2024 Wedding Trends: Best Advice from Wedding Venues and Planners

If you’re involved in a wedding this year – be it as a bride, groom, planner or supplier – you won’t want to miss our feature on 2024 wedding trends. We’ve hand-picked a group of experts whom work with, or for, venues within our portfolio, to get their advice on how to plan a wedding experience to remember in 2024.

From the predicted colour palettes of the year to the best wedding dates in 2024. We asked the wedding planning experts for their thoughts on 2024 wedding themes and when to start the wedding planning process.

Thanks to wedding planners Emma from Emma Jane Weddings and Leah from Leah the Wedding Planner (and bride-to-be), and to our exquisite venues, Amie Murphy, Business Development and Marketing Manager from {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, Emily Moss, Events Manager from the RAF Club, and Inga Mikusauskiene, Events Manager from the Lansdowne Club.

2024 Wedding trends 

What are the 2024 wedding trend colours going to be?

Emma: ‘We’ll likely continue to see a growing trend in brighter, more colourful palettes as couples move away from the ‘white, blush pink and green’ template.’

Amie: ‘We love seeing the highly anticipated Pantone colour of the year. This year is Peach Fuzz which is a gorgeous shade between pink and orange.’

Leah: ‘Pale pink, peach, oranges and bright colours.’

Emily: ‘I expect we will see a surge in light colour palettes this year following Pantone’s colour of the year Peach Fuzz, that brings a feeling of tenderness. With blush weddings and classic navy being expected to dominate, I imagine we will see many weddings with a light, elegant and traditional aesthetic.’

Inga: ‘The influence from Barbie is likely to continue, with pinks of all shades and plentiful flowers.’  So, experts predict that Pantone’s Colour of the Year will make a huge impact on weddings this year. With the wedding experts all agreeing delicate colours like peach, pink, and orange will be popular 2024 wedding trend colours. We believe this choice is beautiful and can be emphasised with stunning florals throughout the wedding ceremony and reception.

Any other 2024 wedding trends you’ve noticed?

The Lansdowne Club share their expertise avdice about 2024 wedding trends
Weddings at The Lansdowne Club

Emma: ‘Some of the most interesting trends we’ve spotted on Instagram lately include vegetables as part of the table flowers, wedding day content creators and an increase in quirky hand-painted or drawn stationery styles.’

Leah: ‘Long sleeve, long train dresses with longer veils with embroidery. Textured materials for wedding gowns are becoming more popular as well as the grooms adding more pizzazz to their tux or lapels with florals or a two-tone, textured jacket.’

Inga: ‘Wedding weekends, with couples extending the festivities over multiple days, wedding wardrobes, because multi-day celebrations mean multiple outfit changes, wedding cake meadows, with living flower cake displays and Champagne towers, because everything old is now new again!’

Emily: ‘There has already been a strong environmental focus emerging for 2024, couples are incorporating sustainable elements, with eco-friendly décor and locally sourced florals.’

Amie: ‘We’re seeing lots of our couples choose to reduce their guests list and have more intimate wedding celebrations.’

What are the best dates and seasons to get married in 2024?

EmmaJane Camilla Frankies London Wedding at Clapton Country Club planned by Emma Jane Weddings photos by Emmylou Kelly
EmmaJane Weddings – Image Credit: Emmylou Kelly

Inga: ‘Based on the enquiries and bookings we’ve already had, Autumn is emerging as the most popular season. The prolonged fine weather and the comfortable temperatures, which are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions as well as, of course, the photographs.’

Emma: ‘Unlike previous years, 2024 is seeing suppliers receive more last-minute bookings which leads us to think that the autumn/winter period might be unexpectedly busy.’

Emily: ‘Especially in London, we anticipate more autumn weddings this year. London’s charm is heightened by the warm autumnal tones.’

2024 is the year of Autumnal weddings! With the peach colour themes and Autumnal Westminster backdrops predicted by our expert wedding planners, we’re predicting a lot of truly magical weddings!

2024 Wedding Planning Trends

What’s the first step in planning a wedding?

Leah: ‘Setting a budget! Set your budget for a venue and what you’d like to be included in a package for your guests.’

Amie: ‘It’s all about research – taking the time to look over a venue’s website, social media channels and request for further information about costs and availability before booking in that all-important venue viewing.’

Emily: ‘The first step in finding the perfect wedding venue is defining your vision and priorities. Whether it’s a grand ballroom or intimate garden setting, clarifying your preferences sets the tone for a focused search tailored to your dream celebration.’

