The Ultimate Guide to 2022 Weddings

2022 is the year of the wedding! After TWO whole years of lockdowns, never-ending postponements, canceled weddings, and broken hearts, 2022 finally feels like the first-year post-pandemic that we can actually start to celebrate again; hence our ultimate guide to 2022 weddings!

While there are still some restrictions in place, weddings are starting to return to their former glory … but with larger guest lists and bolder designs.

It makes sense – couples are ready to celebrate in a BIG way. That means spending more money per guest, adding intentional, personalized details throughout the celebrations, and concentrating their efforts on creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance. 

For this ultimate guide to 2022 weddings, we talked to the wedding experts – coordinators, planners, designers, and vendors, to get the best sense of what’s in store for 2022 weddings (specifically, what to expect and what’s in style!).

Where to Start

You’ve gotten engaged – congrats! What’s the first thing you should do? “Besides getting a manicure, sharing the news with your friends, and enjoying the engagement bliss – my first recommendation would be to choose a date for the big day!”, says wedding planner  Casarah Gutierrez of Casa Event Productions. Think about the season, weather, and what style that might mean for your wedding day. If you have a vision of an outdoor garden wedding, you’d want to consider warmer seasons. If there’s an indoor wedding venue you’re eyeing, you’d have more flexibility on your date, etc.

After taking some time to truly soak in the significance of the engagement and the special milestone this marks in your relationship, next it’s time to get to planning! Here’s what wedding planner Brenda Campos of Weddings and Events by Charms says you’ll want to start with: 

1. Create a wedding budget. 
2. Hire a wedding planner/coordinator. 
3. Choose your bridal party! 
4. Start your guest list.
5. Pick your colors and your theme. 
6. Work with your planner to search for vendors.

It’s important that in the early planning stages of your wedding that you home in on your vision. 

“First thing is to ask yourself is what vision do you have for your wedding,” explains wedding coordinator Guadalupe Hernandez of DACAL Events. “Next is, how many guests do you want to have? The number of guests will determine if you should have an outdoor or indoor wedding. Then your budget can work according to your guest count.” 

Tina Li of In the Clouds Events advises that before you book a venue or any vendors, consult a wedding planner first. They’ll help put everything in perspective for you in terms of cost, logistics, and tips to make sure you start off on the right path.

“Your ‘affordable’ is not the same as mine. Give us a dollar amount that you do not want to go over or a budget range so we, the planners can better help you find a vendor or source wedding products.”

Do you want to go super trendy or classic? Over the top, or simple? According to Jaz of Occasions by Jaz, 2022 is the year of minimalism and neutral tones. “Couples are really turning towards simple designs”, says Jaz.

Jenny Goodman of At Your Door Events, says her biggest tip for couples hosting a wedding is to think about the guests’ experience moment by moment! “Find unexpected ways to delight your guests from beginning to end! Guests will rarely remember your fancy centerpieces, but they will talk for ages about how you made them feel! Your biggest task as hosts is to make them feel special!” Ultimately, don’t sweat the small stuff! Wedding planner Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini of MB Creative Co. says, “understand that nothing will be entirely perfect on your wedding day, but having a professional on hand will ensure you a peace of mind. If you hire a professional to help you with your wedding plans, trust in that individual and their abilities. When you allow any professional to do their job to the best of their ability, you allow their creativity to flourish.”

2022 Wedding Trends

Parties are back, baby – and couples are shifting their focuses from specifically on the bride and groom to the guest experience. 

“Couples are really focused on guest experiences and unique reception surprise moments,” says Campos. “Everybody wants their guests to be entertained in some way whether through a michelada bar, live music, to personal welcome or thank you notes, and thoughtful ways to incorporate their pets.  They want guests to feel cared for and thought of. That seems to be a huge trend.” 

If you’re working with a smaller budget, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on your design elements. In fact, a lot of couples are opting for smaller weddings, so they can go big on design and décor features. 

“Some trends [I’m seeing] are smaller guest counts in order to spend more on decor and food,” says event planner Lupe Hernandez. “Giant flower arrangements are on-trend, the ones that don’t go on tables, but instead on the sides to help the venue look more elegant. More vibrant colors are being used in flower arrangements, and vintage couches are a great touch for your cocktail area!”

