authenticity and intimacy; the common thread of the top 5 wedding trends in 2023
Weddings have always been a celebration of love, but in recent years, couples have been looking for ways to create a more authentic and intimate setting for themselves and their guests. In the wake of COVID’s courthouse weddings and elopements, a new style of wedding is emerging. So, with wedding season just around the corner, here are the top 5 wedding trends that will help you create a unique and personal experience for your big day.
Non-Traditional Guestbooks
Guestbooks have long been a tradition at weddings, but many couples are now opting for non-traditional guestbooks that reflect their personalities and interests. Instead of a traditional guestbook, couples can opt for a video guestbook using products like Voast. With Voast, guests can leave video messages that are edited into a beautiful video montage and enjoyed for years to come. Non-traditional guestbooks like this help to create a more intimate setting, where guests can share their love and memories in a more personal way.
2. Authentic Photography Styles
Couples are now looking for photography styles that capture the authentic and intimate moments of their wedding day. Instead of posed and traditional wedding photos, couples are opting for documentary-style photography that captures the candid moments and emotions of their day. Film photography has also been making a huge comeback. Super 8 video footage and film photos are giving a vintage and timeless feel to these visual keepsakes. Authentic photography styles like this help to create a more personal and intimate feel, and capture the true essence of your love story.
3. Intimate Venues
Large and extravagant venues have been a popular choice for weddings in the past, but more couples are now choosing intimate venues that create a more personal and cozy setting. Venues like barns, backyards, and beachside cottages offer a unique and intimate setting for your big day. This type of venue creates a more authentic and intimate setting that allows you and your guests to feel more connected.
4. DIY Decor
Many couples are now opting for DIY decor to create a more personal and authentic setting. From handmade centerpieces and bouquets to personalized place cards and wedding favors, DIY decor allows couples to infuse their personalities into every aspect of their wedding. Creating decor, invitations, and wedding websites is now also being heavily outsourced to close friends and family members. This helps to create a more authentic and intimate event, where guests can see the unique and personal touch of the couple throughout the wedding day.
5. Locally-Sourced and Sustainable Catering
More couples are now choosing locally-sourced and sustainable catering options for their wedding day. This type of catering creates a more authentic and intimate setting, where guests can enjoy delicious and high-quality food while also supporting local businesses and sustainable practices. Smaller, local businesses are often more willing to personalize their menus and fares specifically for the big day - plus, local guests who enjoy the meal can then continue supporting the vendor after the event. This type of catering choice helps to create a more personal, and often times, more eco-conscious wedding experience.
Authentic and intimate gatherings have been proving to be the new way forward, seemingly grown from COVID’s isolating impact. Brides, grooms, and guests alike are showing preference for real experiences that showcase their true selves and allow others to do so. The wedding industry has long been notorious for “over-the-top” planning and budgets; but when it comes down to what truly matters, spending a memorable day with loved ones is what really takes the cake.