How far in advance should I start planning my wedding?

Inga: ‘Post-pandemic, we’ve noticed shorter lead times for weddings – more like 6-12 months, as opposed to two years.’

Emma: ‘If you’re open to various venues and flexible with your supplier choices, you can still plan a wedding within 12 months.’

Amie: ‘People are usually looking 12 – 18 months ahead of time. But we do find that for city weddings lead times can be shorter.’

How many times should I see my wedding venue?

Wedding ceremony in {10-11} Carlton House Terrace and 2024 wedding trend predictions
Wedding ceremony in {10-11} Carlton House Terrace.

Amie: ‘Usually, our couples visit the venue once. But depending on who is involved in the planning, I would say two visits would be sufficient.’

Emily: ‘I would advise that couples visit their potential wedding venue twice to see the space in different lights and ensure they are confident in their decision.’

Inga: ‘Hopefully, it’s love at first sight! One thing we would recommend is that it’s always good to pay a return visit when the space has actually been set up for another wedding, to give you more of an idea of how the room could look.’

What are your top tips to avoid mistakes?

 Emma: ‘There is absolutely no need to book something for your wedding day just because ‘it’s what other people do’ or for the sake of tradition. Don’t want to hold a bouquet when walking down the aisle? Don’t bother! Not a fan of cake? Your guests won’t miss it, I promise.’

Leah: ‘A lot of couples put other people’s opinions before their own and forget this is their special day. Do what you want to do and wear what you want to wear!’

Emily: ‘A common oversight in wedding planning is underestimating transportation logistics. Account for travel times between venues, especially in London, to ensure a seamless flow and avoid unnecessary stress.’

2024 Westminster Wedding Venue Trends

How can you create special moments in Westminster wedding venues?

 Leah: ‘As a northerner, I’d say don’t miss out on all the iconic London architecture and scenery. There are so many unique photo opportunities to get in London and listen to your photographer. They know the best spots, lighting and techniques to help you remember your perfect day.’

Amie: ‘Our couples LOVE to plan for a picture on The Mall. Usually with a black London taxi in the background to capture a quintessentially London moment.’

Weddings at The Royal Air Force Club
Weddings at The Royal Air Force Club. Credit: Sophie Cass

How can we make our Westminster wedding day to remember?

Emily: ‘For a distinctive Westminster wedding, draw inspiration from the regal surroundings and opt for a theme centred around British elegance. Incorporate classic elements like fine China, ornate candelabras, and floral arrangements inspired by traditional English gardens for a timeless celebration.’

Inga: ‘Why not have your photo taken in a ubiquitous red telephone box? If your wedding ceremony is taking place elsewhere, transporting your guests aboard a traditional double-decker red bus is a fun way to take in the London landmarks along the way.’

Wedding Venues in Westminster

Westminster Venue Collection members know a thing or two about hosting fabulous nuptials, with dozens of our wedding venues boasting some of the best spaces in the capital. If you’re looking for a central Westminster wedding venue for your big day, use our enquiry form to narrow down your search for the perfect venue.

Our contributors

Many thanks to:

 

Imperial Venues Launches New Wedding Brochure

Imperial Venues has launched a new wedding brochure for its ceremony and reception venues in South Kensington.

With two historic townhouses, which are both licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, along with large and modern event spaces, Imperial is the perfect choice for couples looking to get married in central London.

The brochure’s stylish design benefits from beautiful venue photography, updated reception packages and additional venue information, helping couples to choose the right space for their big day.

Ceremony and reception packages are available at 170 Queen’s Gate and 58 Prince’s Gate, Imperial’s historic townhouses, both of which benefit from private outdoor spaces. Reception only packages are available in the Queen’s Tower Rooms, ideal for larger parties.

For more information about weddings at Imperial or to download the brochure, please visit the Imperial Venues website or contact a wedding expert on 020 7594 9494.

116 Pall Mall to host wedding showcase this Sunday

116 Pall Mall will open its doors to brides and grooms to be as it showcases its pristine wedding services in a special event taking place this coming Sunday 3rd November 2013.

Meet more than 40 of the most respected wedding suppliers in London, participate in interactive wedding workshops and have fun watching a couture bridal fashion show while you taste wine and enjoy complimentary food. Explore the facilities of this stunning central London venue before taking advantage of a personal consultation with a member of 116 Pall Mall’s wedding and events team.

