Audio guest books, live paintings, sentimental ‘something olds’ and celebrating traditions – here are the 2024 wedding trends to watch out for.
The curtain has risen on 2024, unveiling a line-up of fresh trends and Insta-worthy inspiration for all you soon-to-be-wedded couples. If you’re itching to break free from the wedding norm and infuse your day with a splash of personality, you’re in the right place. From groovy 70s vibes to cool wedding venues to eco-conscious choices, this year’s wedding trends are all about making your special day uniquely yours.
And hey, no stress allowed—these trends are just here to spark some ideas and get your creative juices flowing. Want to know what’s new in the world of ‘I dos’? Keep reading for our picks of wedding trends in 2024.
Fun 2024 wedding trends to make your big day extra special
1. Goodbye cookie-cutter weddings, hello personality
The limit does not exist when it comes to adding your personal style to the wedding. According to Pinterest’s 2024 predictions, 70s-inspired groovy nuptials are in! Not your scene? Turn to fun pops of colour like corals (hello, Peach Fuzz), golden yellow and fuchsia. Treat your guests to your favourite dessert or snacks with churro, tapas, charcuterie and taco stations, or offer signature cocktails and mocktails named after you and boo.
Another trend we’ve noticed is having cool pre-wedding photoshoots that are sentimental to the couple. Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for the beautiful green spaces and IG-worthy spots in Singapore. But having a photoshoot at the location of your first date, the first time you met or your favourite hangout spots will add more meaning to it.
2. Intimate weddings over OTT banquets
This isn’t a new trend, but we’ve seen a continuation of couples ditching the grand ballroom banquets for an intimate celebration with loved ones. We’re talking breezy beachfront resorts, historic colonial bungalows, rustic alfresco garden areas, poolside nuptials and other unique wedding venues.
3. Audio guestbooks and live paintings
Gone are the days of traditional guestbooks – more couples are turning to audio. Yup, you can have your guests share their heartfelt messages through voice recordings. How fun! After The Beep and Leave Your Message has a variety of vintage phones, with an unlimited length of recordings for at least two hours.
If you want a nice art piece for your home, get professional live paintings of your big day. Artists such as The Art Nooq and Merida’s Live Painting commemorate your event with gorgeous oil or acrylic painting in various canvas sizes, capturing just the two of you or your whole shebang.
4. Not your ordinary wedding favours
Door gifts have come a long way from generic coasters, magnets, bottle openers and random containers. More couples are turning to personalised or practical door gifts like mini succulents, essential oils, custom temporary tattoos, live type-written poetry and even Toto tickets (‘cos why not?). Oh, and no guest will turn away an edible door gift. Chocolates, cookies, brownies, honey pots and pastries always are yes in our books.
5. Sentimental ‘something olds’
You might have heard of the old English rhyme, “Something Old (symbolising honouring traditions), Something New (optimism for the future), Something Borrowed (for good luck), Something Blue (purity and fidelity), and a Sixpence in your Shoe (for prosperity)”.
Though it isn’t commonly practised in most cultures in Singapore, brides can incorporate a part of the tradition by adding something sentimental to their ‘something old’ or ‘something borrowed’. Think family heirlooms like jewellery or watches, sewing a loved one’s piece of fabric into your gown or shirt, or even wearing a piece like their tie, veil or wedding dress.
6. Destination weddings
Can’t get out of a big wedding or simply want your parents to enjoy the wedding rather than having the additional stress of attending to their guests? Hold a destination wedding! In all seriousness, destination weddings are great for the travel junkie couple or if you just want a change of scene. How about saying ‘I do’ overlooking a mountain in Bali or bearing the cold with a winter wedding? The location is up to you if the budget allows.
7. Get a friend or a professional to shoot BTS footage
In the era of content creators, why not act like one for the day? Get a friend with the best photography skills from both the bride’s and groom’s side to shoot candid behind-the-scenes footage of your wedding. The good, the fun, and even the stressful moments will be enjoyable to watch and laugh at in the years to come. Plus, it allows you to view same-day footage before your professional wedding photography and videography arrive months later.
8. Go green on your big day
Planning a wedding and keen on keeping it eco-friendly? Here’s the lowdown on saying “I do” to sustainability. Swap out single-use decor for reusable options, like faux flowers and DIY decor. Nifty couples can also join Facebook or Telegram groups to purchase, sell or donate leftover wedding paraphernalia like ang pao boxes, table numbers and centrepieces.
Opt for digital invitations to save paper, or go for recycled paper if you want that classic touch. We know that older guests would rather have a physical invitation, so just print a smaller batch for them.
Incorporate Earth-friendly wedding favours like microgreens starter kits from Super Farmers, Pass It On’s plantable candles and sustainable stationery from Left-Handesign.
Take it a step further by using biodegradable plates, bowls and cutlery from Eco U, BioPak and Easanya Eco Green.
9. Ditch the traditional wedding gowns
We’ve noticed an influx of brides saying yes to everything from small, modern twists to a totally unconventional look. Think bows, beaded details, floral motifs and tiaras. Brides are also turning to comfort over fashion so don’t be surprised to see shorter dress alternatives, jumpsuits, and co-ords as second looks.
10. Highlight your culture
Luckily for us, Singapore is filled with rich culture and traditions that differ in each family. Get acquainted with your roots by picking a traditional look for your big day, such as bridal cheongsams, elegant baju kurungs, intricate sarees and lehengas and vibrant Nonya kebayas. Don’t skip fun wedding traditions like gatecrashes for Chinese couples or fun henna parties for North and South Indian brides. If you’re an inter-racial couple, it allows your guests to learn about you or your partner’s culture.
Whether you’re saying “I do” on a beach or having your loved ones record heartfelt messages on vintage phones, these 2024 wedding trends are going to redefine your big day.