In addition to bolder colors and brighter designs, event planner Casarah Gutierrez says she’s also seeing statement wedding cakes and artistic installation decorations!

“Weddings are steering away from the ‘traditional’ and I see my brides getting bolder and leaving more of an impactful, unexpected experience for guests,” Gutierrez says.

2022 Wedding Trends Breakdown

Custom wedding invites

Creating your invites is a beautiful way to give guests a sneak peek at your wedding theme and colors. Work with an invites designer like LA Design Boutique or Miss Paper Things to help you create a custom look, and get your guests excited about the upcoming wedding.

Jenny Goodman of At Your Door Events encourages couples to also make sure to create a wedding website.  We learned during the pandemic that distributing information quickly is best done digitally. It takes time to put the website together so slowly start crafting and curating the information that you’ll want to share.

Photo credit: Tina Li of In the Clouds events, photo by Allison Maginn Photography

Unique first looks

Couples are learning that time is of the essence on the wedding day. Having a photographer capture a first look can serve as both an intimate moment, and a big time saver. Couples who schedule a first look don’t have to feel stressed trying to cram in so many photos after the ceremony. Working with an experienced photographer like Denise Hernandez photography can help you make sure to get all your important shots in on the special day.

And many couples are adding fun surprises for their first look, like incorporating parents, grandparents, children, and even pets! It’s always a beautiful moment!  

A warm welcome

Wedding planner Jenny Goodman of At Your Door Events recommends signs directing guests, an interactive guest book, and a little champagne! Custom signs are all the rage at weddings, and graphic designers like LA Design Boutique can help make sure your signs match your theme perfectly. 

Champagne towers and champagne walls

Another really fun wedding trend planners are seeing this year is the resurgence of champagne towers and a more modern take on them with champagne walls! This unique champagne wall by Always Particular serves as a cool photo op and place to grab some bubbly.

A variety of photo ops

Guests continue to love pictures via a photo booth, selfies stations, and even polaroid cameras. Guests are bursting at the seam to make memories and capturing the moment with pictures is paramount. Couples are loving having their names displayed in neon lights set on a beautiful backdrop, like this backdrop from Two of a Kind Rentals, which of course will look great in their living room after the big day.

Not so traditional ceremony rentals

When outfitting your ceremony area, brides are exploring non-traditional seating, like these couches and love seats. This is a great choice for more intimate weddings, where you can have fun with unique rentals, like these couches and wire chairs from Two of a Kind Rentals.

Statement floral installations

Bright colors and big arrangements are all the rage right now. Traditional table-top floral arrangements just aren’t cutting it in 2022, with wedding designers moving more towards large statement floral installations spread throughout the venue, like these flowers by Asa Flowers for a destination wedding planned by MB Creative Co.

Florals also really help bring the wedding theme to life, as in these tropical floral centerpieces by White Sakura for a “Wedding Retreat” themed wedding, planned by At Your Door Events. 

Destination venues

With travel restrictions lifting all over the world, expect to see more destination weddings! Destination weddings are a great way to make your big day a BIG weekend. And for destination celebrations, couples are packing wedding weekends with fun itineraries with local adventures. 

This dreamy Cabo destination wedding planned by MB Creative Co had guests wanting to stay in paradise forever!

Bold décor colors

While traditional white weddings will always be in style, expect to see a range of colors, from neutrals to black to bright color combinations. Like this colorful floral arrangement, and this dark backdrop of paper flowers made by Miss Paper Things.

Styled table settings

Expect to see more unique tabletops. Couples are really focusing a lot of design efforts on what guests see right in front of them at their tables. From vivid colors like those place settings offered by Tiffany’s Catering & Bakery to unique patterns like this tabletop setting by Oh So Pretty Vintage Rentals, and special thank you cards and gifts, this is definitely a décor area to focus on.

Customized guest experiences

It’s been two years of stress and isolation for most people. And couples are ready to celebrate with their loved ones, not only to commemorate their love for each other but also their admiration for their family and friends. Expect to see surprise performances, personal welcome notes, thoughtful party favors (like these personalized chocolates from Cocoa Rome), extravagant bars and dessert tables, and midnight snacks. 

Culture on display

Nothing is more nostalgic to special guests than adding special touches that represent your culture. From music (like a Mariachi) to special ceremonies (like a Korean Tea ceremony along with a traditional wedding ceremony, shared by In the Clouds Events), show off your culture with pride!

