Some traditions are classic, like pre-wedding jitters and a kiss after the exchange of vows. But the big day can be shaken up with exciting new trends. Here’s how you can adapt five novel ideas to your own wedding style and budget.
1. Relax the reigns
Modern nuptials are embracing a more laid-back vibe. Does the thought of tripping over your gown’s six-foot train give you heart palpitations? Consider a wedding jumpsuit or a wedding mini dress, alternatives to the traditional long gown that are not only fresh and a little bit rebellious but also a lot more affordable. When it comes to the menu, “non-wedding” weddings are passing on the passed hors-d'oeuvres and perfectly plated meals in favor of finger food, street eats, and regional favorites like Chicago hot dogs, lobster rolls, Italian beef sandwiches and a mac-and-cheese bar. (If your wedding takes a more casual route, be sure to give your guests a heads up about the attire!)
Read more: Find out how to save for any of these unique trends ahead of your big day
2. Colorful hues for the ‘I do’s’
Neutral palettes are always in good taste, but Gen Z-ers are showing a preference for something a little less restrained. One big trend in both décor and attire is an embrace of shades found in nature like burnt orange and sage green. Social media platforms are seeing a surge in terms like “colorful garden wedding” and “vibrant wedding flowers.” Gen Z-ers are also fascinated by all things red—red roses, red velvet wedding cake, red bridesmaid’s outfits and, for an especially audacious few, red bridal dresses. Tip: a petite collection of stems in a single bold color—say, coral peonies—can pack as striking a punch as a more costly cascading multi-hued arrangement.
3. Connecting with guests, not impressing them
The of-the-moment wedding is less about wowing guests with elaborate décor and food and more about genuinely connecting with them. A focus on the guest experience includes activities spread over a weekend. Consider an after-hours bowling party or a day-after recovery lounge—think chair massages and healthy smoothies—to replace the usual brunch. Photo booths at receptions are also getting a bit tired. An unexpected alternative is hiring a sketch artist to stealthily create portraits of your guests as they mingle, which you can gift them as surprise wedding favors. Another emerging, interactive trend is the rent-a-poet: a quick-working wordsmith who chats with your guests throughout your celebration and composes personalized poems, often on a vintage typewriter, for each.
4. Non-traditional timelines
A last dance instead of a first dance, a rehearsal breakfast rather than a rehearsal dinner, a pre-cocktail hour ahead of the ceremony. The new rule when it comes to creating a schedule for your wedding is to do what feels best for you. If you know you’ll be more mindful saying your vows after you’ve had a chance to greet your guests, then that’s how your nuptials should unfold. Couples on a budget might want to consider the mid-week wedding, which has been rising in popularity in recent years. It’s an especially good fit for intimate gatherings of nearby friends and family or for planning a fabulous fete on a short timeline. Your dream venue, photographer and band might be booked on Saturday night for the next two years but choose a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and your odds of snagging a date sooner could soar.
5. Gothic glam
Rejecting ethereal, fairy-tale weddings in favor of an edgier gothic esthetic is trending in 2024. Searches for terms like “dark fantasy wedding,” “moody wedding colors” and “black dress bridal party” are surging on social media. Better suited to a cloudy fall day—Halloween would be perfect! Couples like venues with atmospheric settings like an old-world mansion or cathedral, a historic bar or hotel or the forest. Pastel bridesmaids’ attire is swapped for black, and if the bride isn’t wearing a midnight shade herself, she might add a gothic accent to her white wedding gown—a touch of black tulle, a delicate black lace veil or glittery, black lace-up combat boots.
