Bridal Guide | Chapter 3: Styles and Formats

Wedding Trends for 2023: Styles and Formats

As we move into the year 2023, the wedding industry in the United States is undergoing a significant shift.

Boldness, mindfulness, and openness are the latest trends that are shaping the new rules for life and wedding celebrations. Couples across the country are reimagining their weddings and opting for unique experiences that reflect their personalities and styles. One of the most prominent trends in the US wedding industry for 2023 is a reduction in floristry. We've started looking for eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional floral arrangements in line with the growing consciousness of the impact of weddings on the environment.

Another trend is the renewed focus on creating unforgettable experiences that guests will cherish for years to come. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, couples are seeking to create unique moments that will make their special day truly unforgettable. As a wedding photographers' and videographers' agency in the US, it's important to stay up-to-date with these trends and be prepared to capture these memorable moments for our couples.

New Traditions

Traditional wedding ceremonies are staying the essential part of every wedding yet no longer resonating with couples seeking more personalization and meaning in their celebrations. In place of the traditional toasts and competitions, couples are looking to create new traditions that reflect their personalities and values. One of the most popular trends over the past two years has been small intimate weddings with loved ones, but there's a new format that's emerging for 2023. Many couples are now opting for registry office ceremonies, followed by brunch or dinner with their parents, and then heading straight to the airport for their honeymoon.

This format is straightforward and eliminates the stress and time commitment of a more elaborate wedding celebration. This new trend allows couples to focus on what's most important: their love and commitment to each other. As a wedding photographer, it's essential to be aware of these new trends and to help your clients capture these precious moments in their own unique way. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a registry office ceremony, every couple's love story is special and deserves to be captured beautifully.

Large Weddings Return (or maybe not)

The wedding industry is eagerly waiting for the return of large-scale celebrations in the post-COVID era.

With many couples postponing their wedding plans due to the pandemic, the industry is seeing a pent-up demand for grand celebrations that will hopefully take place when borders reopen and restrictions are lifted.

However, whether large weddings will make a full comeback or not is still uncertain.

As we all know, COVID-19 has significantly impacted the wedding industry, with couples opting for more intimate and smaller ceremonies to comply with the restrictions. But with the vaccine rollout, there is a growing sense of optimism, and many couples are now considering rescheduling their weddings to a later date when they can safely invite all their loved ones to celebrate their special day.

And while flying to Italy, France, or other destinations may still be a dream for some, there are many ways to create stunning and unique frames for couples, no matter where they choose to celebrate their love.

Looking Deeper Than Wider

As the world emerges from the pandemic, many couples are looking forward to celebrating their love with large-scale wedding events.

However, the focus has shifted from grandeur and ostentatious luxury to more unique, individual, and meaningful experiences. Couples are seeking out extraordinary locations that reflect their personalities and create unforgettable backdrops for their special day.

From breathtaking beaches to stunning mountain retreats, couples are opting for unique settings that allow them to capture the magic of their love story.

In addition, exclusive outfits and rings that reflect their individual styles are becoming increasingly popular, with couples looking for bespoke pieces that are as unique as their love story.

Digitization has also revolutionized the wedding industry, with couples using social media and other digital tools to personalize their weddings and share their special moments with loved ones who are unable to attend in person.

Another trend that's gaining momentum is the concept of a wedding week, where couples and their guests can spend an entire week celebrating together and creating unforgettable memories.

And of course, haute cuisine is always a hit at weddings, with couples opting for bespoke menus that reflect their tastes and preferences.

Picturesque Locations

In the age of social media and mobile photography, weddings are no longer just about the ceremony and the reception.

Couples are seeking out unique and atmospheric locations that provide a stunning backdrop for their wedding photos and create an unforgettable experience for their guests.

From abandoned warehouses to rustic barns, couples are choosing venues that are not traditionally designed for weddings but have a unique charm that reflects their personalities and style.

Wedding agencies can help couples adapt any venue to their celebration, ensuring that the location reflects the couple's vision and enhances their special day.

Whether it's installing custom lighting or creating a unique floral arrangement, wedding agencies can help transform any space into a beautiful and memorable setting. In addition, couples can add personalized touches such as a photo booth or customized cocktail bar to create a unique atmosphere that reflects their personalities.

