As we bid adieu to 2023, we look back at the transformative journey the wedding industry underwent this year. It has been a journey built on authenticity, sustainability and inclusivity. Some of the trends that emerged have left lasting impressions that have quite possibly reshaped the wedding landscape for good. Here’s a look into what tying the proverbial knot looked like in 2023.

Personalization Was The Name of the Game


 

Vaughn Greenhouse
From bespoke décor to idiosyncratic venue selections, crafting celebrations that authentically embraced the unique personality of the couple was a resounding focus this year. Traditional décor went out the window, replaced with unique centerpieces that held sentimental value. Couples sought non-traditional venues such as industrial warehouses, art galleries or locations with sentimental value to create a distinctive atmosphere for their special day. The emphasis was on constructing an experience that resonated with the couple and their guests.

Thematic Experiences Took Center Stage


 

Enchanted Garden Wedding
From grabbing inspiration from their favorite movie to weaving elements of a shared hobby into their nuptials, themes took on a new level of creativity in 2023, from Gatsby-inspired 1920s affairs and Enchanted Garden soirees to Whimsical Wonderland themes with playful Alice in Wonderland elements. Among the most popular were Gilded Great Gatsby Themes, Nautical Wedding Themes, Victorian Era Themes and Whimsical Garden Themes.

Tech-Infused Celebrations


 

Capture The Love


Technology played a major and transformative role in weddings in 2023, influencing multiple aspects of the celebration. From virtual ceremonies to the use of social media for sharing wedding moments, technology continued to play an increasingly significant role in weddings. Some couples have also incorporated augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create immersive experiences for their guests. Traditional paper invitations have been increasingly replaced by digital versions, not only to streamline the RSVP process, but also to help reduce the environmental impact.

Sustainability


 

Sustainability Wedding

Couples continue to maintain a heightened awareness of the environmental repercussions of their choices and have sought to make their weddings eco-friendlier and more sustainable. From sourcing locally to making eco-conscious choices when it comes to décor, the wedding industry has seen a notable shift toward minimizing its ecological footprint.

Inclusivity and Diversity Take Precedence


 

Diversity & Inclusivity Wedding

Weddings are steeped in traditions and rituals, traditions that can be hard to shake. Much like gender and sexuality, inclusivity is all encompassing and there are many ways to be mindful of this throughout the wedding planning process. Reconsidering terms like “bride” and “groom” can make an effective difference. The quest for inclusivity and diversity continues to gain momentum as couples embrace wedding celebrations that honor diverse cultures, traditions and backgrounds. The wedding industry strives to ensure that weddings are reflective of the beautiful and diverse world we live in.

2023 Wedding Fun Facts


 

  • The most popular day to get married this year was September 23, 2023, marking the first time in more than five years that the date did not fall in October. This is because couples are drawn to matching dates (23rd in 2023).

  • For the seventh year in a row, October was the most popular month to get married.

  • More than 65% of couples married in the summer and fall of 2023.

  • The average guest count at weddings in 2023 was 115 people.

  • Despite the current state of the economy, most couples getting married in 2023 did not make changes to their original budgets.

  • Pantone Wedding Color of 2023: Viva Magenta

  • According to Zippia, there are expected to be 2.24 million weddings in the United States throughout 2023, an increase of 62.5% since 2020.

While 2023 has been quite an exciting year, 2024 promises to be even more so. Come back to January’s newsletter to learn what trends to be on the lookout for in the new year.

 

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