By Racael Jessup
This just in—we can expect weddings to get even more elaborate this year. Statistique Canada reports that the number of marriages dropped in the past couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where mandatory isolation prevented couples from meeting and deepening their relationships. Now that’s behind us, more couples are willing to splurge. Destination weddings alone are getting more luxurious, but you might get some unique client requests as well. A comic book-loving groom might ask if he can burst onto the aisle in a superhero costume, for example, or a bride may request last-minute cosmetic features to be added to the wedding venue—like giant flower walls.
Yet even more couples may prefer to integrate popular wedding trends into their big day. Not every trend is great: some, like photobooths and dance entrances, have arguably overstayed their welcome. However, there are others that are definitely worth seeing more of in 2024. Here are a few of them.
The return of the wedding veil
A while back, micro weddings were all the rage. Another product of the pandemic, these meant small everything—from more minimalist wedding parties, venues, and cake sizes to simpler fashion choices. That means a lot of brides haven’t been donning a veil lately. However, British Vogue predicts its return in 2024 now that more couples want to go all-out on their big day. It would be great to see more requests from brides for pieces that will make them feel more special—like lovingly hand-embroidered bridal veils from Lea-Ann Belter or models with pastel hues for a pop of color!
Wedding weekends
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, which is why it would be amazing to see more clients make the most out of it by planning a weekend-long affair. The logic behind this trend is to hold the ceremony on a Friday, rest for the night, and prepare to party for longer on Saturday. It’s pretty ingenious—by getting all the important details out of the way first, newlyweds are free to join their guests and actually enjoy the reception they organize with you in the months before the wedding.
Audio guest books
Couples are always looking for ways to make a wedding their own, so it’s no surprise that unique twists like audio guest books are coming into their own. Using a recording device housed in a rotary phone for a touch of nostalgia, guests can leave words of wisdom, witty anecdotes, and heartfelt well-wishes to the bride and groom in an interactive way that’s fun for everyone involved. That makes audio guestbooks a one-of-a-kind keepsake couples will actually look forward to revisiting, so hopefully this trend continues to grow in 2024!
Bridal sunglasses
Though jewelry, veils, gloves, tiaras, and garters are essential wedding accessories, a more modern trend is shaking up the scene: bridal sunglasses. According to Tsitsi Lynn Makuni, professional event manager and curator of various wedding exhibitions, more brides are using this bold accessory to add more of their personality to the ceremony. Many are going the classic route by donning iconic women’s sunglasses from Ray-Ban. Versatile models like the Aviator and Wayfarer complement multiple dress styles, making them easy to integrate with any styling tips you provide. Heart-shaped sunglasses are also especially popular since they tie into the emotions of a wedding. Seeing more of this trend in 2024 means your client will have more options for expressing herself on the big day!
Disposable cameras for guests
A wedding photographer is always a must for documenting your clients’ cherished memories of their ceremony and reception. However, the photos they take always come from a perspective outside the wedding party. That’s why it’s no surprise that disposable cameras are becoming more common wedding favors. Models like the Fujifilm Quicksnap are popular options since they come with flash for night shots and are already pre-loaded with film for ease of use. Hopefully, we see more of this trend this year as a sign that couples want their guests to play a bigger role on the big day. It’s a great way to make a wedding more interactive, and it’ll give your clients photos taken in the midst of all the action—images that then become tangible memories they can cherish for years to come.
Sustainable wedding planning
As people become more aware of their impact on the planet’s health, you may see more clients asking for help planning a sustainable wedding. This trend involves all aspects of the big day, ranging from establishing a dress code of eco-friendly garments and decorating venues in sustainable decor to catering meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Given the personal values it reflects on the part of both clients and wedding planners, it would be great to see more sustainable weddings this year—so be sure to talk with us about getting your certification as a sustainable wedding planner!
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