By understanding the unique atmosphere of each venue, you can create a timeless album that reflects the beauty and individuality of each couple's love story.

Futurism, Stars, and Space...

The global trend for futurism, stars, and space will be reflected in sparkling dresses, star or planet-shaped jewelry, moon installations, lighting, starry skies, and smoke. In 2023, decorators will offer truly bold and bright ideas for decoration. Couples can choose to flood the whole hall with one color or make an accent against the background of white, gray, or black.

Decor Without Flowers

Classic wedding floristry is taking a back seat, and decorators have come up with alternatives to fill the space and create an atmosphere. Couples can use candles, ceramics, shells, stones, fruits and berries, silk, and other textile installations, dried flowers, sand, grass, water, crystal, and crystals to create their desired aesthetic.

In conclusion, wedding trends for 2023 include a focus on individuality and personalization, unique experiences, and a rejection of traditional wedding ceremonies. Whether large weddings will return depends on the epidemiological situation, but couples will continue to seek out Instagrammable locations, pure art, and decor without flowers.

Bridal Guide | Chapter 2: Wedding Planners

If you're planning a wedding, it's extremely important to know that you don't have to do it alone. Hiring a wedding planner or concierge can help take the stress out of the planning process and ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch.

Wedding planners are experienced professionals who can help you develop a unique concept that reflects your personality and style. They can recommend suitable locations, offer contractors who can implement your ideas in the best way possible, and take care of negotiations, calculations, coordination between different vendors, and troubleshooting all the nuances and plans B that come up during the planning process.

With a wedding planner, you'll have someone who can take care of all the details, leaving you to enjoy the experience with full understanding that someone will take care of your most important day.

HERE ARE TOP TIPS OF HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER:

1. Do your research: Start by researching different wedding planners in your area and look at their portfolios and reviews from previous clients.
   

2. Determine your budget: Before meeting with a wedding planner, determine your budget and make sure the planner is able to work within your financial constraints.
   

3. Know what you want: Have a clear idea of what you want your wedding to look like and communicate that with your wedding planner.
   

4. Choose someone with experience: Look for a wedding planner who has experience planning weddings similar to the one you want.
   

5. Consider their communication skills: Make sure the wedding planner is responsive and communicates effectively with you.
   

6. Check their availability: Confirm that the wedding planner is available on your wedding date and able to dedicate the necessary time and attention to your event.
   

7. Ask for references/reviews: Ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to get an idea of the planner's performance.
   

8. Clarify their services: Make sure you understand exactly what services the wedding planner will provide and what is included in their fee.
   

9. Be open to suggestions: While you should have a clear idea of what you want, be open to suggestions and ideas from your wedding planner.
   

10. Trust your instincts: Ultimately, choose a wedding planner that you feel comfortable with and trust to execute your vision for your special day.

If you prefer to have more control over the planning process, consider hiring at least a coordinator.

A coordinator can help you control the process throughout the event and resolve any current issues, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day. With a coordinator by your side, you'll be able to enjoy your wedding day without worrying about any unexpected issues that may arise.

To find a wedding planner or concierge that's right for you, it's essential to select several agencies and contact them.

Look for agencies with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services and exceptional results. Check out their portfolios, particularly on Instagram, where you can see real-time updates. Look for projects that are similar to your dream wedding and assess their execution. Some wedding planners specialize in large-scale celebrations with guest stars and a rich show program, while others focus on more intimate weddings that emphasize the couple's uniqueness.

Before meeting with potential wedding planners or concierges, it's important to have a clear understanding of your budget, guest count, and preferred wedding style.

During a face-to-face or online meeting, you'll have the opportunity to assess the organizer's personality, values, and approach to wedding preparations.

Discuss timing, backup plans, and other details to make sure you are both on the same page.

At the end of the day, hiring a wedding planner or concierge is an investment in the most important day of your life.

It ensures that every detail is taken care of, and you can relax and enjoy the day without any worries. With a wedding planner, you'll have a professional who can guide you through the process and make your wedding dreams come true. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your ideas - a wedding planner will be there to support and guide you every step of the way.

