Gone are the days when wedding entertainment began and ended with a DJ and a dance floor. Today’s couples are reimagining cocktail hours and receptions as immersive, playful experiences—ones that invite guests of all ages to mingle, laugh, and participate. From lawn games and live artists to unexpected performances and hands-on fun for kids, interactive entertainment creates memorable moments long after the last song plays.
Here are creative, crowd-pleasing ideas to keep your wedding buzzing from cocktail hour through the reception—while making sure children feel just as included as adults.
Classic Lawn Games With a Wedding Twist
Giant Jenga and oversized chess sets add visual interest and are easy for guests of all ages to enjoy. Bean bag toss (cornhole) can be customized with your wedding colors or monogram, while croquet brings a charming, garden-party elegance to the lawn. These games naturally draw guests together and give them something fun to do while sipping cocktails.
Live Artists for Personalized Keepsakes
Interactive art stations double as entertainment and meaningful favors. An on-site painter can capture the energy of the evening—whether painting the couple, the venue, or a lively crowd scene. Caricature artists keep things lighthearted and give guests a playful souvenir to take home.
For something more bohemian or spiritual, consider a henna artist offering intricate designs, or a tarot reader providing lighthearted readings during cocktail hour. Temporary tattoo artists are another modern favorite, especially for younger guests and the young at heart.
Entertainment Just for Kids (That Adults Love Too)
Face painting stations are always a hit and can be tailored with florals, animals, or wedding-themed designs.
A bouncy castle—yes, even at a wedding—adds joyful chaos in the best way. Neutral or white designs blend beautifully into elegant décor and give kids a dedicated space to burn off energy. A piñata can also be a surprise highlight, especially during daytime receptions, bringing laughter and excitement to the celebration.
Roaming Performers and Surprise Moments
Roving magicians are perfect for cocktail hour, moving from group to group with close-up tricks that spark amazement and conversation. They create intimate moments of wonder without interrupting the flow of the event. Balloon artists and fire dancers are also great!
For a bold cultural statement, a mariachi band can energize the room, whether greeting guests at cocktail hour or making a grand entrance during the reception. Live music performances like this instantly elevate the atmosphere and create unforgettable moments.
Interactive Games That Celebrate the Couple
Personalized games bring your story into the celebration. A bride-and-groom crossword puzzle placed on cocktail tables is a fun icebreaker, helping guests learn more about your relationship while mingling.
Photo and Video Experiences With a Twist
A 360-degree photo booth offers a modern alternative to traditional photo stations, capturing dynamic, shareable videos guests can instantly post. Add props, music, and lighting to turn it into a mini event of its own.
These experiences are especially popular with younger guests and ensure your wedding lives on across social media in the best way.
Creating an Experience for Every Guest
The secret to unforgettable wedding entertainment is variety. By offering a mix of games, performances, creative stations, and kid-friendly activities, you give guests the freedom to engage in ways that suit them. Some will dance all night, others will challenge friends to giant chess, and children will remember the wedding as the best party they’ve ever attended.
When guests are invited to participate, not just observe, your wedding becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a memorable experience!
There are countless ways to create a truly magical Christmas or Hanukkah wedding—and plenty of tips for pulling it off successfully!
Consider the location
Church weddings, cozy lodges, home weddings, and synagogues are all wonderful locations for creating that intimate, nostalgic feeling many people look for in holiday weddings. In Ottawa, we have lots of perfect venues for this, especially here at the Ottawa Wedding Chapel. Our chapel can be decorated in a variety of styles (candles, wreaths, garland, twinkling lights, etc.). We also decorate the entrance of the chapel.
Décor ideas
Faux candles, twinkling lights, plaid (Ralph Lauren Christmas vibes, anyone?), garland, and bows are all great traditional décor options for a Christmas-themed wedding
And what about a Hanukkah-themed wedding? Blue and silver (with a touch of gold if you like) create an elegant, traditional look. Star of David motifs or themed garland can also be perfect additions.
