Happy New Year!! It is officially wedding year for me and that means finalizing details and way too much time on Wedding TikTok. With that comes visible trends for the weddings coming up this year! Today we wanted to share the trends we have seen the most, but the biggest reminder we have for you is that this is your wedding and trends are fun to keep up with, but they are not required to follow. Make sure your wedding is a representation of you and not the year you are getting married in.

The 80’s are back

As someone who has always loved fashion, I grew up looking at my mom’s wedding dress and mocking her for her big hair and even bigger balloon sleeves on her wedding dress. Before I realized how much trends truly do always come back I never imagined the possibility of seeing a dress like hers again. Now that is the most up and coming bridal trend in 2023. Puffy sleeves come in all shapes and sizes from chiffon, tulle and lace, off the shoulder, on the shoulder, or anything you could imagine. 

Even if you go more basic with your neckline, dresses in general are starting to take a turn for a more modest look with classic laces. Think appliqués, tulle, and beading rather than soft lace and textures.

More is more

Similar to the bigger sleeves on the dresses, you will be seeing more of everything in 2023. This is especially true for florals. Many celebrity weddings last year had an increasingly lavish amount of florals and I have been seeing more and more conversations about covering your wedding completely in flowers but at a non-celebrity price point. You will be seeing floral chandeliers, full table garland rather than simple centerpieces, and aisles that look like gardens. 

This trend will relate to many parts of the wedding party. Instead of taking the simple route with any details, over the top thrill will be put in place. You may notice other details being cut in this place though. Not every couple is choosing to follow every tradition, but the ones they choose will be done to the best of their abilities.

Party over romance

Many people that are getting married in 2023 are doing it out of a choice to bring all of their favorite people together to celebrate their love for each other. A wedding is no longer an obligation for family to see the couple dedicate their lives to one another, but a celebration of their continued commitment. Ceremonies are now just a break in the party for tradition, surrounded by a welcome party, reception, after party, and Sunday brunch. Brides still want the beautiful dress (because why not!), but it’s not all just for mom and grandma to feel satisfied. 

Candid photos

Personally, I have a love/ hate relationship with this trend. Looking at wedding photos, we all know that the portrait style photos are necessary and they get the best details and everyone of importance will get a photo. In this social media age, it’s the candid photos that make the biggest impact though. They show personalities and tell the best stories. Blurry photos are even becoming the preferred story to tell in a singular moment in time captured. Can you imagine just a few years ago asking a professional photographer to take and send you blurry photos of your wedding?? My only problem with these candid photos is that in the past they have only shown my personal insecurities, and I can imagine that I’m not alone in those feelings. On your wedding day, just try to remember how special the story is that these photos are telling. (At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself!)

Are you a 2023 bride? What is your favorite trend that you will be incorporated into your big day?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Florals designed by Wedding Events

Lauren here! Raise your hand if Pinterest is an overwhelming hub of options and inspiration…. Same. And I never fully realized until planning my own wedding that so many options that you see on Pinterest do not live in reality. There are so many inspirational photos that are just not feasible unless you are a Kardashian or President Biden’s granddaughter getting married at the White House! But you know you can always come to us for realistic wedding advice and today we wanted to share with you a few unique ways to decorate your aisle at (almost) any budget. 

Grounded Flowers

These have been a huge conversation in the wedding world recently. Just like the name suggests, this simply means that your flowers will surround you from the floor. Typically this included tall branch style flowers, some fuller greenery, and a variety of sizes of your signature wedding flowers. This look is particularly good if your surroundings are beautiful like the beach, the mountains, or a unique wall working your venue. 

Floral chandeliers

These are another update to a wedding arch (which are still very popular and beautiful). This idea can come across more formal than the grounded flowers technique just for the added complication of hanging a full oversized flower arrangement. Using a floral chandelier will bring the eye up and depending on the size will either hide a ceiling or bring focus to it so I would make sure you know what your end goal is if you go this route! Many times this floral arrangement will include wisteria hanging out of the arrangement as well as full greenery and your choice of florals to give it dimension and make it your own. 

Candlelight

If you (like me) are trying to keep the cost of florals down, surround yourself with candlelight! You could always replace flowers with a traditional chandelier (which are easy to rent!) or instead of grounded flowers just surround yourself with different size and shape candles. There are plenty of good options these days for battery powered candles if your venue does not allow for fire hazards. 

Book shelves

Another great option that can be rented or thrifted. This is a great way to add height and fill up space without the hefty price of full florals. You can fill the shelves with scattered flowers, candles, or other things that might be sentimental to you as a couple. You could even go as crazy as putting actual books on the book shelves! 

Your wedding day is a day to surround your friends and family in your personal style, so make sure you are picking decor that tells a story of who you are as a couple. Which of these options sounds most like you?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here