HOT TOPIC

2023 TRENDS SPECIAL

HOT TOPIC

Join us as some of the region’s wedding aficionados discuss their top 2023 trend predictions

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Karen and Andrew Boyle of Andy Boyle Photography (www.andyboylephotography.com) say: As we all get back to normal, many couples appreciate the opportunity to have their wedding day exactly as they want it. Some are opting for an all-out approach with everything they’ve ever dreamed of, while for others a more intimate affair is appealing.

A photographer who listens carefully to your plans and ideas is a great place to start. Chatting about yourselves, your hopes and maybe some concerns about being in front of the camera will help you to be more relaxed and enjoy all aspects of the day you’ve planned so carefully. Whether you’ve chosen to marry in a castle, at your local village hall or anywhere in between, your photographer will find the best aspects for your first photos as a married couple, creating something special just for you. As we all know, most of us are at our most relaxed when we’re not posing, so your photographer’s ability to get on with your guests and capture the unscripted moments you probably don’t see yourself creates some of the very best memories immortalised forever.

VALUE IS KEY

Laura and Steve at Churchtown Wedding Cars (www.churchtownweddingcars.co.uk) say: Trends are always difficult to predict especially with wedding cars. Whether it’s traditional, boho, sports or limousine, there’s so much choice these days. One thing we’re sure of however, is that whatever style of wedding car you choose, you’ll want excellent customer service, reliability and definitely better value for money, especially in the current climate.

Like all other transport companies, we thrive on recommendations from previous happy couples and as well as our amazing five-star reviews. From our first point of contact with our customers to meeting and choosing their cars and discussing plans for the big day, right up to the ceremony arrival, we hope to provide a service that’s second to none, ensuring your journey to the altar is a memorable one. On the big day itself we manage to stirke the perfect balance of slipping into the background, while being right there to help wherever needed, every step of the way. AL FRESCO “I DOS”

Michelle Stubbs at Delamere Manor (https://delameremanor.co.uk) says: In 2023, we’re expecting to see more outdoor ceremonies. With the relaxation of wedding laws in England and Wales, couples are no longer required to marry beneath a permanent structure in a preregistered wedding venue, but are now permitted to hold their ceremony anywhere within the grounds of their licensed venue. So, we’re anticipating a lot of bookings for our surrounding 117acre grounds.

When it comes to new wedding trends, we’re expecting to see a lot of mirrored aisles in the new year. They really are a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony and reflect all the beautiful surroundings and scenery.

Don’t be surprised to see a lot of outfit changes from the bride too, as wedding wardrobes are also in for 2023. Hugely popular on TikTok, we can expect a fully-planned set of outfits taking us right from the engagement party right through to the honeymoon.

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https://fitzpatrickphotography.co.uk ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES

Peter Henney from Go Cruise and Travel (anneandpeter@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk) says: Since the pandemic couples have been re-thinking their honeymoon experience. Some may have more savings, while others are booking well in advance to be able to achieve their dream. Honeymoon planning now is different. Financing can be achieved by various flexible funding methods, such as the honeymoon fund we offer at Go Cruise and Travel, whereby you ask guests to contribute to this rather than having a standard guest list.

In terms of the type of honeymoon couples are looking for, the current trend appears to be booking experiences whether they be on sea or land. These fashions are greatly influenced by healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness. Such trips include expedition cruises to the Arctic or Antarctic, experiencing the natural beauty and wildlife; or expedition ships that have facilities such as submersibles, helicopters and zodiacs for guests to maximise their time.

Safaris, where honeymooners can see wildlife in their natural habitat as they fly over in a hot air balloon or travel by jeep before sleeping under the stars in a luxury lodge, are now truly affordable. What’s more, places that were once only dreamed about such as Japan, South America, Asia and the South Pacific are now more widely accessible and affordable, and are popular spots for enjoying cultural engagement. These holidays all come with expert guides with exceptional local knowledge.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Matthew Fitzpatrick at Fitzpatrick Photography (https://fitzpatrickphotography.co.uk) says: “If we’re honest, most of us hate having our photos taken unless it’s selfies with friends, of course! But when it comes to paying someone professionally, most of us shudder at the idea and struggle to feel at our natural best. So, with more couples looking for less traditional photography, instead wanting their wedding story to be documented, how do you learn to be relaxed in front of the camera?

