The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2024

After nearly four years of on-again-off-again pandemic weddings, the 2024 season is celebrating elevated themes, personalized touches and a whole lot of making up for lost time. “Couples aren’t taking anything for granted anymore: showers, rehearsal dinners and brunches are becoming much grander,” says Soha Lavin (pictured), principal and founder of CountDown Events. We caught up with Lavin and a few more top wedding vendors in the city to get their pro insights into what’s new in nuptials as we kick off 2024.

1) Elaborate  Envelopes

Want your guests to RSVP asap? Karla Lim, owner of Written Word Calligraphy and author of Creative Calligraphy Made Easy, says she’s seeing an increasing number of requests for envelope liners that provide that wow factor. Think: watercolour or a beautiful pattern. Make it even more impressive with a dried flower wax seal. writtenwordcalligraphy.com

2) Photographic  Memories

We know that guests love to snap pics of themselves while they’re dressed to impress—making photobooths a fun and interactive wedding-day offering. But why not take it to the next level? “Elevate the photobooth experience by framing your guests’ photos while they’re eating dinner,” says Lavin. “This way they’ll have a meaningful keepsake to bring home with them.” countdownevents.com

3) Coffee Break

“Modern couples are seeking unique yet romantic alternatives for flowers, steering clear of traditional blush and pink themes,” says Heather Siu, co-founder and sales director for Vancouver’s Myrtle et Olive luxury florals. “Using tinting techniques, traditional blooms like lisianthus, tulips, sweet peas and peonies can be dyed to create bouquets in gorgeous caffe latte shades.” myrtleetolive.com

4) Homegrown

“Brides and grooms are shying away from imported florals and favouring those that are seasonably appropriate,” says Genevieve Blondin, owner of East Van’s Garden Party Flowers. Throughout summer, gardenias, dahlias and hydrangeas are available, but even in winter, blooms like carnations, roses and pansies are grown locally. gardenpartyflowers.ca

5) Garden Party

Bring the outdoors in this season! According to Lavin, we can expect to see “colourful garden themes that bring in natural elements such as tree-like structures.” And for couples who want it all on their big day, venues like the JW Marriott Parq—where there’s access to both indoor and outdoor spaces (for example, a ballroom with an adjoining patio)—are in high demand. parqvancouver.com/hotels/jw-marriott

6) Don’t Strike a Pose

The goal for wedding photography right now? Documenting those spontaneous, unscripted memories. “With this more candid and documentary-style trend, we’ve seen more intentionally blurry and black-and-white photos in an attempt to capture the feeling of a moment,” says Kristy Ryan from Blush Photography. blushweddingphotography.org

7) Fresh Faced

Throw away your matte lipsticks and glitter eyeshadow pots because this year’s makeup looks are all about giving soft and dreamy. Vancouver hair and makeup artist Alisha Hopps says a flushed, dewy complexion with a soft shimmer on the eyes and a glossy lip is hot for 2024.

8) Hair Goals

We all know the “clean girl” aesthetic has been on trend for a while, but now it’s influencing wedding hairstyles, too. “Hailey Bieber’s and Sofia Richie’s wedding looks are going viral; buns are sleek and clean,” says Hopps. alishahopps.com

9) Prep Time

“Flawless skin will always be on trend,” says Naz Shahbazi, co-founder and director of  Theory and Essence medi-spa in North Vancouver. “More brides are wanting facials that incorporate technology such as LED light treatment, microdermabrasion and micro-current to get a radiant complexion for their big day.” theoryandessence.com

10) Wedding Night  Romance

Christine Morton of Vancouver-based Christine Lingerie notes that many of this year’s bridal gown trends have made their way into the boudoir as well. “For the minimalist bride, we’re seeing a lot of sleek, clean, classic silhouettes but with a ’90s twist,” she says. “The maximalist bride is pairing traditional silhouettes with beautiful prints, elegant laces and dramatic separates.” christinelingerie.com

