What's In - and Out - For Your 2023 Wedding

01/11/23 • 27 min

Unveiling Paradise: Your Go-To Destination Wedding Podcast

We’re saying goodbye to 2022, and hello to 2023 with our predictions on what wedding trends we’ll be seeing this year. As a professional wedding planner and photographer, we’ve been to a TON of weddings last year (#craziestbusiestyearever) so we’ve got some strong opinions about what’s hot (and what’s not) for 2023.
Hint: Viva magenta! And periwinkle? We barely knew you.
Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise
What’s In - and Out - Our 2023 Wedding Trends
2023 is such a unique year - we’re coming out of 2+ years with COVID restrictions so you’re seeing a huge shift between couples who are ready to celebrate, and couples who are still easing their way back to normal. Our list of trends reflects both.

WHAT’S IN - Smaller, more intimate weddings. People were forced to downsize during the pandemic, but the trend is still (and will continue to be) popular! Having more $$ to spend on your guests, creating a more intimate experience is huge in 2023.
WHAT’S IN - Flash and film photography. People are OBSESSED with poppy, colorful photography, thanks to TikTok and Instagram. Social media is playing a huge part in photo styles this year. (Bonus: disposable cameras are back!)
WHAT’S IN - Social Media is here to stay. TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest will still be major sources for inspiration, tips, advice and *also* for finding and booking vendors.
WHAT’S IN - Bright colors are IN! The Pantone color of 2023 is Magenta, and we predict weddings leaning into bold, bright color palettes.
WHAT’S IN - Embroidered everything. Gloves, veils, dresses - this trend is hot right now because it’s so visually appealing, totally social media worthy!
FUN FACTS: Tessa wears driving gloves and Joe wears Toms with socks.
WHAT’S IN - Venmo and Cashless Registries. Storytime: When Tessa got married she didn’t change her name for about 6 months, so all the checks addressed to her married name couldn’t be deposited until after she changed her name!
WHAT’S IN - Private Last Dance, Private Vows. Finding some quality time alone on your wedding day is trending, big time. FACT: Joe hates the private last dance (he says it’s awkward) and votes for a big send off instead. Tessa’s suggestion - do a private first dance before the reception doors open.
WHAT’S IN - Afterparties. Couples are enjoying the post reception celebration. Tessa’s tip: If you take the after party elsewhere and you’re in your wedding dress - people will buy you drinks all night! Joe’s tip: Keep the part going with a welcome dinner and after party - do both!
WHAT’S OUT - Large, uniform wedding parties. Keep your wedding party smaller, or have them sit during the ceremony. Don’t be afraid to mix genders in your wedding party.
WHAT’S OUT - Welcome bags and wedding favors. You spend a lot of money on these items and not everyone appreciates them, it also creates unnecessary waste. Is it worth it?

Links and Musings from this Episode:

Pantone Color of the Year and

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are about to have your summer wedding. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

WHAT’S IN - Smaller, more intimate weddings. People were forced to downsize during the pandemic, but the trend is still (and will continue to be) popular! Having more $$ to spend on your guests, creating a more intimate experience is huge in 2023.
WHAT’S IN - Flash and film photography. People are OBSESSED with poppy, colorful photography, thanks to TikTok and Instagram. Social media is playing a huge part in photo styles this year. (Bonus: disposable cameras are back!)
WHAT’S IN - Social Media is here to stay. TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest will still be major sources for inspiration, tips, advice and *also* for finding and booking vendors.
WHAT’S IN - Bright colors are IN! The Pantone color of 2023 is Magenta, and we predict weddings leaning into bold, bright color palettes.
WHAT’S IN - Embroidered everything. Gloves, veils, dresses - this trend is hot right now because it’s so visually appealing, totally social media worthy!
FUN FACTS: Tessa wears driving gloves and Joe wears Toms with socks.
WHAT’S IN - Venmo and Cashless Registries. Storytime: When Tessa got married she didn’t change her name for about 6 months, so all the checks addressed to her married name couldn’t be deposited until after she changed her name!
WHAT’S IN - Private Last Dance, Private Vows. Finding some quality time alone on your wedding day is trending, big time. FACT: Joe hates the private last dance (he says it’s awkward) and votes for a big send off instead. Tessa’s suggestion - do a private first dance before the reception doors open.
WHAT’S IN - Afterparties. Couples are enjoying the post reception celebration. Tessa’s tip: If you take the after party elsewhere and you’re in your wedding dress - people will buy you drinks all night! Joe’s tip: Keep the part going with a welcome dinner and after party - do both!
WHAT’S OUT - Large, uniform wedding parties. Keep your wedding party smaller, or have them sit during the ceremony. Don’t be afraid to mix genders in your wedding party.
WHAT’S OUT - Welcome bags and wedding favors. You spend a lot of money on these items and not everyone appreciates them, it also creates unnecessary waste. Is it worth it?

Links and Musings from this Episode:

Pantone Color of the Year and

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are about to have your summer wedding. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Previous Episode

Reception Planning with Nolan Hong

Have you ever sat through a wedding reception that felt like it was never going to end? Long, boring speeches, uncle telling inappropriate jokes, and weird pauses throughout the program can totally kill your wedding vibe! This is why we’re so excited to have Hawaii-based, professional MC, Nolan Hong, sharing his advice and tips on ways to make your wedding reception seamless and fun.

