2020 is already shaping up to have a style all its own. As we slip into a new year, and a new decade, industry experts have already seen some exciting shifts for the modern bride and groom. This is going to be the first decade in which a photo booth is truly expected at every wedding. And although some wedding trends will be sticking around (greenery, anyone?), 2020 is already proving to be a year that has a fresh, new take on wedding festivities. Keep these in mind if you’re tying the knot this year - or keep an eye out for these if you’re attending as a guest!

Swap Tradition for Authenticity

With each passing year, industry insiders have witnessed couples step out of the shadow of tradition and make choices that reflect their own style and priorities. In 2020, this focus on individualization has successfully taken over wedding culture. What does this look like? Couples are scrapping outdated traditions, shuffling schedules, and incorporating out-of-the-box ideas to make it feel more like them. Instead of a prescribed dress code, allow your wedding party to choose their own dresses and suits  Love spirits? Host a DIY cocktail hour. Obsessed with cheese? Customized charcuterie boards are having a moment of their own. Whatever feels like you, invite it into your wedding weekend!  

Choose Eco-Friendly Wedding Options

Cars and factories aren’t the only thing looking at their carbon footprint lately - so is the wedding business! The modern couple is looking for ways to measure and reduce their own impact on the environment, and bringing eco-friendly practices into the wedding as much as possible. Expect to find invitations that are made of recycled or biodegradable paper, or printed with soy-based ink. Hire florists that are turning away from floral foam and using more sustainable material. Reuse floral arrangements whenever possible, and utilize potted plants instead of cut stems to reduce green waste. If you can, find caterers that use organic or local produce. Even more, incorporate vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate all of your guests’ nutritional needs - and pack a lighter punch on the environment. We’ve even seen couples doing away with fireworks for less disruptive and more eco-conscious celebrations! MDRN is incredibly well equipped to take advantage of the benefits of new photo booth technology for your event. If you want to skip paper prints and go fully digital, we’ve got the perfect photo booth for you.

Add Colors, Patterns, and Pop! 

Neutrals are out, and color - in all of its bold, bright glory - is unmistakably in. Expect to see a flood of color replace all-white or metallic trends of years past on everything from invitations to florals to the wedding party attire. Now is the time to incorporate as much print and pattern as you like to infuse your wedding with energy and spunk. Even greenery is getting a cheery update - industry insiders have seen dip-dyed and painted stems adorning the ceremony and reception festivities. 

Scale Down the Guest List

This year, expect to see the wedding shrink - or at least, the guest list! No longer are weddings massive affairs with room for everyone in your extended family and social circle - weddings are drawing closer and closer, with small, intimate gatherings ruling the show. Expect to see modest guest lists and more intimate ceremonies - even wedding parties might be getting the boot. In 2020, it’ll become even more common to trim away bridesmaids and groomsmen for a smaller gathering at the end of the aisle. 

Elevate The Guest Experience

As the guest list hones in on those nearest and dearest, couples are now finding that they have the capacity to offer a heightened guest experience. Fewer attendees typically translates as lower cost and extra resources to put towards making the guest experience truly memorable. Widening the scope of your attention and resources to including your guests will make it an event they won’t soon forget! Swap out generic party favors for custom welcome baskets, full of sweet treats they can use throughout the weekend festivities. Exchange family-style or buffet dinners for plated, upscale entrees - perhaps by inviting a well-known chef to prepare the dinner. Hire live musicians, aerialists, and other performance artists as entertainment. Finally, don’t turn your back on the wedding trends that have turned into wedding staples - namely, the photo booth. Guests love having the opportunity to create a fun memory of the evening and walk away with a unique memento to remember it by!

No matter what, you can’t go wrong by making choices that feel like you, as a couple, and honour your story. MDRN would love to be a part of your event. Happy planning!