In light of Bridal Fashion Week kicking off this week we turned to personal wedding stylist Grant Alexander to get the scoop on all the latest wedding trends.
Bring on the party season!
Outdoor weddings remain popular… even in colder months.
“Thinking about Covid, since being outdoors is safer than indoors, it’s easy to understand why couples would want to have their wedding in the open air. While tiny backyard weddings may have declined in popularity since their 2020 and 2021 peak, outdoor weddings remain quite popular. Due to the increased demand, couples are booking dates that go a little further into colder months than normal. Outdoor weddings can offer unique style opportunities and make it easier to choose something other than your typical black fallback outfit. Make sure to bring a shawl or jacket if there’s a chance it’s cold, and wear seasonally appropriate fabrics.”
Colors are not only in, they’re welcomed.
“Based on the vast majority of client feedback, people, while still loving their comfort, are tired of being in the grey and black sweats they’ve been wearing for a few years. Guests are showing up in more colorful options, with women trying bolder, brighter dresses and men not resorting to the plain navy or charcoal suit. This goes for the wedding party as well. One trend I’ve been pushing for a couple of years now is having bridesmaids in complementary colors rather than all in the same dress, and guys doing something similar if possible as well.”
People are doing what they want.
“Traditional ideas of certain types of weddings, venues, ceremonies, styles, outfits, etc. are not out the window, but they’re definitely being shoved that direction. Couples seem to have a better idea of what they want and need from their wedding, and rather than focus on details to please parents, family, and friends, they are making decisions that better align to their beliefs. I’ve especially seen this within wedding fashion and style. where both brides and grooms are choosing dresses and outfits that make them feel more like themselves than a traditional bride or groom. Everything from non-traditional colors and the groom and groomsmen not in ties, to everyone in sneakers even in tuxedos. Individuality is having its moment.”
Book quickly.
“While the rush to book venues and vendors that defined 2022’s wedding boom hasn’t completely died off, and logically would make you think there would be more availability, that’s not the case. Not only are vendors still backed up from the pandemic, but many also came out of the last couple of years wanting to take on fewer weddings to continue spending time with their families and friends on their once-lost-now-found-again weekends. Inquire not only with the big ones like the venue, planner, and photographer, but reach out to any other vendor — no matter how small — to make sure they’re available. This also counts for bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen rentals. Better safe than sorry!”
More is more and bigger is better.
“No matter the season, couples are done with those small, intimate weddings and want more. Not only more, but they want bigger and more dramatic. Going along with couples doing what they want, they are going for the maximum effect where they can. We love it for the fashion and style, with couples — even the guys — having one or two outfit changes, shoe changes, and more unique gifts for each other and the wedding party.”
