets
Bumble Fleur

Bumble Fleur

According to Brooke Hanson from Bumble Fleur, an anticipated trend for 2024 is the rise in popularity of single-variety bridal bouquets. This trend revolves around showcasing the exquisite beauty of one standout flower, with examples like ranunculus or lily of the valley serving as perfect choices for these striking focal points. By opting for single-variety bouquets, brides can accentuate the unique characteristics and charm of a specific bloom, resulting in captivating and elegant arrangements that redefine bridal bouquets in the upcoming year.

15. Custom Dance Floors
Courtesy of Lasting Impression Weddings

Courtesy of Lasting Impression Weddings

Sarah Trotter from Lasting Impression Weddings predicts a distinctive trend for 2024 with a focus on custom dance floors. This emerging style involves the creation or rental of unique dance floors that add a personalized touch to wedding celebrations. Couples are increasingly seeking ways to customize this central space, making it a standout feature that complements the overall theme and aesthetic of their wedding.

16. Floral Linens
Jeannine Marie Photography
Jeannine Marie Photography

Jenna Culley of Jenna Culley Events introduces a blossoming trend for 2024—floral linens. Elevate the ambiance of guest tables and auxiliary spaces by incorporating vibrant floral linens. This trend aims to infuse dimension and personality into the overall design, offering a delightful and visually captivating addition to wedding decor. 

17. Lilies Take Center Stage
Courtesy of 651 Studio Floral

Courtesy of 651 Studio Floral

Candace Holmstadt of 651 Studio & Floral Design forecasts a floral trend for 2024—lilies in all their splendid varieties, including the elegant calla lilies. These blossoms are set to take center stage, becoming a prominent feature in wedding bouquets, arrangements, and decor. With their timeless beauty and diverse forms, lilies promise to bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to weddings throughout the upcoming year. Prepare to witness the resurgence of lilies as a trending floral choice, adding a timeless and enchanting element to wedding celebrations.