Wedding Planning Trends in 2022 & 2023

Without a doubt, wedding planning trends for 2022/23 are going to be influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The time we have spent locked in our homes, cancelling events left, right and centre and not being able to hug or connect as we used to with our loved ones, will have an overwhelming effect on how we now choose to celebrate. Two clear paths are emerging for the 2022/23 wedding season: those who want to scale back and focus on a close-knit, small-scale wedding and those who are adopting the mantra of ‘go big or go home’ – no time for regrets in our current climate.

Expect 2022/23 to be an amazing year for weddings, thanks to postponements and ever-changing guest lists, couples are thinking differently, putting their own spin on traditional wedding planning and coming up with creative and exciting weddings for these ever-changing times we live in.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the top trends we are seeing for the up-and-coming wedding season:

Supporting local and sustainable

Buying kiwi-made has never been so crucial. Lockdowns have put a huge strain on the New Zealand economy and supporting our local suppliers is heading to the forefront of wedding planning must do’s.

A heightened appreciation for sustainability was already emerging as a planning trend pre-Covid-19; now we see locally sourced, smaller scale, inherently sustainable weddings more than ever before. Our shift in thinking is helping rebuild our industry that undoubtedly felt the effects of 2020 and 2021, as well as ensuring a lighter carbon footprint on what can traditionally be an event full of wasteful and one-off extravagance. Read more about clear conscience wedding planning in our recent blog.

Glamour

After being stuck inside wearing messy bun topknots and active wear for much of last year, a nod to glamour is most certainly making a come-back. Hair accessories adorned with pearls and sparkles as well as statement necklaces and chandelier earrings are all on the horizon.

Voluminous skirts, ruffles and luxurious duchess satin are in. Feathers are another over-the-top embellishment designers are loving this season: ethereal, barely-there wisps or plumage that packs punch – this gorgeous detail brings the glamour. Vogue have stated it’s all about the sleeves. Not just any sleeves, puff sleeves – be it smaller cap or full-length billowing bishop sleeves, this fashion statement is igniting its resurgence into the world of bridal gowns.

Greenery

One of the clear wedding trends for 2021 is the inclusion of luscious greenery. Tables dressed with cascades of foliage or ceremony arches displaying masses of leaves and greenery are the go-to for sophisticated wedding décor according to many overseas wedding designers.

Think ferns, succulents, garlands of eucalyptus or even a cactus or two. The best thing about this natural decor trend other than its low carbon footprint; is that it can be incorporated into almost any style of wedding, rustic, modern and most definitely, outdoor receptions.

Cakes

Creative cake designers are having fun reinventing wedding cakes, incorporating all kinds of new shapes, colours, patterns, and materials. From edible flowers to geode detailing and metallic gold leaf, the wedding cake trends listed below are going to be huge in 2022/23.

Edible Pressed Flowers: Edible flowers are on track to be a major wedding cake trend in 2021 and 2022. Not flowers made of chocolate, sugar, or fondant – but actual flowers that you can eat – they look incredibly dreamy pressed into buttercream.

Geode cakes: A highly fascinating and equally beautiful trend in cakes. The sparkling crystal cave entices guests in for a closer look, making a real show stopper centre piece. Semi-precious stones never looked so good.

Watercolour cakes: These hand-painted masterpieces are almost too gorgeous to eat. Whether it be a simple ombre colour scape, or a full-on piece of art, watercolour cakes are definitely a trend to consider for your day.

 

Find more inspiration on our Pinterest Board

Check out our specially curated Pinterest Board here for some beautiful images of the trends discussed above!

 

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