DESIGN + PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events
PHOTO Michelle Alexandra Photography
Yes, it’s still early in the year—and while we’re dreaming of warmer days ahead, we’re also getting excited about the bigger, bolder, more beautiful weddings to come this year. From vibrant hues to parties with pizzazz, 2023 promises to be a year like no other for happy couples everywhere.
But knowing where to start can be scary, and ensuring your wedding checks all the trendiest boxes while staying true to you can be daunting. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 2023 wedding trends you need to know about—including our best-kept secrets for the chicest ways to incorporate them into your big day. Let the planning (and fun) commence!
2022 In Review: Our Dos and Don’ts
Before we get too far into what we’re loving this year, allow us to first reflect on the year that was. Weddings in 2022 were all about celebration—of love (obviously), but also of being together after years of pandemic-related constraints.
The result? Brides and grooms went all-in on guest experience last year, opting for destination weddings with joyous celebrations and over-the-top welcome events, parties, and excursions to get family and friends hyped. Even if you’re saying “I do” closer to home, pre-wedding festivities are one trend we expect to gain steam in 2023. And why not!
When it comes to the ceremony itself, many couples last year trended toward having a midday exchange of vows, allowing guests the opportunity to rest up before reconvening for dinner and drinks. Trust us: Well-rested guests will be a boon to your reception, ready to take on the dance floor in style. We call that a win-win for celebrations everywhere!
And truly, what would a celebration be without champagne? Aside from evoking old Hollywood glam, champagne towers are just plain (fizzy) fun. Social media mavens rejoice: This 2022 wedding trend (and highly-Instagrammable photo op) isn’t going anywhere in 2023.
DESIGN + PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events PHOTO Michelle Alexandra Photography BRIDAL GOWN Clair De Lune
As for what can stay in 2023? So much: Sustainability, blurry photos, and bold & colorful florals, and more:
Unnecessary waste: Sustainability is cool, and we expect brides and grooms to make eco-conscious nuptial choices a priority in 2023 and beyond.
Staged, stuffy pictures: This year, candid, blurry photos that epitomize joy, frenzy, and bliss—not perfection—should be the goal. You’ll cherish them for a lifetime!
DESIGN + PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events
PHOTO Michelle Alexandra Photography
Neutral florals and greenery: 2023 is shaping up to be the year of colorful weddings (more on that later), including floral design! If you’re getting hitched this year, try leaning into colorful bridal bouquets and floral arrangements that complement your wedding palette and provide a magical backdrop for your big day.
DESIGN + PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events | PHOTO Michelle Alexandra Photography | VENUE Villa Montalvo | FLORALS House of Fleurish | BRIDAL GOWN Clair De Lune
2023 Wedding Dress Trends
Your wedding dress is a personal reflection of you—and whether you’re drawn to clean and timeless or glitzy and ornate, you can’t go wrong in 2023. That said, we expect to see brides opt for shorter hemlines, subtle pops of color, unique uses of pattern and texture (including floral-infused dresses), thigh-high slits, and body-hugging & dramatic silhouettes. We’re also expecting to see more chic wedding pantsuits in civil ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, and micro-weddings. (GLAM SQUADS, ASSEMBLE!)
DESIGN + PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events
PHOTO Michelle Alexandra Photography
When it comes to your bridal party, consider affording them the autonomy to select looks that make them feel confident and beautiful. Provide general directions (like “all jewel tones” or “shades of metallics”—whatever you vibe with most) and watch it all come together exactly how it’s meant to. It’s one more thing off your to-do list—and your besties are sure to thank you for it.
PHOTO Ruby Olivia Photography
PLANNING Event Julep
FLORALS Grand Lady Floral
2023 Decor Trends
2023 wedding décor is bringing the drama. And quite honestly? We’re here for it.
From jaw-dropping ceilings (achieved through stunning floral installations or intricate draping) to curving, unexpected aisles, and breathtaking backdrops, 2023 will stretch the creative boundaries of wedding designers everywhere.
But as we mentioned earlier, sustainability will be a top priority for couples across the country this year. And while flowers will always be one of the most beautiful parts of weddings (that’s not changing in 2023!), we expect to see florals enhanced by potted plants and live trees. Not only do they add a dash of whimsy, but they’ll also be enjoyed by you for years to come—a lasting reminder of your big day.
2023 Color Trends
Listen, we love a good neutral over here (beige, ecru, off-white—you name it), but even we can’t deny that 2023 weddings are all about color.
And when Viva Magenta is Pantone’s Color of the Year, how could they not be?
Truth be told, we’re looking forward to seeing all the extraordinary ways couples incorporate color into their weddings. From patterns and lighting to furniture, fashion, signature cocktail, florals, vintage cakes, fun motifs, stationery, and place settings, we challenge you to embrace the joy of color this year.
FLORAL Graceful Garland Co./PHOTO Alice Anh Photography
FLORAL Iris & Fig
DESIGN + PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events
PHOTO Thang Dao Photography
2023 California Weddings
If you’re planning a 2023 wedding in the Bay Area, why not lean into all that makes our region unique? Whether you source local flora to adorn your centerpieces or thoughtfully curate California wines to pair with hors d’oeuvres for a more sensational social hour, there are plenty of ways to level up your Golden State nuptials.
We can’t think of a better way to treat out-of-town guests than with a dinner menu featuring food from the region. Not only does this highlight and support our diverse culinary scene, but it’s also sure to please the palates of even the pickiest foodies at your reception. Give it a try—you may be surprised by the possibilities that await!
Al Fresco Dining under the Soquel Sky. Busy Bee Catering curated a menu for this 2-day Wedding featuring dishes with locally sourced and grown ingredients paired with California Wines. DESIGN & PLANNING Leilani Donnan Events PHOTO Michelle Alexandra Photography FLORALS House of Fleurish
Let’s Dream Big Together
We’re inspired by you: the way you dream and the intentionality you bring to every day. If you’re tying the knot in 2023, give us a shout. We’ll co-create your personal version of magic—and have fun along the way!
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