Wedding Trends: What's in & What's out for 2024

 According to the December 20, 2023 issue of the always amazing Vogue Magazine we are sharing what they say is on it's way out for 2023 and in for 2024 and we agree.  For the complete list visit vogue.com.  Here is a few of the trends on their way out, and what to look for coming in:

  I don't think some of these traditions will be extinct and we may see these fade out over the year.  

Wedding trends on the way OUT 2023:

1.  Sweetheart tables- I will be honest, I was a little surprised by this one, I still see the sweetheart table in a lot of my weddings and I don't think it will completely fade out, there will always be couples who want the special table and all eyes on them.  The new trend is for for inclusive tables where the bride & groom sit with family and friends, preferring to mingle and be a part of dinner not a focal point of dinner.

2.  The White & Green color pallet- While this is a beautiful color choice and so easy it has been popular for the past few years and I feel like we have pretty much seen it all.  According to Vogue brides are choosing brighter and more colorful flower pallets looking for a more bold statement.  This will be exciting to see as the seasons turn this year.

3.  Traditional Guest Book- This always makes me think of my parents and grandparents.  Before I was a wedding planner, I was a divorce paralegal and I can tell you on one hand how many couples look at their guest book from their wedding.  The traditional guest book is an antique, what is replacing it, is the digital or audio guest book that is super fun and frankly easier to store.

4.  Traditional Cake Cutting- I have seen this trend going out for the past few years, and we see more couple opting for a private moment to be captured on film or choosing to do a dessert feeding that means more to the couple than a boring wedding cake like their mothers or grandmothers.  I have had couples feed each other New York cheesecake as they met in New York and cheesecake played a part in their relationship.  Another couple had a sweet-tooth and toasted each other over special personalized cupcakes and then had a cupcake tower and candy table for guests. Yumm.

Wedding trends for 2024:

1.  Sustainability- Yes, I saw this start in 2023 with some of my clients who opted for recycled products and compostable dinning ware or separate trash, recycle and compost bins.  This is a beautiful trend and I personally predict that it will grow over the next few years.  

2.  Wedding Crests- We have all seen the monograms which is great, but it has had it's moment and we need to move on.  Couples are now expanding off the monogram and creating wedding crests.  Similar to the family crests of Europe, couples are adopting this same idea to their wedding and we think it is so cool!

3.  Dessert Stations- This trend has also been around for a few years and just continues to be popular, especially since the traditional cake cutting is on it's way out.  Desert stations can be unique and personalized to the couple or their culture, there is so much fun you can have, and also make it part of your wedding favors with cute to-go boxes or bags.

4.  Private Ceremonies- Ever since the pandemic we have seen a trend of micro-weddings especially with the wedding ceremony.  Couples have been opting for more intimate wedding ceremonies and a bigger guest list for the reception.  There is something sweet and special about a intimate wedding ceremony.  

5.  After-parties- More and more couples are choosing to keep the party going after the reception.  A lot of venues close at 12am and for some couples the party just isn't over yet.  Some couples rent a party bus and go bar hoping, or rent a hotel suite, or Air-BNB.

Halloween theme weddings

We had the pleasure of working with a bride and groom on a Halloween themed wedding this fall 2023.  The couple was known for loving Halloween and throwing great Halloween parties every year, so they went with a "Till death do us part" theme.  Their budget was tight and guest list was about 70 people, so a smallish wedding.  Working with their budget we were still able to pull off the look they wanted and stay in budget.  They wanted to focus on blacks and oranges, adding touches of soft candle light, keeping with the creepy Halloween theme.  For budget friendly decorating, focusing on non-fresh florals can be a big budget saver and can be re-sold after the event, like lanterns, plush pumpkins, candles, etc.  Purple, black and orange linens can be rented instead of purchased, also keeping costs affordable.

Guests enjoyed the spooky music and decor walking in to the ceremony and reception space without it feeling like a Halloween party or fun house.  Keeping it elegant and simple yet with a theme and on budget was the couple's priority and we were happy to accommodate.  

 

Dessert Tables yay or nay?

 

                                            Dessert Tables or Dessert Bar

Dessert tables and bars are very popular with weddings of all themes and sizes.  A dessert bar is a great addition to a wedding reception and can be as classy, gourmet or simple and fun as you want.  Prices range depending on the amount and difficulty of items served.  When considering whether or not to include a dessert bar or table to your even you need to consider your guests will pick up a minimum of 3 items per trip to the table or bar, and that they will make 2 trips so that is a total of 6 treat items per guest.  It is ALWAYS best to over estimate your quantity then it is to underestimate it, which I see happen at a lot of weddings unfortunately.  So, if your guest count is 150 people then you need to anticipate needing about 900 items for your desert table.  Shocking isn't it?  Now, don't let that scare you off, you can supplement dessert items like mini brownies, lemon bars, cheesecake bites with candy.  Adding a couple of bowls of self serve candy is a great way to cut down on costs and prep for your dessert table as well as provide nice variety for your guests, and adding a little to-go container or bag is a great wedding favor.  Who doesn't want to take a treat for later?  (See wedding budget tip blog post from September about wedding favors)

Now about costs the average dessert table/bar as mentioned can cost from $600-$3000.   A solid candy bar is the least expensive costing anywhere from $125-$300

Spring 2023 Wedding Trends

 Hello Spring is almost here!  Spring 2023 weddings trends are still enjoying a lot of last years Spring trends, with lots of floral and color.  More personalized wedding themes that reflect the couple and either their love story or their lives together making for a more intimate wedding and celebration of the couple not just a party.  