Question: What do you get when 3 wedding experts - a professional wedding planner, photographer and MC - get together and chat?

Answer: An episode packed with tips, advice, and semi-funny jokes (from Joe).

Brides, grooms, family and friends - this is a great episode for you!

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise

Introducing: Nolan Hong, Professional MC

According to Nolan, a wedding MC is like an orchestra conductor, responsible for the flow of the program. Their job is to cater to the couple's vision, not to be a performer or comedian.
Professional MC vs a friend/family member:
Professionals - have a lot more experience, can adapt and troubleshoot, and match the vibe of the couple and the audience. If timing shifts, if someone says the wrong thing, pros can quickly adjust.
Pros will also stall if dinner is running behind, the same day edit needs more time, or any other timing issues arise.
Friend/family members - if they’re not experienced, they might not be able to read the vibe as well as a pro, and not be able to troubleshoot or react to situations that arise.
Family members want to celebrate with the guests, and can often have inside jokes that others might not understand.
PRO TIP: never let the audience know that anything’s wrong - it takes them out of the moment.
PRO TIP: if you want everyone to feel included, the MC needs to also be included. Pay attention to the speeches and what’s going on so people feel like he’s there in the conversation.
Work with your MC and vendors to create a timeline that works for everyone.
A fun twist on tradition - whenever guests clink glasses, the couple draws another couple’s name to kiss, then the newlyweds copy the kiss.
Shoelywed game pros and cons - Joe LOVES the game, Tessa HATES that you’re holding a stinky shoe, and you don’t get to see what your partner answers! Nolan engages the audience to ask their thoughts, get their reactions.
Speeches - is there an ideal number? At least one from each side, Nolan’s ideal is 2 each, 5 min MAX. In general, it’s better to have a prepared speech unless you’re great at impromptu speaking.
FUN FACT: Joe MC’ed a wedding! Tessa has not... Does anyone want Tessa to MC their wedding? Anyone?

Links and Musings from this Episode:

Find Nolan on IG and Facebook @thenolanhong and web - nolanhong.com

Find Us:
Unveiling Paradise: IG @unveilingparadise
Joe: IG @josephesser
Tessa:

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are about to have your summer wedding. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com

Next Episode

The 7 Things Your Guests Don't Care About

Weddings are A HUGE investment of time and money. We 100% agree. Our advice as a professional wedding planner and photographer? Don’t waste your time and money on the things that your guests don’t care about. And trust us - there are things they don’t care about. In fact, in this episode, we list 7 things your wedding guests don’t care about... and 1 thing they absolutely do. Spoiler alert: Joe and Tessa are NOT on the same page about what guests care about so listen in, and let us know what you think. Are you Team Joe? Or Team Tessa?

Support us: patreon.com/unveilingparadise
The 7 Things Your Wedding Guests Don’t Care About

Your guests don’t care about fancy invitations: People are opting to send online invitations, however traditional, formal weddings still prefer real invitations. JOE’s TIP: Print 1 copy of your invitation suite for photos, that’s it.
Your guests don’t care about favors and welcome bags: Welcome bags tend to have a lot of trinkets that no one wants or needs. Does anyone need another canvas tote? Save your money, save the planet. TESSA’S TIP ON FAVORS: If you want favors, choose food vs custom items. Keep it simple - Reeses peanut butter cups as favors? HELL YES! Don’t spend a lot of money on items your guests won’t appreciate, like wooden dolphins. (Listen to the episode for the full story... IYKYK)
Your guests don’t care about your choreographed first dance: While you and your significant other care about the first dance, your guests won’t care. Do it if you want it, but your guests will be fine either way.
Your guests don’t care about your slideshow: Things can go very wrong with a 15-20 minute slideshow. It’s long, guests get bored, and are only looking for themselves in pictures. JOE’S TIP: Run the slideshow in a corner, or during dinner, so guests can passively watch it.
Your guests don’t care about cake: According to Joe, your guests don’t like or don’t want to eat the wedding cake. Tessa completely disagrees. TESSA’S TIP: Cut your cake earlier in the evening so guests can eat it for dessert.
Your guests don’t care about your guest book: Traditional guests books aren’t necessary anymore - we don’t need addresses! Signature guest books, posters to sign, jenga blocks, etc are important to the couple, not to the guests.
Your guests don’t care about the bouquet toss and garter toss: Guests don’t want to catch the bouquet or garter, it’s awkward.

What Your Wedding Guests DO Care About
TESSA’S TIP AS A WEDDING PLANNER: Your guests will care about assigned seating. It removes the awkwardness of trying to find a seat, putting grandma at a table in the front, and making sure everyone has a place.
JOE'S TIP AS A WEDDING PRO: Uncle Jerry doesn't care about assigned seating... he's way more concerned about what's on the buffet.
So what do you think... Are you Team Tessa? Or Team Joe?
MORAL OF THE STORY
Weddings are expensive. Spend your money on the things that are important to YOU. Focus your time and energy on

These are our top 3 episodes to start with if you are about to have your summer wedding. We'd love to hear from you. Hit us up and mention our show to learn more about our Unveiling Paradise Promo.

Support the show

Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us [email protected]
Web unveilingparadise.com