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What are the key wedding trends for 2022 and how are couples planning their weddings differently this year?

PHOTOGRAPHY

Some guest lists and wedding budgets are getting bigger in 2022. Couples are making the most of the opportunity to bring their nearest and dearest together. Larger weddings are slightly harder to run, but I love the thrill on the day. The organisation is key to keeping everything on track and to getting the best out of your wedding pictures. Remember, that for big weddings timing is everything. Here are my top tips: ❤ Have a clear timeline of the day – You can’t have 10 large group pictures in 10 minutes, you need to be realistic with your timings for photographs. ❤ Communication is key! Write a list of must-have pictures and share your ideas with the photographer. ❤ Visit your wedding venue with your photographer to look at the best locations for portraits and family pictures. ❤ Consider investing in a second photographer or even a third. You won’t regret it. You’ll have more images and a variety of different angles such as the groom’s first look while the bride walks down the aisle. One photographer won’t be able to cover both.

Your wedding pics will be a lasting memory of that special day. We as photographers can change a lot, but we can’t change the mood so enjoy the day and have fun. Doville Gailiuniene | Doville Gail Photography www.doville.co.uk

FLOWERS

I’m seeing people more excited about use of colour. Instead of keeping it classic, they want it to be quite a show after so many have had to wait for their big day to finally arrive.

At this time of the year, we’re coming up to daffodil season so there’s lots of spring colours and blossom. I’d recommend using ranunculus, scented narcissus, mixed daffodils and camelia, which is a dark waxy foliage with Tudor rose that blooms from it in incredible colours. Foliage becomes a central point and you can make amazing displays with camelia, blossom and forsythia – a twig-like foliage with yellow flowers. This is grown locally and often overlooked but when placed in a vase it screams spring and looks amazing.

Some couples are choosing to have more intimate nuptials and then planning a big bash when things settle down. It’s more about each other now. The traditional larger weddings are pushed aside, and people are just so in love that they want to tie the knot no matter what.

My couples are becoming more aware of where their flowers are coming from. I work with seasonal flowers and use locally grown as much as possible to create that community feel and to support local businesses. Eloise McKinna | Garage Florals www.garageflorals.com

The trend of having celebrant-led weddings will continue to rise in 2022, as it did in 2021, with couples now recognising that they have so much more choice and can have the ceremony that’s not generic. More and more couples want a bespoke ceremony, one where there’s no content or venue restrictions and - most importantly - one that’s completely personal and tells their love story. I take the time to get to know my couples, which makes it all the more special. Celebrant-led weddings can be held anywhere, at any time, indoors or outdoors and couples can have the usual elements such as a bridal party, vows – we encourage and support them to write their own or traditional vows, the ring exchange, readings and signing of a symbolic certificate. Added to this they can have elements like a sand pouring, unity candle (where the venue permits real candles if indoors), rose ceremony, cocktail or wine blending or what about a champagne toast to cheers the couple at the end of the ceremony, the list is endless. Jennifer Patrice | Celebrant | www.jenniferpatrice.com

WEDDING PLANNING

My biggest piece of advice this year is that couples need to be more careful when it comes to booking suppliers ensuring they’re making smart and informed decisions in a landscape that’s growing larger all the time.

With 2022 gearing up to be the most hectic year for the industry following the number of cancellations during lockdown, suppliers are in high demand and more new companies are setting up than ever before.

Alongside this comes yet another challenge: availability. Even with the influx of new suppliers, most are already fully booked for Saturdays between June and October 2022. Desperation to secure a wedding vendor in 2022 is leading many to settle for services from poorly regarded suppliers, or those with less experience in the field. Many are upping their costs, so couples could end up losing significant money if they make the wrong decision. It’s never been more important to either use a reputable wedding planner, or do your own thorough research and check contracts carefully to avoid being disappointed. Illy Goodall | Illy Elizabeth Weddings www.illyelizabethweddings.com THE DRESS

I’m loving the trend of interchangeable dresses with detachable sleeves and skirts. Choosing one of these designs gives you a range of completely different looks to wear throughout your day without having to buy more than one dress.

If you’re tying the knot during the cooler months, you’d be grateful for sleeves during the day, but then for your evening celebrations you can remove them. I also love the idea of the removable skirts and trains. It’s surprising how different they can make your gown look. Opt for a dramatic flowing overskirt for your ceremony and then take it off to reveal a shorter or more demure skirt underneath and be ready to hit the dancefloor. Guests that have been with you all day will think you’ve changed into a different outfit! Irina Merkulova | Lace and Button | www.laceandbutton.co.uk