Planning

Welcome to the Rock My Wedding trend report, your ultimate source for staying updated on the most exciting wedding trends for 2024 and beyond. In this comprehensive wedding trends guide, we take you through the latest styles on the bridal catwalks and what's trending right now in the world of weddings so you can plan the wedding of your dreams while staying on-trend. From fashion to decor, here's our wedding trend predictions for the New Year and what wedding trends we expect to see in 2024 weddings...


What are the Wedding Trends for 2024?

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want it to be unforgettable. But with so many trends and ideas out there, how do you choose the ones that will truly make your big day one to remember? Look no further! The Rock My Wedding trend report explores the top wedding trends that are guaranteed to add that extra touch of magic to your special day.

"2024 will be the year of unconventional weddings and personalisation," says Editor of Rock My Wedding, Jennifer Read-Dominguez. "From non-traditional wedding venues and catering options with a less formal feel, to alternative wedding dresses that reflect your personal style. And let's not forget the rise of wedding planning with a little help from AI!"

From unique decor ideas to personalised experiences, these popular wedding trends go beyond the traditional to create a wedding that truly reflects your style and personality. Whether you're a fan of rustic charm or modern elegance, there's something for everyone.

Wedding Trends for Venues and Decorations

ALTERNATIVE Wedding Venues and Decorations

The choice of venue and decorations sets the tone for your wedding and creates the atmosphere you desire. In recent years, couples have been embracing unique and unconventional venues, such as barns, vineyards, and industrial spaces. Editor of Rock My Wedding, Jennifer Read-Dominguez, explains that: "These non-traditional venues offer a blank canvas for creativity and allow you to transform the space into a reflection of your personal style.

"In the pandemic, outdoor weddings became a thing because they needed to be, and brides were forced to look for alternative options. However, couples seem to be sticking to the at-one-with-nature concept and are actively looking for alternative wedding venues and we're seeing a lot of interest around vineyard wedding venues and wine-themed weddings."

"Couples are also exploring alternative decoration options to traditional floral arrangements," Jennifer says. "We have observed a particular trend involving the use of greenery, such as eucalyptus and ferns, to create lush and natural settings, or utilising the venue's surroundings if it's situated on a farm or vineyard. In addition to adding a touch of elegance, this trend complements a variety of wedding themes, from boho chic to minimalistic."

Another trend that has gained popularity is the use of hanging installations. Whether it's cascading flowers or whimsical lanterns, these installations add a sense of drama and create a stunning focal point in any venue. They also provide a unique backdrop for your wedding photos, ensuring that every moment is captured in a magical setting.

Bridal Catwalks and Wedding Dress Trends

The wedding dress is perhaps the most important aspect of any bride's big day. It's a symbol of love, beauty, and tradition. Recently, wedding dress trends have evolved to reflect the changing tastes and styles of modern brides. "2024 is all about personalisation and that extends to wedding fashion," says our Editor. Couples are opting for bespoke wedding attire, ensuring their outfits are as unique as their love story. Discover the world of custom wedding gowns, tailored suits, and accessories that reflect your individual style.

COLOURED WEDDING DRESSES

One trend that has taken the bridal world by storm is the rise of the non-traditional wedding dress - and this trend is here to stay. Many brides are opting for dresses in colours other than white, such as blush, champagne, or even bold shades like red or black. These unconventional colours allow brides to express their unique personalities and stand out from the crowd.

Drop-Waist Wedding Dresses

Drop-waist wedding dresses first became popular in the 1920s, so even the most modern iterations have a slightly vintage feel to them but this is still a very big trend. "Low-rise waist lines are back and that includes drop-waist wedding dresses," says Jennifer. "Drop-waist wedding gowns highlight the curves and elongate the torso, making them an ideal option for those with an hourglass shape or a shorter upper body."

Bridal Seperates

Bridal seperates will still a popular choice for brides in 2024. "With the growing trend of having multiple looks throughout your wedding day, we're seeing a lot more brides opting for a two-piece bridal ensemble for the after-party," says Jennifer. This look is seriously stylish and you can put it together however you like.

