Weddings have undergone significant transformations in recent years, with couples allocating higher budgets to create memorable experiences for their guests, leading to the emergence of numerous new wedding trends. Each wedding season, spanning from May to October in the UK, draws inspiration from a multitude of themes. These themes can range from those inspired by popular culture to those influenced by social media trends or historical references.
In 2024, personalisation and enhancing the guest experience stand at the forefront of wedding trends. Couples are going the extra mile to ensure that their wedding reflects their unique personalities and preferences. In the UK, US, and EU, South Asian couples draw inspiration from their traditional heritage and the local environment of their upbringing when planning their weddings.
Summer wedding trends to look forward to
Meera Majithia is a wedding planning expert who has worked in the South Asian market for nearly a decade. She previously hosted a wedding podcast and wrote a book for brides-to-be. She’s worked at prestigious venues across the UK including Blenheim Palace and currently spends her time sharing wedding tips and trends on The Happy Bride Co blog and newsletter.
She shared with Asian Voice, her insights about the upcoming summer wedding trends in the UK. “There is a growing trend of people preferring outdoor settings. Many couples are opting to immerse themselves in nature, leading to a rise in minimalist decor and utilising natural surroundings as a significant part of their decorations. Live entertainment is also gaining popularity, whether it's live artists painting, live music, or other interactive experiences to keep guests engaged and entertained. Couples are seeking to create a more memorable and unique experience for their guests, incorporating live elements like cooking demonstrations”, she said.
According to Meera, when it comes to colour palettes, while the Pantone colour of the year, peach fuzz, will certainly make an appearance, the trend leans towards light and airy tones that have been popular for a few years now. However, muted tones are emerging as a significant trend, with shades like sage, olive, and earthy tones being favoured. Florals and plants are also being used to enhance the natural aesthetic.
“Interestingly, there's a contrast emerging between understated, natural tones and bold, vibrant pops of colour. Some weddings are embracing extravagant themes with bright colours, reflecting the couple's personality and desire for a unique celebration. Rather than playing it safe, couples are seeking personalised touches that truly showcase their individuality. This trend extends to personalised menus, allowing couples to tailor their wedding experience to their preferences”, she added.
A shift from traditional venues
Regarding venues, there's been a shift away from larger, more traditional venues like stately homes towards more unconventional spaces such as barns, industrial venues, or quirky locations like pumping stations.
Meera explains this transition stating, “Couples are drawn to these venues for their uniqueness and the opportunity to customise them to their liking. Outdoor venues are also gaining popularity, with couples opting for outdoor drinks receptions or ceremonies to create a different atmosphere.
“This shift is possible due to smaller guest lists, which allow for more experimentation and creativity. Couples are also hosting multiple events or weekend-long celebrations, creating a staycation experience for guests.”
She also adds that choosing to marry outside the city offers more creative possibilities and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, taking advantage of better weather and more options for outdoor activities. However, she also warns that planning a summer wedding requires careful consideration of weather-related contingencies and adjusting timelines to accommodate longer daylight hours.
“Despite these challenges, summer remains the most popular season for weddings due to the better weather, allowing people to dress up and enjoy themselves without worrying about adverse weather conditions”, she adds.
Shifting preferences in food trends
In recent years, there has been a significant evolution in the food trends observed at UK weddings, reflecting shifting preferences, cultural influences, and a growing appetite for unique culinary experiences. According to Amit Lamba, representing Laguna, a renowned restaurant with an event catering division, catering for British Asian weddings often differs from weddings of other backgrounds due to cultural and religious considerations.
Further sharing his opinion, he said, “With the average size of Asian weddings decreasing compared to previous years, couples now have the opportunity to explore more creative catering options by allocating a larger portion of their budget to premium menu items.
“Additionally, there is a growing awareness of food intolerances and sustainability concerns, prompting careful considerations to ensure that all guests can fully enjoy the menu. Another emerging trend at Asian weddings is the inclusion of late-night snacks, catering to guests who may feel peckish after hitting the dance floor.”
According to Amit, while the family-style sharing concept remains the top choice for service style at weddings, there's a notable rise in the popularity of pre-plated style menus.
“Buffets continue to be a favoured option for pre-wedding events, offering a distinct contrast to the main day's dining experience. Guests often appreciate the interactive element of buffet stations, particularly when they feature live cooking demonstrations such as Tandoori grill stations, live pasta stations, and Chaat counters, adding an engaging and memorable dimension to the culinary offerings”, he said.
Over the years, Amit has observed a growing trend where Non-Asian clients are increasingly drawn to South Asian cuisine for their events, seeking to infuse their weddings with unique culinary experiences, departing from conventional catering options and imbue their special day with a personal touch that resonates with their individual culinary preferences.
