Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by greatvacationsawait
In 2023, planning an amazing destination wedding or vow renewal could wind up being a stressful endeavor. There are literally thousands of options you’ll have to consider when putting all the pieces together. This article is meant to help you navigate some of the top destination wedding trends of 2023 to give you some fresh inspiration & ideas stress free even if your wedding isn’t until 2024 or beyond.
1. Plan EXTRA EARLY:
Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block around 12 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are finding resort and venue space filled up for the dates they originally want. In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which also drove up prices.
Couples are now looking at least 15 months out in order to get the room inventory & pricing that they need.
BOTTOM LINE: The sooner you can discover the destination, wedding venue, & resort you want for your destination wedding, or vow renewal, and reserve your date, the better!
Toes NOT in The Sand
In 2023, brides are looking to get married in an Instagram-worthy location, with a breathtaking backdrop, but they DON’T want their feet in the sand. Many destination wedding venues now are putting in beautiful above-the-sand platforms, sky weddings, garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos which are growing in popularity.
3. Exclusive Private Experiences:
In 2023 couples are looking to do private, exclusive experiences with their wedding and vow renewal groups, such as private receptions to welcome their guests complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group. Couples are also scheduling their own private events such as fire shows, beach parties, tequila or rum tasting, and even a private tour or excursion for just your wedding or vow renewal group.
4. Over The Water Ceremonies!
As I mentioned above, more and more wedding or vow renewal couples don’t want their feet in the sand, but they still want the breathtaking backdrop. One way to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony. Many resorts now contain wedding venues that are built over the water. This not only gives the normal amazing view but also adds a 3-dimensional beauty to the ceremony.
5. Focus on Incorporating Cultural Traditions:
Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination
wedding experience for both them and their guests! Today’s couples want to do more
than just have a “wedcation” they want to give their entire wedding group an authentic
experience with the location they have chosen for their destination wedding!
6. Including Local Cuisine & Cocktails
Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding or vow renewal, many couples also include local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding or vow renewal events. For example, in Mexico there is a special liquor called Mezcal. Couples will hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location they are getting married inor renewing their vows in. In addition to a cocktail, they may also include some type of authentic delicacy on their menu.
7. Consulting with a Destination Wedding Expert
In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding. The reason is that wedding couples are busier than ever. as they work, finish school, start their family, and possibly move to a new home, all while trying to find some time for each other,
Today’s couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planned right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off of their plate!
As you plan your own destination wedding, you might want to consider some of these trends. It’s not just about having a unique, memorable day for you and your guests. It’s also about looking for some extra inspiration as you continue to plan your destination wedding so that your wedding will be everything you dream it will be.
If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck
and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 30-minute
strategy session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything
you need for an amazing & trendy destination wedding!
