If you’re planning a wedding this year, you’ll have spotted a number of new trends on TikTok and Instagram, including bold use of color, statement florals, mismatched bridesmaid dresses, generous grazing platters, food trucks, signature cocktails, and rollicking after parties – including outfit changes for the bride and groom. But BON Hotels CEO Guy Stehlik says the three biggest trends they’re seeing in 2023 are, in part, thanks to destination weddings, with the very best aspects of a destination wedding informing a couple’s big day – whether they choose to travel or stay close to home. Intimate Ceremonies Wedding trends come and go, and pre-1980s it was common to have your wedding ceremony earlier in the day – with a reception later that night. According to Stehlik, more and more couples are returning to this classic take on timing, keeping the actual ceremony small and intimate, with the majority of guests invited to a rollicking reception in the evening. “A small ceremony has a lot of advantages,” says Stehlik. “Couples can keep it small and meaningful, at a chapel or venue of their choice, without worrying about numbers, seating, or additional budget. Couples love sharing vows in an intimate ceremony and then celebrating with friends at a reception later.” In fact, as Stehlik explains, the ceremony doesn’t even have to take place on the same day as the reception. “For many years, most weddings were on Saturday afternoons and evenings. But destination weddings changed all that, with couples happy to…
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