By Melissa Chorlton

Author Bio: Mel specialises in lifestyle and sustainability in weddings. 
She is especially interested in how weddings can be made more sustainable. 
From vintage engagement rings, to biodegradable save the dates, we can all make weddings more sustainable.

2022 was the first year after the pandemic when everything was back to normal. This resulted in the wedding boom, but what does this mean for 2023? After an abundance of weddings in such a short space of time, it is no wonder why there are going to be some trend shifts in a range of elements for weddings. It’s all very exciting and it is giving more choices to those who are not a huge fan of tradition. Whether it’s reinventing the wedding suit, adding color to a wedding dress or completely changing the overall experience of a wedding. We’re going to look at what sparked trends in 2022 and what has encouraged these changes in 2023. In this article, we will go through the best spring/summer wedding trends for 2023.  

Pearl Detailing

Pearls have been extremely popular in recent years with jewelry, but this year we will be seeing a lot of this on the detailing of one’s wedding dress, the cake and anywhere else you choose. If you wanted to add some bling and subtle luxury to your wedding, pearls are a beautiful way to do this. They are classic and timeless and can be worn with most outfits or can be combined with any dress or suit. If the bride wants to stand out from every wedding they have been to in the past couple of years, then pearls are a great way to do this.  

Women’s Wedding Suits

Some women don’t dream of beautiful dressed, they prefer to be comfortable and functional. For those who do wish this, then you will be glad to know that the wedding suit is not only for men now. The bridal suit is gaining popularity like there’s no tomorrow. With the pandemic putting a lot of limitations on what people could do, it has still left many wanting to stay sleek ad chic. This is an emergence of a change and the search for ‘wedding suits for women’ has increased by 125% and has roughly 10,000 searches per month so it is definitely something to consider if you are wanting something a little less traditional. 

Friends of Honour, Groomsmaids & More

Maids of honour used to be the norm, but in 2023 it is a lot less restrictive. There are now much more searches for ‘mail bridesmaid’ as it has increased by 24% in 2023. Couples are now reflecting on who and what they want in their wedding that focuses on the friends they have in their friendship group instead of being gender specific. Instead of the term maid of honour or bridesmaids, new terms have been formed with terms such as ‘bridesmates’, ‘wedding squad’ and ‘I do crew’. 

Whilst we’re on this trend, it’s worth noting that couples are also moving away from traditional same-sex pre-wedding celebrations. No hen do and no stag does, but a ‘sten do’ is being selected a lot more. Couples are now wanting to combine the fun with all of their friends. 

Sustainability

It is no secret that more people than ever are more conscious about the environmental factors of a wedding. Sustainable weddings have increased in popularity in recent years and there is no sign of them stopping. From vintage engagement rings to toned-down services, there is an abundance of ways you can make your wedding more sustainable. 

Sustainable trends are environmentally friendly methods to incorporate sustainability into your wedding without compromising on anything your want. With over 22% of couples opting for a sustainable wedding, it definitely is something that will be very popular in 2023 as it gives couples a chance to be even more creative with their wedding. 

More Color!

The traditional white coloring is beautiful and many people want a classic wedding, but many do not want to follow the norm. In 2023, you will be seeing a lot more color. From mismatched colorful bridesmaid dresses to stunning wedding decorations and even color-blocked aisle decor, the possibilities are endless. Color doesn’t have to be tacky, it can be sophisticated and fun. 

All bright and beautiful shades will be seen in all forms of styles and shades from flowers to dresses. All of this contrasting with your surrounding will make for a beautiful wedding. 

Cocktail Hour

There is one trend that was gaining popularity before the pandemic, but halted and then got extremely popular in 2022. This was having a cocktail hour. In 2023, this is definitely something that we will be seeing a lot of. Couples are moving from tradition, which means they want to put their own creative flare into the mix. 

One way they can do this is by serving signature cocktails or mocktails to their guests. This can be done by either making their own, serving up the classics or allowing the guests to pour their own from a separate bar station. 

Destination Weddings

One thing you can’t predict when it comes to weddings is the weather, which is why many opt for destination weddings. There are some that like a winter wedding, whereas others would prefer the guarantee of a sunny wedding. There is an abundance of beautiful places around the world and it can work out much more affordable if you choose wisely. Whether it is a beautiful stately manor in the UK or al fresco receptions in Italy or France, there is no doubt that your wedding will be one to remember, and a day you will never forget. 

It’s encouraged that you have your special day the way you want it. Whether you are wanting a traditional wedding with a twist, or something completely different. These are the current trends, but this doesn’t mean that you have to follow them, the most important factor is to enjoy your special day.