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Wedding Trends 2023

The start of a new year is the perfect time to scope out upcoming wedding themes. So what are the wedding trends for 2023? Exclusive hire, multi-day events and sustainability are big factors. As is opting for something other than a traditional cake. Read on for the Great House guide to the trends that could shape your 2023 wedding day.

Getting the location right
Getting the location right

It’s been this way for years, but getting the wedding location right remains one of the biggest wedding trends for 2023. In fact, around 80% of couples say location is the deciding factor in where they stage their big day.

But what does getting the location right mean? It depends on your needs. It might be the majority of your guests will be travelling from a similar area. Or perhaps you want to bring everyone together in a special, particularly scenic spot. Either way, working out your ideal location will be central to your plans.

Choosing a hotel
Choosing a hotel

Once couples know roughly where they want to be, choosing the right venue is the second biggest single step. And here, hotels remain a firm wedding trend for 2023. In fact almost a third of couples choose to hold their wedding celebrations in hotels.

It makes sense. The best hotels, like the Great House in South Wales, can combine a historic building, luxury accommodation, acclaimed chefs, an intimate atmosphere, a stunning setting and an experienced team. So you can really relax and enjoy your big day.

Booking the whole place
Booking the whole place

Exclusive use remains a firm favourite in terms of wedding trends for 2023. Some 20% of couples opt to have their venue all to themselves for the day or weekend. And again, the attraction is obvious. You’re not sharing the space with other parties. Guests know they have a big thing in common with the other people they bump into (you!). it creates a family vibe.

And you can feel a sense of ownership in the space – you’re welcoming people to your home-from-home. It enhances the experience and means you and your guests can really relax.

Taking your time
Taking your time

Growing numbers of people are planning multi-day events. From having a wedding rehearsal dinner to a Day Two BBQ, many couples see the value of a wedding experience that lasts longer overall. After all – why bring everyone together then be too rushed to enjoy their company?

By having a two day wedding event, you can actually enjoy quality time with your guests. Many couples choose to invite different guests to different parts of their celebration. A relaxed supper the night before is an ideal time to reconnect with those who’ve travelled from further afield.

The big day can then be a less frenetic event. You’ve already broken the ice and having rekindled those connections reminds you you’re celebrating among friends. A Day Two BBQ, brunch or lunch can involve different guests again - or just mean you’re guaranteed to have enough time to chat with everyone.

Making it sustainable
Making it sustainable

All the evidence is couples are still aiming to look after the planet as they look to make their vows. In surveys on weddings trends for 2023 around 60% of respondents say they look favourably on a venue with a good green policy. While a similar number say they’re planning to involve sustainable elements in their big day.

From using local produce, British-grown flowers and sustainable wedding stationary to swerving single-use plastics, there are lots of eco-friendly things you – and your venue – can do.

Picking an alternative to cake
Picking an alternative to cake

A towering white wedding cake used to be a such a big part of the event. And for many these confections still are. But a growing wedding trend for 2023 is choosing an alternative to traditional cake. In fact around a quarter of couples are opting for something else entirely. It might be elegant millefoglie, a classy macaron tower or an artfully arranged stand of cupcakes.

Or perhaps you prefer cream puffs, cheesecake or frosted donuts. All can be turned into a show stopping central feature, or plated individually to stylish effect. Whichever you opt for the good news is a whole host of styles and flavours have replaced the classic fruit cake. And rightly so – it’s your big day, why not indulge in a cake you actually want?

Asking an expert
Asking an expert

A sizeable percentage of couples still like to use a wedding coordinator. It’s entirely understandable. When a venue has one of these experts, you can be assured someone with excellent contacts and local knowledge is in charge of ensuring your day aligns perfectly with your wishes. From photographers and florists to hairdressers, musicians and jewellers – they know just who to call on to more than match your needs.

Your 2023 wedding at the Great House
Your 2023 wedding at the Great House

Which is why, when we take all the wedding themes for 2023 into account, we think you’ll love to declare your love at the Great House. You’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience at our warmly-welcoming, historic hotel.

Flagstone floors and oak beams sit beside inglenook fireplaces and stone archways, creating an intimate, romantic feel. With 11 luxury bedrooms, it’s the perfect size for an exclusive use hire – an ideal place to transform into your very own, home-from-home wedding venue for the day or weekend.

The food is exceptional – we only use the freshest local produce, transformed into memorable menus by our talented team of chefs. With a wide range of food and drinks packages we can cater perfectly to most needs.

Great House wedding trends 2023
Great House wedding trends 2023

And we’re firmly on trend – grazing tables, BBQ Buffets, and Vintage Candy Carts are just some of the elements we can provide. As is everything from chair covers to resident DJs –we even have a specialist in-house wedding coordinator, so you can be sure you’re getting the best service around.

Great House wedding location 2023
Great House wedding location 2023

What’s more the Great House is in a delightful rural South Wales setting. There’s easy access to Cardiff and Swansea and we have the pretty seaside town of Porthcawl just 10 miles away. So we’re perfectly placed to deliver your perfect day.

Why not check out the Great House’s superb wedding packages in our Wedding Brochure today.