While the idea of an engagement shoot isn’t new, how they are structured is changing, causing even the most camera-shy to look again. When working with our couples, we typically set aside a three-hour time slot for a session, giving them plenty of time to relax without any time pressure. It enables us to walk, talk and take in different backdrops. It allows couples to find out what works for them and discover how they feel most comfortable being photographed. In the end, even the most camera-shy are surprised by how much fun they had.

It’s only natural to feel anxious in the run up to the wedding, but getting to know your suppliers, especially those you’ll spend a lot of time with, can genuinely help. Understanding how they’re going to work removes the fear of the unknown meaning you can relax and enjoy the day more.

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TAILORED TO YOU

Celebrant Gill Collins (www.gillcollinsceremonies.co.uk) says: I find that couples really want the emphasis of their ceremony to be totally specific to them, as well as a day that everyone will remember as theirs, not one that’s the same as any other wedding guests may have attended. Indeed, there seems to be an increased interest in celebrant-led ceremonies outdoors, at locations that have special meaning for them as a couple. For example, I’ve recently taken bookings to conduct ceremonies in couples’ own homes.

There’s also been a big interest in having animals involved, the family dog being a big hit as bridesmaid or ring bearer! A major benefit of having celebrant-led “I dos” is that in addition to writing a bespoke ceremony, we can accommodate couples’ individual requirements and requests, resulting in a unique, special and memorable experience.

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU

Natalie Goudge from La Fille Creative (www.lafillecreative.com) says: A wedding is the perfect occasion to showcase your uniqueness as a couple, as well as your love story. More and more, I see couples wanting to add personalised finishing touches to their wedding decorations, both as a way to stand out from the crowd and to keep forever as a memory of their special day. There are lots of elegant ways this can be achieved on the day ranging from our beautiful customised wedding cake toppers, to personalised reception signage to show off your sense of humour.

Personalising your wedding doesn’t have to be limited to the big day either; the lead up to the event is a great way to add a personal flair. Go for monogrammed save-the-dates in your style or bridesmaid proposals and gifts they won’t forget.

It’s in these small details that couples are able to really express their personalities and style to make a wedding day that’s truly unique. Why not create day that’s designed especially for you?

GREEN FINGERS

Nathalie Somerset from Somerset Blooms (https://somersetblooms.co.uk) says: With the sustainable floristry movement growing, couples are more aware of seasonal florals and working with the time of year to create designs to express their style and personality. Locally-grown flowers ensure freshness and quality while sustainable designs open up endless options for how couples can utilise their flowers on the day, which don’t come at a cost to the planet. With floral trends inspired by celebrity weddings, I anticipate a demand for largescale designs such as those seen at Pixie Lott’s, and Nicola and Brooklyn Beckham’s big days, which exhibited beauty, grandeur and sustainability.

With Covid pushing weddings back, couples are now making statements with bold colours in their floral designs. So, I’m expecting to see bright seasonal florals such as coral peonies, blue delphiniums, dahlias, tulips, agapanthus and sweet peas to trend in 2023. Each season carries its own individual beauty, scent and colour palette to work with while still leaving room for couples to exhibit their individuality.

Based on recent requests for 2023 I’m also seeing a shift from traditional, round posy-style bouquets to hand-tied versions with an emphasis on foliage such as eucalyptus and populus for a freshly-picked feel. SMALL AND PERFECTLY FORMED

Rachel Leon, weddings and events manager at The Manor, Greasby (www.themanorgreasby.co.uk) says: While the heritage and tradition of the classic big white wedding is going nowhere for plenty of couples in 2023, many are broadening their horizons and envision more informal celebrations such as wedding dinners, activities and parties, versus the traditional, formal reception. In terms of the “I dos,” we’re seeing a rise in elopements, putting the couple and their vows at the centre of the occasion before joining families together to celebrate afterwards.

While pandemic weddings may be a thing of the past, we’re still seeing couples retaining the intimacy of smaller celebrations and even microweddings. The average number of guests has dropped post-pandemic, indicating that close-knit celebrations are in favour.

We’re also seeing couples approach their big day with a great consciousness for sustainability. Waste-reducing ideas such as wedding dress rental, embracing vintage bridal attire and jewellery, renting key décor elements and utilising eco-friendly dried flowers are all fantastic ways to minimise your wedding-day wastage. Plus, sourcing close to home for wedding services and suppliers not only aids the environment but gives your big day its own local character.