To infuse your special day with unforgettable flair, we’ve curated 24 of the most eagerly awaited wedding trends for 2024. From breathtaking floral inspo to innovative themes and styles, these trends promise to add a unique sparkle to your occasion.
As we dive into the dynamic and exciting wedding trends of 2024 – from the emphasis on eco-friendly celebrations to vibrant colour schemes and the resurgence of bold, retro themes – one thing is clear: we are here for it! This year promises a refreshing mix of personalisation and innovation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see how these trends will be creatively embraced by couples.
Tying the knot in 2024? Don’t sleep on these key trends:
1. Mini bridal bouquets
While we do appreciate OTT styling and decorations, we’re noticing that wedding trends in 2024 are heading in favour of more minimal and relaxed elements. The mini bridal bouquet is no exception. It’s the perfect accessory that won’t overwhelm your bridal look (bonus: at least your arm won’t get tired from carrying around your bouquet all day!)
2. Film flash photography
As couples in 2024 look for ways to make their weddings uniquely personal, film flash photography stands out as a beautifully imperfect way to tell their love story. This technique, characterised by its raw, candid, and sometimes grainy quality, adds a layer of authenticity and emotion to wedding photos. Unlike the polished perfection of digital photography, film flash captures the unfiltered joy and spontaneity of wedding moments, creating images that feel real and timeless.
3. Small wedding cakes
In 2024, we’re seeing a shift towards couples opting for charming, single-tier cakes that are not only exquisite in design but also offer a more intimate and meaningful experience. This trend is aligned with a growing preference for simplicity, personalisation, and practicality. And, a smaller wedding cake allows for intricate detailing and customisation that might be lost on larger cakes.
4. Themed dress codes
It’s the age-old question: What’s the difference between “cocktail” and “semi-formal”? If you’re not sure, neither are your guests. With everyone having their own interpretation of what dress code means, a simple “wear all-white” or “dress bright” on your invites takes the pressure off your guests – and makes for some ultra-cool photo opportunities.
5. Destination weddings
2024’s trending destination weddings are dialling up the romance and adventure, with couples wanting breathtaking settings for their nuptials. From tropical beaches to quaint mountain villages, it’s the year of creating intimate, storybook moments in some of the world’s most stunning locales.
6. Private last dance
You’ve heard of the first dance, but what about a “private last dance”? As the name suggests, this is where the newlywed couple share a final dance together, alone in the venue or space. This dance is typically not choreographed and there are no onlookers, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience. It’s a chance for the couple to reflect on their wedding day and soak in all the joy before transitioning to the next part (typically the farewell).
7. Bows
In the 2024 wedding scene, bows are making a charming comeback, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to bridal fashion and decor. This trend sees bows being creatively incorporated in various aspects of the wedding – from oversized, statement bows adorning bridal gowns to delicate bow accents in hair accessories, invitations, and even on the wedding cake.
8. Marseille Bleu
If you’re looking for your “something blue”, you’ve found it in 2024’s colour of the year (according to a collab between @brides and @mintedweddings). Marseille Bleu is the colour du jour, offering a perfect blend of vividness and subtlety. This striking blue fits seamlessly into various aspects of the wedding celebration, including invitations, flowers, table linens, outfits, and desserts.
9. Extra long cake
In 2024, weddings are showcasing a delectable trend of extra long cakes, making a grand, sweet statement that stretches beyond traditional confectionery boundaries. These elongated masterpieces are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle, creating a focal point that draws in everyone’s attention. Perfect for larger weddings, these cakes offer an abundance of space for intricate designs and personalised details.
10. Floral veils
Floral veils are emerging as a captivating trend, adding a fresh and romantic touch to bridal attire. These veils, adorned with delicate flower appliqués or intricately embroidered blooms, offer a whimsical and nature-inspired alternative to traditional veils. The floral designs range from subtle, soft blossoms to bold, statement-making botanicals, allowing brides to choose a style that truly reflects their personality and the theme of their wedding.
11. Flower aisles
Continuing on the trend of blooms, flower aisles create a more intimate, immersive floral experience, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. These beautifully arranged flower aisles laid directly on the ground create a carpet of blooms that brings an organic, earthy charm to the ceremony.
