Real Weddings: Top Summer Wedding Trends, According to Vancouver Wedding Pros

Another summer of love is upon us, which means Wedding Trend Watch 2024 has officially begun. While weddings come loaded with tradition, they’re also ever evolving. So, we’ve grilled a few expert sources from across Vancouver’s wedding industry to help us all stay in the loop. Whether you’re planning your own special day or gearing up to be the best wedding guest in town, here’s what’s hot in the wedding world right now—from rowdy receptions to fresh and flavourful food stalls to eye-catching colour galore.

The Biggest Summer Wedding Trends of 2024

Flower Power

Dior brought the delphinium to the spotlight, and it continues to shine as 2024’s flower for weddings. Like other trending changes to the traditional wedding, the delphinium is graceful but bold, with spikes and a profusion of blooms, which Liting Chan, creative director of Paradise Events, says “adds drama and dimension, elegance and impact to arrangements.”

A Spectrum of Support

The days of gender-divided wedding parties may be coming to a close as brides and grooms eschew expectations about who a BFF can be. “Having a mixed gender wedding party is growing in popularity, leaning more toward involving authentic friendships over traditional expectations,” says Sandy Hoong, associate planner with Dream Group Planners.

Colour Theory

Maximalism is in, according to Smitten Events co-owners Jordan Maxey and Devon Dunn. Couples are moving away from pastels and all-white weddings to embrace bold colours and textures… and going all out on flowers in the process. Expect bold, saturated colour themes: think blue, fuchsia or coral with a pop of yellow. “Vibrant and daring colour palettes inject energy and personality into every aspect of the wedding, from decor to florals to attire,” says Chan. “It’s super tasteful when done right.”

Stalled for Time

Forget about the age-old “chicken or fish” question as couples move away from the sit-down, five-course menu and toward hosting multiple food stalls; this set up gives guests a chance to get out of their seats, mingle with each other and choose what they’re in the mood for. White Table Catering reports a rise in comfort food across stations—popular options include tacos with margaritas, burgers and local craft beer, and chicken and waffles alongside mini mimosas. The Westin Bayshore, meanwhile, frequently sets up fresh-shucked oyster stations.

Love for Local

Sustainability is top of mind for many couples in 2024. Menus are focused on local, fresh food that’s high quality and ethically sourced (Westin’s sustainable seafood spread is one hot ticket item). Cocktails made from local spirits—like CopperPenny gin or Long Table Distillery vodka—are also on many a wedding wish list, notes Maxey.

Late Night Delight

Keep the party going with an influx of “late-night snacks” this wedding season. Treats like doughnuts, grilled cheese stations or a special delivery of McDonalds burgers and fries at 11 p.m. are sure to please (and help soak up some of those custom cocktails your guests have been sipping). “Couples are opting for fun, nostalgic options for late night,” says Carlyanne Pruger of White Table Catering. “This can be cotton candy, a noodle bar or ice cream sandwiches… or even a candy bar that opens late as another form of entertainment.”

Take the Cake

It’s not always out with the old and in with the new. When it comes to wedding cake, more and more couples are loving the traditional, vintage piped look, according to Pruger. The buttercream Lambeth cake—adorned with cherries and elaborate piping—is back from the 20th century and is a total showstopper at trendy weddings.

Espresso Yourself

The espresso martini is the drink du jour at bars across the country—is it any surprise that Chan has been seeing it swapped in for bubbly in a champagne tower?

Grand(ma) Gestures

The parental first dance is a classic moment, but more couples are including their family in other ways on the big day. Kristen Ryan of Blush Photography has spotted moms and grandmas in the flower girl role, or grandparents right up beside the happy couple as maid of honour or best man.

Photographic Evidence

The photobooth has become a staple at weddings at this point, so naturally the time has come for the format to evolve: according to our experts, unique photo experiences (like black and white portraits or 360-degree video clips) are now popular ways to celebrate guests at the event. Live illustrations are a fun alternative, too, for a guest activity and keepsake.

Sleek in Satin

Contrasting to maximalist decor and florals, the wedding gown is becoming bolder and more structural in 2024, but even for brides trending toward satin and silk dresses with sleek lines, more is more: “Sheer long gloves and dramatic veils are popular additions to the look,” says Genève McNally, founder of Dream Group Planners. Oversized bows and floral appliqués are a playful enhancement, too.

Suit Up

Though today’s trending coloured suits (think blush, rust or green) may seem like a “one night only” choice, rentals are less and less common for a modern wedding; instead, grooms are taking the opportunity to splash out for a perfect suit—custom, of course, and often in a signature hue. “More priority is being placed on the significance of the groom on the wedding day and, with that, the willingness to spend more on the groom’s attire,” notes McNally. Custom suits can range from $1,000 to $2,500 and up, with businesses such as Bespoke Suits, the Tux Store and Ferruccio Milanesi stitching them just right.

Rainbow Connection

The groom isn’t the only person making a style statement this wedding season: the bridal party is getting more colourful, too. McNally points to “vibrant and striking hues and styles that make a statement.” Hot pink, orange, bright cobalt blue, black satin… “Pretty much sky’s the limit,” she says, “but the emphasis is on honouring individuality.”

Table Set and Match

Forget white and ivory tablecloths and add vibrant coloured linens for an added pop of fun to your traditional table setting. Fresh fruit place settings and personalized props from the couple (think vintage books or sentimental trinkets) are popular additions to decorate the space, notes Chan.

The Switch Up

Bridal hairdos and makeup are most influenced by the current trends outside of the big day, according to McNally, so for 2024 we’re seeing “romantic natural loose curls, loosely swept back styles and old Hollywood inspired styles”—but also “chic and clean” classics such as the bridal chignon and elegant ponytails. Chan adds that more brides are switching up their hair and makeup between the ceremony and reception, allowing them to match the moment just right—transforming natural makeup to a bold statement eye for the dance floor.