Trend Forecast

Wedd ing TRENDS 2022

Rethinking Florals

Many couples are moving away from the lush, sweeping arrangements of the past few years and focusing on smaller, curated blooms in similar color palettes. This monochromatic look is decidedly more minimalistic, but equally stunning. As supply chain issues impact the availability of fl owers, many couples are opting for more greenery. Baby’s breath – once considered “fi ller” – is taking center stage in a big way, and the result is absolutely stunning!

Groovy

The 1970s have been popping up in home décor for a while, and the decade is fi nally working its way into weddings. From corduroy textures to pressed fl orals, this throwback look is huge right now. Expect to see rattan details, palm fronds and retro patterns popping up in weddings this year.

Wedding Weekend

The wedding weekend has always been an unoffi cial celebration, with family get-togethers and rehearsal dinners leading up to the big day and an intimate sendoff brunch to follow. But more couples are choosing to make these events a part of the fun for everyone.

Cocktail Receptions

Rather than hosting a large, sit-down meal, many couples are opting for receptions that feature only cocktails and passed appetizers. This creates a very interactive experience. As a bonus for the couple, it also requires much less planning.

Grab and Go Bars

To ease the fl ow of traffi c through the reception – and to keep guests happy – more couples are choosing to set up stations of “help yourself” prepared drinks and eats. This alleviates bottlenecks at the bar and lets guests nosh as they’re feeling peckish. From mini margaritas and buckets of hard seltzers to sliders or sushi, this reception trend is popular for good reason!

Backdrop Walls

We all know the power of an accent wall in home décor. That concept is being transferred to weddings! These huge statement backdrops create a focal point, whether in the ceremony or reception space. They make wonderful spots for photos and selfi es. From large scale boxwood walls (often with a custom neon sign) to custom archways, champagne displays and more, this idea is one that allows for a lot of creativity.

Statement Accessories

As couples seek to have truly unique weddings, no detail goes unnoticed. That includes what they wear. Brides are opting for stunning capes, eye-catching earrings, quirky headpieces and more. Grooms are wearing bold socks, colorful jackets and fanciful footwear.

Interactive Entertainment

Couples are focusing now, more than ever, on their guests’ enjoyment of the big day, opting for “wow” moments during the reception. They’re rethinking wedding entertainment. Rather than hiring one DJ or band for the night, they’re hiring multiple entertainers, stationing them in different areas. A jazzy cocktail hour might be followed by a string band for fi rst dances, then a DJ for the late-night fun. Other couples are including off-the-beaten-path entertainment, like tarot readers, live painters, professional dancers – even video games! They’re also fi nding ways to create surprises that will have guests talking for months, like confetti or balloon drops.

Destination Celebrations

People are ready to travel, and that means destination weddings are very on-trend. Whether they’re traveling to their favorite vacation spots or somewhere they’ve never been before, couples are sharing their adventures with guest lists of all sizes. While intimate elopements are still the most common destination wedding event, more and more couples are returning to larger parties as vaccination rates go up.

Comfy Seating

A lot of weddings are steering toward more comfortable seating, especially as they veer away from the traditional seated meal. “Ultra-lounge” style seating areas with plush couches are a common sight, as well as comfortable Adirondack chairs around fi re pits. From poufs to chair cushions on benches, couples are thinking about guests’ comfort this year.

Custom Timelines

Couples are rewriting all of the rules for wedding celebrations this year, and the traditional schedule is going out the window. They’re especially focusing on spending more time together during their big day, from fi rst look moments to intimate dinners during the guests’ cocktail hour. This extends to the entire wedding weekend: many guests are having welcome blow-out bashes, more intimate cocktail receptions, then elegant, seated send-off brunches. •