All guests can participate in prize draws and a competition to win 50% off the hire cost of 116 Pall Mall for a wedding, as well as taking advantage of special offers exclusively available on the day. With guaranteed exclusive use at weekends, 116 Pall Mall provides a unique and memorable setting for civil ceremonies and receptions.

116 Pall Mall features eight magnificent and individually designed function rooms with capacity for up to 400 people. Its grand and ornate staircase and adjoining gardens are the perfect backdrop for photos in the heart of St James. The stunning architecture and beautifully decorated rooms all receive natural daylight and are fully air conditioned.

To register your attendance click here.

Royal College of Surgeons to host High Tea venue showcase

Event professionals can experience the charm and impressive room portfolio of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) on 30 July, at an exclusive open day at the Lincoln’s Inn Fields meeting, events and wedding venue.

The RCS venue team will welcome event professionals to tour its magnificent 18th century spaces for hire, while catering partner Ampersand delights with delicious homemade lemonade, a Holborn high tea and a selection of other sample dishes. The venue and AV teams will also be available throughout the afternoon to chat with attendees.

‘When you think of The Royal College of Surgeons, you automatically think surgeons and dentists, with “event venue” rarely coming to mind. We are looking forward to opening our doors to new and existing bookers and showing them the huge variety of versatile space we have available for all types of events,’ says Emma Hayes, business development coordinator at RCS.

RCS has played host to both corporate and private events for 20 years and has three rooms licensed for wedding ceremonies. Centrally located on Lincoln’s Inn Fields, within short walking distance of Covent Garden and Holborn, RCS has a great variety of space, whether it’s the unique Hunterian Museum of Anatomy, with its fascinating display of surgical history, to the impressive Edward Lumley Hall for up to 300 guests, with dance floor and stage.

Places are limited, so register your attendance by contacting Emma Hayes on 020 786 96745 or by email at [email protected].

Royal Warrant of Appointment for weddings at RIBA

A Royal Warrant of Appointment to The Queen has this month been awarded to The RIBA’s caterer Ampersand, part of CH&Co, to recognise its outstanding services as a caterer.

The RIBA has just launched its new 2013 wedding packages with Silver, Gold and Platinum options which are just the ticket for brides wanting to be treated like royalty.

Speaking of the Royal Warrant, Maria Langshaw, venue marketing manager for The RIBA, said: “Our service and catering at the RIBA have always received lots of compliments and this is an amazing tribute to Ampersand and CH&Co’s dedication to quality.”

The RIBA is the perfect venue for a London wedding with its richly decorated interiors and craftsmanship, vast floor to ceiling windows and a sunny terrace, ideal for champagne receptions. It is licensed for civil ceremonies.

Call 020 7307 3888 or email [email protected] for availability for your own elegant London wedding.

Choosing the perfect wedding venue

By Erika Unbehaun, Flutterfly Events

The most exciting and rewarding part of planning an event is seeing everything come together on the day. One of the most challenging parts of planning a wedding is finding the right venue. You should decide what type of venue you want before drawing up a shortlist. Some popular types of venues in the UK are historic building, hotels, museums and marquees – each bringing different experiences, rules, and regulations.

Before embarking on your venue hunt create a checklist with the following questions and take them along with you:

Questions for the venue:

  • What’s the hire period? Can we get a late license?
  • Do we have exclusive use of the venue?
  • Can I bring my own suppliers or do you have a preferred supplier list?
  • Are there any restrictions on food and beverage?
  • Any noise restrictions?
  • Do I need to hire a dance floor?
  • Are tables, chairs, linen and tableware included in the fee?
  • Can we bring our own alcohol?
  • Is there onsite parking?
  • Are you handicap accessible?
  • Can you accommodate children?
  • Are candles allowed?
  • Do we have a private events entrance?
  • Is there a cloakroom?  Is it staffed?
  • Is there a room for the bride to get ready in if required?
  • Do you have overnight accommodation?
  • Is a food tasting included?
  • Can I store supplies at the venue the day before and after the event?
  • Is VAT included in the price?
  • Is staff gratuity included?
  • What time can I arrive on site to set up?

