Top 5 Wedding Trends for 2022
One of the most fun aspects about working in the wedding industry is we get to see a peek into the future, if you will! Many of our couples plan their weddings at least a year (sometimes more!) in advance. As we’re exploring The Outpost Center with them, we always like to ask about what they have in mind. Things like color palettes, guest counts, wedding professional teams, and overall wedding visions always come up in conversation. Because we’re already well into planning for 2022 weddings, we thought we would share some of the things we think will trend as we look ahead to next year!
1. The Return of Larger Guest Lists:
For many of us, 2021 feels slightly similar to 2020. Many of the weddings we’re hosting at The Outpost Center are for couples who had to postpone their celebration last year, and we’re happy to (finally!) welcome them to our favorite place in Minnesota. As couples do move forward, there’s still a desire to keep guests lists small in order to keep everyone safe, which we understand.
As we look ahead to 2022, we’re seeing a trend that overjoys us – the return of larger guest lists! There’s a general sense that 2022 feels hopeful and healthy. Along with that, our couples have a bigtime desire to host all of their family and friends together for an unforgettable night of dinner and dancing. We can’t wait!
2. More Meaningful & Intentional Gatherings:
Throughout 2020 and well into 2021, one of the top things we all want to do is spend time in person with those we love. And, weddings are definitely top of mind! For couples who have celebrated in person even with small guest lists, their most important goal is to make their day feel intentional for them and their guests.
We’re hearing of couples ensuring welcome bags are waiting at guests’ hotels for their arrival. Some are also opting to host more of their guests at their rehearsal dinner in order to spend more time with those they have missed.
On their wedding day, we’re seeing even more careful planning go into ceremonies. Plus, couples are choosing to do first looks in order to be able to attend cocktail hours, and there’s a desire to spend plenty of time on the dance floor with everyone on their guest list.
The overall feeling is time together is important, and we think that will only continue!
3. Plenty of Personalization:
Couples are always curious about how they can make their wedding day unique, and we always suggest incorporating personalized details! From the conversations we’ve had with couples who are planning late 2021 and 2022 weddings, personalization is key.
Think about weaving a two-letter monogram into your wedding day stationery and onto your dance floor (something called a GOBO can place a logo onto your dance floor via light!). Opt to wear an heirloom wedding dress or carry a piece of a loved one’s dress wrapped around your bouquet. During your wedding ceremony, choose to recite vows you and your partner write. Plan a unique experience for your guests (perhaps it’s a ceremony in the round!) that they won’t soon forget. Make sure your playlist is filled with songs you both love that will get your guests out onto the dance floor.
We can keep going, but the idea is to fill your wedding day with details and moments you both love because, together, they will tell the story of your relationship.
4. No “Color Rules”:
In the past, many of our couples have chosen very similar color palettes. We’ve seen plenty of celebrations with blush and gold, navy, neutrals, and even black, ivory, and gold. We love each and every way color can transform The Outpost Center, but as we look ahead to 2022 we’re seeing a shift toward not necessarily following one particular “color rule”.
Typically, when choosing color palettes, creatives will point toward the color wheel and highlight colors that pair well together. While that’s still popular (and artistically helpful!), we’re also seeing a big desire from couples to go bold with their color choices. There are plenty of bright hues on the horizon, and we think that’s a result of spending so much time at home surrounded by neutral tones.
We still think we’ll see plenty of everyone’s favorite colors (many have become classics overall!), but we love that there doesn’t seem to be one singular trend anymore.
5. Lavish and/or Lush Florals:
Flowers can completely transform a space, whether the celebration is occurring inside or outside. From what couples have shared, we’re expecting to see plenty of flowers at our 2022 weddings!
Outside, we love when florists add plenty of flowers to our wooden pergola that serves as the couple’s wedding ceremony backdrop. We also love seeing aisles overflowing with blooms. Cocktail hour typically features small arrangements on high-top tables and blooms added to the bar. During the reception, we’re in favor of a mixture of round and long tables that feature different arrangements (garlands look beautiful on long barn tables!). The one detail we love seeing the most? Floral chandeliers hanging over the dance floor!
We can’t wait for 2022 weddings to, literally, bloom before us!
Are you planning a wedding for 2022? Will you incorporate any of the trends on our list? We would love to hear!