Top 10 Unique Wedding Trends for 2023
FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER // TENNESSEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER // LOUISIANA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER // GEORGIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Couples are scaling down their guest lists and investing more into their wedding than ever to create an ultra personalized wedding day for themselves and their guests to enjoy! The wedding trends rising to the top for 2023 focus on intentional moments, creating a memorable guest experience, infusing personality wherever possible, putting modern twists on old traditions, and sustainability. Across the board these trends are fun, unique, and beautiful—from how couple’s structure their day to the vendors.
Let’s explore the Top Ten Trends for 2023 and give you some wedding day inspiration!
1. First looks & private moments
There is something extra special about the one-on-one moments you share with the love of your life on your wedding day. More and more often couples are prioritizing private moments into their wedding day timeline. To be with each other, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the day they’ve planned/each other to the fullest.
Special moments to incorporate into your wedding day:
- First looks to revel in seeing one another for the first time (and have an unfiltered reaction).
- First touches if they want to save their first look for the aisle, but connect beforehand
- Private vows before the ceremony
- Receptions sneak peeks before guests are seated
- Last dances once the guests leave
2. Full weekend events
Imagine having all of your favorite people in the world joining you on a mini vacation. Being able to enjoy their company. Being able to stay together in one convenient place. Going on fun excursions and relaxing with everyone. Sounds fun, right!? Couples are opting for more intimate weddings at all-inclusive venues and airbnb’s so they can have a weekend long experience with their guests.
Check out how to host your own airbnb wedding here!
3. Spicing up cocktail hour
Although custom cocktails aren’t anything new couples are taking cocktail hour one step further by making it just as memorable and aesthetic as any other part of the day. Couples are creating custom yard games to play, stylish lounge areas for people to relax in, fun photo/selfie opportunities, and one-of-a-kind appetizers to enjoy!
4. Flower installations
What is a wedding without gorgeous florals? More and more florists are getting creative with flower installations for weddings. They’re transforming florals into either the perfect finishing touch to a space or a show stopping focal point.
(Need florist recommendations? I’ve got you covered!)
Gorgeous non-traditional wedding floral ideas
- Flower arches
- Ground installations
- Floral chandeliers
- Greenery walls
- Dried flower art installations to take home afterwards
5. Alternative flower girls
Couples are putting their own unique twist on the traditional flower girls and it’s seriously SO FUN to see! We’re seeing junior bridesmaids, best friends, grandmothers, and pets set the stage for the bride’s grand ceremony entrance. Although cute kiddos throwing flower petals will never go out of style, having a different kind of “flower girl” is an opportunity to incorporate someone else that’s meaningful into your ceremony.
6. Reception Entertainment/Interactive vendors
At your wedding reception there are speeches, food, dancing, and …? Couples are investing in all kinds of creative experiences to entertain their guests during their reception these days. And honestly, some of the vendors are pretty incredible.
Fun and interactive wedding reception entertainment:
- Live painters
- Magicians
- Tattoo artists
- Fireworks
- Arcade games
- DIY cocktails
Come on! Who wouldn’t want to attend a wedding with any one of these vendors?
7. Unusual and unique guest books
Couples are trading traditional guest books for more intentional alternatives that they can enjoy as a couple or incorporate into their homes. There are so many new ways to celebrate and remember the people you spent your wedding day with that it’s almost hard to choose just one!
Here are some fun guest book alternatives I’ve seen:
- Cornhole boards
- Audio guest books made into records (After the Tone)
- Coffee table books with pictures of you
- Vintage typewriter
- Large custom paint by number
- Jenga
- Polaroid pictures
8. Creative cuisine
We are all foodies at heart so it’s no surprise that couples are investing more in catering and having cuisine play a bigger role in their wedding day experience! They want their guests to be well fed from creative finger foods during cocktail hour, multiple courses, made to order meals, and curated menus. Essentially making food accessible from the beginning of the day to the last dance!
Unique catering options for your wedding:
- Grazing tables during cocktail hour
- Food trucks for dinner
- End of the night snacks
9. Guest playlists
Imagine your guests rocking out to their favorite songs during your wedding reception! Couples have gotten incredibly creative with their playlists by asking guests to submit a song or two with their RSVP. Some couples take it upon themselves to curate the playlists while others hand over the submissions to their DJ. Either way you’ll be left with a fun mix of music with a little something for everyone!
10. Eco-friendly favors
There is a shift happening in the wedding industry toward eco-conscious options that couples are absolutely loving—especially when it comes to guest favors! Despite wanting to show guests their appreciation, couples don’t want to give “stuff’. They’re gifting their loved ones sustainable items to truly enjoy and remember the day by
Eco-friendly wedding favor inspiration:
- Plant cuttings
- Seed packets
- Eco friendly candles
- Edible favors
Feeling inspired?
I am loving the shift from larger weddings and cookie cutter days to ultra-personalized, intimate events. There’s nothing like seeing couples and their loved ones having the time of their lives. All of the little touches. And the unique flare.
It all feels very intentional—just like a wedding day should!
As a photographer I cannot wait to document these wedding trends in action next year! Let’s get your date on the books!
