If you’re planning your 2022 or 2023 wedding, you’re probably surrounded by inspiration from every possible angle. If you’re wanting a trendy + modern wedding aesthetic, look no further!! These are the best wedding trends I’m seeing in 2022, and I bet they’ll still be hot for your 2023 wedding.
Kayla + Jason Bethel got married this January at one of the coolest KC wedding venues, The Everly! I was soooo excited for this chic, modern wedding. Not only is this couple just really great, they have fantastic style. Kayla told me she was going for Hailey Bieber vibes and I’d say she pretty much nailed it.
When it comes to 2022 wedding trends, Kayla + Jason are the perfect source of inspiration.
In 2022, I’ve been seeing lots of candles to realllyy set the romantic mood. The Bethels set up candles in the entryway, on tables, down the aisle, and my personal fave - alllllll over the floor where the ceremony took place. This created a super warm, cozy vibe with some awesome shadows and romantic candle flickering.
A huge 2022 wedding trend is just having cool lighting in general! The Everly has these awesome bulbs hanging from the ceiling that create romance during the ceremony and then set the party mood for the reception.
The signs around their reception were simple and not super wordy! The fonts on all their signage was clean, classy, and easy to read. Simple signage is definitely something I see becoming more popular in 2023!
Not only are black and white photos super trendy right now, but lately I’ve seen couples lean toward more neutral color schemes! For example, Kayla’s bridesmaids had black dresses that were super classy.
While vibrant, true-to-color edits always have my heart, I loooove the romantic feel that you can only get with a black and white pic.
With lots of neutrals, the pops of color for the Bethels’ wedding day was Kayla’s blush pink bouquet. The candles and unique lights really helped add some warmth to the neutral palette as well!!
This direct flash vibe is really fun, especially with indoor weddings. I love how the reception photos turned out - it truly looks like a moment frozen in time.
This is probably the biggest 2022 wedding trend I’ve noticed!! Film photography is super popular right now. I had so much fun playing around with this for the Bethels’ wedding. Look how DREAMY these are!
I've been seeing a lot of puffy sleeves lately! Kayla’s sleeves were simple and smooth, three quarter length, and slightly off the shoulder.
Pearls are one of the best 2022 wedding trends I’m seeing right now! There are a lot of fun, simple ways to incorporate pearls into your wedding look. Kayla had these pearl cluster earrings that I absolutely loved. The beading down the back of her dress and on her sleeves was very pearl-like as well!
In 2022, I’ve noticed that a lot of couples are finding alternatives to a traditional flower girl! I’ve seen people have their grandmas be flower girls, or choose a flower man from their close friends as well. You also have the choice to opt out of having flower girls at all - Kayla + Jason chose to keep their processional small!!
Overall, I predict couples will spend less money on details and focus more on meaningful guest experience. For example, Kayla + Jason had an amazing DJ and then surprised their guests with the KC wolf!! This added a touch of their personality to their wedding day and made the party just THAT more fun for everyone attending.
Congrats again to the Bethels!!
Looking for more Kansas City wedding inspiration? Read How to Personalize Your Wedding!
More photos from Kayla + Jason’s
I know it’s hard to imagine now (in the heat of July!) but Kansas City winters are COLD. As a Kansas City photographer I’m shooting weddings year round, so I’ve seen my fair share of winter weddings. If you’re planning a winter wedding this blog is for YOU.
If your dream is to have a wedding ceremony with white snowflakes floating through the air, wearing the ice queen dress of your dreams, with snow frosting the trees, as your guests bask in the beautiful oasis of your love, I get it.
Be crystal clear on your wedding invites that the ceremony will be outside so that everyone can dress accordingly. I’ve seen some couples offer blankets as wedding favors. I’ve also been to a couple weddings where they set out space heaters! I promise your guests will appreciate the forethought.
Work with your officiant to plan a wedding ceremony that doesn’t last more than 30 minutes or so. Everyone is excited about your big day and wants to focus on that without the distraction of numb fingers or toes!!
This is a cute way to get the outside vibe while providing coverage from any inclement Kansas City weather. Make sure to ask if the tent rental company needs insurance! Also ask if they’ll set it up for you. If not, plan accordingly to have some friends set it up the morning of or the day before. You can use cute lights to decorate the ceiling, or hang lanterns around to add to the ambiance.
I definitely recommend an indoor wedding reception venue so your guests can be comfortable while they eat, mingle, dance, & hang out. If your dream has always been a beautiful outdoor ceremony, ask your wedding venue what their backup plan is in case of inclement weather.
Last minute weather situations are why I always suggest hiring a wedding planner as well! They can work with the staff & the team of vendors on the backup plan. Planning ahead and delegating jobs means you can enjoy your winter wonderland wedding day worry free.
You could even have this available before the wedding ceremony! This is a fun way to keep everyone warm and to really make it a winter themed wedding. Offer toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes. It’s a cozy and memorable treat everyone will love.
You deserve to have the wedding of your dreams. No matter the season, your wedding will be beautiful and your love will be everlasting. For more wedding planning tips check out these blogs; How to Prepare for Rain on your wedding day, How to choose your wedding photographer, Wedding Planning Advice from real brides, and much more!