Top Wedding Trends of 2023 According to a Wedding Photographer.

Let's make some predictions - what trends are in, and which ones are out.

Minnesota Wedding Portraits. Pictured from left to right: Jerron and Carly, Nicole and Tom, Michael and Eleanor, Amy and Alex | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Starting off with a drinking game. As someone who lives in the midwest, I'm a firm believer in drinking, so why the heck not find another reason to grab a beer out of the fridge!

• Take a drink any time you read the word "arch".

• Take a drink anytime I complain.

• Take a drink every time I misuse a comma.

• Take a drink any time you read the word "couple".

• Take a shot if you're a wedding vendor that either agrees with me, or disagrees.

Hyatt Regency, Bloomington-Minneapolis Wedding: Rose and Chad | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

The Staples.

First things first, there are a few staples that we all know won't change: white gowns, classic suits, emblem exchange (a.k.a. rings), first kiss, dancing and lots of photography. These aren't just trends, they are what makes a wedding, a wedding. It's what guests come to experience.

Below is a list of wedding trends going out, and new ones that might replace them. The intention behind this article is to share an opinion, not a judgement. Take everything you read online with a grain of salt, especially If It came out of my brain!

Lets Talk Arches

Originally, arches were used as a symbol of the future home a couple will start their family in, but times have changed.

in 2023, 70% of couples will cohabitate before their wedding day, and 1 in 4 couples opt. out of having kids.

So, to arch or not to arch? The answer is yes, definitely arch. Mainly because of the esthetics, but what kind to get? Honestly, the geometric ones will become a fad of the past. Bohemian style weddings will be left in 2022, along with their boho chic triangle arches, which are guaranteed to age your wedding photos. You ever see a wedding album that screams "1980's"? Well, I'm calling it right now, triangle arches and floral crowns will be screaming "two thousand twenties" in the near future.

The new thing is floral arches! You're sticking with that classic square shape, and simply adding florals to it which add color and personality. These do an amazing job anchoring the aisle to ensure all eyes on the couple during the ceremony. Grounded florals are also in, and are insanely stunning, but they might be a 2023 fad, so take precaution.

St. Paul Wedding at City House. Clair and Josh created a gorgeous floral arch with poles that held a traditional jewish Chuppah above. | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Wedding Favors

Leave the candy gifts to the kids birthdays, they just don't fit in at weddings. Don't even get me started with mini sanitizer bottles, I might scream if I see those again. Most wedding guest favors are not sustainable and get tossed, which means they will stop making appearances in 2023.

Something you can do for your guests that is memorable is gift custom glass's which guests can use to refill on beer/wine at the bar, or maybe make a donation to a charity on their behalf. Have a list of charities each guests can choose from, then donate $1 per vote. You'll be giving back in a great way, plus saving money!

Majestic Oaks Golf Club Wedding: Sophia and Brandon | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Photography Style

When I got into professional wedding photography in 2019, "Bright and Airy" ran the industry. All the high-end, fancy photographers had a romantic, soft feel to their portfolios. Perfect lighting, framing and posing were emphasized.

In 2023, high contract, true colors, and candids are taking over! Not saying light and airy is going to disappear, but its no longer the top dog. Couples prefer candid "lifestyle" photography. I had a handful of people this past year request a limited amount of poses, they wanted photography that didn't intrude on their day. Blurry, black and whites, harsh lighting and direct flash are trending thanks to social media, specifically Tik Tok, which is the new Pinterest for young engaged couples this year.

Hidden Falls, St. Paul Engagement: Heather and Christian | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Second Shooters and Engagement Sessions

Speaking of photography, I shoot about 90% of my weddings solo. Second shooters might be a thing of the past. They honestly aren't necessary, so couples are choosing to save a few hundred bucks instead. I think a great replacement is an assistant, someone who can be at the wedding for part of the day to help the photographer with formal portraits, things like holding the diffuser, fluffing the brides dress, fixing ties and rallying family members.