Wedding planner Jenny Goodman shares that couples are thoughtful of what traditions they include in their wedding. They don’t just want to do things because it’s been done in the past, they want to have an emotional connection to everything included. For example, instead of doing a bouquet toss for the single ladies,  they’re opting to give the bouquet to their grandparents that have been married for decades.

An amazing DJ

Music is a must at any wedding – but in 2022 couples are really stepping up their entertainment! A DJ can make or break your wedding experience, so go with someone who not only plays great music, but engages the crowd. 

Wedding DJ, DJ Keelez, always recommends a meeting prior to booking as well as 30 days before your event so you can get to know each other, and learn your musical tastes and the type of vibe you are trying to create. That way she can ensure we are both on the same page before the big day rolls around. She aims to create a customized musical experience that really reflects your personality but also makes your guests dance so it is very much a collaborative effort between myself and the client.

Instagrammable food and dessert stations

While buffet lines may not be all the rage, a communal grazing table like the one offered by Tiffany’s Catering & Bakery during the cocktail hour is sure to have your guests raving as they get ready to party. Additional treats next to the cake keep the guest’s sweet tooth at bay and provide some pretty accents to the cake table.

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to selecting a main course. Choose items that mean something to you and your partner, but select dishes that you know guests will love! Go all out while still giving guests their favorites, like lobster mac and cheese by Tiffany’s Catering & Bakery, or finger foods like tater tots and sliders for a wedding planned by In the Clouds Events.

Specialty carts

From churros to coffee, to cotton candy, adding a mobile cart to your wedding will have guests flocking over for a special treat!

One cart that’s always a hit is an ice cream cart! But you need to take a few things into consideration when adding an ice cream cart to your event. Here are tips from ice cream cart Paleta Please on when it’s the best time to serve your guests.

The best times to serve guests from an ice cream cart

1. Before the Ceremony⁠: On hot summer days this works great for guests who arrive early and need to cool down. ⁠However, if you have guests who tend to run late then this isn’t the best time to serve since they will probably miss it.⁠

2. At the Ceremony Exit⁠: Are you having a ceremony at one location and the reception at another? We’ve done many weddings at churches and love serving at this time. Guests love enjoying a sweet treat before they head out to reception. They usually aren’t in a hurry so they can enjoy themselves⁠.⁠

3. During the Cocktail Hour⁠: Link us up with your bartender to create some Paleta cocktails! ⁠(Find a list of Los Angeles Mobile Bartenders on our blog here.)

4. For Dessert⁠: Most common time and guests are always ready for a sweet treat⁠

⁠5. As a Late Night Snack⁠: For those warm summer nights this makes a great way to end the party.

Coco’s cocktail photo credit: Bar Sign by LA Design Boutique; Photographer: Kreate Photography ; Old Fashioned & Mosow Mule photo credit: Jenny Goodman of At Your Door Events, Venue: @Formelosangeles, Photographer: @gildedphoto, Bartender: @jayscatering

Signature drinks (including mocktails)

Signature drinks are a fun way to bring the newlywed’s personality into the mix. With clever names and seasonal flavors, these cocktails like the ones prepared by Jay’s Catering give guests one more way to ‘toast’ to the happy couple.

One fun idea is to name a drink after the couple’s pet as a way to incorporate their four-legged loved one into the mix.

Key elements at the bar include signage and lots of garnishes! Don’t forget to order custom cocktail picks, like these ones from Miss Paper Things.

Mocktails are all the rage! Reward the designated driver or person who’s cutting down on alcohol with something fun and delicious to try, too. Ask the bartender to showcase yummy mocktails on the menu for cool drink alternatives. Add a fun element of surprise, like these custom drink stirrers with the bride and groom’s pictures by Miss Paper Things.

A vintage mobile trailer

From vintage horse trailers to restored airstreams, a unique mobile trailer will be a memorable experience for your guests. Watch everyone flock to the trailer to get a signature drink or simply take a selfie.  And mobile bars like this one from Party in Can can be used for a bar, music, and even a photo booth.

Stylish lounge areas

Beautiful tables are a must-have. But you may also want to give guests a communal lounge space to mix and mingle. Clients ask specialty rental companies like Two of a Kind Rentals to outfit their space with stunning furniture. The team has lots of fun in the process working alongside planners and clients.

