Wondering about the 2022 wedding trends that will be all the rage for the next few months?

Forever & Company had the pleasure of attending WeddingMBA, the largest conference for wedding professionals in the world. Among the wealth of knowledge brought back from this resource-packed event lies what every couple currently planning a wedding wants to know – the emerging 2022 wedding trends.

Many couples are getting creative with their ceremonies and receptions, often opting for refreshing modernity over the more traditional. We’re excited to see what this year holds, and we hope you are, too.

Goodbye to the traditional

This growing flexibility has encouraged engaged couples to increasingly value meaning and individuality over everything else. This means intimate celebrations are here to stay, with many couples choosing to plan a small, meaningful elopement prior to a more elaborate sequel or “I Do, Again!” wedding at a later date. 

[Read more: How to plan a large wedding with COVID mandates]

Romantic Cottagecore weddings are a popular wedding trend of 2022.

A sheer and flowy floral gown is the perfect unique addition to any Cottagecore wedding. Photo By: Jack Jeffries for Christian Oth Studio

Over the course of the year, weddings are also expected to see a deviation from formality, whether that be reflected in cheeky photoshoots and signage or a break from traditional fashion choices. We anticipate many couples to wear unconventional sleeves, colors and prints on their big day.

Forecasted Styles and Colors

We’ll also see many couples choose to branch out with their design styles and color palettes. Some of the biggest style trends of the year are projected to be…

  • Japandi
  • Cottagecore
  • Grandmillenial 

As the name suggests, Japandi is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian styles, blending the ancient Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi with the Danish concept of hygge. Japandi is minimalist yet welcoming, and it primarily uses neutral tones, lots of textures and natural materials. 

The Pantone Color of the Year will be seen throughout weddings in 2022.

Touches of Veri Peri can easily be incorporated into the decor of your ceremony. Photo by: M Harris Studios

Cottagecore, which prizes rustic and understated beauty, is inspired by the dreamy ideal of living in a cottage in the countryside. If you’re interested in planning a Cottagecore wedding and are open to a printed gown, a faded floral pattern with romantic sleeves is a perfect choice.

Derived from the words ‘grandmother’ and ‘millennial,’ Grandmillenial style is an elevated, less rustic version of Cottagecore that is more popular with Gen Y than Gen Z. Fundamentally, “Granny Chic” is about uniqueness, styling so-called dated or stuffy pieces in new and original ways.

If you’re looking to focus your design plans around a single, bold color, consider putting your own unique spin on the 2022 Pantone Color of the Year: Very Peri. A fresh take on the shade of periwinkle, this is the perfect color to accompany any wedding theme that is creative, dynamic, and curiously optimistic.  

Multi-sensory experiences

Multisensory experiences will be one of the biggest and most innovative trends of 2022.

Scenting each room of your venue is a memorable way to heighten your guests’ senses during your big day. Photo By: Jo Malone

Multi-sensory events are also on the rise. Many couples pay greater attention to the sense of smell into their wedding plans, including scented stationery and different scents for each room of the venue. Playing with scent, sight and sound in innovative ways provides an immersive experience for your guests they will never forget.

Consider extending this multi-sensory concept to your food and drink choices as well by striving to not only make your wedding’s edible aspects taste and look good, but also feel exciting to the touch or sound different when eaten.

Keeping Loved Ones in Mind

Acts of gratitude are one of many meaningful and sentimental wedding trends of the year.

Acts of gratitude are a meaningful way to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them being there for both you and your special day. Photo By: What The Fab

The growing sober curious movement has led to an increase in couples serving non-alcoholic cocktails or “mocktails”. These exciting drinks are a great way to avoid any unwanted disruptions, and can also be seen as a sign of respect toward guests who don’t drink. However, if you’re only serving mocktails, consider notifying your guests this beforehand. 

Even amongst all of these newer trends, expressing your love to those closest to you both at your wedding and after your wedding is a timeless choice. Sentimental acts of gratitude are projected to be popular this year, along with couples investing in pieces which will become heirlooms to be passed down to their future generations. 

For more forward-thinking trends and other ways to create your dream wedding, explore Forever and Company’s vendors, or check out our Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.