Working with a wedding planner can also help you save time and money in the long run. They can negotiate contracts with vendors, manage your budget, and help you find the best deals for your wedding day. Wedding planners have an extensive network of vendors and industry professionals that they work with regularly, so they know who to contact for the best deals and services.

Additionally, wedding planners can provide invaluable advice and recommendations on everything from wedding etiquette to décor and catering. They can help you create a cohesive vision for your wedding and bring all of the elements together to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Overall, hiring a wedding planner or concierge is an investment in your happiness and peace of mind on your wedding day. With their expertise, knowledge, and guidance, you'll be able to enjoy the planning process and focus on what really matters - celebrating your love and commitment to each other. So, take the first step and start your search for the perfect wedding planner or concierge today!

Sincerely yours, Precious Pics

Bridal Guide | Chapter 1: Developing Artistic Eye

Bridal Inspiration and Developing an Artistic Eye: Knowing what you want, where to look for inspiration, and creating mood boards.

As a bride-to-be, planning your wedding is an exciting yet overwhelming experience. There are countless details to consider, from the venue and decorations to the wedding dress and photography. One helpful tool to guide your vision for the big day is a bridal mood board.

The very first step in preparing for a wedding is figuring out the kind of wedding you want.

This may not always be easy, especially when you're presented with so many beautiful examples. You might be tempted to take the easy way out and replicate someone else's celebration, like buying a dress at a salon your friend recommends or choosing a restaurant where your sister had her wedding.

We advise taking your time to listen to yourself and not rushing into decisions, even if you have an exact picture in your head of how you want things to be. The wedding industry in US is constantly changing and today's celebrations are held in ways that were unimaginable 10 years ago. Therefore, we recommend exploring different possibilities, discovering different styles and formats, developing an art eye and finding your own version of the wedding.

Cultivate a Sense of an Art Eye

The quickest way to learn more about modern weddings is to browse through photos from real weddings. You can find inspiration, save one image after another, observe what resonates with you, and discover your direction or even create your own style. It's important to start with the right sources so you have access to truly modern and fashionable celebrations. The most convenient way to view real weddings is on our website, on photographers' and agencies' Instagram pages.

We also recommend following inspiring Instagram accounts with beautiful images of wedding dresses, shoes, cakes, decor, floristry, and anything with wedding aesthetics. This will help you develop a sense of watchfulness, and you'll enjoy scrolling through your feed.

@preciouspicspro @caratsandcake @theknot

@weddingwire

@maharanibride @seattlebride

@bridal_vogue

Save Images and Create Mood Boards

A mood board is a visual representation of the style and aesthetic you want to achieve for your wedding. It's a collection of images, colors, and textures that convey the atmosphere you're aiming for. Creating a well-organized and focused mood board can help you develop an artful eye for weddings, which can be invaluable when it comes to planning the perfect day.

To avoid confusion and to save time looking for the right inspiration, it's best to decide in advance where to store all the visuals you like. Choose one or two online platforms, for example, Instagram or Pinterest. Flagged posts can easily get lost, so we suggest creating separate galleries on narrow topics within your saved posts, like "Decor," "Invitations," "Dresses," and "Shoes," and saving your preferred posts to the relevant section.

Look at these PINTEREST boards

You could also create a separate account, which is private except to you and your friends, save and upload everything related to the wedding, and even run polls and livestream from the fitting room of the salon.

Pinterest is an excellent platform for creating boards on specific topics, and you can use a browser extension to save images from other sites. Pinterest offers numerous color palettes, wedding fine art photography, and visual tips for DIY enthusiasts. Milanote and WeHeartIT are also services that operate on the principle of boards.

Unlike Pinterest, Milanote allows you to upload not only images, but also links, text notes, and even to-do lists. The groom or planners can also leave online comments.

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage platform where you can store files in folders and access them from any device. You can store not only images and text, but also essential documents such as contracts with decorators, photographers, and other professionals.

Canva is not suitable for searching and storing images, but it can help you create a beautiful mood board.

Type "moodboard" or "mood board" in the search bar, and hundreds of templates will appear. You can upload your images and see how they fit together, display the color scheme, and more.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create a stunning bridal mood board that will guide your wedding planning and help you develop an artful eye for weddings.

With a clear vision, organized inspiration, and a focused mood board, you can bring your dream wedding to life.

Sincerely yours, Precious Pics