Here are some of our favorite 2024 wedding trend predictions from a Santa Barbara wedding photographer!

1. BOLD COLOR SCHEMES

Make a statement with bright, eye-catching colors. Whether that be in your florals, stationary, decor, tables-capes, bridesmaids dresses —incorporating color into your wedding day is a fun way to to show your personality and elevate the overall styling!

2. SEATED WEDDING PARTY

A new trend on the rise is having your wedding party seated at the ceremony, instead of lined-up standing. It’s such a small change, but a very relaxed and comfortable approach for your favorite people. *A perk to this idea is being able to see your bridesmaids/groomsmen in the front row, during your ceremony.

3. MIXED PATTERNS + TEXTURES BRIDESMAID DRESSES

There’s certainly a time and place for monochrome bridesmaids dresses, but there really is nothing like a variety of colors, textures, and patterns for your girls. Not only does it look amazing and photograph beautifully, you avoid the problem of the girls bleeding into each other. It gives each person individuality!

4. MINI EVERYTHING

We have especially seen this trend in mini bride bouquets — it’s light, understated and elegant. This also applies to afterparty dresses, short veils, or personalized horsd'oeuvres and desserts.

5. CONTENT CREATION

Hiring a designated social media creator to capture content throughout the entire day, using their iPhone. Perfect for BTS footage for Tiktoks and Reels. Allows your people to be present with you, leaving it all to the photographers and content creators!

6. CHAMPAGNE TOWERS

Pop the champagne and have a stunning tower for the perfect photo-op! Photographs beautifully and is a luxurious symbol of celebration.

7. STATEMENT WEDDING VEILS

From extravagant cathedral length veils to detailed lace-y or beaded veils. It’s the ultimate way to make a statement as a bride.

8. LIVE PAINTERS

Adding a professional artist to either paint/sketch the scene of your first kiss or gift your guests hand-drawn portraits of themselves. Such memorable wedding favors your guests will love.

9. FILM PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re looking for something special to add onto your package, we couldn’t recommend film photography enough. There’s something so special and nostalgic about it.

10. AUDIO GUESTBOOKS

Replacing the traditional handwritten guestbook with personalized messages in a “voicemail”. Allowing you to go back and listen to all the heartfelt messages from your guests.

11. WEDDING SAXOPHONISTS

Such a cool and unique way to entertain your guests, especially during cocktail hour and the reception dance floor.

12. PRIVATE LAST DANCE

An incredibly intimate and special way to wrap up the night — just the bride and groom in the spotlight. An opportunity when all the guests are gone to come together and really take in the day and just the fact that you’re married!