Top Wedding Trends of 2023

For wedding planners and other industry professionals, 2022 was one of the busiest years ever, as couples who had delayed tying the knot during the pandemic finally got the chance to celebrate with friends and family. As the days of COVID-related restrictions begin to fade from memory, experts are now excited to identify the trends that will characterize weddings in 2023.

Planning to get married this year and looking for some inspiration for your special day? Here are ten of the top wedding trends that experts are predicting for 2023:

1. While weddings have come back in full force over the past year, many couples are rethinking the traditional ceremony and being more intentional about planning celebrations focused on what’s most important to them. For instance, they might opt for non-traditional attire that reflects their unique style, or do away with standard rituals like the bouquet toss in order to make time for things that will contribute to a more enjoyable guest experience.
2. Multi-day destination events. Another lingering side effect of the pandemic is a pent-up demand for travel. For couples getting married this year, this could manifest in a desire for destination weddings, featuring events that span two or more days. For example, these celebrations may launch on a Friday with a festive welcome party and continue through the weekend with a schedule of optional activities in addition to the wedding ceremony and reception.
3. Many people are striving to be more eco-friendly in their day-to-day lives, from taking simple steps like recycling to purchasing electric vehicles. Therefore, it’s not surprising that sustainability is emerging as a major trend in wedding planning. This could translate to a wide variety of measures, such as using online save-the-dates and invitations, serving a plant-based menu, avoiding the use of balloons and other non-biodegradable decorations, or using live, potted plants in lieu of cut flowers.
4. Ceremonies held earlier in the day. Many couples plan their wedding over the course of several months or even years—all for the celebration to take place over just a few hours. In addition to opting for multi-day events, couples are spacing out the ceremony and reception. With a ceremony in the morning or early afternoon, guests will have adequate time to rest up before the evening’s festivities.
5. While the preference for incorporating color into wedding décor and attire is not brand-new this year, many wedding planners are excited to see it continuing. Weddings have taken on a bolder aesthetic, often featuring patterned textiles, vibrantly colored flowers, and bridal gowns that stray from the traditional white and embrace unique colors (pastels are particularly popular), embroidered messages, and patterns.
6. Smaller ceremonies. In keeping with the theme of personalization and keeping the focus on the couple, many people are opting for smaller, more intimate ceremonies that include only close friends and family members. While they may invite more people to the reception, lengthy guest lists with hundreds of attendees seem to be falling out of favor.
7. Nontraditional guest books. A classic staple of weddings is a book, typically placed at the entrance to the reception, where guests can jot down their warm wishes for the couple. Today’s newlyweds are taking a creative spin on this concept, inviting guests to record their messages on the back of Polaroid pictures or by leaving voice messages on an old-fashioned telephone.
8. Dramatic ceiling installations. Though guest lists may be shrinking, it doesn’t mean that couples are toning down the aesthetics of their weddings. One emerging trend is to create eye-catching ceiling installations featuring large-scale lighting, florals, drapery and more, setting an elegant and dramatic tone that guests are sure to remember.
9. Speakeasy-themed afterparties. An afterparty is a great way to stretch out the festivities—at least with guests who have the energy to continue celebrating the new couple long into the night. Given the widespread popularity of speakeasy-style cocktail bars, many couples are adopting the theme for their wedding afterparties, often featuring secret doors to a hidden lounge or a special bar serving a menu of craft cocktails.
10. Private last dances. The couple’s first dance together as newlyweds is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding reception, with friends and family breaking out their cameras to capture the occasion. However, some couples are planning a special dance together at the end of the night and inviting only their professional photographer to capture them as they reflect on the events of the day in a quiet, intimate moment of joy.

At Villa Tuscana, we understand that your wedding will be one of the most important events of your life, and our team is here to help make your day as special as possible. Whether you’d prefer to incorporate the latest wedding trends or stick to tradition, we can assist with the planning process and provide a beautiful, fully equipped venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Contact us today to get started!