Here Comes the Bride, Part 2: Current Wedding Trends and Private Vows

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  • If you are planning a wedding this year, you might be wondering what are some of the current trends that can make your big day stand out, and what are some of the outdated ones that you should avoid.
  • Here are some of the latest wedding trends for colors, decor, fashion, and more, as well as some of the wedding traditions that are losing popularity.
  • Current Wedding Trends for 2023
  • – Relaxed luxury: Many couples are opting for a more laid-back vibe for their weddings, without compromising on style and elegance. This means less fuss about the traditions and more fun with the details. Think cocktail-style parties, food trucks, live music, and personalized touches that reflect your personality and story.
  • – ‘Otherworldly‘ domestic destinations: If you want to have a destination wedding without traveling too far, you can choose from many breathtaking and unique locations in the US that will make you feel like you are in a different world. From the desert landscapes of Arizona and Utah to the tropical islands of Hawaii and Florida, there are plenty of options to suit your taste and budget.
  • – Zen theme: The Zen theme is about simplicity and harmony, and it is perfect for couples who want to have a peaceful and mindful wedding. The Zen theme incorporates elements of nature, such as greenery, flowers, water, and wood, as well as soothing colors, such as white, beige, and gray. You can also add some candles, incense, or crystals to create a relaxing atmosphere.
  • – Pearls everywhere: Pearls are making a comeback in 2023, not only as jewelry but also as accessories and decor. Pearls are timeless and elegant, and they can add a touch of glamour to any wedding. You can wear pearls as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or hair clips, or you can use them to embellish your dress, shoes, bouquet, cake, or invitations.
  • – Unusual color trends: If you want to break away from traditional wedding colors, you can experiment with some of the unusual color trends that are emerging in 2023. Some of the colors that are gaining popularity are lilac, sage green, mustard yellow, coral, and navy blue. These colors can add some freshness and vibrancy to your wedding palette.
  • Outdated Wedding Trends and Their Better Replacements
  • – Custom signage: While some wedding signs are useful and informative, such as those that indicate the menu or the seating chart, others are unnecessary and overdone. For example, signs that say “Welcome to our wedding” or “You are the bride/groom” are redundant and take up space. Instead of having too many signs at your wedding, you can opt for a more personal touch, such as greeting your guests with a drink or a hug.
  • – Meaningless favors: Many wedding favors end up being left behind or thrown away by the guests because they are either not useful or not memorable. Instead of spending money on generic favors that nobody wants, you can invest in your guests’ experience instead. For example, you can offer them a photo booth, a dessert bar, or a live performance that they will enjoy and remember.
  • – Traditional guest books: Guest books are often overlooked or ignored by guests at weddings because they are boring or inconvenient. Instead of having a plain guest book that nobody signs, you can have a more creative and interactive alternative. For example, you can have a Polaroid camera that guests can use to take pictures and write messages on them, or you can have a voicemail box that guests can use to record their wishes.
  • – Bouquet and garter toss: These wedding traditions are considered outdated and awkward by many couples and guests alike. They interrupt the flow of the party and put pressure on single people to participate. Instead of throwing your bouquet or garter to the crowd, you can do something more meaningful with them. For example, you can give your bouquet to someone special, such as your mother or grandmother, or you can donate your garter to a charity.
  • I hope these trends have given you some inspiration and guidance for planning your wedding in 2023. Remember that the most important thing is to have a wedding that reflects your personality and values, and that makes you and your guests happy.
  • Private Wedding Vows
  • Did you know that private wedding vows have become very popular?
  • According to The Knot, a premier wedding planning resource, there are several reasons for private vows:
  • Shyness or dislike of being “front and center“
  • Desire to speak in one’s native language
  • Don’t want to censor thoughts or words
  • The desire for a totally personal and quiet moment before all the “hullabaloo” starts
  • I also think it’s a good idea to mention marriage expectations, realistic ones that can and will serve as a solid blueprint (I’ve personally never liked the traditional vows; there’s a creepiness to them and it doesn’t favor women, in my humble opinion).
  • The expectations don’t necessarily have to be part of the vows, but I do think it’s very important to have a real heart-to-heart talk about what the two parties involved want or would like to occur.  To be honest, this could result in canceling the marriage, but it may be better than being or feeling trapped in one, looking for any way out. 
  • Are one or both of you seeking some (or total) financial security?
  • Do you both really want children? Or is one really “on the fence” about it?
  • Does one of you really hate the other’s relatives?
  • Do you both have compatible sex drives? 
  • Are you both truly capable of dealing with having to look at and deal with the day-to-day presence of each other?
  • And, when it comes to “in sickness and in health“, are you both truly aware of what this means? If one of you develops a serious health disability, will the other be truly capable and willing to “go the distance” for and with you? (Because many can’t or won’t). Taking care of a seriously ill person is a lot of work and takes sacrifice; I know this personally. 
  • You may laugh, but I truly believe these have to be taken into consideration; romantic love will only go so far. 

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