11) More Is More

Make sure to schedule an outfit change in your itinerary because reception dresses are making a comeback. Rituals of Love bridal stylist and marketing manager Biljana Susic says short reception and convertible dresses will be trending in 2024. Inga Avedyan, owner of Tempête bridal fashions, echoes that sentiment: “Second looks are gaining popularity, as are bridal pantsuits, mini dresses and bridal trenches for the cooler seasons.” rituals oflovebridal.com

12) Everlasting Love

Accessories are an important final touch, and more brides are looking to invest in jewellery they can wear beyond the big day. Tempête’s stunning Trois Pearl Flower ($260, pictured left) earrings make both a fashion and eco-friendly statement. “The 14-karat-filled chain and wire ensure exceptional quality and durability, enabling brides to enjoy these pieces long after their wedding,” says Avedyan. tempetebrand.com

13) Dining Details

“Customized menus are popular,” says Peake Catering’s executive chef Michael Chan. “Often, couples have favourites they’ve discovered from their travels and want to have them available for their reception. A couple from the U.K. recently asked for a bangers and mash station, while another asked for Hong Kong curry fish balls.” He also notes that many couples are “steering away  from plated dinners, and instead hosting dinner  stations, allowing for mingling, grazing and more time to interact with guests.”  peakeofcatering.com

14) Midnight Munchies

It’s important to ensure that guests are well fed after dancing the night away (and maybe enjoying a few too many cocktails). “Late-night snacks are in high demand,” says Chan. “Couples are wanting to finish the night with some fun stuff: tacos, sliders, mac and cheese and even s’mores stations.”

15) Ocean Pearl

What says West Coast wedding better than a fresh oyster bar? Fanny Bay Oysters is now offering a Cajun seafood boil and paella on their catering menu to give your wedding that authentic coastal vibe. fannybayoysters.com

16) Alcohol-Free Fun

Say goodbye to post-reception hangovers now that low-proof and zero-proof spirits are widely available. Lavin says that non-alcoholic stations are continuing to trend into 2024 with booze-free wine and champagne as well as menus that include fun seasonal mocktails.

17) Picture-Perfect Drinks

If you’re looking for a truly bespoke drink option, the Westin Bayshore has a fun offering. “With our new Ripples machine, we can create custom images on fabulous foamy beverages,” says Ayisha Rogalski, the hotel’s director of events. “For example, we can feature a picture of the couple, a pet or a special quote.” marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrwi-the-westin-bayshore-vancouver

18) Upon Request 

“A lot of our beloved wedding couples are creating their own Spotify and Apple Music playlists, which are a dream for us!” says DJ Leanne, owner and operator of GirlOnWax Entertainment. “This gives us a very broad insight into what music the couples love and helps us understand their musical tastes in a way that’s never been done before.” girlonwax.com

Get  Inspired

“Planning a wedding can sometimes be overwhelming,” says Soha Lavin of CountDown Events, who also hosts the annual Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase. “Reputable wedding shows offer an opportunity for couples to meet wedding industry experts under one roof. It really helps springboard the planning process.” Here are a few local favourites to check out.

Luxe Wedding Soirée
January 27
Fairmont Pacific Rim

Luxe Wedding Soirée (previously the Luxe Bridal Brunch) is making the move from a.m. to p.m. for a glam evening event this year. Up to 200 guests can enjoy cocktails and canapés, a fashion show and more in the Fairmont Pac Rim’s elegant Star Sapphire Ballroom.  fleurdelisevents.ca

Crème de la Crème
February 18
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Marking its 17th year, this opulent bridal event includes a fashion show, trendsetting designs and a showcase of products and services. “You can meet vendors and see your dream dress in one day!” promises Lavin.  cremedelacreme.ca

The Original Bridal Swap
March 10
Congregation Beth Israel

Presented by DreamGroup Weddings and Events, this eco- and budget-friendly show allows couples to browse preloved wedding decor. Local craft artisans and  exhibitors will also be onsite to provide inspiration for the big day. bridalswap.com