Top 9 Wedding Trends in Australia in 2023

As we step into the year 2023, Australian weddings are embracing a fresh wave of trends that redefine traditional notions of romance and celebration. From vibrant floral arrangements to intimate ceremonies, couples are infusing their special day with a more joyful and casual touch that reflects their values and prioritises their relationship.

In this blog post, I have shared the top ten trends I’ve noticed in Australian weddings this year, take it or leave it, its a thing!

TOP 9 weddings trends in 2023

1. BOLD AND VIBRANT FLORAL DESIGNS

One of the prominent trends in 2023 is the use of bright florals in loud colors, vivid pastel tones, and contrasting shades reminiscent of spring. Couples are opting for sculptural and unique flora that resembles works of art. These eye-catching arrangements bring rich bursts of color to the wedding photos, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

*Red and Pink bright floral suspended arrangement*

*Bright popping florals in sculptural forms*

2. CASUAL AND MOVEMENT-BASED PHOTOSHOOTS

We are WELL past the days of stiff and posed wedding photos but now even the more intense emotional photos are being dropped in lieu of LAUGHS.
In 2023, couples are embracing a more relaxed and spontaneous approach to their photoshoots. Candid moments of walking, popping booties, and talking trash is their priority. People want snaps that capture the essence of joy and authenticity that is the actual feeling of getting married, right? This trend is lovely, it focuses on genuine emotions resulting in memorable snapshots that remind you of the feelings, not just how it looked.

3. ARTISTIC AND LOFI PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES

Photography trends in 2023 veer towards a more artistic and lofi aesthetic. Couples are opting for photographers who utilize techniques such as polaroid cameras, blurring, out-of-focus images, and old-school film cameras. Slow shutter speeds capture movement and add a touch of nostalgia. Its the absense of perfection that feels cool and mysterious and that, my friends, is MOOD. When a photographer can already take ‘the perfect’ image the only place to then go is ‘artistic’.

*Slow shutter speeds and grainy crooked images have a movement that evokes emotion. But it has to be done in the right way.*

*“incorrect” focus can actually be an intentional way of creating nostalgia*

4. REGISTRY OFFICE, ELOPEMENTS AND MICRO WEDDINGS

Eloping at a registry office or with just a few BFFs has become a popular choice for couples seeking an intimate and inexpensive wedding experience. With a lot less emotional and financial pressure the couple can focus on what matters to them – their vows & their outfits! Usually they then embark on a casual street walk, resembling a local fun date, with just the two of them. This trend allows couples to focus on their connection and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and often unconventional setting.

*Just 12 friends can attend your ceremony at Rebel Rebel Chapel in Perth City.*

5. BRIDAL PARTY / ENTOURAGE-FREE WEDDINGS

In 2023, many couples are opting for no bridesmaids or groomsmen, simplifying the planning process and reducing expenses. By eliminating the need for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and additional floral arrangements, the focus shifts entirely to the couple and their photo session. This trend allows for a more intimate and stress-free celebration.

*No extras. Just you, in your zone, getting all your photos.*

*No bridal party during your photoshoot can ease the self consciousness.*

6. SHORT AND LAID-BACK PORTRAIT SESSIONS

Gone are the days of extensive and time-consuming portrait sessions. Couples in 2023 prefer to keep it simple and laid-back, opting for a shorter session in a single location. This trend ensures that the couple captures all the essential shots in just half an hour, allowing them to spend more time enjoying their special day with loved ones.

*Some couples just want to walk into their backyard or down the street for a very laid back quick moment for portraits.*

7. FUN FASHION ACCESSORIES

Wedding fashion is taking a playful turn in 2023, with couples incorporating fun and unconventional accessories into their ensembles. Heart-shaped glasses, attention-grabbing bouquets, stylish hats, and cute short veils have become popular choices. This trend brings a party-like atmosphere to the wedding, exuding a sense of joy and playfulness.
This trend is also entering the bride’s fashion, whether it be a more unique and fun handbag or more exaggerated sleeves on the dress, its great to see this creativity and expression coming into the gowns.

*Heart shaped, bejewelled and generally FUN sunnies work well with the full sun happy wedding photos that are all the rage.*

8. WEDDINGS AFTER STARTING A FAMILY

After the postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples got on with the making of little people and left their wedding til things felt more secure to go ahead. In 2023, I’ve had a surge of weddings where one or two children are involved, often making the cutest flower children or ring bearers. This trend is a choice not a fashion of course! But I’m loving the ‘family wedding vibe’ that has come about. It has created a shift in where the couple wants their photography focus to be, its also now about creating beautiful moments with their kids.

*Once you have kids the focus of the photoshoot can really be gorgeous family portraits*

*Often the little bridal party members steal the show.*

9. SMALL CEREMONY, BIG RECEPTION

A trend gaining momentum in 2023 is the concept of having an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, followed by a larger reception at a separate venue. Couples can exchange vows in an intimate setting, allowing for vulnerability and personal connections. After the ceremony and portrait photos, everyone gathers for a grand celebration, combining the best of both worlds.

*A small ceremony at the Perth Registry Office before their reception party.*

*All the formal stuff is done, now just drinks and dancing with friends.*

My Conclusion

Each year I see trends come and go in wedding photography. I’m here for it all but I definitely embrace some more than others. I love the ones that are about values and your individual relationship and priorities. Others are fun, but I just love when a couple are choosing things that are true reflections of themselves.
I’m really enjoying the joyful, relaxed, genuine and minimalist aspects in many of these trends as I get a kick out of shooting them and, moreover I see couples having a really fun day.