This time of year, food is such a big part of our lives—so why not include traditional holiday meals and desserts to tie into your joyous occasion? Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, latkes, and sufganiyot—oh my! There are countless traditional dishes that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Wedding cakes are also a great canvas for incorporating your theme. Try ribbons, edible poinsettias, a hanukkiah (menorah) topper, or even a touch of edible glitter.
Activity ideas
Alongside the traditional elements of your wedding, adding some fun holiday-themed activities can bring extra magic to your day. White-elephant gift exchanges, tree trimming, gingerbread decorating, dreidel games for guests, or even a menorah-lighting ceremony can all be lovely options.
If you want to be more adventurous, you could also plan short outdoor activities like looking at holiday lights—or even skating if you’re really feeling playful and young at heart!
Favour ideas
Favours are still a popular way for couples to thank guests for celebrating with them, and holiday-themed favours are even more fun to give out! For edible gifts, try holiday-shaped cookies (Christmas trees or Star of David shapes). For something longer-lasting, consider ornaments—either traditional or personalized with something meaningful about the couple—or even mini menorahs for guests to take home.
This can be a wonderfully fun way to express yourself and really bring out that cozy holiday aesthetic! A red or red-accented wedding gown can be absolutely stunning, especially against white décor if you’re leaning into a winter-wonderland theme. Poinsettia hairpieces and bouquets can also be beautiful touches.
For a Hanukkah wedding, subtle accents like blue detailing or themed hairpieces can create a stunning look. Blue-and-white bouquets are another elegant option.
Those are just a few holiday-themed wedding ideas. There are so many ways to embrace this magical time of year while celebrating the joining of two people. Remember to check the weather—and enjoy this festive season!
Over the years, we’ve had many wedding rehearsals at the Ottawa Wedding Chapel. From this experience we have concluded that: A rehearsal is great….
If it’s tricky.
With a large wedding party, a rehearsal is recommended. You are co-ordinating a lot of bodies who need to enter the wedding space, get to the right place to stand, and exit the space in an orderly fashion. If your venue has any challenges (wedding party will be spaced at varying intervals on a set of stairs for example) or is outdoors and you have a back-up rain plan you want to review, it makes sense to have a rehearsal. If you have a complicated wedding party entrance (separate songs for different people entering the wedding space or different musical cues for entrances), it wouldn’t hurt to review the timing with a rehearsal.
If you’re nervous.
Your wedding day is your day. If a rehearsal is going to give you peace of mind, do it! It can be calming to run through the physical motions of entering, walking down the aisle, and seeing exactly where everyone will be standing as you say, “I do.”
If the wedding party needs to bond.
Your wedding party might pull together friends and family from different parts of your life that haven’t previously mingled. A rehearsal is one way to get them all face to face and maybe have a few laughs before the big day. Have dinner afterward (or before) and keep people chatting.
However…
There must be someone in charge. Without a leader, a rehearsal can drag on all night. Your wedding co-ordinator is an obvious choice if you have one. Your venue may have a co-ordinator who can help you out. Or you could appoint a friend or relative with an organizational streak and a commanding voice – preferably someone outside the wedding party. Make sure this director knows exactly what you want. You should aim to walk through the entrances and exits from the wedding space at least twice. More times if you are working out details of timing/music selection as you go.
What about the officiant?
You can have a useful and beneficial rehearsal without the officiant or celebrant present. After all, they already know where they are going to stand! All Seasons officiants will schedule a planning meeting with you about a month before the wedding, where they will go over all the ceremony details.
With that said, the officiant may be a natural choice to direct your rehearsal. They have a bounty of wedding experience and may be able to offer suggestions for where people should stand or how transitions could take place. They often have strong leadership qualities….and loud voices.
Things to avoid
It’s best to avoid having too many extra people at the rehearsal. It is nice to spend time chatting, but there is a task to accomplish. Invite the plus ones to dinner or drinks after.
