You are incredibly lucky: You get to tie the knot with your soul mate (lovely ring, BTW!) and you have the opportunity to plan a wedding and reception today, in this modern time.
What’s so special about now, you may ask?
Let’s put it this way: Gone are the days of stiff formal affairs. Modern weddings have energy. The receptions are joyous occasions, a unique reflection of the couple and their inspiring love story.
The result of all this means, you get to plan a reception that represents you!
To give you a few ideas, here are some ultra-fun ways couples are choosing to celebrate their wedding receptions.
And don’t worry, if your wedding date is happening next year, the trends we’re highlighting here aren’t going anywhere.
Unique Venues
From underground ‘I do’s’ to mountain top marriages, the trend of swapping out traditional venues for something that fits the couple and their personality better is taking over.
Guests love it as well. It’s a chance for them to experience something new, and weddings held in unexpected places tend to be more memorable.
To see what we mean, all you have to do is Google “underwater wedding,” or whatever unique wedding location idea you have, and you’ll more than likely find a few examples.
From old historic speakeasies to glass wedding venues and beyond, everything is fair game.
Reception Appropriate Dresses
Another trend that isn’t going anywhere is two bridal gowns: one for the ceremony—usually a more traditional wedding gown with a long train and all the gorgeous detail—and then a separate dress that allows more freedom of movement for brides to flaunt during the reception. Genius, right?
Check out the Bella Bridesmaids wedding dress options, perfect for brides to wear during the reception. The lucky ladies who choose two dresses truly get the best of both worlds.
Non-Traditional Décor
Reception décor has evolved beyond just flowers. Brides are including things like colored lights that sync with DJ tunes and other flashy decor.
Maximalist style celebrations bring in an eclectic colorful layered mixture of textiles such as rugs, comfy seating, thrifted candlesticks, vases, and more.
There’s also a strong DIY element to modern wedding décor. Brides and their bridesmaids work to craft the special details that will adorn the venue, creating things like gorgeous arbors and unique table setting centerpieces—sometimes from scratch.
These fresh creative wedding reception decoration ideas continue to dominate the web, which we think is a good indication the trend isn’t going anywhere.
Eco-Friendly Practices
A trend that benefits everyone is the new practice of including eco-friendly principles in wedding reception details.
From choosing menus showcasing food made from locally sourced ingredients to composting leftovers, there’s a real push to create something gorgeous while keeping what’s best for the environment in mind.
Some couples even tie the knot at eco-friendly venues or encourage guests to contribute to their favorite environmental cause instead of purchasing a wedding gift.
Themed Celebrations
From Hollywood glam to rock n roll-inspired music festivals, themed wedding receptions are going strong, and will continue to do so. One of the main reasons is, they’re a ton of fun!
If there’s anything you and your fiancée are simply obsessed with, it only makes sense that you incorporate it into your nuptials somehow.
This is another prime example of how today’s and tomorrow’s wedding celebrations have thrown open the doors to embrace creative ingenuity and personal expression.
Some couples go all out and choose an unconventional venue that ties perfectly to their theme…. and their guests get the wedding reception experience of a lifetime.
Combination of Modern and Traditional
Taking what you love and find meaningful from traditional wedding receptions and combining it with something unique is the quintessential definition of something old and something new.
This can include cultural elements as well. Some modern couples with a deep traditional heritage are choosing to pay homage to their roots, combining convention with non-orthodox aspects that are unique and authentic to them as a couple.
Tech or No Tech
Some couples are streaming the ceremony and reception so guests unable to travel or participate can still partake.
Others are embracing a technology-free experience.
Wherever you fall on the spectrum—you’ll see examples of both in future wedding receptions.
Conclusion:
The common denominator of future wedding reception trends is freedom: You get to have your cake, and eat it too. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to celebrate.
Follow your heart, and let that inspire you to plan something you absolutely love.
