Wedding Planning
Written By Luke Whittemore
Well it finally feels like we’re almost out of the doom and gloom that was a global pandemic over the past few years, and over the globe we’re noticing that folks are embracing a new way of life by following the heart and doing more of the things that spark joy.
This is also reflected in the Wedding Industry, in both couples & small businesses taking the reins. We’re seeing a massive change, whether it’s the folks tightening the money belts or saving up, saying f*ck it and going ALL IN to throw a huge party! Either way, we’re all looking to do things a bit differently and carve our own paths. So I decided to do a bit of research and see what hot trends are on the rise for weddings in 2024.
I for one fully embrace it and love to see couples fully inject themselves and their personality into their wedding day. I mean C’MON! after all, this day should be all about you, your community and those quirks that make it all yours!
Saying all of the above, this list may initially come across as a contradiction of sorts, but I assure you it’s more of a gentle nudge permitting you to go off and do your own thing!
Scroll down to see some of the latest Wedding Trends for your 2024 Wedding.
The Anti-Wedding
This is something that has followed on from the frustrations of the Covid 19 Pandemic and left couples either loosing out on wedding dates and venues. After numerous postponements and all the stress that came with it. The Anti Wedding is more prevalent than ever. A no fuss, break from tradition and age old expectations. There’s no “theme” as usually it’s just going with the flow and leaving things open to interpretation.
This also lends itself to Elopements or Minimalist wedding days. I’m really looking forward to see what comes of this new way of celebrating a wedding day in 2024 onwards, With pop up venues and alternative spaces, there are so many options opening up for couples.
2. Champagne Towers
This is one of those wedding trends that seem to come and go as the years go by.. But each time I see it, it seems to remain a timeless image that’s equally luxurious as it is fun.
I think we’ll keep on seeing this resurgence for years to come, what do you reckon?!
3. Big Explosions of Colour - Wedding Florals
Getting brave with Big, Bold clashing of colours! When used in different mediums this can look incredibly impressive and super intentional. Focus on florals at the right time of year for sustainability, take a look at what is in season, speak to your florist about what is in bloom and let them go bold!
Neon, 80’s and 90’s pop culture is all the rage in high fashion rn - Gen Z have well and truly revived an era that I thought was well and truly buried… (Yes, I was a 90’s kid with a purple track and a Wedge haircut) Mix this with the Pop Art culture of the 60’s and 70’s and you have this new wave of clashing eras that works incredibly well!
Though we’ve developed this way of mish-mashing past eras and picking out the best of the decades to see some truly unique styles. Bringing this into weddings in 2024 will most definitely be a winner!
4. Celebrant Led Wedding Ceremony
There is nothing more personal and meaningful than having your wedding ceremony led by a Humanist Celebrant. Yes currently you still have to do the legal paperwork bit separately but if you’re going all out to make your wedding day completely unique to you, then a celebrant should also be essential!
Have a look into Humanist Celebrants and what they offer - There are a ton of folks out there offering bespoke services so do some research and go with someone who you resonate with!
Take a look at my UK Elopement Guide for some awesome recommended celebrants.
5. Un-Weddingy Wedding Venues
Something that maybe linked to those venue cancellations and bottlenecking of wedding dates… We’ve definitely seen it start to level back out and create a nice balance again for 2024 and espeically 2025 wedding seasons, but Venues that aren’t traditionally used for weddings is seeing a rise - Much like the pop up stores, restaurants and events, these kind of things that the Gen Z and Millenials alike are fully embracing as a way of life and great way to do business.
Airbnb’s that you can hire out to celebrate your day, empty warehouse spaces that can be used as a blank canvas and outdoor camping spots that make way for giant tipi’s and glamping pods are all viable and unique options for couples looking for something that’s more inline with their own values and interests!
This isn’t really a new thing, it’s just more accessible than it previously has been… Allie and I got married back in 2015 and it took aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages to find a barn that we could use and slap our own stamp on… Now, wedding barns are everywhere and it’s pretty much become the norm.
6. Analog Film Wedding Photography in 2024
This is another one that I can fully embrace and I absolutely love that couples are wanting to explore 35mm film as part of their wedding photography packages..
I’m also seeing more photographers starting to trickle in some rolls of 35mm film or Polaroids into their bags ready for the 2024 and 2025 wedding season to kick off.
Though, something I would stress to add is, to not mistake badly exposed wonky photography for “filmic nostalgia”. (though if you like that sorta thing, buy a bunch of point & shoots and give ‘em out to your guests!)
Film when used correctly has an incredible depth of quality that is still unmatched in the digital world, in fact, still to this day, those fashion editorials we all love the looks of are still using Medium format film…
Just because film is nostalgic, it doesn’t have to be bad.
I see SO MANY Insta Stories and Tiktok with filters, whether it’s a Portra 400, a vintage 8mm cine cam filter with the borders or a sketchy looking VHS type filter.. It all adds nostalgia which yes, maybe a fad when slapped on digitally but there’s something more to it when it comes to actual analogue film.
Especially now, people are looking for more meaningful things and film can definitely bring that to the table, it’s a slow process that’s tangible and can hold so much sentimental value, Especially if you’ve been a part of that process - Have a look at my BLOOM Analogue Film Photography Experience for some more info on how you can get involved in a completely unique and magical film photography package.
I want to hear all about your awesome trend setting plans for your wedding!!
Get in touch here and let’s talk!
Luke Whittemore
