2023 Wedding Trends
Without a doubt, each wedding season is dominated by a new approach, a new colour, and a new take on age-old wedding traditions. There are so many trends which have circulated throughout the years, but for 2023, we’ve put together our predictions for what we think will hit the mark when it comes to creating a unique wedding experience.
1. Burnt orange
It’s been a theme emerging for some years now, with wedding themes like modern bohemian awash with the colour, but burnt orange is again on trend for 2023. Table linens, bridesmaid dresses, bouquet highlights, furnishings, even food - the list goes on. Burnt orange is a highly adaptable wedding colour, taking cues from not only our sunburnt Summer Australian landscapes, but also from the golden hues often on display for an Autumn wedding.
It’s a bold enough colour choice that your wedding is going to have that special pizzazz, but equally paired back and refined that the colour choice is not going to completely dominate. We think this colour is definitely becoming a modern classic. It’s edgy, warm and photographs really nicely, so we think burnt orange will continue to feature this season.
2. Viva magenta
Pantone announced their 2023 colour of the year: Viva Magenta. This vibrant hue is a colour that is “audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all”. Whilst this bold hue is not going to be the colour of choice for everybody planning a wedding in 2023, it’s a sure way to make a statement.
We’re seeing more prospective couples looking to really stand out from the crowd through colour choice. Viva Magenta is a fantastic and powerful colour to help achieve that wow factor.
3. A private last dance
A private dance for the married couple is a beautiful trend we have seen re-emerging. Many newlyweds are astonished when their wedding day races by. To take in the magic of this wonderful milestone, partners are choosing to close out the festivities with a private dance. Everyone but the photographer can exit the room or venue (although some also choose for complete privacy), a special song of choice is played and the couple are then able to take in the magic of their special day, truly relax after festivities, and equally share in such a special moment between themselves.
One of the great things about a private last dance is that it can also be a useful way of signalling the end of festivities. If your venue or catering staff have time restrictions, the announcement of a private last dance is an excellent way to signal this to your guests.
4. Petit bouquets
Petit bouquets can be both practical and beautiful - plus, they will usually cost you a little less than a traditional sized wedding bouquet. A posey of simple flowers or a smaller bouquet can complement your wedding attire, without hiding your outfit or detracting from it. Not to mention, they’re also lighter to carry and easier to transport with you to the wedding.
Smaller dried flower arrangements are also a beautiful alternative to the traditional wedding bouquet. Because they’re already preserved, these can be kept on display in your home for many years following your wedding day.
5. Colourful bridal
There are so many ways couples are beginning to introduce colour into their wedding. In fact, we think more 2023 weddings will move away from the traditional ‘white’ and begin to introduce colours and patterns.
Maybe we have our LQBTQIA+ friends to thank for this rainbow and colour inspired trend, but we’re seeing more and more couples choose colour over the traditional palette. Introducing more than just a ‘pop of colour’ can truly set your wedding theme apart and bring a sense of visual liveliness to your atmosphere.
But if you still want some colour, while keeping some traditional elements, you may want to consider incorporating it in any of the following ways:
Table settings - linens, table cloths, candles and anything that goes on or around the table.
Florals - this could be introducing a pop of colour to your bouquets or going full blown “rainbow” in your styling.
Guest and wedding party outfits - think colourful outfits for your guests or theme your wedding party in an accent or coordinated colour palette.
Stationary and styling - of course, there is always so much creative freedom to be had with your wedding stationary and styling. We recommend talking with your wedding planner or choosing your own palette of colours for your own wedding.
6. Alternatives to guest books
Wedding guest books are a great way for couples to capture their wedding memories and receive a unique, personalised message from those nearest and dearest to them. While polaroid photo guest books have been trending for a while now, many couples are choosing to steer away from the traditional guest book and find creative alternatives. These are just some of the guest book ideas we’re loving right now and think will take over the 2023 season:
Voice recordings: companies like this one hire out vintage phones so your guests can leave you audio messages at your wedding. These are then saved and once the party is over, you’ll be able to listen back to all of the sentimental, hilarious or darn-right beautiful messages your friends and family have left for you.
Jenga messages: who doesn’t love a game of Jenga? Instead of a traditional guest book, ask your guests to write a message for you on a jenga block. You can then keep these blocks forevermore and get all nostalgic reading the messages the next time you play Jenga again.
Coffee book: photo books and other coffee table books can be a great non-traditional wedding book. Leave this at your wedding reception on a table and ask guests to pick a page and write a message. That way you can have this book sitting around your home and re-read all of the messages, plus look at the beautiful supporting images in the book.
