Let’s face it, a lot has happened over the last two years. I think it’s all helped us realize what’s important and I can tell you as a wedding photographer, it’s changed our industry for the better. Couples are saying “no thanks” to traditional wedding trends that don’t feel right to them and incorporating new, different, dare I say it – better – ways to do a wedding day. So to help spark your imagination as you plan your own big day, here are my favorite five unique wedding trends for 2022 and beyond.
Unique Wedding Trends for 2022 You Should Consider
1. Intimate Ceremonies
Over the last two years we’ve all had to adjust to keep wedding going. Shortening guests lists and smaller celebrations have become the norm, but the trend seems to be sticking for all the right reasons.
The benefits of these smaller weddings is how intimate and laid back they feel. Just the people you love the very most with you, doing things exactly how you want to. And many couples who want the best of both worlds are opting for a middle ground of intimate wedding ceremonies. This is one of my favorite unique wedding trends for 2022 and beyond. It gives you the feel of those micro-weddings, while still inviting all of your people later for the big party at the end of the night.
2. Champagne Reception
And what a better way to welcome those friends and family than a champagne toast. This trend is so much fun that I’m stealing it for myself this August! Instead of a traditional receiving line after your ceremony, consider this classy, bubbly alternative.
A champagne reception means you and your new spouse head to the cocktail hour space or reception ahead of your guests (your wedding planner can help facilitate!) and welcome them to the space with a glass of the good stuff. This can be done with pretty much any drink or sweet treat, but going for champagne also gives guests a chance to settle in at the reception instead of rushing to the bar. Cheers to that.
3. Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
This one has been around for a while but isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can take it a number of ways. One option is letting bridesmaids choose the style of their dress within the same color and fabric and another would be fully letting your people choose their dresses to pick one they love. This way everyone feels comfortable and can choose a dress she loves. Now your girls can really make good on the “it’s a dress I can wear again” comment!
A pro tip from your friendly neighborhood photographer: choose a color palette for your girls to stick to. For me, it’s warm tones (think pinks, oranges and burgundys). This helps to tie the dresses together and stick with your theme. it’s also beautiful if you can incorporate all of the dress colors into your florals to make it feel cohesive and intentional.
4. Custom Cocktails
This is another favorite in recent years. Choosing a custom wedding cocktail (or two – one for each of you!) adds personality to your reception. Think about drinks you love to enjoy together, maybe something you had on a first date, or one for each of your unique tastes. For some added fun, give them a personalized name!
The sentimental person in me loves this idea because now any other time you have the drink you chose, you’ll think back to your wedding day. Ugh, I just love that idea.
5. Kings Tables
This one feels like a huge win for your wedding party. We’ve all been to weddings with our significant other and been relegated to the awkward plus one table. With a Kings Table, everyone feels welcome and included.
The difference between a Kings table and traditional head table is that the wedding party gets to sit with their plus ones. Typically, everyone sits facing each other in one long table in the middle of the room. (Think of feast tables from medieval dinners or the dining hall at Hogwarts in Harry Potter!) And an added bonus? You’re not dealing with your whole party watching you eat and can enjoy a laid back dinner with your crew.
What do you think? Any of these unique wedding trends make the cut for your big day?
