Wedding Planners List Their Top Wedding Trends For 2022

As 2021 comes to an end, both newly engaged couples and those whose weddings may have been postponed due to COVID-19 are looking forward to a new year of planning and celebrating. And while many of the more strict initial restrictions of the pandemic have been lifted across the country, many wedding planners say the small ceremonies, reduced guestlists and intimate celebrations of the last two years remain popular with couples planning their weddings for the months to come. Below, we asked four Canadian wedding planners to detail their top wedding trends for 2022, from laid-back parties and small-scale ceremonies to luxury tablescapes and intricate florals:

Dianna Savelli, Amavi Event Planning and Design: "The top trend I'm seeing going into weddings for the 2022 season is couples continuing to curate their guestlists for more intimate affairs. And with that in mind, we're also seeing couples buck tradition to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their guests. With the limitations of 2020 opening the door to more intimate and laid-back weddings, it also started the ball rolling for couples to start thinking outside the box to find ways of giving their closest loved ones an element of excitement that transcends what would usually be seen at a 'traditional' wedding. Going into 2022, it's about so much more than just incorporating statement details like over-the-top florals or luxury table scapes; instead, couples are looking for ways to give their guests a multi-sensory experience by going beyond the usual meticulously selected colour palettes and florals, and including elements such as cleverly combined textures, signature scents, and interactive entertainment like themed bars and live-cooking stations to serve up personalized cocktails and menus that speak to the couple's unique love story."

Caitlin Gray, Gray Weddings & Events: "Despite COVID-19 restrictions lessening, couples are still inclined to have smaller-scale celebrations and are making guest experience a priority. In addition, neon signs look like they're still going to be a popular piece to have as a reception focal point, whether as a head table or photobooth backdrop! Finally, couples are looking at having ceiling installations such as hanging greenery/foliage or cafe lights as a way to make spaces of any size feel more intimate."

Rainbow Chan, Rainbow Chan Weddings: "I would say that small weddings have taken off due to pandemic restrictions, and the trend is here to stay. With a reduced guest list comes a smaller ceremony set-up, meal, bar, and cake, creating many benefits for couples, including less financial strain and less stress overall. Couples can also elevate their menu and beverage selections to the premium level.  A smaller headcount often paves the way for more purposeful investment in unique design elements, an elevated culinary experience, a more adventurous destination selection, and above all, a focus on meaningful time spent in the company of loved ones. There are more budget for more customized details such as intricate wow-worthy invitations, guest gifting surprises throughout the wedding weekend, and craft beverage selections."

Maria Commisso, Le Love Events: "One thing the pandemic has provided us with is the opportunity to embrace the outdoors and appreciate all of nature's beauty. Earthy and neutral colours will definitely emerge as a wedding trend for 2022. Couples are beginning to move away from the standard whites and pastels and are combining rich colours and warm hues such as burgundy, dusty rose and burnt orange. From stationery and bridesmaids' dresses to floral and decor, this colour palette is beautiful all year round and will help to create a natural and organic aesthetic! We are obsessed!"