Keep an eye on the clock. Even though these last preparations before the big day are exciting, don’t let the rehearsal drag on too long. People will burn out and quit listening. As well, your venue may cap you at an hour or hour and a half and you want to make sure you cover all the important details.
Don’t worry so much. Even with a lengthy rehearsal and carefully scripted plan, things may go awry. A flower girl who missed her nap may decide not to walk down the aisle or the ceremony programs might get left behind. Just breathe and carry on.
This year, as wedding season begins to ramp up and Gen Z continues its takeover of the wedding landscape, we’re seeing nostalgia, nature, beautiful nails, and even destination weddings become more popular. Pinterest has provided us with their annual wedding report, and we’re here to break it down for you!
Colour Spotlight: Brown
Sticking close to the ’70s burnt orange revival boom of 2024, browns are stepping into the spotlight this year. Rich chocolate tones are trending for bridal parties, suits, and even groomsmen outfits. Brown evokes a feeling of luxurious coziness and pairs easily with a variety of colours—including pink, orange, and gold.
Gen Z couples are still embracing city hall or registry office weddings, with many opting for a quick signing while sporting shorter dresses—especially ’90s-inspired looks, which are all the rage this year—or ’50s mid-length dresses paired with Mary Janes and long veils. City hall weddings are becoming their own aesthetic, often captured in timeless black-and-white photography.
Speaking of vintage looks—building on last year’s revival themes—couples continue to seek that timeless elegance from past generations. Vintage jewelry (especially rings) from the 1920s and 1950s is trending, along with nostalgic wedding dresses. One of the top-trending searches? Drop-waist wedding dresses, bringing back that classic ’80s/’90s gown vibe—with a modern twist, of course.
Let’s Talk Hair, Nails, and Makeup
Last year definitely leaned into more natural, floral-inspired looks—and this year is no different! Trending search results show that younger brides are drawn to nature-inspired ensembles, with floral, boho-inspired hair designs. The ’60s flower child aesthetic is back and better than ever! Paired with the ever-popular dewy, no-makeup makeup look, brides are going for a fresh, effortless style.
To complement that fresh-faced look and carefree hair, nail art is also trending soft, neutral, and floral. Top searches include lace nails, dusty rose and blue tones, floral-inspired designs, and classic red.
Continuing with our floral theme, this year we’re seeing brides gravitate toward bold and striking flower arrangements and bouquets. Lilies, hibiscus, dahlias, and peonies are trending, while wildflowers remain a popular choice (we’ve been fans of using wildflowers in weddings for a while now—check out our previous blog on incorporating native species into your wedding!).
Couples are prioritizing beautiful, magazine- and film-worthy photography for their big day. With the rise of wedding social media managers and content creators, capturing that perfect shot has never been more sought after. And what better way to get truly captivating wedding photos than with a destination wedding?
Tropical destination weddings are on the rise, with popular search destinations including Brazil, Bali, and Costa Rica. This trend reflects the bright colours, stunning locations, and more laid-back vibes that couples are embracing in 2025.
TL;DR: Gen Z is all in on vintage revivalism with a modern twist. Bold flowers are totally in vogue, and photography should capture every magical moment. Don’t forget the subtle nail art and the effortlessly dewy makeup look.
At the end of the day, weddings are all about representing you and your partner—whether that means embracing these trends or doing your own thing entirely. Whatever you choose, have fun with it!
Choosing whether to hire a wedding planner is a personal decision—but if you decide to go that route, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. They offer different levels of service and specialize in different types of weddings. It may seem like there are endless choices and possibilities. So, what should you be looking for in a potential wedding planner? Let’s break down our top tips for picking the right planner.
Ask those around you first, then expand your search
Ask recently married friends and family who they went with. Accessing the hive mind is a great place to start your search! If this doesn’t turn up anything, start expanding your search online. Check local listings (especially social media!) for planners nearby and read lots of reviews. Check out some top planners here:
This meeting can be in-person or over the phone, either way it’s a good idea to have a set of questions to ask your planner. This is the best way to get a feel for their professionalism, communication, expertise and general vibe. Some questions to consider asking are:
How many weddings have you planned?