Engagement sessions are heading out as well, which is upsetting - these sessions are so important! Any bride or groom will tell you how much easier the wedding day was because they trusted their photographer 100%. How did they trust them? Because they already had an entire successful photoshoot prior. An engagement, or just a couples session guarantees familiarity with posing, style and trust in the process. Build your confidence as a bride by booking an engagement session, it's very well worth the money - I promise.

Oak Marsh Golf Course Wedding. Mariah and Derek | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Dessert

The world of sweets is constantly changing, I can barely keep up. Basically, cake smashing your new spouse is a thing-of-the-past. I have rarely seen any cake smashes since 2020, In fact, the "cake cutting" photo isn't very popular either. Cupcakes are also out, but donuts are in, but donut walls are out? Oh, and those all-American Bundt cakes? Though they do make the occasional appearance at the dessert table, 2023 won't be seeing much of them.

Luxury over-the-top cakes from 1980's are making a come-back, but with better aesthetics. 3-D floral arrangements on multi-level wedding cakes will thrive this year.

Personally, I think someone needs to have a giant donut cake. Imagine a 5 layer Simpson-sized donut cake with five different fillings.. a Jelly glaze topper, with a Boston cream, coffee custard, lemon-curd and cheesecake layers underneath.

Hyland Hills Ski Resort Wedding: Angelica and Seth | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

So there you have it, some 2023 trends and predictions I gathered. Comment below what you think. If your a couple searching for a wedding photographer, check out my website, I'd love to hear from you!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, I'm Emily, and I document people (and their dogs) at weddings! I live alongside my five amazing, crazy and energetic pups, Nessie, Peach, Sammi, Vinny, and Bobbi. They chew everything they see, take up the whole bed, but most importantly - they give the best hugs.

I became a professional photographer in 2019 and since then have had the opportunity to share incredible moments with numerous couples that will be cherished forever. My goal is to tell the story not only of your wedding day, but of your love. I believe to the core that who we are matters. The imagery we create together is dependent on our connection with each other + being the right fit for each other. Let’s get to know one another, I’ll start.

Choosing the perfect wedding photographer.

I once heard that when the wedding is over, you leave with two things: a life-partner and photos. Your wedding images will help tell the story of your wedding day, so choosing the right photographer is crucial.

If a photographer cares about the people before the lens and is compassionate, much is given. It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument. — Eve Arnold.

Unlike the process of hiring other wedding vendors (dessert, bouquet, invitations, etc.), photos aren't things you can hear, smell, taste or even see at first—you have to trust in your pro. The stakes are high, so you will need to go above and beyond when it comes to research to ensure you like the photographer's style, pricing and overall energy . You'll need to find someone you genuinely enjoy being around because they are one of the very few vendors that you'll spend your entire day with. Heres some tips to get you started.

Schaar's Bluff Wedding: Eunice and Jason | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Decide on a wedding theme.

By theme, I mean an overall vibe! Go to Pinterest, search weddings, and just scroll through everything to see what you and your partner genuinely love. Once a theme is chosen, you can then look for a venue, which you'll need to book before inquiring any photographer. Some popular themes to consider:

• Boho, flower crowns and macabre table runners, think Midsommar.

• Floral, garden bouquets and lots of greens.

• Glamour, boujie stationary and custom drinks, screams Great Gatsby.

• Modern, very minimalistic and simple, online invites to save turtles and trees.

• Rustic, mason jars and antique vases - we've all seen it.

• French Chic, embossed invitations and white chandeliers.

• Halloween, "till death do us part", remember Beeteljuice and Lydia?

• Classic elegance, black-tie dress code and pastel colors.

Island Airbnb at National Park Wedding: Lisa and Jonny | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Book a venue.

After deciding on a theme, it's time for the first difficult decision: the venue. Honestly, finding one that meets all your needs is tough. Most of my couples answered "venue" as their number one financial priority when it came to their budget. Which makes total sense because the venue will effect every aspect of your day. You need to make sure your venue is equipped to handle your guest count, personal needs/goals, and of course bad weather.