Photo credit: LA Design Boutique; Photographer: Kreate Photography

Long banquet tables (and naming your tables something fun)

Sitting family style isn’t just for the rehearsal dinner. Ensure your guests mix and mingle by putting everyone at long tables. This can help bring your families even closer together and makes for lively conversation.

Add some fun to the tables by giving them a name that means something to you, like these signs by LA Design Boutique. Fun ideas are to name the tables after places you love to visit, favorite songs, flowers, inspirational sayings, favorite wines, and more!

The departure from the serious

Wedding planner Jenny Goodman shares that couples are going more authentic, wanting unique and nontraditional venues. Many are adding custom elements that encapsulate their personalities and the relationship.

Ultimate Guide to 2022 Weddings: Day of Must-Have Elements

There are so many moving parts when it comes to planning a wedding. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the smaller details like what color cutlery to use or the font to go with on your place cards and menus, it’s so important that you take care of YOU at your wedding. 

What does that mean? Any wedding coordinator will tell you that you need the following for your Big Day: 

1. A change of clothing or shoes.

2. Assigning a close friend or family member to make sure items don’t get left behind. This means collecting all of the personal belongings at the end of the night – gifts, décor, and other special items. 

3. Eating the day of! Most newlyweds forget to eat. Because your wedding day is busy and overwhelming, make sure to have a big breakfast, to get plenty of water, and to have an arsenal of snacks handy for the day.

Stay true to you

Most importantly, keep in mind that your wedding day is about YOU.

“If you want to do something that is not traditional, do it!” says Lupe Lemus. “You will be happier. Remember, you can’t satisfy everyone.”

A great way to add some personal flair to a wedding dress or tux is to have something special embroidered into the ensemble. In fact, wedding designer Yvonne Fyne-Nsofor says it’s these details that make your outfit that much more memorable.

“Be bold with the little details you want,” Fyne-Nsofor says. “If you’re embroidering something special in your veil or dress or tux even, pick a thread that stands out so we can appreciate it.  It doesn’t have to stay hidden. Be intentional with your choices because you’re not an afterthought.” Then, once the cake has been cut, the garter and the bouquet have been tossed, and the last dance has ended, your wedding day festivities have pretty much come to a close. The long-awaited event is over. But you can always recall the beauty of your celebration with a unique “Keepsake Painting.” Artist Adonna of Artistry by Adonna will create a painting capturing an element of the day that does not last forever – the bride’s floral bouquet.

Ultimate Guide to 2022 Weddings – Planning Tips for Brides

Wedding planners have seen it all – so when it comes to working with a wedding planner, a wedding coordinator, or other wedding vendors, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

“Communicate and share with your planner/ coordinator and each vendor,” says Campos about the wedding planning process. “You want them to know all about your vision, give them a clear understanding of what you want for your special day.”

Once you have locked in your wedding vision, build a relationship with your planner and vendors. And according to caterer Tiffany Darrell of Tiffany’s Catering & Bakery, research is key!

“When choosing a wedding planner, catering company, or any vendors for your event please do your research and vet before calling the company,” Darrell explains. “Please review websites, and reviews, look at their Instagram and a gallery of their work, and check out general pricing so you know what vendor will be the best fit for you. You will know right away when you see their work. Also, many people don’t know about pricing in the wedding industry, please understand there is no one size fits all budget. Prices depend on the quantity of event, time, labor, and the quality of what you are looking for; remember you get what you pay for.” 

Luckily, most vendors will offer a complimentary consultation to help get you both on the same page. 

“When I work with a new couple, I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss their needs in order to put a proper quote together,” Darrell says.

Of course, with the pandemic not totally behind us and the influx of weddings this year, it’s important to keep in mind that it may be more difficult to find and book vendors for your special day – that’s where patience comes into play! “Take a deep breath and remember everything will be okay,” says wedding planner Jaz, Occasions by Jaz. “2022 is a very crazy year and a crazy year for weddings, couples might have a hard time finding vendors or might experience vendors canceling at the last minute due to COVID, although this is stressful, take a deep breath and ask for help.”

