Enter 2022! The year of breaking boundaries and setting new milestones. 2022 weddings will all be about rising again and reaching a position better than we were before. A new year means a fresh perspective and lots to look forward to, especially if turning the calendar means it is your wedding year.
With constant changes creating a lot of questions, DWP reached out to wedding experts from around the globe to share their inputs on how 2022 weddings are going to look. From event planners to creative wedding suppliers, we have insider advice on what to look forward to—and start planning for—if you’re having a 2022 wedding.
Featuring striking color palettes, mindful decor, themed celebrations, over-the-top entertainment, and much more; our list of the biggest 2022 wedding trends is getting us so excited for the year ahead!
So without further ado, here are our top 22 trends for 2022 weddings!
1. Innovative Layouts
Pictures Courtesy: @alibakhtiardesigns
It’s the year of innovation! We are talking about never-seen-before structures! 3D art, massive ceiling structures, over-the-top florals and innovative layouts will be some of the most impressive designs ever seen in the wedding world.
Speaking about breathtaking layouts, Ali Bakhtiar, a renowned wedding designer and DWP Powerlist member from UAE says – “transparent structures with detailed designs will definitely be trending. Think out of the box, make it more playful and let your client’s story reflect in your designs.”
Nikki Khan, another DWP Powerlist member & Founder of Exquisite Events, USA points “ceiling treatments will remain a big trend in 2022. Entrances /tunnels/ gates/ doorways are going to continue to have a big presence. Try experimenting by mixing different styles of chairs, tables and furniture.”
2. Deconstructed Maximalism
Picture Courtesy: @designlabexperience
Going big on the little details is what deconstructed maximalism means! To begin with, voluminous floral arrangements are definitely on the rise.
Celebrity wedding planner and DWP Powerlist member Matthew Robbins from Matthew Robbins Designs, USA tells us “eclectic and a more global aesthetic in terms of mixing artisanal items with details that feel authentic to the place and time. Color! Clients are really enjoying color and unique, vibrant color palettes. The texture is key to designing a fabulous wedding. From linens to woven items, texture is in high demand.”
Bohemian, luxe florals, and color palettes are what’s going to be in according to Kuwait-based luxury wedding planner and DWP Powerlist member Bibi Hayat.
“Luxurious floral installations. Smaller guest counts (to have more budget for other elements and to be able to go ahead even with new covid related restrictions). It’s all about making the most of the experience. So more live music, more time for the most important people, longer heartfelt ceremonies, longer (multiple days) events and being encapsulated by luxury through sensory experiences like gorgeous fabrics, out-of-this-world cuisine, delicious smells, and feasts for the eyes.” Adds Renate van Dijk, destination wedding photographer & Founder of Wit Photography, Netherlands.
“It’s the time for more and more flowers with bold colors and striking tones.” Shares Ruchika Arora, Director, Plush Weddings, India.
3. Personalized Experiences
Picture Courtesy: @eventchicdesigns
Founder of Dubai-based event design company Eventchic Designs, & DWP Powerlist member Jardel Silva shares insights into the degree of personalization. “In the year 2022, we expect to see more of the couple’s values and personality being translated into their wedding journey. Custom curated designs and decor, crafted purely to look and feel like the couple and what best defines their relationship. We plan to see bold masterpieces, patterns and unique celebrations – that will shy away from the standard traditions to a more fun setting. Another trend which we often see without the younger generation, is an element of identity, a show stopper for the wedding. Whether it is in the form of their favorite celebrity performance, to breathtaking, never seen before architectural inspirations brought to life in designs, for a contemporary look – all with the hopes of crafting top Instagrammable moments!”
The pandemic has taught us the importance of relationships, especially painting them on a personal level. Weddings will become one of the events that reflect the same. Ireland-based DWP Powerlist member – Franc, Founder of Weddings by Franc advises– “opt for small couture weddings that have unique shared experiences for guests with environmentally conscious designs.”
“Each wedding is unique and has its own signature and try to reflect that in every step of your planning.” Beautifully sums up Robert Hykl, DWP Powerlist member from Lebanon.
“One trend I expect to see is planners and couples really making an experiential event of their weddings! The last few months have been halting and we’ve spent time rebuilding. Fresh ideas and ways to truly make an event a personalized experience, to step away from the norm, are going to be the way to go in 2022. In view of travel restrictions, I expect that there will be a lot more domestic-destination events. Couples will look to exotic locations closer to home to still enjoy the destination experience, but also make it easier for their loved ones to attend. A general attempt at a return to normalcy. As scary as it may sound right now, with vaccination numbers going up and new developments in curbing covid and its variants, I expect that there will be fewer restrictions to hosting events this year.” Points Ayeesha Akingboye, 3A Event Solutions from Nigeria.
