Source: Alex Gukalov/Shutterstock.com Whether you’ve recently gotten engaged, have been engaged for a bit or are considering moving that direction in your relationship, it’s important to know the trends in the wedding industry for the upcoming year. Weddings are notoriously expensive. As the world resets from a multi-year pandemic, things may look different from years past. With the average couple spending a down payment on a house for their wedding last year, it’s easy to see why knowing upcoming trends is so important. Here are some of the upcoming wedding trends to look out for next year! 1. Alternative Rings. In previous years, we’ve seen more and more people turn away from tradition and choose alternatives that better fit their lifestyle. Whether that’s opting for a standing ceremony instead of a sit-down one or choosing to wear silicone wedding bands instead of traditional metal ones, we know that alternative choices will continue to trend up in 2023. Plus, with the cost of weddings these days, it makes total sense why couples choose alternative rings. Ever wondered “How much are wedding rings?” You can trust us when we say that it’s much more expensive than you’d think. 2. Destination Weddings. As travel restrictions lift, we’ll start to see more destination weddings. Couples no longer have to stress about their guests completing vaccinations or testing negative before attending. With these restrictions removed, you can have more people come enjoy your nuptials with you stress-free. Another way to avoid stress during your destination wedding? Invest in travel-safe items! Our wedding rings for women are much more travel-friendly than diamond or metal counterparts. Instead of worrying about losing your diamond ring at customs, or even having it stolen, a silicone band has a much higher chance of coming back with you, safe and sound. Source: shevtsovy/Shutterstock.com 3. Hors d’oeuvres Receptions. Instead of spending thousands on a dinner with multiple courses, more and more couples will opt for casual appetizers and heavier hors d’oeuvres. Sliders, salads, soups and other tasty treats will all feature in 2023 weddings. Having hors d’oeuvres during the reception instead of a dinner will give you more time to party with your guests! Shop Our Stackable Wedding Ring Options 4. After Parties. When the party “ends,” it’ll pick back up somewhere else. In the past few years, many couples held formal ceremonies and receptions at venues and then invited some or all their guests back to their homes or even out to a club or bar to continue the party informally. Some couples changed outfits, others showed up in their full wedding attire. Either way, this is a trend that’s here to stay! After parties are a fun solution for couples who don’t want the night to end. Considering hiring a DJ for your after party or reserving space at a second venue? To save costs and have enough for your extra service, invest in cost-saving initiatives elsewhere. You might not realize it, but there are plenty of aspects to a wedding that can creep up on your budget. An after party will definitely be an added expense, especially if you plan it out. Do yourself a favor and find ways to navigate budget-friendly options to enjoy this 2023 wedding trend. Investing in a pair of alternative men’s wedding rings, like our silicone bands, is a great idea if you’re saving to plan an awesome after party! Source: Khrystyna Shynkaruk/Shutterstock.com 5. Dessert Bars. Instead of the traditional cake to cut, couples continue to opt for dessert bars instead. Brownies, cheesecakes, cake pops, candy jars … the possibilities are endless! For many couples, this can be a great alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Cutting cake can take a while, and guests often get antsy waiting for their cake slices. Plenty of couples prefer having desserts instead, especially if they like alternative choices. 6. Standing Ceremonies. With a pandemic in full swing for the past couple of years, couples got creative with seating arrangements. Many chose standing ceremonies instead! This allowed for decreased costs in renting chairs or other seating options, and it gave guests the opportunity to move themselves where they were comfortable. Let’s face it — it also keeps the officiant on time since people will get tired of standing for too long. This trend will definitely continue in 2023. 2023 is sure to be an exciting year for weddings. With so many fun trends to explore, you can have a wedding that’s entirely unique to you!