Invest in the quality you want.

Location booked? Perfect. Now its time to choose a budget for your photographer. Most couples prioritize a photographer over other vendors when considering their budget. Remember, the day will go by extremely fast, in fact, it will end in a blink of an eye. This is an event in your life that is unlike anything you have ever experienced before - your adrenaline is flying up and down the entire day, which makes it difficult to process memories. This phenomenon is known simply as "Wedding day Memory Loss". It's an actual thing but whats the solution? Investing in a photographer. An experienced photographer who knows how to work with a timeline in a stressful situation and still produce quality work.

Olympic Hills Golf Club Wedding: Nicole and Tom | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Do your research.

Photographers are responsible for documenting all the memories of your special day and delivering an edited gallery you can look back on for years to come, so it’s an important decision, no doubt. Heres some of my tips when researching:

Avoid photo/video bundles. These deals are sold by large scale companies that have a national presence, yet pretend to be local. It's a bit of a scheme, basically, they hire local inexperienced photographers and videographers - who most of the time don't have the correct equipment - and they pay them minimum wage to shoot a wedding, all while pocketing the extra money (usually hundreds). Afterwards, the company sends your photos to get edited by services in India which under-pay their employees and have no interest in any quality editing. If you're on a tight budget, I suggest just hiring a beginner photographer directly so at least your saving money. Photography is not like a value meal at McDonalds.

Find the photography style you like. Photojournalistic, Fine Art, Lifestyle, Warm, Editorial, Classic, Moody, Artistic. Theres many! Keep in mind though, a photographer might change their style by the time your wedding rolls around. Thats just reality. Theres not much you can do about this, but If its a concern then I recommend communicating that with your photographer - emphasize that their style is the reason you chose them.

Greenhaven Golf Course Wedding: Melissa and Owen | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Take notice of their response time. If they can't respond to the initial inquiry within 24 hours, then that reflects how they respond to everything else. They might be the most creative and talented photographer in the world, but bad business skills are a huge red flag. If they can't respond on time to an email, what makes them responsible enough to edit your photos on time? Horror stories have been shared where couples receive their galleries 8+ months out with very little communication from the vendor. Imagine the anxiety you would struggle with if that was you?

Don't get tricked with portfolios full of "Styled Shoots". A problematic trend is a "styled shoot" - which is basically a staged wedding designed to promote photographers, decorators, jewelers, bakers, florists, etc. These shoots are done in a controlled environment, with perfect lighting and paid models. The issue is that the photographers ends up producing phenomenal photos that showcase their best work. And it is their best work, and may always be their best work, since it's in a controlled setting which lacked the craziness of an actual wedding day. There is no pressure during a styled shoot but working under pressure is part of the expertise that a wedding photographer brings. Understanding posing is one thing, but knowing how to pose drunk and hangry family members in 15 minutes outside in windy, sunny weather while also making sure their hair and outfits look good is a whole different ball game.

A portfolio filled with only bride and groom shots is the biggest red flag.

If you don’t see any photos of the rest of the wedding party, the guests, or the wedding ceremony and reception, you may be dealing with a fake portfolio.

BugBee Hive Resort Wedding: Shelby and Tyler | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Lastly, Meeting up.

A huge green flag is a photographer that encourages a meeting, whether in-person or over Zoom. Someone who shows interest in getting to know you as a couple and wants to share about themselves and their business. It's so important for you and your photographer to bond during the meet up because if you can't have a simple conversation over coffee, how will you survive an 8+ hour day together? It should feel less like an interview and more like you're hanging out with a friend. If it feels easy, than you might have met the right one!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, I'm Emily, and I document people (and their dogs) at weddings! I live alongside my five amazing, crazy and energetic pups, Nessie, Peach, Sammi, Vinny, and Bobbi. They chew everything they see, take up the whole bed, but most importantly - they give the best hugs. I became a professional photographer in 2019 and since then have had the opportunity to share incredible moments with numerous couples that will be cherished forever. My goal is to tell the story not only of your wedding day, but of your love. I believe to the core that who we are matters. The imagery we create together is dependent on our connection with each other + being the right fit for each other. Let’s get to know one another, I’ll start.

