This past week I found myself inside a Facebook group of newly engaged women who are currently in the thick of wedding planning and vendor vetting. What I saw was quite interesting and sparked a conversation on my Stories about expectations for vendors that brides currently have. With every new generation of women getting married, these expectations change. And wedding vendors need to keep a pulse on the industry so we aren’t completely out of touch with connecting with them.
Wedding Planning in 2024
In the process of my research for expectations of vendors for the upcoming 2024 wedding season, I also started doing some digging on the upcoming wedding trends and predictions for this year. What I discovered was quite interesting. As a professional Charlottesville wedding photographer, I’ve seen trends come and go. But 2024 is bringing some unconventional trends that I haven’t seen much of, as of yet. So, if you’re a bride-to-be planning to get married in 2024, you’re in for a treat.
Florals
Seasonal, locally sourced wildflower bouquets and centerpieces will become more popular in 2024 wedding trends. With rising costs for imported florals and the growing awareness of environmental practices, a lot of newly engaged couples seem to be leaning in this direction.
Some couples are even opting to “share” 50% of the cost of floral arrangements if they’re getting married on the same weekend, and reusing the flowers.
Gender-diverse Wedding Parties
The era of huge wedding parties is over. (PTL!) And the sameness of wedding parties that follow a gender-based construct is slowly being replaced. I have photographed a few weddings where there was a “man of honor” or a “best-woman”. At first, it threw me for a loop. But after having seen it done, experiencing it myself, and witnessing the special friendships between these beautiful people I realized the idea of taking a wedding party from the boring and traditional can be a fantastic way to celebrate the strength of your friendships, no matter what that looks like for you.
Save the Dates and E-vites
I’ve seen the day of the “flat lay” begin to dwindle. As sad as it might make me to say goodbye, I’m also excited to begin seeing these kinds of images in a fresh way. Printed wedding invitations and save-the-dates are taking a back seat to invitations sent via a wedding website or email. Couples are seeing this option as more environmentally and budget-friendly. And in the post-Covid world of price hikes and macroeconomic issues impacting individual choices, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Color
If you’re a bride who loves color, you’re in for a treat this year! Everything from the flower arrangements to the bride’s gown will be full of color. The trend of mixing patterns for bridesmaid’s dresses is here to stay. And you’ll see flowers take more of a center-stage role for high impact and drama.
Impact of Technology
In the age of smartphones and Alexa devices it doesn’t surprise me that tech is impacting weddings these days. Apps, online RSVP’s, digital guestbooks, live streaming the ceremony, custom wedding websites and more! For couples who add tech into their wedding planning, it’s about much more than just convenience. These couples are using technology to help reduce waste and make their wedding more sustainable.
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