Weddings are about celebrating unity and creating unforgettable moments. And while this day should about the two of you and channeling your personalities so that the day is highly personal and perfectly you, what is "of the moment" will always play a role in the day. 2023 is in full swing and we're loving what we're seeing so far! From fashion and florals to food and photography, read on to see what trends industry experts predict will take off this year!
STYLING/DESIGN
When it comes to color palettes, we are seeing a lot of terracotta, copper, rust, and burnt orange tones. Additionally, soft blues, pinks and more romantic "Bridgerton" tones are coming into play. ~ Sarah Trotter, Lasting Impressions Weddings
Colorful weddings with boldly printed linens is a hot trend for next year. Perhaps couples are looking for more excitement post-pandemic, but gorgeous mixes of color is trendy. The colors are lower in saturation. The mix is what adds vibrancy. Linens should never be a throw-away! Boldly patterned linens add that extra touch that elevates the entire look. ~ Rachelle Mazumdar, Style-Architects Weddings & Events
We think all black & white wedding color schemes are going to be a big wedding trend this year!! Black suits, all white floral, very classic timeless feels. ~ Grace Eberhardt, Northern Pacific Center
I’m really surprised at the simplicity of the styles that are trending right now. Our venue is gorgeous in its own right, and couples are letting that shine. Styles seem to be trending toward simple, sophisticated elegance, and couples are being more mindful about what they spend their money on. In the coming year, I predict that couples will continue this new, mindful approach to their weddings — with smaller, simpler, less formal weddings continuing to trend. ~ Callie Kiepke, Bunker Hills Event Center
The “Bridgerton-esq” or “English Garden” theme are inspiring wedding designs this year. Beautiful floral patterns paired with a lot of pastel and light blue hues in details such as attire, linens, glassware, stationery, and candles. Floral colors in pinks, coral, orange & yellow. ~ Jenna Culley, Jenna Culley Events
Overall, I see intention based and conscious planning continuing to grow - from shorter guest lists and more customized decor to fun, interactive experiences such as live music & painters. ~ Reena Maheshwari, Kahani Events and Design
Bold colors in fashion and decor seems to be the direction in styling and we are seeing couples embracing an edgy and moody aesthetic for their special day. Pastel colors palettes have ruled the wedding decor the last few years and we are still going to see them but brighter and louder. Viva Magenta Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year inspires passion and joy, a "stand out statement", a hue in between red and fuschia that we see now everywhere. Viva Magenta is inspired by "nature's most powerful dye - the red of cochineal" , it's a color that can be easily translated to jewel tones driving design to create a space that invites velvet textiles, forest greens, monochromatic floral, red roses and black details to create a space that's edgier and romantic. ~ Paloma Mohler, Festivities
MEN'S FASHION
When it comes to men's fashion, expect to see new colors and custom made suits coming into play, specifically with the groom as a stand out. Furthermore, groomsmen will have fun coordinating their suits with ties that match the bridesmaids dresses. ~ Vivian Bernick, Milbern Clothing Co.