Wedding Day Timeline Examples

It's no secret that the key to a wedding day that runs smoothly is a well planned out timeline. Organizing your entire day from start to finish is difficult and intimidating, especially if its your first wedding, which for most folks it is. Its virtually impossible to find a blue print online with the perfect timeline... until now! Below are 5 examples that will guarantee effortless wedding planning.

Pictured above are Amy and Alex during their elopement photography at the Hennepin County Government Center. | Emilys Photography

Timeline 1

The Basic Summer Wedding.

This is an example of an August wedding, where sunset is at 8pm, in Minnesota, and the Getting Ready takes place at the SAME location as the wedding.

9:30am Breakfast - wedding party eats together or separate but either way, Do NOT skip brekky.

10:30am Taking a shower is definitely a good move.

11:30am Getting Ready Begins - at least for the humans that need makeup/hair done.

12:00pm Photographer Arrives - my favorite part!

• Side Note. If groomsmen are getting ready in a separate location, then photographer will get "Mock" Getting Ready photos once they arrive. This can apply for both bridesmaids too if, for example, they are getting hair ready at a salon instead.

1:00pm First look - I will grab the groom and lead him to the right spot.

1:15pm Couples Portraits.

1:45pm-2:15pm Wedding Party Portraits - including ring bearer and flower girl, ushers, etc.

2:15pm is for bride and groom to relax before the ceremony - I'll be taking candids at this time.

3:00pm Ceremony - Yay!

3:30pm Receiving line starts - I suggest not skipping this step, so that we can begin formals on time.

3:45pm Family Formals - I highly suggest making a detailed shot list in advance.

4:30pm Immediate Family + Bride and Groom join the rest of the guests at cocktails hour.

5:30pm Grand Entrance and welcome speeches.

6:00pm Dinner.

7:00pm Sunset Pictures with wedding party, and eventually just the Bride and Groom.

7:30pm First dance(s).

• Pro Tip. If you want fun dancing captured, add an hour or two to your photo package. I find that a 10-12 hour day is much more relaxing for the Bride and Groom and feels less rushed. You don't want your big day turning into a giant photoshoot.

8:00pm Photographer Departs, dancing/drinking continues.

10:00pm DJ leaves, clean up begins.

Pictured above is Malissa from her and Owens Summer 2022 wedding. These were sunset photos we scheduled right after dinner!

Venue: Green Haven Golf Course.

TIMELINE 2

My Favorite Summer Wedding.

Again, an August wedding, so sunset is at 8pm and the getting ready takes place in the SAME location as the wedding. Only difference is instead of 8 hours worth of photography, its 10 hours.

9:30am Breakfast - Again, don't skip brekky!

10:30am Taking a shower is the way to go.

11:30am Getting Ready Begins - at least for the humans that need makeup/hair done.

12:00pm Photographer Arrives

If groomsmen are getting ready in a separate location, then photographer will get "Mock" Getting Ready photos once they arrive. This can apply for both bridesmaids too if, for example, they are getting hair ready at a salon instead.

1:30pm First look and couples portraits.

2:00pm Wedding Party Portraits - including ring bearer and flower girl, ushers, etc.

2:30pm is for bride and groom to relax before the ceremony - I'll be taking candids at this time.

3:00pm Ceremony

3:30pm Receiving line starts - I suggest not skipping this step, so that we can begin formals on time.

3:45pm Family Formals - I highly suggest making a detailed shot list in advance.

4:30pm Immediate Family + Bride and Groom join the rest of the guests at cocktails hour.

5:30pm Grand Entrance and welcome speeches.