Have you worked at [your venue] before?
Can you accommodate our cultural/traditional preferences (if relevant)?
What services are included in your packages?
How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies?
Do you work with a team?
What is your payment structure?
Communication is key
Clear and timely communication is essential during wedding planning. Ask how they prefer to communicate—email, phone, text—and how quickly they typically respond. Setting expectations early can save stress later on.
If their communication preferences clash with yours (e.g., you prefer emails, but they only want phone calls), think about whether that will be a deal-breaker for you. You’re going to be in touch with this person a lot—make sure it feels easy and natural.
Vibes
Sometimes the best way to tell if a wedding planner is the right choice, is simply by how well you vibe and mesh with them! Remember, you will be spending a lot of time with them. You’ll be collaborating and sharing your wedding dreams with them. Having someone who listens, is trustworthy, and truly works with you is the most important thing when choosing a potential planner.
Cost
Now that you know what to look for and have some tips on choosing the best planner, it’s important to consider the potential cost of this service. In Canada, the average cost of a wedding planner typically ranges between $3,500 and $10,000, depending on the scope of services provided, the planner’s experience level, and the complexity of your wedding.
Full-service planners, who manage everything from start to finish, will generally be at the higher end of that range (or even more, especially in major cities).
Partial planning or month-of coordination is usually more budget-friendly, offering support with final logistics and vendor coordination leading up to the wedding day.
Some planners also offer à la carte services, which allow you to hire them for specific tasks—like vendor sourcing, timeline creation, day-of coordination, or décor setup.
Ottawa Wedding Chapel Planners
The chapel provides an on-site coordinator, so our smaller weddings do not generally involve planners, but sometime larger ones are supported by a planner. Here is a list of local favourites:
In conclusion, some couples find wedding planners are indispensable, and actually save them money by avoiding mistakes or finding the best deals and quality for catering, bouquet/floral arrangements, or venues. Some find the stress reduction of having a planner in charge of pulling together all the details allows them to be more well-rested and fully be present to enjoy their wedding. At the end of the day, your wedding should be a joyful, memorable experience—and the right planner can make that happen.
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel has a lovely back yard, with flowers and shrubs. The yellow door at the rear of the building really pops with a white dress. The brick walls of the building make a nice backdrop and there is a rustic photo prop wall with a window to provide some extra photo options.
Many people also plan to take photos off-site, somewhere like the Arboretum or the Rockcliffe Rockeries. There are also some sweet photo spots much closer to the chapel. Here are a few to consider:
Victoria Park in Metcalfe
Victoria Park is right in the heart of Metcalfe. It has some lovely green space, a gazebo, and a small bridge.
Tweed Conservation Area in Russell
This conservation area is a great forested spot with a couple of wooden bridges. Bring some comfy shoes, as there is a bit of walking.
MacDougall Park in Russell
This little park has a dry stone bridge and some wonderful tall trees.
Burton Conservation Area in Russell
This conservation area has wide paths for easy walking and takes you to the edge of the Castor River. If the water isn’t too high and you’re feeling adventurous, there are flat rocks stretching out into the water.
The local area has a surprising number of photogenic spots to offer. You just have to know where to look!
While some couples have their dream venue chosen before they’ve even started their guest list, it often takes a bit of research and planning to find the perfect location.
Here are six things to consider when selecting the best venue for your nuptials.
Be mindful of your guest count!
The worst-case scenario is booking a venue that can’t accommodate your guests! Guest count is the best place to start when considering your venue. Most venues will have their maximum capacity listed on their websites, and if that information isn’t easily accessible online, be sure to call or email the venue directly. If you’re unsure of your exact number of guests, estimate the maximum number that would attend, and plan accordingly.
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel can seat up to 150 for a ceremony and host a max of 65 for a cocktail reception.