4. Themed Parties
Picture Courtesy: @lavenderandlacegowns
2022 will see the return of themed wedding parties like in the 70s. Heather Jerue, Founder of Rendez-vous in Paris & DWP Powerlist member, France shares – “I’ve had requests for festive-themed weddings for 2022. Colorful carnivals and joyous jewel-toned extravaganzas. My couples are asking for Alice in Wonderland magic to forget the stress of the past few years!”
Fabrice Orlando, CEO of Cocoon Events & DWP Powerlist member from Morocco shares similar views. He believes themed parties and big weddings are going to make a comeback.
“We will witness the return of large-scale destination and themed wedding afterparty.” Adds Adeola Okeshola, DWP Powerlist member & CEO of 2706 Events, Nigeria.
After being a massive hit on Netflix, the Bridgerton theme is especially loved by couples!
“People loved the first season and with the second season blooming, there are lots of Bridgeton/vintage inspo out there! This can be seen in bridal wear and shoes, to color palettes and stationery.” Shares Elizabeth Murray, Principal planner, Weddings by Elizabeth Anne, Cyprus.
“The Bridgerton craze inspired weddings multicolored and luxury vibes.” Adds Anastasia Chatsikidou from Le Ciel Weddings & Events, Greece.
“Themed weddings are making a comeback. When it comes to theme, think Bridgeton, Studio 54, Alice In Wonderland, & Old Hollywood Glam.” Shares Tiffany Larson, Posey Floral + Event Design, USA.
5. Pastels Out, Bold Palettes In
Picture Courtesy: @denniskwanphoto
The world needs bright and bold colors right now, like the Pantone color of the year – Veri Peri! South Africa-based renowned wedding planner & DWP Insider Premium & Powerlist member Christina Holt, Founder of Wedding Concepts shares – “Vibrant happy colors are making a big comeback – just “breaking the mold” by moving away from muted undertones to make a bolder colorful statement. The legacy of COVID means smaller celebrations remain in demand – with attention to great detail and personalization. Multi-day wedding experiences remain at the top of the trend-list – with welcome dinners & pre-wedding cocktail parties as well as post-wedding gatherings.”
#gideonized is the signature that Philippines-based luxury designer & DWP Powerlist member Gideon Hermosa leaves when he’s done creating breathtaking designs. He believes- “this year, we will see more vibrant colors than pastels.”
“Vintage furniture is going to take over the 2022 wedding scene with metallic drapes, props and elements to accentuate the Dècor. Instead of the pastel hues, blush tones and baby blues we have been seeing trending for years, this year is taking a sharp turn towards smokey grays, romantic reds and midnight blacks along with royal navy blues. And you can say goodbye to silver and gold accents. This look is being paired with antique brass and patina mirrored finishes that swing less glam and more dramatic. Silver and gold earlier were a more glitz and glamour look while this year, we see a more dramatic look with metallics.” Adds Pooja Doshi, Founder, Elusive Dreams, India.
Bright colors compositions, small and intimate but festive and preserved flowers decorations will be the top trends according to the leading Indonesian cake artist – Daphne Prananto, Founder of Kaia Cakes & Co. & DWP Insider Premium member.
6. Mindful Weddings
Picture Courtesy: @agriturismo_il_rigo
Wedding trends for 2022 will lean towards organic, natural, and uber-creative styles. One of the new wedding trends is for couples to upcycle, or to pledge a commitment to zero waste. Wedding venues are being greener and becoming more sustainable. Many venues that provide in-house catering will use locally sourced produce, as well as other areas within their business to be more eco-friendly.
Lebanon-based DWP Powerlist member & Founder of Caractere Events- Alain Hadife believes that it’s the year of going green. He says- “couples prefer long wedding weekends with locations close to nature with simple decor.”