6:00pm Dinner.

6:45pm Speeches

7:05pm Sunset Pictures with wedding party, and eventually just the Bride and Groom.

8:00pm First Dance(s)

9:00pm Sparkler exit, or bubbles if you want to get creative.

9:30pm Fun dancing and drinking begins.

10:00pm Photographer leaves

11:30pm DJ leaves, clean up starts - you can pay the venue extra to stay for longer.

Pictured above is Elizabeth and her bridesmaids having girl talk at their Airbnb during the getting ready - and yes, this was posed or what I like to call candid posed, a.k.a "look at each other with wine and laugh really hard", yes I am one of "those" photographers.

Timeline 3

The Winter Wedding

This is a wedding set in February, when the sun sets by 6pm. Winter is interesting because we get Twilight, which is the period of time between sunset and sunrise where the sky isn't completely dark. It typically has this stunning pinkish arch illuminating the atmosphere. I consider Twilight one of the best parts of Winter, especially for photography.

9:30am Breakfast and shower

11:30am Getting Ready Begins - at least for the humans that need makeup/hair done.

12:00pm Photographer Arrives - my favorite part!

• Side Note. If groomsmen are getting ready in a separate location, then photographer will get "Mock" Getting Ready photos once they arrive. This can apply for both bridesmaids too if, for example, they are getting hair ready at a salon instead.

1:00pm First look - I will grab the groom and lead him to the right spot.

1:15pm Couples Portraits.

1:45pm-2:15pm Wedding Party Portraits - including ring bearer and flower girl, ushers, etc.

2:15pm is for bride and groom to relax before the ceremony - I'll be taking candids at this time.

3:00pm Ceremony

3:30pm Receiving line starts - I suggest not skipping this step, so that we can begin formals on time.

3:45pm-4:15pm Family Formals, following that is cocktail hour

5:00pm Sunset Pictures with wedding party, and eventually Bride and Groom solo.

5:30pm Dinner - Sunset photos take less time because of the cold.

6:30pm Cake cutting and speeches

7:00pm First Dance(s)

7:30pm Fun dancing/drinking begins.

8:00pm Photographer leaves

10:00pm DJ leaves, clean up begins.

TIMELINE 4

A Short Wedding

This timeline is for a wedding set in May. This is for the type of bride that honestly doesn't care about random traditions like cake cutting or getting ready photos. She doesn't even like cake, maybe she chooses a cupcake stand instead. She does, however, prioritize time spent with her family and wants the photos to reflect how candid the event is. She chooses to to have the ceremony later in the day and not spend too much time on formal photos.

11:00am the day starts, getting ready begins but is done at home, a half an hour drive from the venue.

2:00pm Set up at the venue begins.

3:00pm Photographer arrives.

5:00pm Ceremony.

5:30pm Family photos.

6:00pm Couple joins everyone at cocktail hour, photographer takes candids of everyone interacting, as well as group photos of guests who ask.

6:30pm Dinner Begins. Bride and groom opt out of a grand entrance. It's just not their thing.

7:00pm Speeches.

7:30pm Dessert table opens for grabs.

8:00pm Sunset wedding party and couples photos.

8:30pm First Dance(s), followed by the "shoe" game.

9:00pm Fun dancing and drinking starts.

10:00pm Photographer leaves.

11:30pm DJ leaves and clean up begins.

Pictured is Lisa and Jason at their Lakewood Cemetery wedding on October, 2022.

TIMELINE 5

Traditional First Look During The Ceremony

This is a wedding set in October, when the sun sets by 6pm. A Fall wedding is the dream, gorgeous colors and ideal temps. The weather is the perfect in-between because its no

longer humid like it was in August and its not dry and cold like February. Fall is also the least rainy season, which is a huge benefit. Pro tip, if you're getting married in Minneapolis, try to avoid June since its the rainiest month. Overall, September-November are the most popular months for weddings because they supply hearty in-season foods, alluring blooms and a moody foliage.