Wedding Dress

According to Vogue, brides are taking cues from President Biden's granddaughter's Grace Kelley inspired wedding dress.  Brides are following those inspirations driven towards Grace Kelly’s wedding dress, the epitome of classic bridal style. They’re also loving a longer veil.

Table Decor

One trend we’re seeing is an eclectic mixture of textures and colors, with couples going for vibrant, green tones like sage and striped or color-blocked patterns as a modern take on minimalism. Garden pastels ( a classic)  are also popular for a softer, springtime look. When it comes to linens, coordinating colors of high-quality cloth napkins, table linens, table runners, and tablecloths can help tie the entire look together and avoid the monochromatic look of too matchy.

Color Themes

Sage greens, dusty rose, blush, dusty blue, peach, cream, and lilac are all still trending from 2022.  Gorgeous colors that represent spring.

For more information contact Blessed Events, CA 

www.blessedeventsca.org

Budget friendly tips when selecting your wedding venue

 

As a planner living in Southern California I have worked with brides with varying budgets all over the place.  Since the economic downturn in 2008 many families are looking for budget friendly options.  I firmly believe that no matter what the budget, every couple deserves a gorgeous wedding and budget friendly does not equal “cheap” looking.  Here are some tips that we have picked up and shared with our clients.

 

5 ways to save:

 

• 1.      Low or No-Cost Venue Option:  Many parks offer an affordable event fee for weddings under 200 people, some come with gazebos, or fountain backdrops that offer natural beauty.  The beach, the beach is always a favorite however some cities have rules and restrictions but are usually very affordable and always beautiful.  Having your wedding at a family member or friends house is also an affordable option as well, however you will want to do a cost break down between a venue of your choice and having a wedding at a home as the total cost of event rentals and vendors can cost as much as an all inclusive venue location.  It’s best to do your homework.
• 2.    Off Season Date:  Yes there is a real “Wedding Season”, here in Southern California with our mild weather wedding season can pretty much be 10 months out of the year.  However, a lot of venues have “peak” booking months which have their “peak” pricing as well.  Choosing a wedding date during the “off peak” or slow months saves money, as well as choosing any day other than Saturday which is the most expensive day to get married.  Choosing a Friday or Sunday, while may not work for everyone, certainly makes a big difference in being budget friendly.
• 3.    Time of Day or Night:  The time of day or evening makes a difference when selecting a wedding reception.  An evening wedding on a Saturday is the most expensive, but choosing a Friday afternoon or evening wedding is more affordable or if you must have a Saturday, a mid-morning wedding is great with a brunch or lunch reception.  Brunch reception menus or even lunch are the least costly and you can still have some fun, and cake is always appropriate.
• 4.    Select a location that is all inclusive or has dual purpose:  Gotta love an “all-in-one” option.  Booking a location that serves as both your ceremony and reception is preferred by everyone, even guests.  Booking your ceremony and reception in one place saves not only money, but also headaches and reducing extra logistics, costs, contracts, contacts and so on.  Some venues have in house vendors for you as well, this saves some money and headache I planning and execution of the event.
• 5 . Choose Natural Beauty:  Choosing a location for either your ceremony or reception or even both is also a great budget friendly option.  Perfect example…. A community garden or botanical garden is an amazing location with natural beauty all around you.  Floral decorations can be a big expense in a wedding, especially fresh florals.  Choosing a garden as your location is a great way to be budget friendly, just make sure to have a back-up in case of rain, and keep your guests  comfort in mind with outdoor temperatures.

For more information or to contact us please check us out at www.blessedeventsca.org

Peacock Theme Weddings

 One of the most stunningly beautiful creatures on earth is the male Peacock with their glorious array of colors.  It is no wonder brides choose this as their wedding color theme.  Here are some inspirations we found for our 2023 brides. 

I myself am more partial to the blues with purple accents, but there are many different variations of the Peacock theme with focus on purples and even yellows and pinks.

Perfect coupling of flowers, feathers and jewels in decoration.

Cakes- There is so much creativity and imagination to be used with a Peacock cake.

Bridal fashion and flowers are gorgeous with Peacock colors, there is always a flattering color for any skin tone.

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or check out our website at www.blessedeventsca.org