Budget
It’s easy to search online for the most beautiful venues and fall in love, but what are you reasonably willing to spend on the location? Is location the most important aspect of your wedding? Do you want to go all out? Or are you looking to save on location to allocate more money to food or your dress/suit? Knowing this beforehand can definitely help you narrow down the most appropriate venue for you and your needs.
The chapel is budget-friendly, with even Saturday ceremonies being affordable in comparison to other area venues.
Consider the vibe (backup plan?)
Are you more of a nature lover, or do you dream of a Cinderella fairytale wedding? Indoor or outdoor? These are important questions to answer, and if you haven’t already, take the time to figure them out! If you already have a vision in mind, this can really help when deciding on a venue. It’s also good to know whether you want to have your ceremony indoors or outdoors. Outdoor venues are often stunning but can pose some challenges when it comes to weather! Check to see if the venue has a covered area in case of rain. If it doesn’t, and you want to take a chance regardless, make sure you have a backup plan.
The chapel checks boxes for people who love historical elegance, warm wood, stained glass, and a sense of sacred space without overwhelming religious imagery. We’ve also hosted weddings in our back yard.
Full service or bring-your-own supplies and vendors?
This can help narrow down your search even further! Are you looking for an all-inclusive venue that provides catering, tables, waitstaff, decor, and more? Or would you prefer a venue where you can manage all the details yourself? This choice will also affect the cost of the venue, which ties into your budget. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would find a full-service venue helpful, it might be worth the extra cost for the peace of mind and ease of having everything streamlined. Always check what’s included in the cost and make sure it aligns with your needs.
The chapel includes a wedding officiant from All Seasons Weddings with every booking, saving you a step. We can also manage a cocktail reception with our in-house catering and staff.
Book a tour!
Most venues offer tours of the grounds, allowing you to see the space in person. This is great to do with family present, or with other people whose opinion you value. Photos are great, but actually seeing a venue in person can really help you make that final decision. Perhaps the photos or website didn’t show a certain aspect that may ultimately be a dealbreaker for you. It’s also good to get a sense of where things will be set up and where you’ll be saying your vows. You could very well fall in love right away and your search might end there!
The chapel staff is happy to provide you with a tour and talk you through how a typical ceremony unfolds.
Follow your dream
In the end, one of the most important things to consider is what you truly want for your wedding. If you’ve always wanted to say ‘I do’ under a willow tree overlooking a river, do that! Especially for small weddings, you can use an unconventional (and maybe free space) for your ceremony. Sometimes we get caught up with what parents or friends think, but you and your partner are the ones who matter most. This is a day to celebrate your love. What does that day look like for you?
A photographer is one of your key wedding vendors and can also be a significant cost. How do you go about finding one who is a good fit for you?
Get ready to do some legwork! Look at a lot of photos. Not just wedding magazines or stylized shoots with models. Look at real weddings until you start to see what type of imagery you are drawn to. Is it more candid or formal? Moody or bright?
Here are the next steps.
Decide what you want out of your wedding photos:
Are you only looking for 10-15 great edited shots? Are you planning a moment-by-moment wedding album? Prints? Are you considering an engagement shoot? Videography? Sky-high shots from a drone? What are you hoping the end result will be?
Set your budget:
Find out what the prices are like. Do a quick survey of wedding photographers in your area and see if they have package prices listed on their website.
Then determine what you can afford. Are you willing to give up something else in order to put more money into photos?
What parts of the day are most important to you for professional photos? Maybe a couple hours of coverage during the ceremony and right afterward will be enough and you will have friends take reception photos. Or maybe you also want professional photos of getting ready and the reception.
Shot list:
Consider your shot list before you book. This is a list of all the photos you would like to have (for example: couple with partner’s parents, couple with all the parents, full wedding party, each partner with their honour attendant, a big friends pic, couple with grandparents, etc.) There are lots of sample shots lists online to give you ideas. Once you have a list, a photographer will be able to provide an estimate of how long it will take to shoot all those groupings.
