WEDDINGS
tradition of purchasing a custom-made gown and are opting to create their own instead using fabric from their own mother ’ s dress .
‘ Repurposing mum ’ s dress ’ is the viral trend that ’ s going nowhere - and it ’ s a good way to cut costs , too . Having amassed over 39 million searches on TikTok , the repurposing movement sees brides having their mums ’ dresses altered to suit their style ahead of their big day . Giving an extra special and sentimental touch to the big day , this trend is also a lovely way to have something truly unique to wear .
OUT : MAXIMUM IMPACT IN : MINIMALISTIC DECOR
Sometimes it ’ s all too easy to get carried away when planning a wedding , and the day can become more about the neon signs and statement centrepieces than it is about the couple .
Away from the pomp and circumstance that often follows weddings , the minimalistic aesthetic is the antithesis , seeing neutral backdrops , simple foliage and pared back decorations taking centre stage for 2024 . Not only does it offer the option for some stunning photography , the minimalist look is also a great way to be more sustainable and cut back on costs .
OUT : CAPTURING EVERYTHING IN : LETTING THINGS DEVELOP
If you love the element of surprise then hiring a photographer who shoots in film could be the way to capture a different side to your day .
Often couples receive hundreds of shots from their big day , and while it can be lovely to reminisce , many times those photos stay on a computer somewhere and never see the light of day . But , with more photographers offering wedding days shot in film rather than digitally , couples who want lasting memories with a vintage feel are moving towards this style for 2024 . Another nod to the vintage and retro trends that are prevalent for this year , this photography form might mean you won ’ t get your photos until they ’ ve been developed , but it will mean you can fill an album with them without having to go and get them all printed .
OUT : WORLD MENUS IN : STAYING LOCAL
For 2024 , more couples than ever are looking to be sustainable , and the prerequisite for many is that their food is sourced as locally as possible .
Thankfully , Kent is abundant with growers , suppliers and creators of everything from farm-to-table meats and carefully cured cheeses to world-class wines and specially selected sundries . There ’ s never been a better time to keep things eco , as venues and caterers also seek to reduce their foodie footprints and stay local . Local doesn ’ t have to be boring though - far from it . You can still have all your desired dishes on your big day , they just won ’ t have travelled as far to make it to your plates .
OUT : FAVOURS IN : TAKEAWAY CAKES
Staying with the eco theme , favours are taking a bit of a backseat for 2024 as couples seek to find ways to treat their guests without giving them a keepsake they - well - might not keep .
Often , favours like sweet bags or small gifts get left on tables at the end of the wedding breakfast , but one way to avoid this happening is to wait until friends and family leave to give them their parting gift . Much like favours being left behind , another common issue is that unless you serve your wedding cake as the dessert after dinner , it often doesn ’ t get eaten , so one way to tackle both of these wastage worries is to have your venue or caterer cut up your cake and box it for each guest , so that they can enjoy a slice the next day at home rather than discovering a roll of personalised Love Heart sweets discarded in a pocket weeks after the big day .
OUT : POSTAL INVITES IN : ONLINE INVITATIONS
As more and more of the world goes digital and couples seek to save costs , it probably comes as no surprise that fewer wedding invitations are being posted out , and instead guests are receiving their requests via email or online . For those who are still sending out physical invitations , friends and family are no longer required to submit a formal RSVP ; instead they ’ re scanning a QR code to notify the couple of their availability , saving on stamps and time .
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