The new year is an exciting time. It’s a time for new resolutions, new adventures and a time to recreate and explore new opportunities. In the wedding industry, the new year means there is a shift in wedding design. Yes, some of our favorite trends will stay and there’s always the staples in wedding design, but the new year brings forth fresh ideas for our new couples. Now, we’re not mind readers, nor can we see into the future, but we have been in this business for 18+ years. We’ve done our homework and compiled some of our favorite trends that we HOPE to see in 2024. So, grab a coffee or pop some bubbly and let’s explore some wedding trends for the new year!

#01: Candid Moments

Now, this trend has been on the swift move for the last couple of years, but we predict it will continue to grow this year. More couples and photographers are moving towards realistic photography and capturing the moments throughout the day, rather than the traditional posed wedding pictures. Realistic shots capture emotion and the moment. It gives a raw image effect, and we are here for it! Along with candid moments, we predict there will be a rise in bringing back disposable cameras and polaroids. There are apps where couples can utilize their phone as a disposable camera and the happy couple can view all of their guests' photos.

#02: Focus on Florals

Florals have been on the rise this past year and we predict that they are not going anywhere. In 2024, florals will be taking center stage. We predict that floral arrangements will be bold and dramatic. They will adorn the ceremony space and drape the reception area. But, just because florals will be on the rise, doesn’t mean that we will see larger-than-life floral arrangements in 2024. Florals will be simple and dramatic, but create a high impact on the overall wedding design. If you’d like to follow this trend, but you have a tight budget, think about repurposing your florals from the ceremony space to the reception area. Think and create away to utilize your florals to the max.

#03: Classic Wedding Dress Design

Okay, we’re revisiting the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s for this one. Our research shows that our brides will be channeling their inner Victoria Beckham with a classic structure and drop waistline. This style has a classic silhouette that brings forward a structured vintage vibe. We can’t help but think of the scene from Lindsey Lohan’s “The Parent Trap” where she’s helping her wedding dress designer mom at the studio. We envision that brides will choose fuller skirts, with corset drop waist tops. Structure and elegance will adorn the aisle in 2024 and we’re so excited to see all the fashion.

#04: Pops of Pattern

We’ve seen this trend start to emerge in the past year and we predict that it will make a rise in 2024. We expect to see patterns pop up in our weddings. Patterns can be a scary word at times. But, when we say patterns, we don’t mean large, obnoxious polka dots – we mean elegant patterns such as florals or twall. We predict that we will see patterns throughout the wedding day, from tablecloths to patterns tied into the wedding party’s attire. Patterns can bring a classic and sophisticated aire to your wedding day.

#05: Bold Color Palettes

We’ve had a few years of the natural and boho color palettes, but we predict that this year will bring bold colors. Even Pantone is predicting the bold color trend with Peach Fuzz, Bright Horizon Blue, Vibrant Sun Orange, and Fresh Bistro Green being their top contenders for this 2024 year. Bold colors are eye-catching and will create a playful design. We predict that there will be strong statements made throughout the wedding planning process and bold colors will be seen throughout wedding invites, wedding party attire, floral arrangements, and the reception. Now, when we say bold we’re not saying that every color of the rainbow will be present. Bold colors can be incorporated in a sophisticated way. Choosing a monochrome palette with pops of bold, bright colors will do the trick!

Now, we could sit here and write all of our future predictions for the new year, but we just wanted to highlight our top five predicted trends. We can’t wait to see more candids captured between our couples, a focus on high-impact florals, bold color choices, classic wedding dress silhouettes, and pops of patterns throughout the event. We also love that these trends can be done at a minimalist or maximalist approach (whatever suits your fancy). Be sure to check out our social media accounts @elegantaffairswa to see how our couples incorporate these trends!

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.