For this timeline, we are doing an evening ceremony, and a traditional first look with a 12 hour photography package, ceremony is also longer as prayers and speeches will take place. This is for the type of bride who has been dreaming of her wedding day for a while, she knows what she wants, and that is to have the perfect wedding day. She expects a lot from her Maid of Honor and has a huge wedding party.

9:00am They day begins: eat, shave and shower. Don't forget to grab your shower mimosa.

11:00am Getting Ready Begins.

11:30am Photographer arrives and starts detail shots - wedding dress, venue, invites, shoes, etc.

12:00pm Lunch is delivered so everyone can snack. Usually a sandwich place.

12:30pm Bridesmaids getting ready and group photos.

1:30pm-2:30pm Groomsmen getting ready and group photos.

3:00pm Ceremony.

4:00pm Receiving line.

4:15pm Family Photos.

5:00pm Wedding Party Photos Couples Portraits.

6:00pm Wedding party, bride and groom enter reception for the Grand Entrance.

6:30pm Welcome speech and then dinner begins.

7:30pm Speeches by MoH and best man, as well as any family.

8:00pm Cake cutting/dessert photos.

8:30pm First Dance(s).

9:00pm Fun dancing/drinking begins.

9:30pm Mock Sparkler Exit. Then back to dancing.

10:30pm Photographer leaves.

Pictured is Laura and Anu during their indoor portraits at the Lumber Exchange venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

BASICALLY, there are a ton of ways to organize a wedding timeline, even with these samples a bride and groom would need to edit it to compliment their perfect experience. Key things you need to decide before starting to organize the timeline is: do you want a first look at the ceremony or in private, what time the sun sets on your date, how long the ceremony will last, and whether or not you want candid dancing photos.

ALSO, don't forget to check out Emilys Photography out on Facebook and Instagram.

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Looking for a wedding photographer near Minneapolis, Minnesota? I might be your girl!

My name is Emily when I shoot I want to blend in and capture all the real moments and people that make each wedding day special. I love to show the natural connections between people and strive to not only tell the story of your wedding day, but of your love.​​​​​​​

P.S. bonus points if your a dog person who wants to include their fur-baby in the wedding or engagement ! Check out my work here. Inquiries may be sent to Hello@EmilysPhotography.Blog

Thank you stopping by my blog, I hope to hear from you soon.

Locations I photograph at: Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Chanhassen, Corcoran, Crystal, Dayton, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Greenfield, Greenwood, Hanover, Hopkins, Independence, Long Lake, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, New Hope, Orono, Osseo, Plymouth, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rockford, Rogers, St. Anthony, St. Bonifacius, St. Louis Park, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata, Woodland, Saint Paul , Arden Hills, Blaine, Falcon Heights, Gem Lake, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mapl, 55407, 55311, 55423, 55369, 55408, 55406, 55428, 55411, 55443, 55418, 55416, 55347, 55422, 55414, 55419, 55426, 55404, 55429, 55343, 55316, 55417, 55446, 55412, 55430, 55447, 55ewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, North Saint Paul, Roseville, Saint Anthony, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake. 55427, 55345, 55305, 55410, 55331, 55441, 55431, 55403, 55344, 55391, 55437, 55438, 55444, 55346, 55413, 55364, 55405, 55374, 55435, 55445, 55436, 55442, 55409, 55454, 55424, 55425, 55439, 55401, 55340, 55359, 55356, 55455, 55327, 55373, 55415, 55357, 55375, 55341, 55384, 55450, 55402, 55467, 55111, 55168, 55171, 55323, 55348, 55361, 55392, 55393, 55440, 55458, 55460, 55459, 55468, 55472, 55470, 55474, 55478, 55483, 5480, 55485, 55484, 55487, 55486, 55488, 55570, 55569, 55572, 55571, 55574, 55576, 55578, 55577, 55579, 55592, 55593, 55596, 55595, 55598, 55597, 55599, 55479