“Back to basics is the order of the day. Weddings are a reflection of the personality and the origins of the couple. There is a strong desire to return to the essence – quality, hygienic, delicious, comfort food – less extravagance – minimalism. Hosting intimate gatherings or micro weddings that provide a setting to nurture pure human connections is in vogue. The families want only their close tribe to participate rather than opting for a huge guest list. Super formal weddings are passe. The trend is to host in relaxed settings, outside of the typical traditional wedding formats. Amongst the many wedding functions, increasingly more are planned to have more fun and engaging themes. The idea is to have a small ceremony & a big party. Health consciousness is a growing phenomenon. Conscious families prefer the use of local produce, sustainable menus and the centuries-old principles of Ayurveda ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.’ Reducetarianism, flexitarianism and veganism are gaining popularity.” Describes Sanjay Vazirani, Foodlink F&B Holdings India Pvt. Ltd., India.
“Minimalist designs and setups with nude color palates and eco-friendly options will be ruling this year.” Adds DWP Insider Premium member Shamim Mago, Owner of iCandy Events Ltd., Uganda.
7. Overflowing Entertainment
Pictures Courtesy: @jazzaroundmidnight
Couples are reportedly spending more on entertainment when compared to pre-pandemic times. Over-the-top musical elements are a top ask right now. Dancers, musicians, sketches, fortune tellers, live bands; we will see weddings overflowing with entertainment from start ’til the end.
“Entertaining guests through musical happenings will be the main objective for destination wedding couples. More shows, pop-ups and live musicians. Dance floors and bars are the statement pieces in the decor.” Shares Ilse Diamant, Founder of Diamant Events, Mexico.
“Multi-day destination weddings with lots of interactive entertainment is on the rise.” Adds Tim Reynolds, DWP Insider Premium member & Founder of award-winning music company- Next Level Music, UK.
“As a counter-reaction to 2019-2020 weddings, and after new sanitary policies set into place by governments, we shall witness a move back towards big outdoor venues with more members per entertainment concept, since there’s a boom in reimagining entertainment especially in the performing arts sector, as well as music concepts.” Shares DWP Insider Premium member Roger A-Smith, Founder, Music-A, Lebanon.
Thinking about the guests’ safety, Rahul Kumar, Owner of Vivaah Celebrations & DWP Insider Premium member from UAE shares “we will see more of performance shows with guests viewing rather than guests interacting in close proximity.”
8. Opulence in Intimacy
Picture Courtesy: @shadesproduction / Planner: @renehme
The saying ‘small is powerful’ is becoming true in 2022 weddings. The guest list is becoming smaller, but the opulence is getting higher! From luxe decor to floral overdose, planners are going the extra mile to make their couple’s wedding truly luxurious!
“Everything personalized, intimate but lavish destination weddings.” Says Teena Barretto, DWP Powerlist member & CEO Teena Barretto Events, Philippines.
Mohammed Murad, Owner of TanseeQ Event Organisers, UAE believes the same. “A smaller number of invitees yet more detailed weddings. A marked increase in destination weddings.”
“Intimate but lavish weddings – the couple inviting principally those with whom they have meaningful relationships.” Adds Freda Malcolm, Director, Weddings and Honeymoons, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, USA.
Similar views were shared by Anastasia Vasileiou, Enviable Events, Ltd., Greece & Cosimo Savio, Founder, Savio Firms, Italy.
9. Multi-Day Wedding Extravaganza
Picture Courtesy: @nilyumweddingbodrum
Jung Lee, DWP Powerlist member & Founder of Fête Events from the USA tells “most of my couples have been doing this forever, but it’s a trend that’s now becoming more mainstream. Rather than a single-day affair, couples are creating entire weekend experiences for their loved ones. My team enjoys it because it feels like camp. It sets the mood.”
“Multi-day celebrations, creating that guest and couple experiences for more than one day. Have a pre-wedding welcome day event like a private tour of one of the area’s best attractions the destination is known for or a sunset sailboat cruise. Then the wedding day, but also making that an interactive experience, so it’s a true celebration of you the couple and mixing in the local cuisine, where chefs dazzle your guest with a culinary experience followed up with local music again, authentic to the area of the wedding. Finally, closeout, the wedding weekend with a fantastic brunch, take advantage of the destination, create a brunch with a view, and then take in an afternoon of sightseeing with friends and family for your first day as a married couple.
Smaller guest count of less than 100 for local destination weddings and out-of-the-country destinations less than 50. Weekday weddings or elopement style I Do’s. Keeping with the less is more about guests attending, but creating a day more of an experience for the couple. I think we will be seeing experiences like these throughout 2022 as more and more couples embrace that VIP status of whom they want to share their day with, those intimate weddings that offer so much more than just memories of the couple saying ‘I DO’ but moments that this special group will treasure for years to come.” Shares Bobbi Brinkman, Founder of Bobbi Brinkman Photography from the USA.
