Wedding trends for 2022

Marius from Weddings by Marius gives his predictions for the coming year

A new year means a new perspective and lots to look forward to, especially if 2022 will finally be your wedding year. Although your Big Day may seem far away, it is a good idea start planning early and incorporating trends that the experts are currently predicting. Here’s some advice on what to look forward to, and start planning for, if you’re having a 2022 wedding.

WEEKDAY WEDDINGS As there’s been a surge in demand for events, many couples have accepted that a Thursday (even a Wednesday) wedding is just as great as a Saturday one (and it could be cheaper, too). In fact, weekday weddings give couples an opportunity to extend the wedding experience for their loved ones. To be honest, weddings during the week and elopements are definitely the biggest shift I’ve seen in weddings, and I anticipate this will continue in the future. NATURAL AND CONTEMPORARY RENTALS Rattan elements, macramé tassel chandeliers, wishbone chairs and plush seating in neutrals have created an earthy and comfortable visual for the home this year. Traditional interior design sets the trends, so this look will also become popular for weddings in 2022. Recently the wedding industry started using contemporary furniture, such as cloud couches, and other soothing touches and palettes that work extremely well in natural outdoor settings.

GOLD TONES It’s time for rose gold to shift over – there’s a new metallic in town! Gold is one of the most traditional hues, but after years of standing on the periphery, this colour is making a come-back. Gold chairs, gold cutlery, gold under plates… gold blends with every style of wedding, whether you adore classic touches or a modern look.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE – GREEN WEDDINGS Mindful consumption and carbon impact will become greater considerations as we move further into the 21st century – and weddings are no exception. As the focus on sustainable, seasonal and local produce becomes more prevalent, it’s also shifting to weddings and other celebratory events. More couples are becoming conscious of their choices and considering sustainability when deciding on flowers, décor and dining.

SMALL GUEST LISTS While couples will invite more than just a handful of guests, it looks like we’ll still be proceeding with relative caution. Maybe we’ve come to appreciate the closeness of a smaller gathering. So, with the pandemic in mind, I think smaller and more intimate weddings will be here to stay.

FAMILY-STYLE DINING A love for family and friends will pervade the design and décor experience of 2022 weddings. We’ll see this explored through more sophisticated yet luxurious table details and elevated family-style dining. Expect guest experiences that are less formal, and more Italian- inspired. EARTHY, NATURE-INSPIRED DÉCOR There will be an increased focus on the environment – many people have spent more time outside because of the pandemic and they have a newfound appreciation for nature. So, for décor, I think the colour palette is moving towards earthy, natural colours. Rust is my prediction as the colour for 2022. Another popular palette will be soft pastels – particularly in the realms of floral bouquets and bridal wear. I think we’ll see lots of soft lilacs, lemons and shades of rosé. Contrasting colours will also see an increase come 2022. We’ll see bolder shades, such as hydrangea blue, balanced with neutral shades, which will also be popular. If styled well, colour can bring a vibrant and fun feel to a destination affair, without having to travel to experience it — and let’s face it, that’s something we’re all craving!

INSIDE-OUTSIDE GARDEN VENUES Perhaps one of the most scenic and safe precautions to emerge from the pandemic is the idea of bringing the outdoors in by using indoor/outdoor venues. We’re talking a tent, perhaps a patio, the backyard of your holiday home, or perhaps a barn setting that flows from the venue into a garden or outdoors. My advice: if you can’t find a venue that speaks to your theme, look for an open-air space that you can use as a blank canvas to decorate from scratch. You can transform any space with lighting, or even fabric; this adds a whimsical, elegant vibe to any location.

WEDDING CAKES GO BOLD If you do decide to have a wedding cake, make sure it causes your guests to do a double take. The new year brings rich colours, uneven tier heights, alternative textures, messy buttercream, mid-tier pedestals and metallic colours stun the scene.

MULTI-DAY EXPERIENCES For me, 2022 will be about smaller weddings and more experiences. If you’re planning a destination wedding, consider spreading it out over a few days. In fact, this works even if you’re staying in your home town. While everyone is in one place, grab the opportunity to schedule pre- and post-wedding events. Why not enjoy a three-day weekend experience that allows guests to celebrate with you not only on the wedding day, but also on the days before and after? It’s a great way to create some additional memories with friends and family.

