Change is inevitable and when it comes to weddings, they are no exception; trends are constantly shifting from year to year. Couples want to commemorate their love, keeping in mind both uniqueness and traditionality; bringing their personal values and interests to create lasting memories for themselves and their loved ones. With another year coming to an end, we’ll continue to see a few 2023 trends stick around, but we’re excited for all the new trends we’ll see! Being in the Midwest, we typically won’t see all these come to fruition, but here is a list of 2024 wedding trends we are hearing about and hope to see some in this next season.
24 trends for 2024 weddings:
1. Bold and colorful color palettes
Although the crisp white and clean neutrals are still here (which we love!). We are predicting a lot of color this next year as well. At Wedding MBA (Wedding Pro convention) this year, we noticed a lot of fuchsia being used in florals, invitations and accents throughout, bringing a bold and brightness. We are also seeing combinations of many different colors being used. BRIDES + Minted, collaborated and chose – Marseille Bleu – as the Wedding Color of the Year; this rich blue would add a bold touch to any wedding! 2024 Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz – a warm and elegant color. We’re predicting we’ll see many peach and pinks throughout the year!
More ideas from Wedding MBA: Textured linens are trending which could be a fun pop of color to your wedding!
2. Implementing themed dress codes
If you want to add cohesiveness to the aesthetics of your wedding, asking guests to dress in a specific color or color palette, can truly enhance the ambiance. Guests will have fun with this and can add to the uniqueness of your wedding! Your photographer will love this and allow for beautiful photos throughout your wedding day.
Wondering how to incorporate a dress code on your wedding invitations? We have advice on etiquette and design them for you – inquire here!
3. Small centerpieces with candlelight
Candlelight definitely brings elegance and romance to the ambiance of any space. We see an increase in candlelight throughout the décor; lining a table, welcome area or ceremony aisle with lots of different height candles. We are also seeing the use of smaller vases and bottles, delicate centerpieces and more compact and shorter floral arrangements.
photo credit: Whitley B. Photography
photo credit: Whitley B. Photography
4. Mini bouquets
We’ve been hearing about small and compact bouquets; giving an elegant and chic look to any wedding style. White roses are trending this year which would be perfect for a mini bouquet. Another option would be to have bridesmaids carry miniature bouquets that accent the bridal bouquet. A bonus with this trend is that it can be an area to save some money!
5. Mini cakes with lots of dessert options
Petite size cutting cakes are on the rise and even heart-shaped cakes for the couple! For the guests, having many more options being available like mini cheesecakes, brownie bites, donut holes, cookies, and traditional family desserts.
photo credit: Whitley B. Photography
photo credit: Whitley B. Photography
photo credit: love, hope photography
6. Small + short ceremonies
A word we are seeing more of for this next year is ‘intimate’ – smaller gatherings, short ceremonies, personal moments for the couple and focusing on important moments throughout the wedding day. Many wedding ceremonies lasting no more than 20 minutes and often times, being performed by friends or family.
Did you know all Hitch Studio Certified Wedding Planners are ordained to perform wedding ceremonies?
7. Small and seated wedding party
Speaking of ceremonies, another trend is having the wedding party sit, focusing on a more intimate ceremony, and eliminating any distraction from the couple. We also foresee smaller wedding party’s or none all together. Loved ones will still celebrate with the couple but without having a designated title or responsibilities!
Photo credit: J. Bowman Photography
Photo credit: J. Bowman Photography
8. Creating “Wow” moments to generate a lasting impression
We see “wow” moments being implemented in many areas – dramatic ceiling installs, surprise dances, cold sparklers during a first dance, elaborate food presentations and unique photo backdrops. These are statement pieces that will have guests talking about your wedding for years to come. Read more ideas on how to “wow” your guests, here!
Our newest black and white backdrop is perfect for an elaborate photo backdrop at your reception!
More ideas we learned from Wedding MBA: Bubble fog machines, Dance floor wraps, Personalized drink toppers,
photo credit: Whitley B. Photography
photo credit: Whitley B. Photography
photo credit: Anna Behning Photography
9. Wedding Day content creators
We know technology is constantly evolving, which comes with more opportunities! We’re hearing about couples hiring a wedding day content creator to capture the wedding day from a social media standpoint. Different from a videographer, who will be capture the day as a whole, but this will be focused on content specifically for social media sharing. A fun concept – you won’t be carrying your phone around on your day, so have someone else capture these fun moments to share!
10. Interactive experiences for guests
Again, finding ways to leave lasting impressions for guests is a highlight. Some fun ideas are audio or photo experience guests books, fun seating charts or food and beverages that allow for guest interaction like champagne walls. You could also opt to hire a live painter to commemorate the day or a sketch artist and surprise guests with portraits of themselves (these work as great favors too)!
