2023 Wedding Ideas, Trends, & Styles: Personalization, Sustainability, Interactive Entertainment, Special Venues, and Meaningful Experiences from Virtual Planning to Dessert Bars and Unique Attire
As the year 2023 approaches, couples planning their weddings may be wondering what the latest trends will be for their big day. Here are some of the top wedding ideas/trends that we predict will be popular in 2023:
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Sustainable and eco-friendly celebrations: With increasing awareness about the impact of events on the environment, many couples are choosing to incorporate sustainable practices into their weddings. This can include using locally-sourced and organic food, choosing venues that are eco-friendly or have a small carbon footprint, and opting for biodegradable or recycled materials for decorations and favors.
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Personalized and intimate ceremonies: The past year has shown us the importance of cherishing our loved ones and creating special, meaningful experiences. As a result, many couples are opting for more intimate and personalized weddings, with smaller guest lists and ceremonies that reflect their unique personalities and love story. This can include custom vows, incorporating cultural traditions, and choosing unique venues that have special meaning to the couple.
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Virtual or hybrid events: With the ongoing pandemic, many couples have had to pivot to virtual or hybrid wedding celebrations. These types of events allow couples to celebrate with their loved ones in person, while also allowing guests who are unable to attend in person to participate virtually. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as more couples opt for the flexibility and safety of virtual or hybrid events.
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Creative and unique venue choices: Couples are also getting more creative with their venue choices, opting for unique and unexpected locations such as warehouses, art galleries, and even outdoor spaces like forests or beaches. This allows couples to create a truly memorable and personalized experience for themselves and their guests.
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Bold and colorful wedding decor: While classic white and pastel color palettes will always be popular, we predict that 2023 will see an increase in bold and colorful wedding decor. This can include vibrant floral arrangements, colorful lighting and linens, and playful details like confetti cannons and balloon installations.
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Food and drink experiences that go beyond the traditional reception dinner: Couples are also getting more creative with their food and drink options, opting for food stations, food trucks, and other interactive experiences that allow guests to customize their own meals. This can include build-your-own-taco or sliders stations, artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, and craft cocktail bars.
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Fun and interactive entertainment: In addition to traditional wedding reception entertainment like dancing and live music, couples are also incorporating interactive elements like photo booths, lawn games, and even escape rooms to keep their guests entertained.
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Non-traditional wedding attire and fashion choices: We predict that 2023 will see a rise in non-traditional wedding attire, with more couples opting for dresses and suits that reflect their personal style and aesthetics. This can include jumpsuits, pantsuits, and even colorful or mismatched bridesmaid dresses.
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Virtual wedding planning: With the ongoing pandemic, many couples have had to pivot to virtual planning for their weddings. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as couples and vendors alike become more comfortable with virtual meetings and consultations.
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Dessert bars and alternative cakes: While traditional wedding cakes will always have a place at weddings, we predict that 2023 will see an increase in alternative dessert options such as dessert bars, donut walls, and even ice cream stations. This allows couples to offer a variety of sweet treats for their guests to enjoy.
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Personalized wedding favors: Instead of traditional favors like candies or trinkets, couples are opting for more personalized and meaningful options such as plants, succulents, or even personalized items like custom-printed totes or koozies.
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Live streaming and virtual reality technology: As virtual and hybrid weddings become more popular, couples are also using live streaming and virtual reality technology to allow guests who are unable to attend in person to feel more connected to the event. This can include virtual reality headsets that allow guests to “attend” the wedding from afar, or live streaming the ceremony and reception so that everyone can participate.
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Health and wellness-themed events: With the emphasis on health and wellness in recent years, we predict that more couples will incorporate these themes into their weddings. This can include healthy food options, fitness-themed activities, and even meditation or yoga sessions for guests.
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Bridal party roles: As couples become more focused on personalization, we predict that traditional bridal party roles will become more flexible. This can include choosing a “best person” instead of a best man or maid of honor, or having a mix of men and women in the bridal party.
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Destination weddings: While destination weddings have been popular for some time, we predict that 2023 will see an increase in couples opting for more unique and exotic locations. This can include tropical destinations like Bali or the Maldives, or more off-the-beaten-path locations like Iceland or Patagonia.
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Micro weddings: With the focus on intimate and personalized celebrations, many couples are opting for micro weddings, which are small, intimate ceremonies with fewer than 50 guests. These types of weddings allow couples to focus on the details and create a truly special and meaningful experience for themselves and their loved ones.
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Elopements: Along the same lines as micro weddings, we predict that elopements will continue to rise in popularity in 2023. These intimate ceremonies allow couples to celebrate their love in a more private and personal way, often in a destination location that holds special meaning to them.
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Virtual wedding showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties: With the ongoing pandemic and the emphasis on virtual events, we predict that more couples will opt for virtual wedding showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties. These events can be held over video call or even through a virtual game night or cooking class.
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“Wedding week” celebrations: Instead of a traditional one-day wedding, some couples are opting for multi-day “wedding week” celebrations. This can include a variety of events such as welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches, all centered around the couple’s big day.
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Personalized wedding hashtags: As social media continues to play a big role in wedding planning and celebration, we predict that more couples will create personalized wedding hashtags to use on their social media accounts. This allows them to easily collect and share photos and memories from their special day.
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Wedding-themed home decor: As more couples opt for virtual or hybrid celebrations, we predict that wedding-themed home decor will become more popular. This can include items like custom wedding pillows, throw blankets, or even wall art to help couples and their guests feel connected to the event even if they can’t be there in person.
Overall, the wedding trends for 2023 are all about personalization, sustainability, and creating meaningful experiences for both the couple and their guests. Whether you choose a traditional or non-traditional route, the most important thing is to plan a wedding that reflects your unique love story and values.
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