Lace

Another trend that has gained popularity is the use of intricate lace and embroidery. These delicate details add a touch of romance and femininity to any wedding dress. Whether it's a full lace gown or subtle lace accents, this trend adds an element of timeless elegance to your bridal look.

For brides who prefer a more modern and minimalist aesthetic, sleek and simple lace wedding dresses are the way to go. Clean lines, minimal embellishments, and figure-hugging silhouettes create a sophisticated and contemporary look that is perfect for the fashion-forward bride.

Oversized Bows

Oversized bows are making a real impact on bridal catwalks. In addition to adding drama and elegance to bridal attire, they create a striking focal point, drawing attention to the back of a gown or the neckline, which elevates the overall look. With bows available in different fabrics, colours, and styles, brides can experiment and find one that complements their dress and vision.

Short Veils

Bridal Fashion Week featured fresh, modern twists on traditional bridal styles. Designers aren't abandoning tradition, they're just updating it, from detachable trains to opera-length embellished gloves. A trend that we're loving is shorter veils - they aren't too formal, but still very elegant.

"Long, trailing cathedral trains are a thing of the past," says Jennifer. "Nowadays, veils are fun accessories that express your individual style. There are so many kinds of mini veils you can choose from, including glittering tulle veils that are perfect for an afterparty or headband-veil combinations that are a bit more playful and interesting."

 

Food and Drink Trends for Weddings

Food and drink are an integral part of any wedding celebration, and couples are now focusing on providing unique and memorable culinary experiences for their wedding guests

Sharing Menus 

In recent years, sharing menus have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional sit-down dinners. Sharing menus are less formal and allow guests to taste a variety of foods while socialising. Sharing platters work particularly well for starters. You might choose an antipasti platter of charcuterie, cheeses and olives with warm breads, for example.

Grazing Tables

A popular social media trend, the grazing table is a modern update to the buffet. When done well, they can look amazing! With a mix of sweet and savoury dishes carefully arranged on the table, guests can dip in at their leisure. But it's important to manage grazing tables carefully, especially if you are hosting guests with food intolerances and foods that do not keep well.

Dessert BARS

It's easy to see why dessert bars are so popular with couples looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding cake stand. It's also a great way to add personality to a wedding with stylish tables filled with treats after dinner. 2024 weddings will see dessert bars done in a more thoughtful and creative way with dessert display tables packed with personality.

Bespoke Cocktails & Wedding Shots instead of Toasts!

Keeping with the trend of unconventional weddings and personalisation, couples are creating signature cocktails for their big day, based on their own tastes and preferences. We're also seeing a growing trend of couples opting for shots instead of champagne toasts.

 

Wedding Photography and Videography Trends

Capturing the special moments of your wedding is essential to preserving the memories of your big day. Wedding photography and videography trends have evolved to create visually stunning and emotionally captivating images and videos.

One trend that has become increasingly popular is the use of candid photography and documentary-style videography. Instead of staged and posed shots, couples are opting for natural and spontaneous moments that truly capture the essence of their wedding day. This approach allows for authentic and heartfelt images that tell a unique story. 

Drone Wedding Videography 

In addition to candid photography, aerial shots and drone footage have also become a popular trend in wedding videography. These shots provide a bird's-eye view of your wedding venue and capture the grandeur and beauty of your special day from a unique perspective. From sweeping landscapes to breathtaking aerial wedding first dances, these drone shots add a touch of cinematic magic to your wedding video.

Wedding Content Creators

In the age of social media and celebrity weddings, wedding content creators are becoming increasingly popular. As a result, couples don't have to wait weeks to post wedding photos on social media anymore. A social media content creator was present at Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo's wedding to produce and post content in real-time and afterwards so we're likely to see more soical content creators in 2024 weddings and beyond.

