Wedding trends constantly change from year to year and even season to season. Over the past few years, we’ve seen traditions go to the wayside as more and more weddings get postponed, rescheduled, or even turn into elopements with receptions later. In 2022, we expect to see more trends making an appearance during the wedding reception. From ditching the garter toss to photo-worthy flower arches, this year’s wedding reception trends are more unique than ever. These trends are a must-see if you are planning your wedding this year, these trends are a must-see!
Skipping the Bouquet and Garter Tosses
Newlyweds always say that their wedding day goes by too fast; we are seeing more couples skipping the traditions that don’t serve them so that they can really enjoy their wedding day as much as they can. In 2022, expect to see the bouquet and garter toss disappear from the wedding reception. Couples feel that the bouquet and garter toss is an outdated tradition and want to do something that feels more unique and personal, like a private dance before the guests arrive or after the guests have left. It is still a special moment for the newlyweds during the reception and is less traditional.
Pre-Wedding Toasts
Toasts are always a special moment during the reception. Still, more and more couples are opting for more intimate toasts during their rehearsal dinner and skipping toasts all together during their wedding reception. It helps ease anxiety for those giving the toasts and allows for more time for guests to dance and enjoy the reception.
Flower Walls & Flower Arches
Kiss balloon arches goodbye and welcome the beautiful flower arch. It’s been popular in past years but is definitely making a comeback in 2022. Expect to see reception areas full of gorgeous florals, from floral walls as photo backdrops to floral arches in doorways. They are a great way to sprinkle in your wedding flowers as well as a touch of color throughout your wedding reception area.
Showcasing Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are becoming more and more popular in 2022. Mixing dried flowers into bouquets can create a decorative bouquet that is earthy, unique, and of course, beautiful. Adding in greenery with the dried flowers allows the florals in the arrangements to become more visible. It creates lovely contrast as centerpiece arrangements, on walls around the reception space, or even attached to outdoor gazebos.
A Pop of Metallic
Couples are opting for a full glam and shimmery look in 2022. Metallics can fit into various wedding styles, from rustic to modern, to chic industrial weddings. From metallic stationery to centerpieces with metal vases, expect to see pops of metallic in wedding receptions this year. Decorate with metallic lanterns for a more vintage vibe and add a touch of romance to the space. Fill with candles for soft and romantic lighting.
The Wedding Cake Comeback
Couples ditched wedding cakes for a few years to showcase their favorite donuts and cupcakes,, but in 2022, wedding cakes are making a comeback. From naked cakes to metallic cakes, expect to see the wedding cake making its way back into the wedding reception.
The Rise of Checkered Patterns
In 2021, checkered patterns started rising in the interior design world. That rising trend can be expected to be seen in weddings this year. From checkered dance floors to small accents like table linens or napkins, the black and white pattern offers a vintage and more traditional look.
Personalized Signature Drinks
Signature drinks are making a splash this year. Whether you plan on having an open bar or not, having a signature drink (or a few) on the menu makes for a fun addition to the reception. Choose from your favorite drink or create something special for the big day. It’s a fun way for couples to customize their bar experience for their guests in a way that fits their personality and taste.
Weekday Weddings
Most traditional weddings fall on weekends, with Friday and Saturday typically the most popular. In 2022, expect to see more weddings being held on weekdays. With the pandemic, so many weddings got postponed and rescheduled, creating a large backlog of weddings. More and more couples are opting to have a weekday wedding to tie the knot. It keeps couples from having to wait another year to say I do and is perfect for couples looking for wedding receptions that are smaller and more intimate.
Hand-Printed Details
Hand-printed wedding décor makes for a more unique and custom wedding experience. Expect to see a significant increase in hand-printed wedding decor details through centerpiece candles, ribbons, reception signage, and even table linens. It’s the perfect way for couples to incorporate an artsy side into their wedding day.
Vibrant Color Palettes
Neutrals and pastel colors have been popular for years. In 2022, expect to welcome bold splashes of color to wedding day color palettes. Pantone predicts the top colors for spring and summer to be pink and purple tined orchid bloom, bright blue, fair green, and bubblegum pink. The year’s Pantone color is a rich shade of purple called Very Peri. This deep shade is bound to make it into wedding color palettes, from table linens to centerpiece accents.
Unique Table layouts
During the pandemic, unconventional table plans and layouts were created to help keep everyone safe and distant. As a result, a variety of new creative table layouts were created and are here to stay. Expect to see the unexpected when it comes to table setups, like square table layouts, u -shaped designs, t- shaped designs, and even x-shaped designs with long tables. The unique table layout goes against the traditional look and gives your wedding reception a more unique and creative feel while letting more (or less) guests together.
Outdoor First Dances
First dances are traditionally done indoors in the reception area. In 2020 and 2021, the first dance went outdoors for safety reasons, but with the addition of string lights and rug carpeted courtyards, the trend is extending into 2022. Outdoor first dances create a magical moment for the newlyweds and their guests and are a fun twist on the traditional first dance.
Are you looking to plan your wedding this year? Contact us to book your venue today!