“The multi-day experienced weddings, mostly destinations with eco-friendly option will be preferred by couples.” Adds Anastasia Chatsikidou from Le Ciel Weddings & Events, Greece.
10. Vaxxed Guest List
Picture Courtesy: @lisarobinphotography
“Hey, are you vaxxed?” would be the first thing that you might hear before getting an invite to a wedding. From ensuring that 100% of the guest list is double vaccinated to making sure safety kits and social distancing are in place, this trend is not going anywhere for a long, long time. Innayat Khubchandani, DWP Powerlist member & Founder of Innaz Communique from Indonesia predicts this as one of the key trends along with details and hospitality.
Adding to it, Alissa Harrison from Namale Resort & Spa – Fiji says –“we need to keep the safety of the guests right at the heart of the planning when executing a wedding.”
11. Virtual Invites
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Going virtual not only saves money for couples, but it eliminates the stress of snail mail never getting to guests on time. It also opens the line of communication in more of an instant kind of way, in case plans need to change.
DWP Powerlist member Enzo Miccio, Founder of Italy-based luxury wedding planning company – Enzo Miccio says “online invitations are a highly preferred option. To celebrate the love more, couples will have themed parties and great post-ceremony parties with open bar options and lots of drinks and dancing.”
“Since the lockdown, virtual wedding invitations & virtual ‘save the dates’ are increasingly trending and since then, it kind of stayed on. Another trend is ‘bride to be’ personalized boxes that we are getting a lot of requests for.” Says DWP Insider Premium member Mubarrah Khan, Owner of Pixies Dust Studio, India
“Boho themes, classic white, something edgy like hybrid events and virtual invites are something to look forward to.” Adds Pio Herras, Cocept+Design by Pio Herras, Philippines.
12. Increased Focus on Photography & Videography
Picture Courtesy: @parazarme
Couples have an increased budget for photography and videography. With covid, they want to invest more in capturing their special moment amidst all the changes.
Speaking of the trends, Elie Azar, Owner, ParAzar Productions, Lebanon tells us- “natural and spontaneous shoot remains a fan favorite among trends, since it has become second nature with mobile photography, the social app’s dominance is pushing more and more couples to ask for “special effects or edits” on their visuals. Special color grading is also on the rise as people turn to it to adjust the mood of the event to something they perceive more in touch with the image they want to convey.”
Telling us more about what elements work well for photography, Rupert Rogers, Principal Photographer, 4 Eyes Photography, USA adds “acrylic alters, chairs and furniture, mirrored wedding aisles along with clear glass vases; all great for photography!”
13. Outdoor Weddings
Picture Courtesy: @giuseppe_giovannelli
A trend that we saw ruling in 2021, will continue to rule in 2022. The popularity of open airflow spaces, outdoor dining and an ongoing pandemic has resulted in demand for venues with outdoor flexibility, as well as led planners to get more creative with the outdoor spaces in terms of decor.
Mohammad Sadiq, Eventia Event Designers, India predicts an increase in outdoor and open space weddings with a focus on interactive/engaging entertainments. He also believes in detailed decor with sustainable alternatives.
“Outdoor weddings are for sure going to rise. After being cooped up inside for so long due to Covid, many couples are opting to have their receptions outside, under the stars and in the fresh, open air. Black is very on-trend for 2022 weddings and we are seeing it in accents like candles, linen, cutlery and stationery.” Adds Sunelle van den Berg, Blank Canvas Event Design, South Africa.
14. Sequel Weddings
Pictures Courtesy: @kristinaadamsphoto / Planner: @santabarbaraelopement
A sequel wedding is a wedding of multiple parts. Many couples were able to have a legal ceremony and a small reception in 2020-21 and now having a huge celebration in 2022-23 with their friends and family.
“After the long-due fun that the couples are denied of, we will see more sequel weddings extending the wedding celebrations.” Shares Elizabeth Murray, Principal planner, Weddings by Elizabeth Anne, Cyprus.
15. Dopamine Dressing
Picture Courtesy: @niceprintphoto
Made famous by Tiktok which means bold and never-seen-before dresses, you will see brides wearing unusual statement dresses popping with color and quirk.