Check out this featured wedding that included a champagne wall from Prairie Lane Vintage Rental and an eight-foot tall hanging seating chart, designed by Hitch Studio.
More ideas we learned from Wedding MBA: Gumball machine filled with wedding favors, Arcade claw machine fill with alcohol shooters, phone message “guest books” and interactive photo booths!
photo credit: Erica Lynn Photography
Photo credit: Hitch Studio
Photo credit: Hitch Studio
Photo credit: Hitch Studio
11. Be different
In 2024, there’s no right way to get married. We’re here for surprise weddings at engagement parties or rehearsal dinners. Want to have cocktail hour before the ceremony? We’re in! There are plenty of ways your day can be different and more YOU!
12. Exchange vows privately
Couples are opting for a more intimate and heartfelt moment when exchanging vows and declaring them together privately. If going this route, couples still choose to exchange traditional marriage vows at the ceremony.
13. Textured wedding cakes
This trend strays from the super smooth surface of traditional wedding cakes and embraces texture. Think of ruffles, lace, stenciled patterns, and other embossments. There are so many ways to make your cake stand out.
14. Documentary style and drone photography
More and more couples are looking for photographers leaning into documentary style photography, capturing candid moments and the true energy of the day. Couples are also asking guests to participate in snapping photos throughout the celebration by providing Polaroid and disposable cameras. If you want more visual options for your wedding, drone photography is increasingly becoming more and more popular every year. Drones offer a unique way to see all the angles of the wedding, especially if it’s outdoors.
15. Unique exits
One trend we are loving this year is the creative ways to send off the newlyweds. While sparklers aren’t “out”, cold fireworks and laser shows are guaranteed to make an unforgettable exit.
16. Recap reel
Videographers are now getting requests for short (usually 90-second) recap reels so the couple can relive their celebration the day after. These are usually high-energy snippets of the wedding day and are becoming a popular item this year.
17. Private time pre-ceremony
Gone are the days of seeing your future spouse for the first time walking down the aisle on your wedding day. Couples are carving out quality time together, even before the first look, and enjoying an intimate breakfast to set the day’s intentions or even getting ready with each other and then surprising the wedding party with a “first look”.
18. Small surprises throughout the night
Looking to keep your guest on their toes? Incorporate a secret cocktail menu throughout the reception. You can execute this by putting a hidden note on the ceremony program or have a few people order the drink and spread the word. Keep up the surprises with a fun late night snack. Do you have a favorite food truck? Or want to end the night with your favorite fast food? The possibilities are endless and keep your guests guessing what is going to happen next.
19. Personalized and permanent wedding favors
This trend is guaranteed to wow your guests! Couples are treating their loved ones to more permanent favors like tattoo stations, piercings, and permanent jewelry. Is that too out of the box for you? Hire an on-site engraver or embosser to personalize your chosen favor like candles, luggage tags, journals, and much more.
20. The last dance
Instead of couples kicking off the reception with a first dance, some are saving this tradition for the end of the night. Ending your day with a special song, surrounded by those you love will help with the nerves but still guarantee the spotlight and a special moment with your new spouse.
21. Special ice sculptures
Ice sculptures are back but more personalized and gorgeous than ever. Incorporate these in special ways like an artsy sculpture to house your raw bar during cocktail hour, a display to hold your cake or other desserts, or sculptures of your furry friends that couldn’t make the celebration.
22. Creative guest books
Alternative wedding guest book ideas are emerging and we think they’re here to stay. Instead of asking guests to put pen to paper, have them record a special message on a vintage phone. Audio guestbooks act as recording devices so your loved ones can share their well wishes or some marital wisdom that lasts long after your celebration.
23. Monochromatic blooms
Monochromatic flower arrangements are a trend we are loving this year. Couples are picking flowers of the same hue but different shades for a showstopping ombre effect. Do you have a single color palette in mind? This approach focuses more on texture than colors and creates a striking piece of art.
24. Recovery lounge wedding wrap-up
Before wrapping up the weekend, couples are trading a farewell brunch for a recovery lounge. Provide grab-and-go breakfast, massage chairs, green smoothies, and even IV drips as a creative way to relive your wedding day by swapping stories and refueling from the celebration.
We love hearing about the new wedding trends, but our favorite details about a wedding are YOURS! We love to hear about how you’ll make your wedding unique to you and your partner! We’d love to sit down with you and chat about how Hitch Studio can be apart of your day, to bring your dream wedding to fruition. Reach out to schedule a meeting!
2024 wedding inspiration
