Matt and I don’t plan on getting married until maybe Spring 2024, but I can’t help but be curious about wedding trends for 2023. If you have plans to tie the knot in 2023, then looking at the year’s key trends— although not necessarily adopting them if they are incompatible with your style and sensibilities—just might yield the design inspiration you need. The following list of emerging trends from bridal fashion to reception menus can always be played up (or down) with the classic wedding aesthetic.

Adventurous and Unexpected Color Palette

Weddings in 2023 see timid pastel shades and the traditional white dress as a thing of the past. More and more couples are opting for bright blues and pinks for bridal party dresses, invites, and decor. Cornflower blue, grotto blue, fuchsia, and peony pink are this year’s hottest wedding colors.

Creative Backdrop for the Wedding Rites

Fairy or triangle arches, woodland hangings, seasonal florals, and several other amazing backdrops are becoming popular among couples saying their “I do” this year. Also, a way to create stunning wedding photographs, unique backdrops can be rented and lend themselves well to customization. Some great ideas built around this trend include a pair of columns draped with greenery, bamboo poles decked with Southeast Asian blooms, or a wrought iron structure fashioned into a hollow hexagon entwined with a string of small golden flowers and branches.

Pint-sized Bouquet

Mini bouquets for brides and bridesmaids are making waves in 2023. Petite and vintage-looking flower arrangements consisting of forget-me-nots or baby’s breath are growing in popularity as wedding bouquets. Dainty blooms and tiny wildflowers clustered together are always pretty and look downright at home in vintage-themed and rustic backyard weddings.

Quality over Quantity and Variety on the Wedding Reception Menu

When planning the reception menu, keep in mind that locally and sustainably sourced seasonal food ingredients make for the freshest, most delicious dishes. They are easier on the budget, too. Your locale might be known for its cheeses, spiced tomatoes, fruit jams, or wild honeyed tarts, and how easy it would be to incorporate them into your menu! 2023 weddings are gravitating towards a less-is-more approach to feeding guests. Instead of a banquet piled high with pastries, dessert items, and appetizers that are mostly going to end up being binned, opt for a high-quality and well-curated menu instead.

Mermaid Dress

This sultry silhouette that accentuates the body’s curves down to the luxurious flare of fabric at the bottom is showing up again and again in bridal gown collections. The actress Sofia Vergara is particularly fond of the mermaid silhouette, while Jennifer Lopez chose a dramatic mermaid-style gown for her wedding to Ben Affleck. Normally paired with a sweetheart neckline, the mermaid wedding dress of 2023 has evolved to come with a detachable skirt overlay to allow for ditching the long train during the reception dance.

Mini Dress

The hottest bridal wear of 2023 is a beautifully embellished thigh-skimming mini dress. A tube mini dress or one outfitted with long lacy sleeves is fast becoming the go-to gown of expectant brides. Meanwhile, detachable sleeves are also a rage, so you can easily have two looks for your mini dress on your wedding day. I am not the biggest fan of this idea but it will be cool to see pictures of people on social media who adopt this trend.

Tulle

A showstopping wedding dress with layers upon layers of tulle is big this year. This fashion trend creates drama and spectacle from the sheer volume of the frothy tulle ensemble; it is suitable for brides with maximalist tastes.

Villa Wedding

The villa is the wedding venue of choice for 2023. Couples have been opting to rent one with the amenities and picturesque views for their special day. If you have the budget for a spectacular location for both the ceremony and the reception, then consider leasing a villa. Other unique options for wedding venues include a greenhouse, brewery, or historic site.

Semi-naked Cake

A variation of the rustic-inspired naked cake, the semi-naked wedding cake sports delectable frosting thin enough to show the layers. In 2023, the semi-naked wedding cake reaches its peak popularity. It is a flawless choice for a bohemian-style or vintage-themed wedding. Aside from the semi-naked cake, another trendy cake-decorating style that is increasingly showing up on receptions is the birch wood design, which is perfect for rustic and intimate backyard weddings.

Trends certainly come and go, as well as evolve through time. Occasionally, some trends become part and parcel of timeless styles. The above list can be used either as a guide or a jumping-off point to kickstart creative ideas for your special day.