Jung Lee, Founder of Fête Events from USA says- “after-party dress & look are quite a trend now! I’m noticing brides are getting super stylish and bolder as the evening progresses at weddings. It excites me to see the different sides of a bride – including – whether it’s going deep into 20s flapper, disco, modern jumpsuit et al but really owning who they are from head to toe and just having a super fun time!”
“Statement dress designs and bold outfit choices. Increased emphasis on the party and entertainment. Fashion-inspired design and decor.” Adds Adam Galwas, The Wedding Filmmakers, UK.
“Statement wedding dresses will accompany legacy celebrations and bespoke entertainment in the year 2022.” Emphasizes Max Misty, Max Marcus Events, UK.
16. Dance Floors and Bars Are The Centre of Attention
Picture Courtesy: @temmyesho
Guess we missed dancing a lot during the pandemic and that’s what leads us to our next trend. Ilse Diamant, founder of Diamant Events, Mexico and Philippines-based Gideon Hermosa gave us a hint of where the focus of the decor will be. This year, it won’t be the stage backdrop. Dance floors and bars will be elevated more in terms of decor to give couples a picture-perfect moment when they share their first dance.
17. Destination Elopement
Picture Courtesy: @its_all_about.pt
Robyn Shield, Mason’s Travel, Seychelles & Elisabetta Redaelli, Lilly Red, Italy believes that elopements will be more this year as it is easier than a traditional wedding and can eliminate the stress of wedding planning amidst the current restrictions. It also offers a scope of maximum personalization as it’s just the couple and they can have everything according to their taste.
18. Laidback Vibe
Picture Courtesy: @veronikaward
Corrie Elli, a renowned makeup and hair artist from Canada believes that relaxed & informal weddings that have a laidback vibe will be chosen by couples. “Simplifying the logistics of the day, while still showcasing the couple’s style with a luxe vibe.”
She believes that weekday weddings would make a return too! “Every day is a wedding day! Expanding wedding days from simply Friday through Sunday is a refreshing push to explore alternate days. New traditions: With a more intimate setting, incorporating new traditions to the day; brunch weddings, followed by an evening celebration; finding new ways to involve everyone in the day to truly be a part of the momentous day.”
19. Shorter Planning Timeframe
Picture Courtesy: @brucerussellevents
In times of uncertainty, things happen fast and change fast. Gone are the days when you have more than a year to properly plan the wedding in advance. Couples are making decisions on the go and are okay to finalize things last minute as there are a lot of changes happening in terms of demand & supply and travel restrictions. Even the vendors are offering as much flexibility as they can to accommodate the changes and are keeping financial terms quite open.
20. Unique Destination Experiences
Picture Courtesy: @chateaudesanteny
With increasing concerns over safety for guests, couples are opting for isolated and unique locations like countryside wedding venues or chateaus or an island wedding where they have the luxury to celebrate in private with their loved ones without worrying about COVID. The remote islands of Greece or private chateaus in Europe are increasingly getting booked for 2022 weddings. Hotels are offering buyouts of the complete property to ensure safety.
21. Showstopping Sweet Spots
Picture Courtesy: @bouchra_sugar_designer / @cateringbellaflora & Planner: @occasionsevents
Cake and dessert bars are certainly having a moment and for good reason! Doughnut walls, grazing tables, and quick-to-grab champagne flutes swept the industry in recent years. While a single beautiful wedding cake is still a very popular choice, more and more couples are opting to get creative with their wedding dessert offering. Not only the treats involved are delicious but the decorative touches and stunning backdrops that are often incorporated help to create an Instagram-worthy centerpiece for a wedding reception.
22. Reinventing Traditions
Picture Courtesy: @deplanv
Long-standing wedding traditions are taking a step back when it comes to post-pandemic wedding planning, deemed outdated and unimportant. A new wedding era takes its place focusing on informal, relaxed celebrations and indulgent wedding experiences. The way this looks for every couple will be different, but some examples include- no bouquet tossing or best man speech or signing marriage certificates discreetly post ceremony.
Conclusion
Trends give us an insight into upcoming wedding patterns, but your wedding is yours! Make it your own by doing it your way or combine these trends with your personal style! In the end, love is all that matters.
A big thanks to all the planners and vendors who helped define the 2022 wedding trends. We are sure this would help couples, planners and vendors to navigate and choose the best for their upcoming weddings.
Need more help? Reach out to our DWP Insider Premium members for more insights. If you’d like to list yourself as an expert, be a Premium member of the world’s biggest wedding community by clicking here!
