Looking to plan a wedding in the coming years? Or maybe you're just curious about what's on the horizon for Seattle weddings? Either way, we have some exciting news: We have compiled a list of upcoming 2023 wedding trends!

So if you want to create your dream wedding that everyone will love — on both sides of the aisle — keep reading because here are all the things we predict will be popular in 2023!

Wedding Attire

The Mini Dress Mood

Mini dresses are in, and they’re a whole mood! Your long wedding gown is beautiful and elegant, but there's no denying that a mini dress sets the tone for your reception like nothing else.

Stepping out on the dance floor in a fun and flirty mini dress lets your guests know it’s time to get on the dance floor, let loose, and not worry about stepping on the back of your gown.

An outfit change also provides a new vibe for reception photos — everyone loves pictures of brides getting their groove on, and changing into a mini dress gives you variety in your photo gallery!

The ‘80s are Back Bigtime

The ‘80s are back bigtime in the wedding world, with brides going all out to capture their retro-style visions in an updated and modern way.

Wedding attire is definitely going to be a massive part of this trend and you can expect to see far more puff-sleeve wedding dresses, layers of organza, and some seriously dramatic detailing at your next wedding.

Not sure what this trend looks like? Take a look at this gorgeous gown from Evergreen Bridal Studio, located in Tacoma, Washington. The puffed sleeves and dramatic bow scream ’80s glam, while the elegant fabric and clean lines update the gown for the modern bride.

Another famously ‘80s fashion trend — sequins are the perfect reception dress or bridesmaid’s gowns. This bold red dress strutted down the runway at Seattle Wedding Show’s Fashion Show courtesy of Raar Nova.

If you’re interested in pulling off an updated ’80s wedding look consult with the pros!

Whether it’s puffy sleeves or sequined cocktail dresses and shoulder pads, the years of shoulder pads and bows are making a comeback in a big way!

Blue is the New Blush

The color of your wedding gown may be one of your most important decisions as you plan for your big day. You want something that suits you and makes you feel beautiful.

The new trend in bridal fashion is a departure from the traditional blush or white dresses but still manages to achieve chic and feminine styles. Blue can be combined with lots of other wedding themes, such as bohemian floral designs or rustic industrial styles.

Who would have thought that the “something blue” could be the gown!

Perfect Pearls

Pearl wedding accessories have been one of the most popular trends to emerge in the wedding world recently, and it looks like they're here to stay!

The gemstone has been a traditional choice for brides and grooms who want something classic and elegant.

Pearls are set to be the breakout star of 2022, with Pinterest reporting that searches for the term 'pearl wedding dress' have tripled on their website since last year.

If you're still not sure about committing yourself fully to pearls then don't worry, there are lots of subtle ways to include them as part of your big day without having an entire ensemble made up entirely from pearls (although we love those too).

Pearls can be incorporated into your jewelry choices or even as a feature on your shoes or earrings — whatever suits your style best!

Wedding Party

Mismatched Bridal Parties

If you want to create something really unique for your wedding day, consider having a mismatched bridal party.

With the rising popularity of attendants wearing dresses of different styles, color tones, and fabrics this season, there is no better time than now to do precisely that!

Anyone who has been part of a traditional wedding knows the horrors of trying to find attire that suits everyone in the bridal party. This can be an expensive process with little room for error or personal preference.

It makes sense that brides are opting out of uniformity and embracing individuality when it comes to their attendants’ outfits by allowing each person to choose their own style and fabric (which will ultimately lead them to look and feel their best).

This gorgeous example of mismatched bridal parties comes from David’s Bridal and shows us just how fun mixing gown colors can be!

Mismatched bridal parties allow couples to create stunning color schemes while cultivating relaxed vibes—all while still making it feel as formal or informal as they desire.

Say Hello to ‘Wedding Crews’

When it comes to wedding parties, more and more couples are rejecting the traditional single-sex wedding party in favor of a ‘wedding crew’ that reflects their real-life friendship groups.

It’s also a fun way to incorporate different fabrics, colors, and elements in the wedding party photos, just like the mismatched bridal party dresses above!

Reception Entertainment

Your wedding reception should be a fun and festive celebration of your marriage, so it's important to choose the right entertainment. Couples are opting for more unique and interactive forms of this traditional feature, with many guests becoming participants in some way.

Photo/Video Entertainment

You’ve heard of the photo booth, it’s a classic option for photo entertainment during your reception. Some companies are putting new spins on this fun and festive tradition.

Companies like Shutter Bus Co. park a 1974 VW Bus — decked out with fun patterns and props — at your reception for guests of every age to enjoy.

Voast asks your guests to answer video prompts of your choosing and compiles them all into a fun video you can watch again and again.

Live Entertainment

Have you ever heard of a live wedding painter? Well, soon you’ll be seeing them all over the place!

Sam Day is a professional wedding painter who captures the magic of your special evening in an incredible memento that you'll cherish forever.

The object of this unique service is to complete an alle prima oil painting during your wedding reception before the event is over. In addition to creating an heirloom for the couple, this service provides entertainment for the guests as well.

“During breaks in festivities they tend to gather around my easel,” San says. “Children watch with more attention than one would expect children to have.”

