By Sarah Fertsch
After years of delayed ceremonies and micro-weddings, 2022 will bring more love than ever before. Perhaps you’ve waited so long in this pandemic, and can’t wait for a grand and glorious ceremony. However, there are a lot of moving parts in the planning process. You probably have a lot of people whispering in your ear. Ultimately, you’ll be the decision-maker of whether your wedding features colorful flowers, silly photo concepts, and quotes to be read before you kiss. Let’s make the decision-making a little easier and secure your spot as the cutest couple and best wedding of 2022. Here are ten trends to abide by for your wedding this year:
Natural is Beautiful
The pandemic has called more and more people outside, which means that organic decor is the latest trend. Instead of spending big bucks on colorful roses, use wildflowers for your bouquet and the centerpieces. Invite your bridal party to pick your flowers at a local farm. For cottagecore brides, consider making your own flower crown! For more of a fresh-spring look, include eucalyptus, ivy, and other greens in your floral arrangements. The options are endless!
Declare a Theme
Vogue magazine has predicted that themed weddings will be popular and chic this season. In your invitation, ask guests to dress in Gatsby garb or celestial vibes. For the former, wear a short, tasseled dress and bright-red lips. To show your guests that you and your hubby are star-crossed lovers, decorate the venue with big, light-up stars and serve different kinds of champagne. Your invitees will love the attention to detail and the photos will be so unique and special. Make memories in a way that fits your inner self, whether you’re a hippie, glam queen, beach bum or e-girl.
Quirky Wedding Favors
Gone are the salted nuts and bags of candy! Brides are now opting for unique gifts for the guests like specialty monogrammed mugs, wildflower seeds, or dreamcatchers. Consider hiring an artist to paint little pictures of guests or offer guests bags of a local staple like Johnson’s Popcorn. Think about ways to make your wedding memorable and delight your partiers with a gift they’ll never forget.
Host a Long Wedding Weekend
After being trapped in their homes for months, your guests want to celebrate to the max! On Friday, book a spa day for yourself and your bridal party while the groom and his men perhaps play board games. Book your rehearsal dinner for that evening. Saturday will be the big day (with the ceremony and reception) and have guests sleep in a nearby hotel. On Sunday morning, host a brunch for the closest family and friends. Mimosas and bloody marys will help guests feel like the reception never ended and share exciting plans for your upcoming honeymoon. The fun will last forever!
Unplugged Ceremonies
The digital age has changed weddings for the better, but sometimes for the worse. In your invitation, ask guests to turn off all cell phones and cameras and place them in a designated area until the ceremony has ended. This ensures that the professional pictures are the only photos of you in that special moment and that no one leaks pics of your bad side on Facebook before you want to share. Plus, your guests can have their social media fun at the reception!
Bright Colors
Rustic weddings are so 2019. After social distancing, more couples are choosing bright palettes for their big days. Colorful cakes, bold flowers, candlesticks that are twisty and vibrant, and plates that don’t match in the slightest all add to the Alice in Wonderland in the 1960s vibe. White cloth napkins? No way! Pale pink fingernails? Try hot pink! The photographs will stun you.
Different Dresses for Bridal Party
Remember when brides used to pick out horrifying dresses for their bridesmaids? No need to gag anymore. Brides are now asking their party to choose a dress within a specific theme. Floral is a popular choice, but you could also go with metallic, feathers or vintage. When you stand with your girls, the mishmash of designs will look intentional and gorgeous.
Think Big for Wedding Beauty
Brides are choosing bigger and bolder headpieces and hair looks for their big day. Think halos, flower crowns, tiaras and vintage hair pins to wow the crowd. Bohemian braids and doll curls are becoming popular, too. Veils are so last year!
Minimalist Altar Arches
Say no more to balloon arches! Wooden, hexagon pieces or arches with flowers have become brides’ first choices. These earthy, hipster designs work great for beach, barn or forest weddings. Ferns and hydrangeas are popular picks for altar flowers.
Glamorous Food for a Feast
In recent years, casual dining was popular, meaning that guests could expect barbeque, food trucks, or sandwiches at the reception. No more! Parallel to the high fashion trends, couples are opting for oysters, French pastries and even quail to feed their family and friends. Micro-portions are also in, as well as specialty cocktails. Go big or go home!
