Ten Wedding Trends for 2024
As a wedding videographer who’s been in the industry for almost a decade, I’ve seen quite the evolution of wedding trends. There are several main commonalities I’ve been seeing over the past few years that are more like cultural shifts rather than “trends.” I’m seeing more and more couples embracing the freedom to ditch some traditions, and even creating new ones. And I’m so here for it!
If you’re in the process of wedding planning, I hope there are things on this list that you resonate with. Ultimately, you should pick and choose what feels right for you and the memories you want to create!
1. More Authenticity
I’m seeing couples make a variety of choices with the goal of making more authentic memories, be it less stuffy posing for photography, more bespoke details like an audio or video guest book, or ditching branded wedding favors. Couples are working alongside their vendors to create more intentional timelines that give some breathing room to relax and be present during the day. Disposable or polaroid cameras have been a trend for a while now, but the idea is too capture some authentic documentation of the day from your guests. Even fashion is more authentic, with bridal parties having mismatched dress styles and colors to best suit the individuals wearing them. We LOVE that couples are finding ways to personalize their wedding and create more authentic memories.
2. More Intimacy
Covid set some trends in the wedding industry that seem to be here to stay. More couples are either opting for micro weddings or intimate weddings with guest counts of 50-80, as opposed to larger weddings with 150+ guests. Likewise, outdoor weddings and non-traditional wedding venues like restaurants, private homes, or breweries, have gained in popularity. With the convenience of a smaller guest count, couples are able to spend more to create a more luxury and personalized experience for their guests. Think quality over quantity, like multi-course dinners and signature cocktails as opposed to buffets.
3. Having a good friend or close relative officiate the ceremony.
Unless you are religious and/or getting married in a church, you’re either going to hire a professional celebrant, or you’ll have a friend or relative officiate. I’m seeing the majority of couples going with the latter. Choosing a loved one to perform the ceremony is such a sentimental gesture and adds so much personable warmth to the ceremony. Even with the most eloquent officiant, it can sometimes feel awkward when a stranger is performing perhaps one of the most important rituals in life. A lot can be said for choosing someone who knows you both well and can add a personalized touch to the script. With that said, it’s unlikely they’re a professional speaker, so it’s important that #1 they really want to do it and #2 they practice it. I’ve seen my fair share of uncles rambling on and on while officiating. We don’t want that!
4. Colors
Colorful weddings are back, ladies and gentlemen! After years of monochromatic neutrals, the pendulum has swung to the side of bold and fearless use of of color. I’m seeing jewel-toned bouquets and bridesmaids dresses, warm vintage colors like golds and rusts, and bright spring colors with all the pinks, blues, and greenery (lots of greenery). Floral, decor, signage, and invitations are incorporating bolder designs, more color, and unexpected details. More and more, couples are seeing the value in hiring trusted planners and florists and giving them more creative freedom.
4. Weekend Weddings
A weekend long celebration extends the opportunities for joy and connection among loved ones. Destination weddings naturally lean towards an entire weekend event, with all the guests traveling in and making a vacation out of it. But you can make a whole weekend celebration no matter where you get married. A couple ways to extend the party is by including a welcome dinner the day before the wedding, and/or a post-wedding brunch. Planning a whole weekend of activities creates an immersive and relaxed experience for guests, fostering deeper connections and shared memories. Of course, this is all going to be an added cost, so I’m seeing this trend mainly with more intimate weddings.
5. Direct flash and film photography
There’s been a big uptick in the use of direct flash photography for couple’s portraits and reception details. Direct flash photography not only has a nostalgic feel, but it also feels more editorial, candid, and effortless. Soft and glowy golden hour portraits will always be beautiful, but lately I’ve been seeing a lot of brides opt for portrait sessions later in the night using direct flash. Film photography and videography is also growing in popularity. Almost every photographer I’ve worked alongside in the past couple years will also shoot on a film camera throughout the day. The grainy, romantic, and nostalgic feel of film is unmatched, and more and more couples are interested in this aesthetic.
Ruby Olivia Photography
Ruby Olivia Photography
5. Vintage elements
From vintage wedding gowns to smaller family heirlooms, couples are finding ways to incorporate meaningful and unique vintage items into their day. I’ve seen brides alter their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown to wear as their own or use it for a rehearsal dress. Attaching lockets with photos of deceased loves ones on bouquets or inside suit jackets is also very common. The traditional long veil is also back, with a lots of brides choosing veils with lace detail or pearls throughout. Sleeved gowns and detachable sleeves have also been very popular.
6. Sustainability
Like any big event, weddings can be very wasteful. A lot of planners understand the importance of sustainability and use it as a selling point to attract their clientele. There are so many ways to incorporate more sustainable practices into your day, including biodegradable confetti, glassware over single-use plastics, locally sourced catering, and plant-based dinner options.
7. Content Creators
Just when you thought a photo and video team was enough people following you around with cameras, enter the content creator. With Gen Zers and social media influencers getting married, the convenience and immediacy of capturing content with a smart phone has become desirable. A content creator records the candid and “behind-the-scenes” moments throughout the day so that the couple can have it all immediately on their phone and/or posted to social media.
8. Seated Wedding Parties or no Wedding Parties at all
As we all get older, our close friend group tends to get smaller and more tight knit. Sometimes choosing a bridal party can feel reminiscent of the “Myspace Top 8” days. Did I just age myself? The point is, couples are choosing to forgo the tough decision making process of a wedding party and not have one at all. Or the wedding party will be seated in the first rows during the ceremony, allowing the focus to just be on the couple. I’m interested to see if this trend stays around!
9. Guest Dress Codes
A guest dress code creates such a chic aesthetic and always translate well in photography and videography. This is something you’ll have to note on your invitations and send out reminder emails. I’ve been seeing couples go a step beyond “cocktail” or “black tie” dress codes for their guests, and request all black, all white, solid jewel-tones, or even sequins and/metallics. Asking your guests to follow a specific dress code creates a visually cohesive and stunning aesthetic. At the end of the day, it’s YOUR celebration and you can curate it however you wish!
10. Intimate Ceremonies or Private Vow Reading
I’m seeing a lot of couples have an intimate ceremony with just family and close friends and then expand the guest count for the reception. Along the same lines, couples may exchange their personal vows during their first look or immediately after the ceremony. This is a great option for couples who feel vulnerable in front of a large group of people or just want to keep such an intimate moment private. As a videographer, I’m always going to support couples in whichever way they want to exchange their heartfelt words. Your comfort is what translates best for video!
I hope you enjoyed this list of ten wedding trends I’ve been seeing in 2024! If you’re looking for a wedding videographer in Minnesota or beyond, feel free to reach out! Best of luck in your wedding planning process and just remember to have fun and do what YOU want to do!