P.s. it's a great gift for the newlyweds as well!

Unique Entertainment

If you want your wedding to be truly memorable, think outside the box when it comes to entertainment. How about renting an aesthetically pleasing bounce house from Smash Baby Smash? Their white and black bounce houses are sure to give your guests under 14 something fun to do (maybe even a few of the adults too!)

Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Favors

One of the biggest trends to watch for is sustainability. Couples are using their special day as an opportunity to reduce their impact, whether that means locally-sourced food or sustainable wedding favors. The days of receiving plastic bottles at every turn are quickly coming to a close—and we can't wait!

With Pinterest reporting the search term “eco-friendly wedding favors” doubling in 2022, we know pinners are searching for ways to lessen their environmental impact.

Seeds and potted plants will be popular options when it comes to eco-friendly wedding favors. Not only is it cheaper than traditional wedding favors, but it’s also a gift that your guests can enjoy for years to come. Plus, there are so many different types so you can pick one that suits your wedding aesthetic.

Upcycling

Upcycling is the practice of reusing materials or objects in a way that creates a new item with an improved environmental impact. Couples are more conscious than ever when it comes to the impact their wedding will have on the environment.

Upcycling can take many forms—from repurposing something old into something new, cutting down on plastics, finding new uses for things people usually throw away, or using your leftover flowers to create centerpieces.

You don't even have to stick with the literal definition of ‘upcycling’: if you find something that makes YOU happy, and makes the planet happy too? That's an upcycle!

Catering

Cocktail Hour

Wedding Cocktail Hours are definitely going to be trending in 2023, and we’ve seen quite a few couples scheduling these in as a way to get guests mingling and ready for dinner.

As your guests relax and reconnect with relatives and friends, your wedding staff and party can move chairs, decor, and other essentials from your ceremony space into the reception area.

This is also an excellent time for guests to take pictures and videos to commemorate their time at your wedding.

When it comes to a cocktail menu it’s hard to go wrong! Couples can choose their favorite cocktails — like a classic moscow mule or a whiskey sour — for guests to enjoy between events.

If you’re looking for something to get your guests talking, try an imaginative and signature drink from some of our favorite bartending vendors.

Hitched Mobile Bar serves your guests from a remodeled 1962 Shasta Trailer and prides themselves on using locally sourced ingredients in their creative cocktails. Some of their favorite creations include an Elderflower Greyhound and a Lavender Gin Fizz.

Fruit Cake (No Not That One)

When most people hear the words “fruit cake” they think of that awful loaf of bread masquerading as cake that our grandparents made us eat during the holidays.

When we say fruit cakes are in, we’re talking about a fruit cake that has had a serious revamp. Fruit flavors are increasing in popularity and being incorporated into wedding cakes in increasingly creative ways.

Cakes By Creme de la Creme have amazing fruit flavors to choose from and they can make sure your cake is perfect for your special day.

Their Citron Cake cuts the sweetness of buttercream with lemon, lime, and tangerine curds, while their seasonal Washington Apple Almond Cake combines two layers of moist apple cake and almond cake filled with apricot-infused buttercream — talk about amazing fruit flavors!

If you’re looking for a Seattle bakery to make your wedding fruit cake dreams come true, check out the list of vendors we’re currently working with here!

Photography

Film

When you think of photography, what style comes to mind?

Do you think of crisp, sharp images that look like they were taken by a professional photographer? Or do you imagine images that are soft, imperfect, and full of character?

If you're the latter, then film is the style for you.

Film wedding photos have an instantly classic look that's just as timeless as the image itself. The imperfections that come with film photography make for an authentic touch to your big day—and it's also a great way to show off your personality!

It's soft, nostalgic, and with the limited number of frames per roll available on film cameras, the intentionality that film forces are really special. Plus, for couples who don't want their big day to feel dated by trends, film wedding photos have an effortlessly classic look that will be timeless for years to come.

Flash

Flash photography is very different from film, but they both have their place in wedding photography.

When compared to film photos, direct flash wedding photography may appear crisper or more spontaneous, especially considering it won't have the same fuzzy or romantic effect of the film.

It’s easy to see why flash photography is making a comeback, especially at receptions. The speed of the shutter leaves a glittering afterglow in its wake, like a gathering of glamorous partygoers caught mid-laugh.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a celebrity posing for the paparazzi at a fancy party, flash photography is the way to go.

Tips for Incorporating Flash & Film Photography on Your Wedding Day

If you love the look of flash and film, but don’t want the same look in your entire wedding gallery there are a few fun options.

Find a photographer with a second shooter and work with them to create a photo timeline and inspiration board.

For example, film photography might best be used during romantic photos with your spouse, shots of your decor, or with your wedding party as you get ready. Classic and beautifully composed digital photos are a good way to capture your ceremony. Finally, when it’s time to party at the end of the night, direct flash shots capture the tangible energy in the room!

Our longtime friend Into Dust Photography — and her second shooter Connor Ferguson Photo — shot a beautiful wedding in Seattle that used digital, film, and direct flash photography styles (photos above).

If you’re looking for vendors in the greater Seattle area, check out our vendor pages for people we highly recommend working with!

2023 Wedding Trends You Don't Want To Miss