12. Retro photo booths
At Easy Weddings, we love a photo booth – so we’re thrilled to see their resurgence for weddings in 2024. But not just any photo booth: this time, it’s a retro style, reminiscent of old-school photography. Delivering a fun activity for guests, it also is a unique way to capture memories. The vintage aesthetic of these photo booths, complete with retro props and sepia-toned or black-and-white photo options (and who doesn’t look good in B&W?) add an element of timeless elegance.
13. Dessert alternatives
While we can never say no to a slice of red velvet, we’re loving the concept of dessert alternatives. Maybe it’s the ease of individual servings that’s catching everyone’s fancy or the chance to offer a variety of delectable treats – whatever it is, we’re absolutely on board. Think miniature pastries, a cupcake tower, gourmet doughnuts, or layered desserts like tiramisu or mousse served in small glasses.
14. Front row seating for the bridal party
Comfort > convention. 2024 is breaking rules with the introduction of seated bridal squads. Traditionally, the bridal party stands beside the couple during the wedding ceremony, but we like the idea of switching things up by having the bridal party seated in the front row during the ceremony, creating a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Goodbye sore feet!
15. Custom tulle embroidery
We’re always on board when it comes to adding deeply personal elements to your wedding day – and this trend is a perfect example of that. This art involves intricately embroidering the tulle fabric of a wedding dress, veil or gloves with bespoke designs – be it a couple’s monogram, a meaningful quote, or even representations of significant life moments. Not only is it super cute, but it makes for some amazing photo ops.
16. Wedding content creation
If you’re reading this, it’s a sign to hire a wedding content creator! Couples in 2024 are working with content creators to provide authentic, immediate records of their celebration. Even for those who aren’t influencers or particularly active on social media, having behind-the-scenes and candid moments captured from a guest’s point of view and ready on their camera roll the next day is invaluable. This is especially true considering that receiving professional videos can often take months.
17. Personalised cocktails napkins
The trend of personalised cocktail napkins is becoming a charming must-have for couples looking to infuse their celebration with unique and meaningful details. These small but significant details include elements that reflect a couple’s personalities, love story, or wedding theme. From monograms and romantic quotes to illustrations and important dates, these napkins are transforming from mere table accessories into conversation starters and keepsakes.
18. Cottagecore
The cottagecore aesthetic, with its emphasis on rustic charm and simplicity, is blossoming into a popular wedding trend. This style brings to life a dreamy, pastoral vibe, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and nature-inspired celebration. Think whimsical decorations, floral abundance, vintage tableware. Venues like quaint barns, gardens, and woodlands are ideal for creating this enchanted setting.
19. Pre-ceremony cocktail hour
Happiness is a perfect cocktail, and this trend helps set a relaxed and sociable tone, allowing guests to mingle and settle in before the formal proceedings begin. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional timeline, breaking the ice and giving guests a taste of the festivities to come. This approach not only eases any pre-ceremony nerves but also enhances the overall experience, creating an atmosphere of warmth and conviviality.
20. Short reception party dresses
It’s giving fun and flirty! We’re predicting more brides will be opting for an outfit change between the ceremony and reception. Switching to shorter hems guarantees ease of movement, perfect for dancing and socialising. Plus, two equally stunning dresses: need we say more?
21. Bold colour palettes
In 2024, bridesmaids will be stepping out in bold colour palettes. Gone are the days of muted tones: instead, bright, eye-catching hues are taking centre stage. From striking jewel tones to vivid pastels, these lively colours are transforming bridesmaid attire into a standout element.
22. Parasols
The use of parasols is emerging as a charming and practical trend in wedding celebrations. These accessories provide a whimsical touch to outdoor ceremonies but also offer much-needed shade for guests and bridal parties during sunnier days. They’re particularly popular for garden, beach, and countryside weddings, where their vintage flair can seamlessly blend with natural surroundings.
23. Audio guest books
Messy handwriting? Then you’ll love audio guest books. How it works is this: guests leave a voicemail message, and the couple will receive copies of these recordings. It’s a delightful and often humorous approach to the traditional guest book – especially as the evening unfolds (and if alcohol is involved!) We think it’s such an innovative way to capture well wishes.
24. Ground flower arches
The 2024 wedding trend of ground flower arches is reimagining ceremonial backdrops with an earthy and organic charm. Unlike their traditional elevated counterparts, these arches – rooted in the ground and curving upwards – create a natural frame for the exchange of vows.
Happy wedding planning!