What's "in", and what's "out"?
With the growth of Tik Tok and Instagram Reels, wedding trends develop rapidly. One thing I keep observing over and over again, is the growth in "non-wedding", style weddings. Let me break it down, through spending many many days capturing peoples big days, as well as speaking to other vendors and generally being an active social media user, more people are choosing smaller, and more intimate days. Data sourced from Bridebook has found that 41% of engaged couples in 2024 are using platforms such as TikTok for wedding ideas and planning, which is a huge spike from 2021, where only 11% of engaged couples used Tik Tok for these means. This is down to the fact that it's time for Gen Z couples to tie the knot (otherwise known as digital natives), and so they're choosing to rewrite traditions with a drive towards prioritising community and creative trends.
The way that couples are choosing to feed their guests, the style of wedding photography they want, intimate ceremonies and there's significantly smaller bridal parties. There's less cake cutting and more champagne towers. Instead take-away cupcakes are distributed and enjoyed the next day as a hangover cure. The aim is to coax guests away from the table, not bring them back to eat cake. Colour palettes have changed and personal decor is in. Couples are taking out the formalities of traditional weddings, and so lets delve into 2024 trends- the good and the bad.
Digital... Everything
It's no surprise that weddings are being digitalised. One things in particular is digital wedding guest books pushing the 'norm', out of the way. Digital guest books weave photos, videos and audios together to tell a narrative of your day, told by your loved ones. You can relive your day through your guests experiences, providing an immersive experience without the worry of damaging these precious memories.
Fly On The Wall Photography
Posed portraiture is out, and I am in full support of this! Instead documentary, editorial and reportage styles are in, with a more artistic edge to the final outcome. From a personal experience couples want their photographers to look less like a wedding photographer, and be more involved in the wedding. For example, fitting in with guests to make people feel more comfortable around the camera. Which ultimately, leads to beautiful and relaxed imagery of everybody.
Less USB sticks, and more 0nline galleries are being asked for, with a surge of Instagram worthy imagery to be presented.
Intimate ceremonies
Smaller and more private ceremonies are in. Couples are saying no to more people and only allowing their closest to be involved, with a larger party following for everyone. Even private vows are becoming more popular.
Sustainability
Mindfulness surrounding wedding sustainability is on the rise. Plant-based and biodegradable confetti is being used, ethically sourced jewellery is being asked for, buying second hand décor to sell it again... cheaper and brilliant for the environment. Paper free invitations have risen by 10% since 2022, and an increase in pre-loved attire is on the rise, doubling from 7-16%. With this in mind, it is no surprise that the modern couple is committed to sustainability.
Party weekends
A big increase in weekend long celebrations are being favoured. With exclusive hire venues being chosen in the UK rather than destination weddings. Brunches, BBQs and games are often enjoyed alongside the marriage. This change could have come around from the isolation of Covid, and so couples are really wanting to let their hair down... and who can blame them!
Pearls and bows
I adore it, pearls and bows are so popular right now, with brides choosing dresses with pearl details and a bows to add flare. They photograph beautifully, but add such a classic and cute twist to any wedding dress.
So, what's less popular in 2024
Big cakes are out
That's right, couples are opting for "take-away", cakes instead of a big cake to cut. Ultimately, the cake almost always gets wasted, and couples want to encourage their guests to get up and party, rather then draw them back to sitting down with cake, where the risk of tiredness kicks in.
Muted colours
Muted tones are being left in 2023, where sage greens, lavenders and dusky pinks were popular. Now there's been a shift towards the bridal parties wearing all black, white or vibrant colours which don't all match. It leaves more room for creative flare, opportunity for bridesmaids to pick what they feel comfortable in and often a very sleek and elegant look. Would you want your bridesmaids to wear all white with you?
circular tables
Circular Tables are asked for less, while long tables are growing in popularity. There's really not much to say, other than the fact that it looks beautiful.
Matching Bridesmaids Dresses
Say "goodbye", to traditional matching dresses. The unconventional different dresses are in fashion. Providing visually interesting bridesmaids who show off their individual style. Typically the bride will pick a colour, and then let their bridesmaids pick the style and pattern of the dress, which suits them best.
The Take Home Message
Ultimately, trends come and go. I personally love a lot of trends, but equally don't as well. When planning your wedding, think about what you'll want to see in 20 years time, is it timeless? Is it how you wanted your wedding to be? So regardless of if you do all these trends, or not, it's your day and so it's your rules. Regardless, as long as you're married by the end of it, does it really matter if you had circular or long tables?
