REVELRY EVENTS 2022
WEDDING TRENDS REPORT

2022 is set to be a massive year for weddings - ramming three years into one means we are looking at the industry’s busiest and most varied year ever, but how does that translate to trend predictions? Well, because weddings as we know and love them only really resumed halfway through the year, we’ve still got a hangover of some 2021 trends, plus the impact Covid has left on the industry, but that doesn’t mean 2022 is without new ideas to play with. There are some gorgeous designs, new formats and eco-friendly planning to look forward to - we can’t wait!

Maximalism, Throwbacks + The Inner Child

2022 is going to be an explosion of personality and colour - we’re going to be embracing maximalism and mismatching, just throwing everything we’ve got at weddings because we bloody can. The colours and vibe on the runway and interior design trends for 2022 are brave, bold and a full dose of ‘inner child’.

This year saw a big uptick in 90s nostalgia, and we won’t see that fade too quickly, but we will see other eras being embraced by couples for their big day inspo. Think 60s chic, 70s disco vibes, and 80s go-big-or-go-home designs.

Or dial the time machine back another century and go full Bridgerton. The popular series will be dropping a second season and Bridgerton-fever will be peaking again pretty soon. Couples have been enchanted by the Regency-era hit and we’ll see inspired details coming through in the next year - from blousy dresses to pastel florals to over-the-top embellished cakes.

Weekdays, Sequels + Tiny Weddings

Covid was straight-up dire in many ways, but it did give weddings a bit of a shake up (to put it mildly). A lot of couples have moved to weekday weddings out of necessity, although we’re not convinced that will continue as a widespread trend once the current boom is over. But we do think micro-weddings are still on the up, as couples say bye-bye to big guest lists and hello to small, perfectly curated days that look and feel exactly as they want. 

On the opposite end of the scale we’re also expecting BIG parties to celebrate the unions that took place during restrictions. We talked last year about the rise of the sequel wedding or anniversary receptions, the perfect opportunity to extend the celebrations for longer. With no legalities to handle, and with the nerves of an actual wedding day off the table, you can throw a ginormous party for all your friends and family in a way that no other life event allows you too. 

Life before Covid meant that outdoor weddings in England and Wales were few and far between. The legal stuff meant that you had to be in a licensed building to get married. However, that was temporarily lifted during the pandemic and (although not confirmed at the time of writing) we hope that this will remain the case. There are still some caveats (the outdoor area needs to be on the grounds of a licensed venue) but there is real scope to embrace the al fresco, not just for the ceremony but as a lounge or dinner area as well. We know what you’re thinking, what about the weather? That’s where clear span marquees or stretch tents come in. This indoor/outdoor vibe is going to give people the space they crave in the style they want.

Meals for One, Eating Your Greens + Cutting the Booze

Nope, not our New Year’s Resolutions, just a few things we’re seeing in wedding food and drink for next year.

For couples with concerns about sharing platters or grazing tables, we’re about to see a swing back to plated meals and perfectly portioned dishes. However, casual dining is still high on the agenda so we’re looking at fun food ideas like individual tapas trays, personalised pizza boxes or mini buckets of chicken (bonus points for chick’n) to give guests something to talk about, without compromising on hygiene. 

Not so much a trend but a sign of what’s to come - the rise in vegetarian and vegan meals and working with caterers that have sustainable and ethical practices. Couples are more and more conscious of where their food is coming from. We are now regularly having conversations with caterers about their supply chain, what they do with the waste and the impact of their own carbon footprint. Weddings can be a big blow to the planet but a greener meal is one of the best things you can do to have a more eco-friendly day, for more tips on this you can check out our eco-wedding guide.

Wedding booze is also predicted to decrease as more people drink less or don’t drink at all. We expect to see new and interesting non-alcoholic drinks being offered at bars along with the usual tipples. Being a non-drinker these days doesn’t just consign you to a day of Elderflower Presse and water, there are lots of non-alcoholic alternatives on the market now.

Avant-Garde Entertainment

We saw this trend emerge last year when smaller weddings meant that some traditional forms of entertainment just weren’t making sense. A lower headcount often means a 5-hour dance party just feels weird, so couples have been exploring different avenues for entertainment, both passive and interactive. We’re being asked for casino tables, stand-up comics during dinner, live-artists, cabaret performers and magicians - anything n0n-musical that can surprise guests and keep them occupied. Heck, even a piñata can add a little something extra to the party.

Sartorial

2022 is going to see some major escapism from the last few years with a general embracing of the OTT. Lace, layers of tulle, bold colours, big sleeves and general drama - brides just want to have some fun with it, and it’s going to show.

Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking. But seriously though, floral details are going to be hot this year whether it’s applique details or full on floral fabrics.

Going vintage is also going to be a popular choice after a year of little-to-no fashion production, and the desire to be more eco-conscious, as well as truly one of a kind. Vintage dresses and outfits that wouldn’t normally be considered bridal will be most popular, which is an exciting move.

More ‘party’ focussed bridalwear will also be on the rise for those couples who are hosting a sequel wedding, where there’s possibly no ceremony at all, just straight into a reception. Shorter, flirtier, more bold - we are into it!

See more of our trend predictions over on our Pinterest board and let us know what you are looking forward to seeing in the coming year!