We're seeing grooms opting for a custom suit that stands out just a little bit, and accents his groomsmen's suits. In many of our recent wedding groups, the groom is selecting a custom suit that coordinates well with his bride's gown, its fabric, and has a perfect fit. The stand-out element of putting the groom in a custom suit is that it coordinates with the bride's dress, but has a statement pattern or texture all his own - whether it be subtle or bold - and compliments the groomsmen's suits. This is the way to stand out as the groom and still have a ton of options to choose from. Customization is always the way to go for the groom, but we are seeing it more than ever in the large fabric options within custom suit orders. The groom's and groomsmen's suits pull the look of the whole wedding party together, and oftentimes anchors the light and ethereal bridesmaids colors that are in many spring/summer weddings. ~ The Dashery
WOMEN'S FASHION
We'll see two bridal looks for the price of one - clean/limitless gowns with detachable sleeves, removable straps, 3-D lace and slits to the knee. ~ Emily Beutz, Emily Kaye Bridal
Whether you're looking for a non-white wedding dress or an ivory wedding gown with a colorful pattern, pops of color are becoming a staple among modern brides. Below are wedding dresses from our Minneapolis bridal shops that capture this bold bridal trend. ~ Jackie Davidson, a&bé minneapolis bridal shop
Detachable sleeves have been all the rave this past year. Brides have considered wearing these for part of the day whether that is during photos or during the dance, the options are endless. These types of sleeves create an elegant style and are very simple to put on and remove. Another trend we'll be seeing more of is wedding gowns with slits which is a subtle way to add a hint of sexy. It's safe to say that I'm here for it all! ~ Melody Hall, Events by Melody
PHOTOGRAPHY
Expect to see photographers at the rehearsal dinners and also staying later into the evening on the wedding day in order to capture the genuine candid moments. Skip posed portraits with your wedding party and hire a photographer that can shoot the real moments of the wedding. Grab a beer or wine and let's see you bust a move! Kasey Morris, Bold North Cellars
NEW TRADITIONS
Unofficial Wedding Parties. Couples are choosing to eliminate official wedding parties and ask their friends to play a laid back role in their day. Hang out with them while getting ready, choose their own dress or suit (within a color palette) and take a seat during the ceremony. They are acknowledged for their importance in the couples' life but without the responsibilities. ~ Laine Palm, Laine Palm Planning + Designs
Lately I have been asked about new ideas for a unity ceremony within the wedding ceremony. One of the newest ideas is the couple sharing a shot of tequila toward the end of the ceremony. You may not realize it, but a good tequila is like a good marriage in many ways. It warms you from the inside, gives you strength and confidence, and helps you face difficult situations with a little bit of ease. When the rest of the world seems to turn their backs on you, tequila is there. Sometimes tequila gives you a little bit of a headache, but you get over it. Tequila is always forgiven. This new ritual is even more fun when the couple takes their shots with “Tequila” playing in the background! Many of my couples share a shot right after the ceremony, but Stephanie and Patrick were my first couple to incorporate the idea into their ceremony. ~ Dawn, Flutterby Celebrations & Ceremonies
Last dances are becoming more and more popular! This is a fun trend where couples are requesting a final song to dance to before the big send-off. We've seen couples dance with all their guests present and we've had couples request a final song for after the guests exit so they can take in the experience of the evening by themselves. Either way, this trend provides a lovely finale to the night! ~ Molly, Bluewater Kings Band
FLOWERS
Repurposed Flowers. Statement florals that can be repurposed from one space to the next is quickly gaining popularity, according to Candace Holmstadt of 651 Studio Floral & Design, This circlular ceremony arch doubled as a floral backdrop for the newlyweds who sat at the head of the table during the reception.
CATERING/BAR
Eco-conscious weddings. We are now seeing more people taking the environmental impact of their wedding into account when planning elements such as menu, beverages, wares, and service style. As a company that is committed to seasonal menus and ethically sourced products, we're excited to help more couples incorporate these values — ones at the core of Chowgirls every day business since 2004 — into their big day. ~ Annie Pennings Guenthner, Chowgirls Catering
Mocktails and alcohol-free options at the bar. We see a trend towards more inclusive beverage offerings at weddings, mock-tails and alcohol free options. We’ve noticed an increasing demand for craft mock-tails and we’re all about it! ~ ~ Annie Pennings Guenthner, Chowgirls Catering
INVITATIONS
I'm seeing lots of color this year! Clients are looking to bring their color palette full circle through paper goods. Even if it's just a pop of color in the envelopes, this year is looking to be bold and bright. This is also the year for playful fonts and designs. Maintaining an upscale, elegant event while having a little fun with your paper goods makes for a really personal touch. ~ Brandi Hunt-Wright, Hunt Wright Design Co.
CAKE
This year, I believe that we will see a shift towards fine art style cakes, which is exciting for cake designers! In 2022, we saw many straight edges & tall cakes. I can only see this modern/contemporary style that brides are living continue to uphold. Mixing the heights & shapes of tiers will also be trending as it adds interest and keeps the eye moving. Along with the height of tiers, separated tiers are gaining popularity - from acrylic tires filled with florals to modern spacers and absent space between tiers. Lastly, texture, texture, texture with pops of bold color are taking off. Think of a cake scene, not just a table! ~ Kenzi Dean, Baked by kenzi
