The wedding themes of 2024? Expect them to be smaller and more intimate, more informal and just generally more fun!
That's according to a new study which was commissioned by high street jewellers, F.Hinds. They asked 2,000 UK couples for their thoughts on which wedding traditions are still important (and which aren't), and what new trends will be incorporated into wedding day plans for 2024.
They also spoke to a wedding expert for her views. Their research revealed that the 'big day' traditions that remain in favour include the bride walking walked down the aisle (53%), having wedding rings (52%), cutting the cake (49%), having a best man (44%), and the bride being given away by a family member (43%).
In contrast, wearing a garter (9%), being carried over the threshold (8%), and sticking to a colour scheme (8%) were losing momentum amongst UK 'nearlyweds'. Other traditions you may not see in future include having a page boy, wedding guest's favours' and saving the top tier of the wedding cake.
Looking at new trends, the top ten for 2024 included:
1. Smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony (29%)
2. Smaller, more intimate wedding receptions (24%)
3. Informal guest dress codes (22%)
4. Coloured wedding dress (14%)
5. Getting guests to take photos (13%)
6. Informal food such as grazing tables / dessert bars (12%)
7. No speeches (12%)
8. Adult-only guestlist (10%)
9. Brunch / afternoon tea for wedding meal (10%)
10. Short wedding dress (9%)
Couples in Belfast, Cardiff, and Bristol were also the most likely to want to incorporate new wedding trends into their day, whereas couples in Glasgow, Newcastle, and Liverpool were the least likely to do so. Alongside guestlist numbers being significantly reduced, the classic sit down three-course reception meal could become 'extinct', with couples favouring more informal food options such as grazing tables, dessert bars, and brunch- and afternoon tea- inspired set ups.
It also seems that both coloured wedding dresses and short wedding dresses are growing in popularity amongst modern brides.
Speeches could also be cut from the agenda, with more than one in ten (12%) soon-to-be-weds saying they're not interested in having these. One in ten (10%) will also opt for an adult-only event.
Jeremy Hinds, Sales Development Director at F.Hinds, commented: "Our research revealed that smaller, more informal and intimate nuptials are building momentum amongst modern couples – and large events with extended family are set to become less common. "This is likely to be because of financial reasoning. Interestingly though, meaningful, long-term mementos like wedding rings and engagement rings look set to remain, suggesting that couples are happy to spend in certain areas, but are cutting out anything they consider to be 'not essential' or not a good reflection of their personal taste or personalities.
"We also found that autumn and winter weddings now have more search demand than spring or summer weddings, with Christmas weddings also proving more popular amongst couples year-on-year".
F.Hinds also asked wedding expert, Zoe Burke, for her predictions for top wedding trends next. Zoe predicts that in general, weddings look set to be more relaxed and more fun. She said that comfy shoes, celebrant-led ceremonies, and 2-3 day 'weekender' weddings, look set to rise in popularity.
She shared that: "Couples are moving away from tradition and planning their days to be more aligned with their own lifestyles, budgets, and beliefs. Weddings are now more personalised than ever, and have more of a focus on the guest experience, and just having FUN. "Couples are going above and beyond to make sure their big days truly sum up who they are both individually, and together. These trends have accelerated post-Covid as couples had to reinvent their weddings completely during the pandemic. This meant the inspiration for upcoming couples was drastically different, and 'nearlyweds' realised they didn't have to follow the common format to have a wedding."
Family and friends were the main source for wedding inspiration (32%) according to the poll, followed by wedding magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, and professional wedding planners. Despite its growing influence across other niches, just 8.4% cited TikTok as their main source of wedding inspiration. Fewer still – just 6.2% of couples - said celebrities were their top source of wedding inspiration.
For more information on the findings, visit fhinds.co.uk/blog
