WEDDING TRENDS
Couples are adding plenty of personality into their big day with special touches that reflect who they are and what’s most important to them. Here are a few ideas to make your day unique
ELOPEMENTS
It was somewhat of a forced alternative thanks to Covid, with couples cancelling their weddings due to lockdowns and instead opting to say ‘I do’ in front of a small group – or even just a celebrant and a photographer.
There’s no denying the pandemic changed the way couples plan their big day, but Verity Stubbs, of Ginger + Mint Photography, says elopements are here to stay.
“So many people are going for a much more informal wedding and again that comes down to learning so much over the past two years about what’s important to us,” Verity says. “There are a lot more options with elopements now. A lot of the vendors are open to elopements so there are a lot more package options for that.
“But also people are just wanting to get married. They just want to start their lives together. So people are taking a step back from those big expectations and instead do what suits them.”
PETS AT WEDDINGS
For many couples, their cherished pets are their first babies – a part of the family they couldn’t celebrate their big day without.
Karryn Starcevic was one such bride who wanted her cat at her wedding but couldn’t find a business in Geelong that could help coordinate the process – so she started her own.
The Wedding Sitter is now an in-demand service across Geelong and the rest of Victoria, which takes pets to weddings for humans who can’t say ‘I do’ without them.
It takes unwanted stress out of the day, with the team picking up your animals, looking after them during the wedding and then
dropping them back home.
“These days people are having kids later and their animals are their kids and they want them involved in their special day,” Karryn says.
FIRST LOOK PHOTOS
Gone are the days where the groom can’t see the bride before she walks down the aisle. One of the biggest trends right now is “firstlook” photos, where the happy couple has a photo session before they exchange vows.
With couples spending so much money to celebrate their big day with friends and family, having photos before the ceremony leaves more time to have fun with their guests. and enjoy the party they’ve spent months planning.
“First-look photos have become really popular because it means couples aren’t spending so much time away from their guests,” Verity says.
“People are valuing time with their guests more, especially after the past two years.”
Another big photo trend right now is bringing personality into the pictures, making them less formal and more fun.
“From sunglasses, to confetti, bubbles and props, couples aren’t taking the photos so seriously,” Verity says.
FLOWERS
Flowers are an important aspect of any wedding. From the bouquet and boutonniere and statement displays, there’s something about having fresh blooms on show.
And while pops of colour are loved by florists, it is the neutral tones that are on trend.
Florette’s Erin Cusack says blush pink and white are the go-to colours this wedding season, along with pampas grass.
“Everything is really muted with whites, tans, nudes and blush pinks,” she explains. “People also seem to love large headed blooms and roses.”
And in regards to placement of flowers, going big at the ceremony is becoming more popular, while paring back reception flowers.
ESCAPING TRADITION
They say you should plan your dream day exactly how you want it. This doesn’t mean you have to follow every traditional element .
Can’t decide on who to have in your bridal party? Don’t have one. Don’t feel like having a cake? Don’t have one. Do your feet get sore when wearing heels? Why not wear cool sneakers instead? Don’t want to get married on a Saturday? Get married on a Wednesday.
Plan the day you want and incorporate as many or as little traditional aspects as you want.