Research:
Contact some photographers whose work you love to check their rates and availability. This step may shorten your list. Of those left, ask to see some wedding galleries, rather than just the highlight shots on their website.
One tip is to check the social media posts where your venue is tagged and see which photographers are familiar with your venue and what sort of shots they took there.
Interview:
Make sure to speak to your chosen photographer before booking. You want to make sure that your personalities click since you will be spending a big part of your day with them. You also want them to get a sense of who you are.
Review the contract:
Have a look at the paperwork. What deliverables are included? How much for extras? Is there back-up? Refund policy?
Timeline:
Work out the basic timeline of your day including: getting ready shots, first look, ceremony venue (entrance, ceremony, document signing, kiss, exit), photo locations (back-up location in case of poor weather), reception venue (first dance , cake cutting, etc). Your photographer will be able to let you know if you have incorporated enough time for photos.
Be careful out there:
Wedding photography is a competitive business. Some people steal images from other photographers and pass them off as their own to get gigs. Do your best to interact with both the photographer and other couples who have booked the photographer (perhaps on social media) before committing. Or ask your planner, venue, other vendors, friends, and family for recommendations.
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel’s Top Picks
Choosing the right photographer can make all the difference in capturing the beauty and emotion of your wedding day. Here are some talented photographers who have experience at our venue:
1. Jessica Reardon Photography
Style: Intimate and heartfelt storytelling. Jessica specializes in capturing candid moments and genuine connections, often featuring rustic outdoor settings with natural lighting for a warm, personal touch. Explore Jessica’s work
2. Hello Lovely Ottawa
Style: Bright, timeless, and joy-filled. This team creates clean, modern images with natural colors, focusing on vibrant celebrations and the unique personalities of each couple. Discover Hello Lovely Ottawa
3. Lexine Photographie
Style: Romantic and refined. Lexine blends dreamy tones with documentary-style storytelling, using light and natural backdrops to create intimate and evocative wedding images. See Lexine’s photography
4. Joey Rudd Photography
Style: Creative and emotive storytelling. Joey is known for capturing “perfectly imperfect” moments with artistic techniques like double exposures and dynamic compositions. His style emphasizes authentic emotion and unique perspectives, making every image deeply personal and memorable. Explore Joey’s portfolio
5. Tim Gowling Photography
Style: Creating timeless, authentic images that tell the story of your special day—from the quiet, heartfelt moments to the big celebrations. Tim’s known for attention to detail, and a fun, easygoing vibe. View Tim Gowling Photography
6. Palm Tree Studio
Style: Offering both photography and videography, Palm Tree Studio is the invisible thread binding your memories, delivering a bespoke collection that captures your love story. They specialize in capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments in the most natural, beautiful, and emotional way possible and with a very personalized approach, Palm Tree Studio’s photos will be sure to reflect your personalities and the vibe of the day. Check out Palm Tree Studio
Each of these photographers brings a unique perspective and expertise to capturing your special day. Consider their styles to find the perfect match for your vision!
As we move into the end of summer and beginning of fall, with pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween decor in every store, what better time to talk about fall weddings? Fall is now the most popular time to get married, followed by more traditional summer weddings. Here we’ll list some great fall wedding ideas, themes and more!
When in doubt, go for burnt orange
Fall weddings are cozy and colourful! The popular and huge burnt orange and sage green trend can really be showcased this time of year. Burnt orange bridesmaid dresses, bouquets and decor really add to the coziness of the season and, let’s be honest, it looks amazing!
Many people also like going for a fresher look for fall weddings. You don’t have to be limited to the different oranges and yellows usually associated with autumn weddings. Trying different greens, light blues, reds, and purples also looks stunning.
The weather is just right for outdoor venues
Some people just aren’t fans of the heat, and others love the changing colours of the leaves. Fall really has something for everyone! Check out some local venues in your area that may have rustic outdoor settings for weddings. You can also use nature’s best season to be your decor and keep it simple, using your backyard or a local park. Make sure to have a backup in case it rains! Cooler evenings mean you can incorporate blankets and a bonfire.