FAIRY-TALE LIGHTING How you light your indoor and/or outdoor spaces at the reception sets the tone and mood for the entire evening, so it’s no surprise that fairy lights have made my list of the top wedding trends for 2022. We’re seeing all sorts of dreamy, unique, statement lighting options for this year, all of which will create a magical, movie-worthy vibe. Take your pick from naked light bulbs, festoon lights, vintage chandeliers or classic fairy lights.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS A smaller number of guests offers more flexibility when it comes to location. Having a destination wedding offers the couple and their guests the time to celebrate the marriage as well as a holiday – an exciting, all-in-one experience. CAKE ALTERNATIVES Why be traditional when you can present a more unique way to give a sugar rush? While wedding cakes are simply beautiful in every way, they usually come with a bulky price tag. What’s more: guests often don’t eat the cake. Sometimes this is because they’ve been created to look good rather than taste delicious. Other times it’s because people are so busy having fun at the wedding that they forget to eat the cake. So, save the day with an alternative – anything from a cheese tower and ice cream concoction to macarons or chocolate brownies. Perhaps write a list of your favourite desserts and find a local caterer who can make these. Or have wedding goodie bags for guests to take home, filled with delicious treats.

EDITOR’S TRENDS

Sharon Preston off ers her take on wedding trends for 2022

MAKE YOURS A SAFARI WEDDING! There are some exciting wedding trends emerging, and one of these is towards exclusive experiences, oft en shared with family and friends. More and more couples are deciding to combine their wedding and honeymoon in an exotic destination. Of course, the size of the wedding is much smaller this way, but you can enjoy shared, unique experiences that are unforgettable. Nothing beats an immersive holiday where you can relax, get away from it all and connect with loved ones.

Communing with nature is extremely popular, whether you have your wedding/ honeymoon experience at a safari lodge or choose a remote seaside setting. We recommend Abelane Safari Lodge for this one-of-a-kind experience. See our review of Abelane on page 105 in the Honeymoons section!

NAILING IT! BRIDAL NAIL TRENDS What’s trending for brides’ nails right now? Nubian Bride asked mani/pedi expert Zola Buti, a nail technician whose years of experience have made her the go-to person for many Gauteng brides. “Trends change, so rather keep it classic,” Zola says. She suggests a subtle, soft look so that the ring and the wedding dress can take centre stage.

Zola’s tips: • Add a touch of pink or nude in a gradient eff ect to white nails for a modern touch. • Go natural with a gellish look that blends perfectly with everything. • Avoid going the pastel route – compared to a white dress, pastels will look bright. • The French manicure never goes out of style. This is a stylish choice for many brides. • Avoid going strong matte white or neutral with lots of extras – it’s just too much.

Contact Zola – zolabuti@icloud.com or 073 700 4905. TRAVEL SAVVY SKIN Hansel Skincare is a local range of beauty products that smells sublime and adds a touch of luxury to your beauty kit. Best of all, the products are incredibly reasonably priced! They have been lovingly created to take the minimal amount of time in your hectic routine, using only the finest raw natural materials to ensure a cleaner, greener skincare routine. Most of the ingredients used are ‘active’ ones and all off er therapeutic benefits. Did we mention that the packaging is superb and they smell gorgeous? Also, these lush products are suitable for all skin types. They are extremely popular because of their anti-bacterial, anti-aging, hydrating, skinplumping, refining and cleansing properties.

Recently released is a special Mini Bundle, created so that you can sample the products or take them with you when you travel on your honeymoon. The Mini Bundle includes four of Hansel Skincare’s basic products encased in a stunning royal blue satin drawstring bag: there’s a 30ml Rose Geranium Facial Toner, 30ml Macadamia Nut Facial Wash, 10ml Hyaluronic Acid Serum and 15ml Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser. All for R409 online.

Purchase your aff ordable Now Boarding Mini Starter Bundle and Travel Set now and stow it away for aft er your Big Day so that you’ll look glowing and gorgeous throughout your honeymoon. And, the bag is so luxurious, you’ll probably land up using it as a mini handbag, too!

You can purchase all Hansel Skincare products online or at Poetry Stores countrywide. hanselskincare.co.za