 

Wedding Entertainment Trends

Entertainment plays a crucial role in creating a memorable and enjoyable wedding experience. Couples are now opting for unique and unexpected entertainment options to surprise and delight their guests. It is becoming increasingly popular to have live music and entertainment at a wedding, such as saxophonists and immersive experiences

One trend that has gained popularity is the use of live bands or alternative musical acts instead of traditional DJs. Live music adds a dynamic and energetic atmosphere to your wedding reception, and allows guests to dance the night away to their favorite tunes performed by talented musicians.

Another trend that is sure to impress your guests is the inclusion of interactive entertainment. From mirror photo booths, audio guestbooks and live illustrators, these interactive elements provide endless entertainment and create unforgettable moments for both you and your guests.

Wedding Invitation and Stationery Trends

Your wedding invitations and stationery set the tone for your big day and give your guests a glimpse into what to expect. Couples are now embracing unique and creative invitation and wedding stationery trends to make a lasting impression.

Illustrations & Handcrafted Wedding Stationery

One trend that has gained popularity is the use of custom illustrations and watercolor designs. These handcrafted elements add a personal touch and create a sense of whimsy and romance. From floral illustrations to watercolour landscapes, these designs are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Hand-drawn images on wedding stationery and illustrated wedding invitations are set to be wildly popular throughout 2024, and we can see why – they are so beautiful and make a beautiful keepsake after the wedding. A beautifully drawn, painted or foil-printed wedding venue is the perfect way to show off your wedding venue and give guests a glimpse of what's to come.

Sustainable Wedding Stationery

Another wedding stationery trend that has been gaining momentum is the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Couples are now opting for recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and biodegradable packaging to reduce their environmental impact. This trend not only reflects a commitment to sustainability but also adds a unique and eco-conscious touch to your wedding invitations and stationery.

Wedding Favours and Gift Trends

Wedding favours and gifts are a way to show appreciation to your guests and leave them with a lasting memory of your special day. Couples are now opting for unique and personalised favours and gifts that reflect their personalities and make a lasting impression.

One trend that is gaining popularity is the use of edible favours. From personalised cookies and chocolates to mini bottles of locally produced honey or olive oil, edible favors are a delicious and practical gift that your guests will appreciate.

Another trend that is sure to impress your guests is the inclusion of experiential favours. Couples are now offering unique experiences, such as wine or whiskey tastings, cooking classes, or spa treatments, as wedding favours. These experiential gifts not only create a memorable experience for your guests but also add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your wedding.

Our recent Wedding Gifting Trends Survey of over 2,500 couples revealed that most wedding guests are now buying gifts through a wedding gift list.

Sustainable Weddings

In 2024, sustainability continues to take centre stage in the world of weddings. Couples are becoming increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, and this extends to their wedding plans. From using biodegradable decor to choosing locally-sourced, organic catering options, eco-conscious weddings are here to stay.


Benefits of Incorporating Wedding Trends in Your 2024 Wedding  

Incorporating wedding trends into your 2024 wedding comes with a multitude of benefits. Not only do these trends add a fresh and modern twist to your wedding, but they also help create a memorable experience for both you and your guests. By embracing these trends, you can ensure that your wedding stands out from the rest and leaves a lasting impression.

One of the key advantages of following wedding trends is that they provide inspiration and guidance during the planning process. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect decor, dress, or entertainment. Wedding trends act as a compass, pointing you in the right direction and helping you narrow down your choices.

Additionally, incorporating wedding trends allows you to showcase your personality and style. Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple, and following the latest trends can help you achieve just that. Whether you're a fan of rustic charm or modern elegance, there's a trend out there that aligns with your vision and allows you to express yourself.

By incorporating these trends, you can create a cohesive and visually stunning wedding that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. From unique decor ideas to personalised experiences, these trends go beyond the traditional to create a wedding that truly reflects your style and personality.

Whether you're just here for inspiration or intend to incorporate the latest bridal trends into your 2024 wedding, anyone can embrace the latest wedding trends! Having seen the exciting wedding trends for 2024 and beyond, see the honeymoon trends and top honeymoon destinations for 2024 and beyond here.

Jennifer Read-Dominguez

Written by Jennifer Read-Dominguez

Toggle all article tags

Planning articles you may also find useful