Have fun with your decor
While summer weddings are often adorned with large floral arrangements and flowing fabrics, fall weddings are more earthy in nature. Bouquets can be paired with pinecones and pumpkins, tables can feel homey with many kinds of candles, and of course, lots of rustic wood pieces like barrels, crates, and wagons. Check out these rustic altar decor ideas below:
Other than pumpkins and crisp air, fall brings Halloween! It’s probably one of the most fun wedding themes! This is also a great time for people who want a darker wedding. Want an excuse to wear that gorgeous black wedding gown? This is the ultimate season for it. Not to mention darker dresses really contrast well with traditional autumn colours.
The options are nearly limitless for a fall wedding. Think Thanksgiving. Appetizers can include hearty butternut squash soup or bisque. Mains/entrees that do well are rosemary-seasoned meats like pork or chicken. The best part of a fall wedding meal is the desserts! Pumpkin pies, fall-themed cupcakes, spiced cookies, caramelized apples, s’more-themed confections, and so much more! It’s a dessert lover’s dream.
These great ideas are just a starting point. You could incorporate all or none. It’s a magical time of year; enjoy the warm days and cool nights and put the finishing touches on your fall wedding plans!
As we move closer to peak wedding season, many new trends (and some throwbacks!) are taking shape already. Pinterest’s 2024 wedding report has revealed some interesting wedding trends, and as Gen Z starts taking over the marriage scene, they’re also changing some of the rules. From mythical to vintage, burnt orange to purple, this year’s trends are fun, sustainable, and more relaxed than previous years.
Let’s dive into the top Pinterest and TikTok trends of 2024!
Attire/Dresses
We start this list off with some of the outfit trends we’re seeing this year. It seems retro-inspired outfits are making a comeback, specifically 70s jumpsuits, baby-doll dresses, and bright floral patterns. Pinterest saw a 1000% increase in searches related to wedding dress jumpsuits alone! And we can see why. Check this out.
While Gen Z more specifically seems to be really into natural, magical, and earthy-inspired dresses, as well as beautifully embroidered veils:
Following the retro-themed dresses and attire, 70s and kitsch wedding themes are soaring on Pinterest analytics. This includes disco balls, burnt orange, and retro cakes. We’re also seeing a lot of vintage or antique items being reused and repurposed into sustainable decor, as well as brides opting for vintage jewelry.
Gen Z and TikTok have been showing a lot of love for custom welcome signs, vintage items, and floor/reusable flower arrangements. The emphasis on repurposing decor is a welcome trend in our books.
Vibes
2024 is a bit contradictory. Couples want wedding content creators to capture all the best and behind-the-scenes moments of their big day; however, unplugged weddings are also trending right now, with couples opting for no cellphones at the ceremony at all.
People want a more laid-back ceremony to relieve some of the stress that often accompanies getting married. I think this highlights the newer generation’s commitment to better mental health and lower stress. Smaller weddings are much more popular now for this very reason.
Entertainment
Live bands aren’t at the top of the list for entertainment anymore! Candid camera and Polaroid shots of guests are super-hot right now. Couples provide disposable or Polaroid cameras for guests to snap more personal and raw images throughout the event.
Couples are also choosing some unconventional entertainment options, like tarot or palm reading stations. This goes especially well with celestial theme weddings or the currently popular fairy and mystical themes. Many people are also including live entertainment like magicians, live wedding painters, and mixologists (entertainment and drinks!).
While trends come and go, 2024 has shown that couples want stress free, personalized, unique, and just super fun weddings! Incorporating old traditions with new ideas is truly a breath of fresh air. If you’re interested in any of these trendy ideas, check out our ‘Trending Wedding Aesthetics’ Pinterest board here.
Classic Lawn Games With a Wedding Twist 
Roaming Performers and Surprise Moments 