Top Tips: Historic Wedding Venue

  • Make sure you’re aware of any restrictions. Many historic venues don’t allow open flames, chocolate fountains, ice luges, confetti or certain entertainment, due to risk of damage.
  • While the hire fee may be more for a historic venue, the decoration costs tend to be lower because the interior is grand and ornate.
  • Many historic venues have elaborate colour schemes so plan your colour theme around the venue to avoid any clashes.
  • Ask the venue manager which rooms you’ll have access to on the wedding day. While you might have exclusive hire of the venue, one or two rooms might be off-limits.

Top Tips: Hotel Wedding Venue

  • Hotels make for great events but they don’t offer exclusive hire and you may bump into hotel guests. Ask the venue manager where you’re allowed to take photographers both indoors and outdoors. When looking outdoors, does this provide a nice backdrop?
  • Will you and your guests have a private entrance and exit so you don’t see hotel guests?
  • Ask the hotel if they have ever scheduled two weddings on the same day.

Top Tips: Museum Wedding Venue

  • Ask the event manager about any limitations such as open flames, music, entertainment, alcohol and flowers. Museums carry heavy restrictions as risk of damage can be high.
  • Find out when you have access to the venue. Most museums are open to the public until 6pm which means you cannot access the building until 6-6.30pm.
  • Due to short turnaround times from closing the museum to the public to opening the doors to a private event, museums have a strict policy on which vendors can work there. Book your museum venue first before hiring any vendors

Top Tips: Marquee Wedding Venue

  • Is there a cark park nearby and a walkway for guests to access to the marquee?
  • Seriously consider hiring a generator to help power the caterering equipment, band equipment and toilets.
  • Hire security to keep an eye on the marquee the evening before the event. The fees for the security staff are miniscule in comparison to the damage that can be done.

Once you’re ready to book a venue you need to be confident and happy with the staff, hire period, access times and catering services.  If possible, try to have a food tasting before signing the contract so you’re not tied in to a caterer you’re not satisfied with.  The worst that will happen is you pay for the food tasting. Get everything in writing and enjoy your day!

 www.flutterflyevents.com

Exceeding Expectations…

By Melissa Morris, Chandos House

From the moment she gets engaged, every bride’s childhood fantasy becomes a reality and all the possibilities of her dream wedding are within her grasp. Her thoughts become occupied with what dress she’ll wear, where the wedding will take place and what song she’ll choose for her first dance as a married woman.

As a wedding or event planner, it’s important to deliver every detail that the bride wants, but in this modern world where we want everything just so and right now, and where brides expect their day to be truly magical, how can wedding planners exceed their expectations?

Most brides who enlist the help of a wedding planner do so to relieve the stress and anxiety of the huge task of researching, organising and implementing their big day. One of the most important factors to a bride is to have a wedding planner who listens to her desires to make them a reality. As a wedding planner it is essential to thoroughly research any requirements the bride has and provide her with a selection of options so that she can see a range of what’s available. Providing too many choices is just as inadequate as providing too few; the bride could feel overwhelmed or not have the time to consider a multitude of options. If a bride wants to get married in a stately home for example, choose three or four that are within her budget and comprise any other requirements that she would like and present these to her with images, prices, menu possibilities and available dates.

It’s also imperative to provide the bride with everything she wants within the limits of her budget. Although every bride wants her day to be special, it’s no good suggesting dresses and venues that are way out of her budget and that will potentially make her feel like she can’t afford the best. Researching as many options as possible and choosing a select few that you think the bride will love is certain to make her feel special and as though you have considered her needs and personality, rather than choosing the same options you would present to any bride.

When trying to exceed a bride’s expectation of the service you’re providing, another crucial factor to consider is communication. Every bride wants to feel like her wedding planner understands her needs and is doing everything she can to make them a reality. If a bride knows what’s happening with every aspect of her wedding then her anxiety is reduced, which is one of the main roles of a wedding planner in the first place. Wedding planners can go a step further and ensure that they have a connection with a member of the bridal party, typically a bridesmaid, meaning that should a minor issue arise or if they have key information to pass onto the bride, they can let the bridesmaid know first. The bride doesn’t need to know every little detail of what’s been said to who or any concerns that may crop up on the day; she only needs to know where you are with each key aspect and in complete control.

Finally, when planning a wedding, remember to always keep your cool and remain as enthusiastic about each bride’s big day as you would your own. To most women, this is the biggest day of their life, and as long as you are showing each bride that you understand this, she’ll feel like you are exceeding her expectations.

The events team at Chandos House is very used to working closely with Wedding Planners  and together we will ensure the success of  your Wedding Day.

www.chandoshouse.co.uk