Conventional weddings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea and for couples looking to step away from formal traditions, there are an increasing number of unique and innovative ideas available to make the nuptials even more memorable. Here are Custard’s top quirky wedding trends to watch.
Intimate Weddings
Small weddings are back and continue to grow in popularity as more couples look for an intimate gathering with a few guests, typically less than 50, to share in their special celebrations. With 50% of couples financing their celebrations independently – wedding couples are focusing budgets on the areas most important to them – resulting in smaller scale ceremonies and receptions.
Top tip: Create bespoke intimate wedding packages to attract couples who are looking for a more intimate event. Smaller doesn’t have to mean less. In fact, it could bring about conversations about more bespoke wedding menus, drinks and experiences to make the couples feel just as special. Consider what other spaces in your venue you could utilise – this is a great opportunity to open up those F&B areas or large suites to build that unique and intimate experience.
Dog-Friendly Weddings
Venues are increasingly welcoming pets for the entire event not just the ceremony – unsurprising given that 21% Gen Z couples are already planning to include pets on their guests lists. With 31% of the UK now dog owners, this trend is set to continue. Hotels who are already dog friendly have begun offering special packages which include items such as welcome doggy treats, a canine concierge service, and dog-friendly dining options.
Top tip: Set yourself apart with a unique offering that takes you from a dog friendly venue, to a “dogs included” venue. Create add-on packages for dog owners to add to the wedding, for example, their own special wedding breakfast and cake, or hiring a special ‘dog sitter’ for the day to take them on a walk so the owners don’t need to worry. They will need to be considered and factored into the day from the moment the guests arrive to when they leave.
Weekday Weddings
2024 is the first year ever that more than half of weddings will not happen on a Saturday. With couples reportedly spending over a fifth less on Tuesday or Wednesday nuptials it’s no surprise that they are seeking alternative days.
Top tip: Put together appealing weekday packages that suit any size wedding – they need to feel just as special as weekend nuptials. For hotel-based weddings create an attractive overnight package for guests to turn a mid-week wedding attendance into a two-day staycation experience with activities from the hotel included, such as afternoon tea, spa treatments or private leisure club access. Keep it simple, but attractive for couples to say yes to a wedding outside the traditional weekend.
Pre-Wedding Packages
Special overnight and wedding morning packages for the wedding party are growing in popularity and demand as a part of weekend-long wedding enquiries. Beyond offering a ‘get ready room’ which 62% of couples already opt for, packages add a special touch of luxury for the wedding party to extend the wedding experience.
Top tip: Consider this an up-sell opportunity to extend the wedding experience and set you apart from other local venues. For example, consider offering pre-wedding stay packages in luxurious suites which include a private dining experience with bespoke drinks and cocktails, a personal butler for the wedding party as they get ready, or special brunch or breakfast options before the ceremony.
Unusual Venues
Couples looking to wow on their special days are known to look for the more unusual and unique venues for their big day including gothic architecture mysterious castles, zoos and even theatres. These might have that visual wow factor, or perhaps hold a personal significance for them, or are in locations that have been made famous by TV shows or movies.
Top tip: When your venue is well known, it can be beneficial to utilise this to your advantage as extra add-ons for wedding couples and their guests. If the venue was used for a TV series a mini tour be added to the drinks reception for guests to enjoy, or, more tourist attractions such as zoos can create bespoke experiences for wedding couples to capture their attention. Conversely, you’re not an unusual venue, consider an offering or package which falls outside of the realms of the ‘traditional wedding’.. Consider what sets you apart, and how you can utilise that year-round for consideration.
To find out more about building a wedding marketing and PR strategy for your venue, get in touch with the Custard team.
