As the calendar turns another page, 2024 promises to be a year of unique and personalized celebrations. In the ever-changing landscape of weddings, here's a glimpse into the top trends experts predict will redefine the wedding experience and leave couples with memories that last a lifetime.
1. Personalized Planning Experience
Paper Antler
Acknowledging the need for guidance and creativity, couples are increasingly involving wedding planners in their journey. What was once considered a luxury, final month coordinators are now becoming a necessity, guiding couples through the engagement season with creative services in design and vendor management. Ashley Kuehnel of Midwestern Bride emphasizes this trend. "In a hectic chaotic world I think couples are acknowledging that they want to enjoy the process, they want to feel guided through their engagement season, and they want to feel they have a handle on what is to come."
2. Interactive Culinary Experiences
Courtesy of Twisted Radish Catering
Beau Williams from Twisted Radish Catering predicts a "delightful fusion of elegance and sustainability with food stations becoming the heart of wedding celebrations." Couples will lean towards interactive culinary experiences that engage the senses and encourage guests to socialize. This trend includes beautifully designed food stations that not only showcase the bounty of Wisconsin's local produce, but also double as striking decor elements. Guests can anticipate a variety of gourmet options, emphasizing organic and farm-fresh ingredients, all carefully designed to engage the senses and encourage socializing.
Adding a personal touch, Williams predicts there will be a surge in personalized stations, featuring custom spice blends and family recipe-inspired dessert bars. The decor surrounding these stations will be a blend of subtle, natural elements, understated floral arrangements and soft ambient lighting, creating a chic and intimate atmosphere.
3. Brocade Gowns
Courtesy of Tie The Knot Bridal
Whitney Norman and Ashley Cook of Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique believe brides who are aiming to stand out in 2024, will turn to brocade fabrics for their gowns. Characterized by intricate woven patterns, brocade adds a bold, classic, and beautiful touch, making it a timeless choice for weddings. Whether modern and edgy or romantic and feminine, the fabric shines in any silhouette. The focus remains on the bride, accentuating her natural beauty. Norman and Cook add, "We love that the intricacies of the fabric allow the gown to stand out on its own without needing embellishment or dramatic details to feel special. The focus remains on you, the bride, and highlights your natural beauty."
4. Engaging Guest Experiences
Courtesy of Northern Haus
Sara Anderson of Northern Haus predicts a year of interactive guest experiences, introducing audio guest books, disposable films, and Polaroid cameras. This trend ushers in a new era of engagement, allowing guests to actively participate in capturing and immortalizing the special moments, creating a more immersive and memorable celebration.
5. Private Ceremonies
Larissa Marie Photography
The trend towards private ceremonies gains momentum in 2024. Constanza Liberia of Velvet Rentals notes a growing preference for intimate unions, where couples celebrate their love privately before sharing the joy with extended family and friends. This shift allows for intricate storytelling through decor and styling, creating a more personalized and emotionally charged atmosphere compared to larger ceremonies.
6. Statement Sleeves
The Paper Elephant
As Heather Farr of Heather Farr Events forecasts, statement sleeves will remain a significant trend next year. Designers are innovating by incorporating detachable sleeves, providing brides the flexibility to transform their wedding look instantly without changing their dress. Whether opting for dramatic or delicate styles, sleeves are expected to vary with the seasons. One thing is certain—we can all agree that this fun trend is here to stay!
7. Sustainable Dining Extravaganzas
Courtesy of Pollen & Platter Catering
When it comes to the culinary forecast, Pollen & Platter Catering envision a trend that seamlessly intertwines sustainability with interactive dining experiences. At the forefront of this movement is their standard offering of palm leaf dinnerware, which provide an eco-friendly and stylish alternative to traditional serviceware. Buffets are set to evolve into thematic stations, not only presenting a global palette of flavors but also weaving a narrative that engages guests in the story behind each dish.
We should also prepare for the resurgence of classic comfort foods with a modern twist, featuring delights such as hardwood-smoked Brisket and Earth-Oven Chicken. These dishes, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, will be served in a buffet style that encourages shared experiences. Complementing these gastronomic delights are hearty, rustic sides like Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, embodying a farm-to-table ethos that is both chic and environmentally conscious.
8. Dopamine Design
Roost Photography
Amber Bricco of Denizen MKE introduces the concept of Dopamine Design, creating spaces and experiences intended to trigger positive emotions, particularly the release of dopamine. Couples are infusing joy-filled elements into their celebrations, crafting a delightful mix of eclectic, personal details, and vibrant color matches.
Cover photo by Paper Antler Fine Art Wedding Photography
