As an NYC photographer, if I had to forecast 2022 wedding trends in a single fitting phrase, it would be, “You do you!” Sure, you’ll see certain trending colors and décor styles, but overall, couples want to do what makes them happy and what’s best for their loved ones. The pandemic has caused us to rethink our old ways of doing things, weddings included! Why do something that isn’t all that important to you for the sake of tradition. If the tradition holds real meaning to you and your family, prioritize it in your wedding plans. But if no one really cares, throw it out and do it your way! Or, maybe you each have deep cultural traditions you’d love to honor. You don’t have to choose between one or the other–blend them together in a beautiful, colorful fusion wedding for a wedding day you’ll never forget!
Post-Pandemic Wedding Trends 2022
Now, we’re seeing weddings of all sizes—from intimate elopements surrounded by a handful of loved ones—to the return of grand and luxurious celebrations. But there is one thread of commonality between most weddings we’re seeing this year: an emphasis on authentic connections and personalized experiences. Not for the sake of impressing others, but rather in an effort to be real and enjoy the day to the fullest! Now, we know that things can change drastically in an instant, so couples are ditching meaningless details and swapping them out for things that matter most to them and styles that truly fit their personality.
Here are a few refreshing NYC wedding trends for 2022 you may want to use in your own wedding:
Top 7 2022 NYC Wedding Trends | NYC Photographer
Mix & Match
There’s just something about mismatched-yet-complementary décor that feels effortless and elegant at the same time. While I wouldn’t mix and match everything in your wedding since it may feel a little disjointed, you may consider changing things up in a couple areas to make your wedding feel more like a family gathering and less like a stuffy, formal event.
Popular Wedding Design Components to Mix and Match:
- Dining chairs
- Bridesmaids dresses (but keep groomsmen attire consistent)
- Table settings
- Lounge area furnishings
- Eclectic vintage items (such as multi-colored glassware)
- Linens (all within your color palette—you may just using a couple varying shades of a color)
Family Heirlooms
Vintage items tend to work as timeless wedding décor. But instead of settling for someone else’s vintage items or faux-vintage décor, you could try to incorporate family heirlooms from both the bride and groom’s families. Using meaningful memoirs makes the day even sweeter as two families become one.
Go beyond “something old” with somethings old. Family heirlooms to use in your wedding:
- Pieces of a great-grandparent’s wedding attire
- Old photos and frames
- Old love letters (make sure they’re well-protected if on display)
- Heirloom jewelry pieces
- Worn personal items and trinkets, especially displayed on a “Loving Memory” table
- Sentimental throws, quilts, and pillows in lounge areas
- Antique family furniture, like a velvet chair or side tables
- Dining chairs from both sides (I personally love the symbolism here)
- Family china or linens
Understated Elegance
Pre-pandemic, we saw lots of boho whimsy, rustic charm, artistic designs, and unique color combinations. But now, we’re going back to the basics with simpler designs, understated elegance, and lots of neutrals with subtle pops of color. The goal is for it all to feel effortless with less complicated designs. Some couples love clean, simple designs, while others prefer a more eclectic take (see the mix and match section above). Either way, classic, timeless vibes are in right now.
Create an air of understated elegance with:
- Taper candles
- Flowing greenery
- Hand-tied bouquets and loose floral arrangements
- Single-stem floral designs
- White florals
- Neutral-colored wedding invitation suites
- A single classic complementary color, such as blue, earth-tones, or jewel tones
- Wooden accents to soften the look.
- Creative lighting
- Hanging floral or greenery
Family-Style Dining Experience
Even with large guest counts, some couples are bypassing designated table arrangements and opting for family-style dinners. To do this, all you need is place settings spaced along rectangle banquet tables. Then, dishes are placed in the middle the length of the table. If you like this idea but worry about so much sharing, you could provide individual wrapped servings for guests to grab to keep everyone safer.
*Family-style dining works best with outdoor, backyard, or garden weddings.
Getting Married When & Where You Want
Who says you have to get married in a chapel and celebrate in a formal ballroom on a Saturday evening? Remember, you do you! Instead, maybe you want to tie the knot in Central Park on a Friday evening and celebrate with a relaxed cocktail reception and gaze out at the romantic NYC skyline from a local rooftop bar. I say go for it! But you don’t need my approval. 😉
Food, Drink, or Dessert Trucks
If you’re a true New Yorker (or a recently inducted local), you know that our food trucks are second-to-none. Make your wedding an authentic New York experience by booking a food, cocktail or dessert truck for your wedding day. (My couples know I have a few favorites and local recommendations, so don’t hesitate to reach out!)
Rugs & Lounge Furnishings
Now, even luxury weddings are featuring rugs at the ceremony and cozy lounge areas at the reception for a more intimate, plush, and cozy feel. You and your guests can relax and enjoy each other’s company a little more comfortably. It’s a bit less awkward than shouting across a round table, and these intimate settings provide excellent journalistic photo opportunities!
Sasha Chou | Boutique NYC, NJ, Boston Engagement + Wedding Photography
Sasha Chou is a boutique NYC wedding, engagement, and maternity photographer. She specializes in timeless, photojournalistic images. Discover her style by visiting her portfolio here. Learn more about the dedicated Sasha Chou Photography team here. To book video or photography services or learn more about wedding packages, click here.
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