2023 Wedding Trends from Zola: Ditching Traditions, Focusing on What Matters, & Values-Led Planning

We know that planning your dream wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. You want your special day to be a reflection of who you are as a couple, but you may also feel the pressure to conform to traditional wedding norms. Well, fear not! We’ve sharing some fantastic insights from The First Look report by Zola, a leading wedding planning company, that will empower you to create a celebration that truly represents your values and unique love story.

Matching on Values and Goals ✨

Love is about more than just butterflies and fairy tales. Modern couples are breaking away from conventional matchmaking and instead focusing on shared values, lifelong goals, and intimate compatibility. They want to create a marriage that’s built on a strong foundation of understanding and mutual respect.

Embracing the Unconventional 💕

Say goodbye to cookie-cutter weddings! 2023 couples are shaking things up by planning celebrations that feel authentic to them. They are ditching outdated traditions and embracing unique, casual, and less conventional wedding styles. Your big day should be a reflection of your personalities and what matters most to you as a couple.

Finding Inspiration in the Digital Age 🌟

The rise of social media has transformed wedding planning, making it easier than ever to find inspiration. Instagram, TikTok, and online wedding planning communities are playing a significant role in helping couples discover their wedding style, get ideas, and feel connected to a supportive community.

Prioritizing What Matters Most 💰

While the cost of some wedding goods may have increased due to inflation, couples are sticking to their budgets, which typically range from $20,000 to $40,000. This financial savvy allows them to prioritize what truly matters to them on their big day. Instead of getting caught up in the wedding industry’s hype, they’re focusing on the experiences and elements that hold the most meaning for them as a couple.

Longer Engagements for More Meaningful Moments 💍

Couples are now enjoying longer engagements, giving them ample time to plan the wedding of their dreams and cherish every mini-moment along the way. This extra time allows you to infuse your love story into every detail of your wedding, creating a truly personal and meaningful experience for you and your guests.

Weddings as an Expression of Love 🎊

2023 couples are redefining weddings as celebrations of love, rather than just adhering to tradition. They want their weddings to be a reflection of their love for each other and a representation of their shared values and vision for the future. Whether it’s breaking gender stereotypes, combining religious and cultural traditions, or picking a theme that’s authentically “you,” the possibilities for self-expression are endless.

Choosing Partners Based on Values 🌍

Couples are prioritizing shared values and vision when choosing a partner, far above factors like race, income level, or religious background. The focus is on building a future together based on a strong emotional connection and a shared outlook on life.

A Breath of Fresh Air Amid Wedding Planning 💆

Sure, wedding planning can be a whirlwind of emotions, but 2023 couples are embracing it as an exciting journey rather than a stressful obligation. They are staying true to themselves and their relationship, focusing on creating a wedding that reflects their unique love story.

The Perfect Photographer and Ideal Venue 📸

When it comes to splurging, 2023 couples are all about investing in their memories. They prioritize finding the perfect photographer to capture their special moments and choosing an ideal venue that resonates with their wedding vision.

Taking a Sustainable Approach ♻️

Incorporating environmentally friendly practices is a rising trend among couples planning their weddings in 2023. From eco-friendly invitations and recycled decor to sustainable food choices and carbon-neutral transportation, couples are prioritizing the planet alongside their celebration of love. They are conscious of minimizing waste, opting for local and seasonal flowers, and choosing venues that align with their eco-conscious values. Sustainable weddings allow couples to make a positive impact and set an example for their guests, showing that love and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Tech-Savvy Wedding Experiences 📱

2023 couples are harnessing the power of technology to enhance their wedding experiences. From virtual guest books and live-streaming ceremonies for loved ones unable to attend in person to creating personalized wedding websites and interactive digital invitations, technology is revolutionizing the way couples connect with their guests. Social media hashtags and geofilters are also popular for capturing and sharing moments from the big day, allowing everyone to join in the celebration, even from afar.

Intimate and Meaningful Celebrations 🥂

In the wake of the global pandemic, intimate weddings have become the new norm, and couples in 2023 are embracing the beauty of these smaller-scale celebrations. Rather than focusing on extravagant guest lists, couples are opting for intimate gatherings with their closest family and friends, allowing for more meaningful connections and memorable experiences. These smaller weddings provide an opportunity to invest in personalized touches, such as heartfelt vows, curated menus, and custom-made details that truly reflect the couple’s unique journey.

Destination Wedding Adventures ✈️

Destination weddings continue to be a popular choice for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. In 2023, couples are embracing the opportunity to combine their wedding celebration with an unforgettable adventure. From tropical beachfront ceremonies to picturesque mountaintop vows, destination weddings offer a stunning backdrop for exchanging vows while providing a memorable vacation experience for both the couple and their guests. Couples are choosing destinations that hold personal significance or reflect their shared love for exploration and adventure.

Inclusive and Diverse Celebrations 🌈

Celebrating love knows no boundaries, and 2023 couples are embracing inclusivity and diversity in their wedding celebrations. They are reimagining traditional wedding roles, breaking gender norms, and honoring diverse cultural backgrounds. Couples are incorporating elements from their respective heritages, blending traditions, and embracing multicultural influences to create a wedding that reflects their diverse identities. Inclusivity is at the forefront, ensuring that all guests feel seen, respected, and welcomed, regardless of their backgrounds or orientations.

Self-Care and Wellness Focus 💆‍♀️

Wedding planning can be stressful, but couples in 2023 are prioritizing self-care and wellness throughout the process. They understand the importance of taking care of themselves and each other, both mentally and physically. Couples are incorporating wellness activities such as yoga retreats, spa treatments, and mindfulness practices into their wedding planning journey. They are also providing self-care amenities for their guests, such as relaxation lounges, aromatherapy stations, and wellness-inspired favors, to create a nurturing and rejuvenating environment for everyone involved.

2023 is all about embracing individuality, celebrating love in all its forms, and creating weddings that are true reflections of the couple’s unique journey. By focusing on shared values, sustainability, inclusivity, and personalization, couples are crafting weddings that go beyond tradition and truly resonate with their love story. So go ahead and plan your dream wedding, breaking free from the mold and creating an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Happy planning, and may your love shine brightly on your special day!