We take a look at the latest trends set for 2022-2023, what we are seeing more and more of, and what popular styles will be coming through this year. Taking inspiration from the latest wedding reports and speaking to wedding planners, suppliers and couples worldwide, we’ve pulled together the must-have and most exciting wedding trends of the year.

Wedding Trends 2022

Post pandemic wedding planning brings forward an array of new wedding trends and whilst everyone wants something slightly different be it the dress, catering, styling or flowers, there’s a few options and trends we’re set to see over the next few years…

Refined guestlists

The need to decipher what and who really matters has never been more apparent since the pandemic and this is being conveyed through wedding guestlists. Inviting all and sundry to your big day is no longer the trend, couples are opting for a more intimate, meaningful celebration with their nearest and dearest.

The percentage of couples wanting 100 or more guests has dropped from 50 to 17% compared to last year. At present the majority of couples are looking to invite between 30-75, so we’re certainly set to see more intimate ceremonies and micro celebrations across the next few years.

“Smaller weddings! It’s been a long time coming for this trend, and I could not be more thrilled. Couples are really zeroing in on how to make their weddings unique and having a smaller guest count allows your budget to be spread that much more. From stateside weddings that can be designed down to your flatware, to having an intimate destination wedding abroad – the possibilities are endless when there aren’t 300 guests coming to your big day. It also allows couples to really enjoy the day with their guests!”-Megan Lentz Vida Events

“Couples are beginning to favour quality over quantity, many of my weddings planned for the future range from 45-70 guests. There is a focus on celebrating with closest family & friends, creating a truly extra special celebration that will remembered for years to come.” -London Wedding Planner Laura Hillman

The ultimate experience

Small gatherings set over longer periods are increasingly becoming the go-to for many couples and we certainly don’t see this slowing down into 2022 and beyond. With intimate weddings on the increase couples will look for extra ways to impress and spoil their smaller guest list and what better way than celebrating for longer.

Unique wedding packages, extended celebrations and creative, destination experiences will become more prominent across the next few years. With a focus on exciting the entire guestlist, weddings will include adventures of a lifetime and seriously trendy activities. Inspiring locations at the forefront, you can expect to find weddings including chartered yachts, brunch in the desert and elite wine tasting.

“Couples want to be able to interact with all their loved ones throughout the day and create a personalised wedding experience that wow’s at every step of the way.” -London Wedding Planner Laura Hillman

Read more | Exciting Wedding Experiences for 2022 and Beyond!

Wedding Villas

The most desirable type of wedding venue amongst couples planning right now is a wedding villa, it has it all; exclusivity, amenities and the privacy to create the day you want.

With many offering guest accommodation the trend for the ultimate wedding get together can certainly be made possible with a stylish villa renowned for hosting events.

Island Weddings

Jumping on a plane and heading abroad to say your vows is by no means a new trend but travelling to enjoy an island retreat is highly desirable.

Whilst the likes of Ibiza and Santorini have always been strong destination choices, Greek islands such as Ios and Paros offer a setting just waiting to be explored by discerning wedding travellers. It’s all about finding that ultimate ‘wow’ factor for you and your guests and what better way than finding an exclusive venue on a breathtaking European island.

The Dress

When it comes to bridal couture for the coming wedding season, it’s all about embracing movement. Elaborate layering and elegant ruffles are set to be key features of upcoming wedding gowns, so get practicing your bridal strides ready to swish the sheer voluptuous layers- what a way to make an entrance!

You can certainly throw out the wedding rule book when it comes to 2022/2023 wedding attire. Lingerie-inspired designs including sheer corsets are set to be a must- bold, daring and oh so sexy.

Bridal Shoes

Chunky statement heels at the ready, the newest collections of bridal shoes feature classy block heels and statement detailing. Put your right foot forward and walk down the aisle with a luxe design like the below beauties by shoe designer Freya Rose. Incorporating mother of pearl and polished brass, you will certainly make a stunning entrance.

Read more | The Bridal Shoe Edit 2022

Decor

Natural is key, simplistic nature-inspired decor and plenty of luscious greenery will keep you on point when it comes to wedding decor for 2022. Here’s what expert wedding planners have to say about upcoming wedding decor trends…

“A lot of my couples want to embrace nature whether that’s having a venue in the English countryside or selecting a venue with walled gardens so aspects can be held outside. Their theme is built around nature, embracing the season and bringing the outside in.” -London Wedding Planner Laura Hillman.

“Coloured taper candles in clear hurricanes has been a HUGE trend happening in weddings. I think this is one that’s going to stick around for a long while. We’re also seeing a huge jump away from basic linens. Couples are venturing out to new textures, and what’s more chic than a velvet linen?!”-Megan Lentz Vida Events

Mindful Weddings

In these eco-conscious times we live in, now more than ever, couples are looking at ways to host responsibly. This means cutting back on unnecessary waste and trying to be as eco-friendly as possible. Wedding venues are being greener and becoming more sustainable, many venues that provide in-house catering will use locally sourced produce, as well as other areas within their business to be more eco friendly.

One of the new wedding trends is for couples to upcycle, or to pledge a commitment to zero waste. This can be from offering wedding flowers away to good causes, to going plastic-free on your big day.

Other ways that couples can achieve this wedding trend is to swap out plastic straws for paper ones, sharing wedding day flowers and décor with other couples using the venue, and offering to ‘replant trees’ as a wedding favour.

“Having a mindful wedding is set to continue to grow in popularity, couples will choose to not over-spend unnecessarily and will focus on sustainability. Many of my couples are re-thinking certain aspects of their day, like their flowers, ensuring they can be repurposed to different parts of the day and/or taken home at the end of the wedding by guests as favours so they don’t go to waste.” -London Wedding Planner Laura Hillman.

Read | How to Have an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Do it Your Way

Trends give us an insight into upcoming wedding patterns but your wedding is just that- yours! Make it your own and do it your way.

Need a little help finding your dream wedding venue? Our exclusive portfolio features the most inspiring wedding spaces around the world, be it a boutique villa, trendy beachfront restaurant or elusive Chateau- View our portfolio.