Getting hitched in 2022? We’ve got all the lowdown – complete with advice from industry experts – on the wedding trends set to take next year by storm.
2022 Wedding Trends
Post-pandemic, weddings in 2022 are set to be more unique and individual than ever before, with endless ways for couples to customise their day. If you’re planning for next year, these 2022 wedding trends are sure to help you plan the perfect celebration.
Micro Weddings
With the effects of Covid-19 still present, many brides are predicted to opt for micro weddings come 2022, with Google searches for the phrase exploding in popularity since 2020. Micro-weddings save money, cut down on planning and eliminate guest list agony as you simply invite only those who absolutely must be there.
We spoke to Simon Gudgeon, sculptor and owner of wedding venue Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset, who predicts that there will be a move towards smaller and more intimate events. “There will be a move away from tradition, both through necessity, and as couples try to put their own stamp on their celebrations, rather than let them be run by the demands of being COVID-secure,” he explains.
Vegan Weddings
The number of vegans in the UK increased by 445,428 (40%) between February 2020 and February 2021, according to The Vegan Society and Finder. This is set to increase every year – a change which in turn will have an impact on the menu couples choose for their weddings.
The demand for vegan weddings – from meat-free grazing tables and plant-based buffets to meat alternatives and cashew cream wedding cakes – has exploded and the options are numerous and sophisticated.
Sustainable Weddings
If in line with average, your wedding could potentially generate 14.5 tonnes of carbon, and making your big day as eco-friendly as possible is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down in 2022. With more brides than ever predicted to follow in the footsteps of Carrie Johnson – who famously rented her dress for just £45 during her 2021 wedding to BoJo – a sustainable day is a priority for many couples.
Shop local and in-season, gather wildflowers, forego gifts in favour of charitable donations and let your bridesmaids choose their own dress – minimising the chance of a wear-once-and-throw-away situation. Think online invites, eco-friendly tablescapes, vegetarian brides, English-produced champagne and guests camping at the venue.
Show-stopping Ceremonies
While micro weddings may be on the rise, 2022 is also likely to see the rise of macro weddings – i.e. show-stopping celebrations. Think big receptions, wedding weekenders and full-to-the-brim guest lists. Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, founder of La Fête, believes that the past few years’ delays and uncertainty will culminate in weddings being bigger and better than ever by 2022.
“[Next year] fiancées will be absolutely itching to ‘go big‘ as much as possible to finally celebrate their much-anticipated day,” she claims. “We’re talking proper blowouts; extra attendees, glitter galore, bouncing balloons, exquisite bouquets of flowers throughout, and all those classic crowd-pleasing tunes.”
Cottagecore
‘Scandi chic’ and rustic weddings are having somewhat of a revival, with no signs of slowing down in 2022 – the term ‘rustic wedding ideas’ is up by 125% since the beginning of 2021 (according to research by the Hairpin Leg Company).
Specifically, it’s new trend ‘Cottagecore’ – also referred to as ‘Farmcore’ or ‘Countrycore’ – that’s taken over the likes of Instagram and Pinterest, having been used in 590,184 Instagram posts in 2021. Expect to see intimate, ‘cosy’ wedding vibes in 2022 that bring the outdoors in, from dried flowers to neutral colour palettes.
Weekday Weddings
With brides still feeling the effects of postponed weddings, you can expect Saturdays in 2022 to be booked up with nuptials. This means people will be opting for weekday weddings to help with costs and avoid clashing dates and any further delays of their big day.
Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, founder of La Fête, says “Start saving up now as [we’ll] be purchasing gowns (ideally second-hand if possible!), booking flights, and viewing the exchanging of vows left and right. While we absolutely love the idea of a full year brimming with weddings, please be careful to avoid showing up to work hungover the next day…”
Elopement weddings
Some couples may forego a big white wedding altogether and opt for the ultimate romantic wedding by eloping, another trend set to continue in 2022. Speaking about the growing trend Jane Caterer from Petite Weddings in Cornwall explains it’s all about keeping things small and intimate without compromising on quality. “If you’re planning a small wedding make sure you choose an experienced specialist to ensure it’s just the size of your wedding you are compromising on.”
She adds: “With the opportunity to re-evaluate and access anything from unique gardens, barns, and even castles, foodies often will upgrade their menu, or have that picnic on the beach ending with a sunset sail. You have flexibility to create your style of wedding and reception, memorable for all the right reasons.”
Gin, Gin and More Gin
The UK’s love affair with gin shows no sign of abating, with gin sales reaching an all-time high in March 2021, as revealed by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association. Gin will continue to be the tipple of choice for wedding parties in 2022, with couples creating their own botanical mix for a personalised gin, G&T stations and broadly gin-based cocktails menus.
Group Activities For Wedding Guests
Wedding reception lawn games like croquet or giant Jenga are a trend likely to stick around in 2022, with weekend-long weddings resulting in more time needed to entertain guests. Activities for the reception – think laser tag, a poker station, a photo booth and cocktail making – are all in demand for fun-loving couples.
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