WHEN it comes to planning your wedding, you want to pick trends that will last a lifetime, not something you’ll end up regretting in a matter of months.
From bouquets and dresses to speeches and first dances, wedding expert Ashley explained on The Unconventional Wedding podcast why she can’t stand certain trends.
After planning her own budget-friendly nuptials back in 2021, Ashley learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t on your big day.
Although kicking things off early in the day might be tempting, having your ceremony at midday makes for a very long and tiring day.
“If you have a huge group of people who need to get ready it’s going to be a very early morning,” Ashley explained.
By the time you get to your reception you’ll be totally drained from all the photographs, hair and makeup touch ups and constant attention.
Starting your wedding ceremony later in the afternoon means you can take things a bit slower and won’t have huge chunks of time to fill between the ceremony and reception.
With more couples opting for destination weddings, the trend is to have an entire welcoming party days before the main event.
Not only does will drive up the cost of an already pricey wedding.
“It doesn’t have to be this huge thing,” Ashley said.
Welcome parties can also draw the attention away from your actual wedding day, which seems like a waste of time and money.
If you’re trying to keep costs low, throwing money at the floor and ceiling probably isn’t the best way to do that.
Although some subtle lanterns or petals might look nice, the trend of going over the top with decorations down the aisle or installing huge flower arrangements hanging from the ceiling is a total waste, the expert added.
“I believe it’s a little be silly, if I’m being honest,” Ashley said.
Couples should pay more attention to what their wedding cake tastes like rather than how huge and dramatic it looks for the pictures.
You might think it’s traditional to get a stunning tiered cake, but as far as the expert is concerned it’s pretty dated.
In fact, Ashley said at her own wedding she didn’t even have a wedding cake, but rather opted for donuts and individual cake jars for guests.
Sometimes less really is more, and forking out years of savings for just one lavish day is a bit garish, not to mention a total waste of money.
Of course, if you’ve always dreamed of a huge wedding with a mile long guest list, go for it, but for the average person it’s not worth the hassle.
This trend involves going all out on the intricate details so your wedding looks straight out of a BBC drama set in 1570.
From lace runners to posh invitations, it’s all a load of faff that Ashley can’t be bothered with.
If you’ve always wanted a very formal wedding with top hats and tails, that’s your prerogative, but Ashley said she can’t get behind the trend.
“There’s nothing wrong with wanting a more relaxed or comfortable vibe,” she said.
Not only that, but if your friends and family aren’t usually going to big black tie events they’ll likely have to fork out even more money to fit your dress code and theme.
No one wants a plant, matchbook or bar of soap with your name on it, Ashley slammed.
It might seem like a great and generous idea, but the fact is most people will toss them out or leave them behind.
Ashley said since most people don’t care about wedding favours you can just cross them off your to do list altogether.
“If you have to do a favour, make it food. And even better make it something they can eat right away,” she added.
Most people are so tired after the ceremony, meal and reception that the thought of having to rock up to an after party can seem a bit much.
Not only will your guests be tired, but you’ll be exhausted as well, she added.
So save your money and energy and call it a day after the reception.
Sophie Creed, bridal designer and founder of bridal brand e&w Couture has shared this year's wedding trends.
Personal, personal, personal
Brides are leaning towards modern minimalism with lots of personal touches that show off their relationship as a couple for an overall wedding theme.
Sustainability is also a huge wedding trend, with brides opting for more locally sourced and in-season florals and food.
Sailing into the sunset
There’s a rise in bold sunset colours like pinks, corals, reds and yellows when it comes to colour schemes. Big bold bouquets and tonal bridesmaids are coming in to focus.
Fun-shoes and statement scrunchies
A fun shoe is always top of the list for brides this year, followed closely this year by a matching hair accessory to their dress such as a large statement bow or scrunchies.
Pockets are in!
Modern, flattering silhouettes with bold fabric choices are 2024’s wedding dress trend.
Brides also love a fuller skirt (with pockets), interesting back details and sophisticated plunging necklines.
Sleeves have been huge for us this season but nothing too fitted, instead opting for romantic billowing sleeves.
