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1. Candid Cameras
Today’s wedding photographers are leaning into docu-style portraiture, capturing candid moments alongside posed pictures. These realistic shots capture the energy of the moment just as much as the moment itself. To-be-weds are asking their guests to moonlight as paparazzi too, arming them with disposable and Polaroid cameras so that your loved ones will snap throughout the day. The result is a wide variety of imagery allowing you to relive your wedding day through multiple lenses.
2. The Year of the Mini
Honey, we shrunk it. All of it. From bouquets to cakes and afterparty dresses, 2024 is the year of the mini. These pint-sized details are delivering big though—who says no to a mini cone of french fries attached to a champagne flute? Not us. This is an easy trend to embrace regardless of the party you’re throwing. If a mini dress isn’t your vibe, ask your wedding party to carry posies down the aisle or serve guests a personalized pie in lieu of a slice of cake.
3. Experiential Entertainment
Sure you’ve got your band or DJ on lock, but why not delight your guests in a new way? Live painters will commemorate your wedding day on canvas (talk about a great wedding gift to yourselves). Couples are also hiring sketch artists to blend in with the crowd at cocktail hour and surprise guests with 5×7 portraits of themselves in their wedding best. These keepsakes can double as unique favors too.
4. Ice Sculptures
We know what you’re thinking—this is not the ice sculpture from your parents’ wedding. Not to be confused with an ice luge, this frosty decor is more personalized, like a work of art. Your fur baby can’t make it to the reception? Sculpt him in ice! Create a table from a thick block to display your cake; or double up with an abstract sculpture that houses the raw bar at cocktail hour.
5. Quality Time Before the Wedding
Contrary to popular belief, you can see your S.O. before you walk down the aisle. Really! And even before a first look. Some couples are opting to meet for breakfast the morning of their wedding to sneak in some quality alone time and set an intention for the day before the celebrations begin. Others are getting ready alongside one another and surprising their wedding party with a “first look”. We’re here for all of it and love that this new wedding trend is yet another reminder: you do you.
6. Drone Photography
You’re right, drones aren’t new, but they are one of our favorite trends that grows in popularity every year. For starters, having options when it comes to the visuals of your day is #goals. But what we love most about drone photography is the angles, especially if you’re saying I do outdoors. Many photographers and videographers offer aerial photography as part of their packages, recognizing the magic of seeing your first kiss (and all the people you love) from above.
7. Secret Cocktail Menus and Late Night Surprises
Who doesn’t love a little mystery? Secret cocktail menus are trending among couples—many of whom can’t settle on just *one* signature sip. The possibilities to execute this trend are endless: put a hidden note on the ceremony program or designate a few people to order the beautifully garnished bevy and spread the word. A secret cocktail also needs a chic name, like the restaurant where you had your first date. Keep the surprise and delight coming with a late-night snack. Mickey D’s your first love? Or maybe you’re more of a taco truck kind of couple? A french fry bar or soft pretzel stand is sure to end things on a high note.
8. Themed Rehearsal Dinners
Soft launch the magic of your wedding day with a themed rehearsal dinner. Most attendees are your nearest and dearest from family to wedding party VIPs—why not dazzle them? Couples are using the rehearsal dinner as an opportunity to deliver a highly personalized guest experience by leaning into a specific theme. Highlight your Italian heritage with an authentic pizzeria experience, complete with make-your-own-pies. Love playing Clue on cozy nights in? Host a murder mystery dinner for a truly memorable experience. Met at a bowling alley? Roll a strike!
9. Textured Cakes
Is it *even* a wedding without a cake? We think not. The new trend in wedding cakes is all about texture. From pleats to lace, there are so many options to personalize your confection. Stenciled patterns that match your grandmother’s wedding china or ruffles that mimic the design of your wedding dress are low-key ways to add a little flourish to the finale of your day.
10. Audio Guest Books
Instead of asking guests to pen a few words on paper, record their well wishes on a vintage phone. These fun retro accessories double as recording devices—and the ultimate wedding keepsake. While a note is always nice, there’s nothing quite like hearing your grandmother share some marital wisdom or your college roommate crack an inside joke—especially long after the wedding day. Audio guestbooks are a wedding trend we could see lasting well beyond 2024.