It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And no, not Christmas in June, silly—it’s wedding season. As someone in my 20s, I’m knee deep in some of the busiest wedding summers of my life, complete with fancy ceremonies, delicious food, and not-so-graceful dancing. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of weddings increased by 15% with 2.5 million couples tying the knot last year. Approximately 2.2 million people are projected to get married this year. When specifically looking at Minnesota, we’re ranked as the 10th highest marriage rate in the nation, certainly helping the marriage with the county’s marriage uptick.
With the average wedding costing $29,000 today, guests can expect to be impressed. I’ve attended two weddings already, have been invited to two more, and don’t get me started on the wedding-inspired reels blowing up my Instagram feed. But you’re probably wondering, what are some of the top trends I’ve seen at weddings so far this summer? Here are seven of the hottest trends:
Emma Conway
Intimate Ceremonies
Instead of large, elaborate vow exchanges, many couples are opting for private ceremonies, reserved strictly for their closest family and friends. This decision may not cut costs, but it does reduce those pre-permanently cuffed jitters. But no need to fear—you’ll see big displays of affection at the reception.
Reception Maximalism
Luxurious, over-the-top details are in, as couples ditch the “less is more” mentality and go for more, more, more. Think loud and fun. This summer, you’ll see lots of colors, lots of patterns, and lots of textures from the floor to the ceiling, all to create an indulgent experience for the couple and their guests.
Color
Couples aren’t shying away from color, adding pops of playful pizzazz throughout their day. Embracing mixed/matched styles, bridesmaids are no longer wearing the same cut-and-pasted dresses as they used to. Bouquets and gowns are bold, yet sophisticated, with a color palette that embraces a variety of vibrancy.
Grace Blumberg
Vintage feel
Most brides will be wearing minimalist style dresses for an older and wiser look. Wedding photos these days are taking a similar approach, either capturing the big day with old-school cameras or editing the photos to be black and white, blurry, and/or grainy for a timeless appearance. You’ll see digital, disposable, or Polaroid cameras being passed around at the reception as well, providing the couple and their guests with some unfiltered memories.
Painting
At the ceremony or reception, a live wedding painter may be in attendance to create a beautiful keepsake, capturing the couple kissing at the end of the aisle, making a grand entrance, or having their first dance. If the painter isn’t focused on the couple, mini watercolor guest portraits are becoming a new wedding favor. Some couples are also leaving a blank canvas at the entrance, allowing guests to become the painter by adding a brushstroke of their own to the revamped guest book.
Paint My Wedding
Personalization
Whether there are name plaques, guest photos, or love letters, tailoring elements of the big day toward the guests is everything right now. One huge trend is spicing up the seating chart list with envelopes addressed to each guest with a personal note, favorite memory, or old photo inside.
Preserved bouquets
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé may not be played on the dance floor. Brides are skipping the bouquet toss and keeping their bouquets forever, sending them to be dried and framed by professional florists. The bridal bouquet preservation industry is booming right now, with more and more people paying for this everlasting piece of art.
Caitlin Torrez
What other wedding trends have you been seeing this summer? Please let us know.
