Trend Hunting 2.0: How Wedding Pros Can See into the Future to Predict Upcoming Trends

Trends in the wedding industry are constantly evolving, all thanks in part to celebrity weddings, social media, and pop culture as a whole. And when you consider how engaged couples vet their event team, they typically aim for those leaning into the next best thing that aligns with their vision. Beyond that, trend hunting is a great opportunity to ensure you’re staying inspired and ahead of the curve.

Let’s talk timing

Now, we can’t see into the future, but we can certainly predict the timing of trends in most cases. Here’s where seasonality comes into play, and this can help you get a leg up when it comes to prospective clients. For example, we know that winter weddings and jewel tones tend to go hand-in-hand historically, while garden themes tend to dominate spring celebrations. Going against the grain can help in these cases, as the majority of couples don’t want something that’s been done before, so consider adding unexpected colors, patterns, or textures to defy the seasonal norm.

When it comes to outside influences, the Pantone Color of the Year (announced in early December) is a perfect example of a domino effect that ripples through the wedding industry. Similarly, Fashion Week and annual trend reports are perfect for showcasing trends that might be cyclical or have fresh twists on old favorites. These typically come into the fold later in the year so that you can plan ahead for next year’s wedding season.

Here’s where to look for inspiration

As we know, social media reigns supreme as the go-to for sourcing trends. Keeping a close eye on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok is going to be your best bet, and it’s never a bad idea to look through some of your favorite wedding blogs or B2C podcasts. Bookmark anything that stands out to you to save for 2025, even if it doesn’t necessarily fall into your own niche.

Continuing education will also be invaluable, specifically as it comes to trend talks, keeping up with Gen-Z, and anything that helps you keep up authentically. Conferences such as Wedding MBA are a great investment, especially when you consider the tradeshow floor and the networking opportunities. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, regardless of how many years you’ve been in business!

Forecasting for the future (and what to prep)

Fads versus trends can be a tricky distinction, and staying power admittedly isn’t always obvious. Something that may be a viral moment can be forgotten in the next news cycle, so make sure that you’re also looking at trends with a critical eye. What couples are asking for now may not be relevant in a few months, so it’s important that you invest your time carefully. The great news is that trends are always open to interpretation and experimentation, so something that you might’ve seen a few times before can easily be customized in exciting ways.

Additionally, you don’t want to run the risk of your content becoming too dusty. Prioritize updating photos on your site and anything too outdated on your socials. While, yes, you want your portfolio to speak to your strengths, but anything too old may be a turn-off for prospects. The attention span of engaged couples is minimal, so keep diversity and aesthetic at the top of mind when curating your look.

Don’t feel as if you have to be a mind reader and predict the most memorable trends out there, nor do you necessarily have to try something that no one has done before. Just remember that trend forecasting is a science, and leveling up your brand can make lasting impressions on both future and existing clients!