Walk down the aisle alone, without bridesmaids, and don’t cut the cake in front of all your guests.
According to the wedding expert who runs wedding website The Bridal Journey, these are just three trends guests might need to think about in 2023.
Earlier this month, social media star Andie Towner — who has amassed over 257,000 followers on Instagram thanks to her wedding tips — shared her predictions for the year ahead.
Instead of extravagant wedding celebrations spanning entire weekends, the expert claimed couples will be taking things back this year.
Wedding planner Georgie Mitchell debunked The Bridal Journey’s controversial list of wedding trends for 2023 — which claimed brides were walking down the aisle alone and dumping bridesmaids
So much so that she claimed that traditions like cutting the cake, tossing the bride’s garter, and having multiple people in your wedding party are on the decline.
Instead, Andie says there’s a trend towards “smaller” celebrations — with brides rocking “low-key hair” and “dainty bouquets.”
But are these trends really playing out in Britain’s brides-to-be?
FEMAIL spoke to wedding planner Georgie Mitchell to delve into some of the most controversial predictions for 2023… with very surprising results.
Earlier this month, social media star Andie – who has amassed over 257,000 followers on Instagram thanks to her wedding tips – shared her predictions for the year ahead – including swapping wedding weekends for smaller celebrations
‘No bridesmaids’ – WRONG
Though the founder of The Bridal Journey says bridesmaids are on their way out this year, Georgie says her clients still include their best friends in their day.
On average, she says, her brides usually have between three or four — but it will often be more.
Following The Bridal Journey’s pared-down approach, Georgie said, “I think less is more — it can be a pretty crazy morning and too many can be stressful!”
According to Georgie, her British bride still has between three and four bridesmaids on average
“Walking down the aisle solo” – SOMEWHAT TRUE
Among the most controversial additions to Andy’s list was the claim that brides are increasingly choosing not to let their dads give them away that day.
Although the majority of Georgie’s brides are still escorted down the aisle by either their mother or father, the planner says there is an increase in brides attending their weddings alone.
She added: “I’ve had a few go solos. A bride even went down with her groom.
Though the majority of Georgie’s clients are still escorted down the aisle by a parent, she says she’s seen an increase in brides entering their weddings alone
“They got a first look before the ceremony and then went in together!”
‘Ditching the Garter Toss’ – TRUE
What’s more, Andy predicted that garter tosses will be a thing of the past this year – and wedding planner Georgie agrees.
She continued, “With dads and nans in the room, it’s just a little bit awkward. It’s pretty rare to do it now.
“That story behind it is that the single men gathered to catch it to see who’s going to get married next – think the man’s version of the bouquet toss. But even those don’t happen that much anymore!’
Left: Bows have been a huge trend in the bridal world for the last two years — and despite Andie’s prediction, Georgie says she hasn’t seen any signs the trend is slowing down. Right: The Bridal Journey also claimed that pearls are on the way out
“Beads and bows are out” – WRONG
For the past year, pearl hair accessories and jewelry have dominated bridal lookbooks, along with satin bows being incorporated into gowns.
And while Andy says they’re falling from grace, Georgie claims otherwise.
She said: “Brides are still banging these all over the place. There is just something romantic about bows and pearls!
“Veils, stationery, hairpieces, dresses, flowers—you can incorporate them pretty much anywhere!
According to wedding planner Georgie Mitchell, 80 percent of her clients still choose to take their husband’s name — despite predictions from The Bridal Journey’s founder
The Bridal Journey’s list of trends that are “out” for 2023:
bridesmaids
Take your partner’s last name
Walking down the aisle with your dad
Traditions – cutting the cake, throwing the garter
flash dances
Sheets
beads
Multi-Day Weddings
favors
Neutral wedding decor
boho theme
‘Bride keeps her last name’ – MIXED
In its controversial list of trends that are “out” for 2023, Bridal Journey also claimed that we will see fewer brides taking their husband’s name.
However, Georgie says that 80 percent of her customers still choose to follow this tradition.
Speaking from her own experience as a newlywed, the planner added, “It’s such a personal decision, I personally have gladly taken my partner’s last name, but I also know a lot of people who have made up their own last name.”
‘Untrendy Boho Wedding Themes’ – SOMETHING TRUE
According to the creator of The Bridal Journey, boho wedding themes and neutral decorations are being swapped out for more color this year.
However, Georgie urged couples to ignore decorating trends — and instead focus on making it personal.
She said: “My biggest rule for weddings is it’s your day. It doesn’t matter whether boho is in or bows are out – the day should put you and your partner in the limelight. Try to fit the elements of your life into your day – for example, if you met at a club, can you name that club a cocktail?
“Or if you met on Tinder, you have stationery that alludes to it (I swiped right). In’s and Out’s are for magazine covers, styled shoots and celebrities. you make yourself.’
However, the wedding planner agreed that blitz dances have lost popularity because organizing them is a “logistical nightmare.”
Additionally, Georgie agreed that traditional wedding favors have gone out of style lately, adding, “If you can’t eat or drink it, don’t waste your money!”
Unsurprisingly, Andie’s list caused quite a stir among her followers when she posted her “ins” and “outs” earlier this year.
One commented, “Out: people tell you what’s in or out In: just do what you and your partner want!”
Another outraged, “Using words like ‘in’ and ‘out’ is exactly what makes couples feel pressured to have a ‘trendy’ wedding and it’s super toxic.”
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “This post is so embarrassing. Being walked down the aisle by your father will never be “out” and I don’t think there has ever been a time when a true classic like pearls wasn’t “in”.
“What’s really ‘out’ is posting lists that indiscriminately denounce wedding choices and sentimental traditions. Weddings aren’t trends and that’s sooo silly.”