Wedding trends evolve: intimacy, food moments, and a vintage revival
Contrary to what Vogue’s weddings section might suggest, we’ve seen a significant shift in recent years – a deliberate move away from extravagant, over-the-top productions towards more personal and thoughtfully curated celebrations. The pandemic, naturally, played a part, but the underlying trend is far more nuanced than a simple reaction to lockdowns.
The rise of intimacy over excess
Seasoned wedding planner Liz Linkleter observes a clear demand for ‘wow’ moments, of course, but crucially, those moments are now deeply rooted in personal significance. Couples are actively pushing back against the relentless barrage of social media bridal trends, seeking experiences that truly resonate and endure. It’s a rejection of the transactional – the idea that a lavish wedding equates to a lasting commitment.
From ceremony to celebration: the party is back
The traditional ceremony is increasingly being streamlined, often reduced to a private ring exchange followed by a larger-than-life party. Even weddings that retain the ‘ceremony plus reception’ format are prioritizing shorter, looser formalities. Instead of a service driving the day, the emphasis is on a series of carefully orchestrated, unexpected moments designed to create an immediate and lasting impact. Budget is now being strategically allocated to pop-up bars and musical interludes, demonstrating a conscious prioritization of experience over sheer opulence.
Buffets reborn: a culinary shift
Forget the tired image of a predictable buffet. “Buffets are shedding their reputation for being cheap and cheerful and are returning to chic weddings,” says journalist and buffet enthusiast Ed Cumming, a sentiment met with considerable enthusiasm. Couples are opting for ‘food moments,’ ‘food stations,’ or ‘food installations’ – experiences that elevate the dining element beyond mere sustenance. Linkleter herself is meticulously designing these displays, treating them with the same artistic consideration as the flowers.
Vintage revival: dress codes reimagined
The vintage bridal market is booming, fueled by a desire for unique, timeless pieces. While the hunt for a perfect 1920s slip remains a popular pursuit, designers are increasingly drawing inspiration from earlier eras, creating new-old designs that echo a bygone aesthetic – but with a distinctly modern sensibility. Shelby Wax, Vogue’s contributing weddings editor, highlighted a particularly compelling collection at recent New York Bridal Fashion Week. The key takeaway? Halter-necks are undeniably in, offering a versatile and effortlessly chic option.
Rethinking the ring budget
Jewellery trends are also evolving. The practice of combining the engagement and wedding band budgets to purchase a single, statement diamond is gaining traction. “There really is no precedent [for ring design] and so much more freedom in expression,” agrees Lylie founder Eliza Walter, a London-based jeweller. Art-deco pieces, angular clusters of stones, and bolder, chunkier designs are proving particularly popular. Individuality reigns supreme in the current market.
Cake design: beyond the photo op
“It feels like a constant quest to find the weirdest and most sculptural cake possible,” notes Linkleter. Couples are demanding cakes that defy convention – melting candle wax textures, layered light and fluffy designs with metallic finishes, and asymmetrical forms that resemble art objects. The emphasis isn't on tradition, but on scale, form, and a deliberate embrace of imperfection. These cakes are often designed exclusively for the couple’s enjoyment, with guests receiving plated or passed desserts elsewhere.
Gift lists: a retro return
The dreaded gift list is also undergoing a transformation. Couples are actively rejecting the prescriptive nature of traditional lists, opting for unique, non-disposable gifts. “Unique gifting that is not disposable is in,” affirms Linkleter. Competitive gifting is also on the rise, with teams curating collections of locally-sourced novels tied with ribbon and personalized notes – a far cry from the generic five-spoon sets of yesteryear.