In addition to solid communication with your wedding planner and day-of wedding coordinator, it’s important to be on the same page with each of your vendors. For example, photography and videography plays such a crucial part in the day – which is why this is another area you’ll want clear communication. Remember, this is how you will get to re-live your wedding once it’s over.

“My #1 tip for all my wedding couples to make their experience easier while working with me is to have a timeline of the event, along with a photo shot list,” says wedding photographer Denise Hernandez.   “[These are] two of the best things that will make my experience and their experience run so much smoother – lots of communication before and during the event of any last-minute changes.” 

If you’re a 2022 bride, it’s important to keep your eye on the prize. Don’t get frustrated by the planning process. And if you have to plan your wedding a bit further out than you expected that’s OK. 

“I highly recommend giving yourself 12-16 months of planning, [with] 12 months being the absolute minimum,” says Gutierrez. “Not giving yourself ample time to hire the right vendors for your specific vision will leave you stressed and may cost you more money.” 

Wrap Up

At this point, we hope we’ve helped you come up with some great wedding ideas! With bright and bold trends taking over wedding décor, great vendors, unique surprises sprinkled into ceremonies and receptions, and guest experiences front and center of couples’ minds this year, there’s something for everyone at these special celebrations. 

If you’re getting ready to start planning your wedding, check out our list of amazing local vendors! When you work with one of our partnered vendors, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting a small business with big dreams!

Check out this list of local vendors to help you with the planning process!

*Featured in the guide

Balloons: 

• @by_rindear
• @sysballoondesigns
• @ohwowballoondecor
• @designzdekorbylala
• @blackshinyballoondecor

Bartenders: 

• @curlybartender
• @liquidcouragela

Cakes: 

• *@puffectbakerycafe
• @emulsionbakeshop
•  @tiffanys_bakery
• @samanthacakesnbakes

Carts and trailers:

• *@paletaplease
• *@partyinacan
• *@thejollysheep

Caterers: 

• *@tiffanys_bakery
• *@jayscatering
• *@treslacatering
• @chivitaspartyrentals_catering
• @foodjoycateringevents

Charcuterie: 

• @korverfarms 
• @madreflorals 
• @helloluckycharcuterie
• @boardsbymelfran
• @stemsca
• @hungrydreacreations
• @bougieboardsla
• @honeybriemine
• @honey_goat_boards 
• @yum_fruitandcheeseboards

DJs:

• *@djkeelez

Flowers/Decor: 

• *@whitesakura
• *@uniqueclassyfloraldesign3
• *@jcluxuryevents
• @lovesomeblossoms
• @madreflorals
• @yourstrulydesign_
• @thebloomingvase
• @jardindel.eden
• @prettylilthingslb
• @_helens.creations_
• @mendozaseventsdecor

Gifts (i.e. favors, custom gifts, etc.): 

• *@cocoa_rome
• *@ArtistrybyAdonna
• @candleroyale_

Invites and signs: 

• *@ladesignboutique
• *@misspaperthings

Others:

• *Custom Veils – Yvonne O-Mara  

Photographers: 

• *@denisehernandezweddings
• *@brocoffphotography
• *@allisonmaginn
• *@gildedphoto
• *@alisondphotography
• *@alex_mo_photography_video
• *@remembermakers
• @l.a.momma

Photobooth:

• @oohlala_photostudio

Rentals: 

• *@TwoofaKind_Rentals
• *@OhSoPrettyVintage
• *@AlwaysParticular
• *@Papillonrentals
• *@lapinataparty
• *@rusticyardevents
• *@adorefolklore
• *@createaparty
• *@tiffanys_bakery

Treats/Dessert table: 

• *@tiffanys_bakery
• *@puffectbakerycafe
• @justbaked.csc
• @sweetsandthecityyyy
• @sweet_life_by_sally 
• @cocoa_rome
• @sweetsby_sofia

Venues: 

• *@formelosangeles
• *Millwick
• @thecanvasla
• @whimsypdna
• @santaanitapark
• @violetcactusvenue
• @thegarland

Wedding Planners: 

• *Brenda Campos @bycharms21
• *Tina Li @inthecloudsevents
• *Guadalupe Lemus @DACAL.events
• *Casarah Gutierrez – @casaeventproductions
• *Jaz @OccasionsbyJaz
• *Jenny Goodman @atyourdoorevents
• *Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini @mbcreativeco