8 wedding trends set to shape the 2023 bridal season

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Though neutral palettes brightened by soft pastels remain popular, Shaw predicts that bolder shades—still in the strain of spring—will be particularly beloved.

Bold blues

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“Bright and bold blues will be everywhere all year long,” she says, adding that the spotlight will be on cornflower and grotto blue especially.

Bold blues

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“A love of blue will be making its way into day dresses, but also bridesmaid looks, paper goods and table-top details, such as floral styling and glassware.”

Bold blues

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Rounding off the duo of garden-inspired hues in 2023 will be pinks of all shades, from peony to fuschia. The colour, which surged to prominence this year on the heels of Valentino’s ready-to-wear autumn/winter ’22/’23 collection and the production of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie

Pinks

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will be front of mind for brides looking to dabble in a more unconventional palette. Prepare to see wedding gowns in marshmallow pastels and rich orchid tones walk down the aisle this season.

Pinks

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As always, modern brides will be referencing bygone eras. 2022 saw the ’60s reign supreme, but in 2023, Shaw believes that the overall mood will shift forward a decade or two.

’70s and ’80s silhouettes

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“Relaxed yet elevated takes on ’70s forms, and a more pared back, softer approach to statement ’80s bows and sleeves will be popular,” she says. Expect to see brides in full skirts, billowing sleeves and minimal, bohemian dresses.

’70s and ’80s silhouettes

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If the recent spring/summer runways are anything to go by, rosettes will also make regular appearances.

’70s and ’80s silhouettes

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In 2023, brides will be downsizing their flowers—or at least, their bouquets. According to Shaw, petite, vintage-inspired bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets, arranged from flowers like Baby’s Breath, Sweet Alyssum and Forget-Me-Nots, will take centre stage.

Petite bouquets

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“We’re seeing smaller garden style posies rather than large bouquets,” she says. Take your inspiration from recent brides like Lucy Williams, Emily Bode and Lola McDonnell who tied the knot with dainty, barely-there bouquets in hand.

Petite bouquets

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When it comes to the floral arrangements, however, Shaw’s forecast reads that bigger is better. Though suspended installations are coming to a halt, she notes that an interest in “grand ceremony florals”, such as sweeping floor arrangements, will peak in 2023,

Grand arrangements

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along with “arrangements of different heights and vessels to create interest along the table, where sharing dining requires more space between decor.”

Grand arrangements

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Weddings aren’t just a spectacle—they’re an experience, and ideally one that’s as enjoyable for the guests as it is for the couple. Shaw shares that couples are swaying increasingly towards immersive installations and dining experiences

Immersive dining experiences

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—“meals made in front of guests”, for example, “or garden settings and installations that hold the romance of a wedding day.”

Immersive dining experiences

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The immediate aftermath of the pandemic saw weddings slim down—in size, in pomp, in circumstance. Though the circumstance has, in some respects, returned, the intimate guest counts

Small guest lists

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“seem to be staying that way”, and getting “even smaller, making way for more venue and destination options”. “Having a smaller guest count isn't always about saving,” says Shaw, “although it’s a bonus—it also allows the couple to really spoil their favourite people.”

Small guest lists

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Michaela Johansson, founder of catering company Aplenty, tells us that the overarching theme for wedding menus in 2023 will be ‘less is more’. “There’s been a shift away from this both the overdone and over-polished look, and food styling has followed,” says Johansson.

Considered menus

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“When it comes to wedding food, that means quality over quantity. There’s something way more special about having a table of a few really amazing local cheeses paired with homemade plum paste

Considered menus

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and crispy lavosh, over a grazing table full of nuts and dried fruit filler that will end up in the bin.” “Making considered choices is also a necessity. Feeding 150 people can often mean a lot of wastage.

Considered menus

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Spending your money on quality ingredients instead of bigger variety is money better spent. I think people often worry that means there won't be enough food, but we design our menus to be abundant and generous, without being wasteful and excessive.”

Considered menus

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With travel on the mend, destination weddings hold more allure than ever. In 2023, Shaw thinks that brides and grooms will set off in search of sunnier climates.

Tropical surroundings

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“Tropical locations like Mexico, Bali and The Whitsundays are on the rise,” she says. “A relaxed yet unexpected location makes for a fun and memorable getaway for couples and their guests, often making it at least a long weekend celebration.”

Tropical surroundings

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