As wedding season comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the weddings I’ve seen and the planners I’ve tutored over the years. Each experience has been so different, yet each one required meticulous planning and coordination. 

But does 2022 have the same things in store for wedding planners? I’ve encountered this question several times in my mentorship sessions and decided to address it today. 

If you’re afraid of becoming a bridezilla or need some brushing up on the latest wedding trends, how about I paint the wedding scenario of 2022 for you so that you can nip your fears in the bud and enjoy this process? 

Let’s dive in to see what 2022 will bring to the table for wedding planners and to-be couples! 

Trends in Wedding Planning for 2022

2022 is shaping up to be a massive year for weddings, with over 2.4 million people deciding to tie the knot after years of postponed nuptials. Here are some of the top trends we’re seeing in wedding planning for 2022:

• Intimate weddings are back in style. After a year of large weddings being put on hold, I’ve noticed that the majority of couples are opting for more intimate affairs with close family and friends.
• Destination weddings are also making a comeback. With many people looking to travel again after 2-3 years of being stuck at home, destination weddings are becoming popular once again.
• Eco-friendly weddings are on the rise. As more couples become conscious of the environment, they are looking for ways to make their weddings more sustainable.
• Technology is playing a bigger role in weddings. From virtual wedding planning to live streaming the big day, technology is helping couples make their weddings unique.
• Weddings are becoming more personalized. With couples wanting to put their stamp on their big day, we see more personalized weddings that reflect the couple’s personality and style. An average couple hires 14 vendors to pull off a successful and happy event – along come the fears and mismanagement glitches. 

Stats confirm that 2022 US weddings are set to be personalized, intimate, and more-than-ever focused on the guest experience. If couples want to ensure a good event, they need help from reputable wedding planners and other businesses that won’t bail on them at the last minute. 

How are Wedding Professionals Adapting to Planning-Related Changes?

As the wedding industry gears up for another busy season, professionals are taking note of the challenges that have arisen in recent years and are making changes to address them. One of the biggest challenges facing weddings today is the increased focus on personalized guest experiences and top-notch services. This has led to a need for more planning and coordination on the part of wedding professionals.

To meet the demands of today’s weddings, many professionals are turning to new technologies and services that can help them plan and execute flawlessly. Wedding planning software is one example of how technology is used to streamline the planning process. This type of software allows users to keep track of their wedding details, from guest lists and RSVPs to budgeting and vendor contracts.

Another trend that is becoming increasingly popular (more than before) is the use of wedding planners. While many couples chose to plan their own weddings in the past, today, more and more are opting to hire a professional to help them with the logistics. This is especially true for couples who are planning destination weddings or those who have a large number of guests.

As the demand for higher levels of service and more personalized experiences continues to grow, wedding professionals will need to continue to adapt and evolve. By staying ahead of the trends and keeping up with the latest technologies, they can ensure that they are providing their clients with promised services.

What do These Changes Mean for Couples Getting Married in 2022?

The above-listed trends and changes in wedding planning mean that couples getting married in 2022 will have to be more flexible and adaptable. With so many weddings being postponed or canceled due to the pandemic, there is no sure shot telling what the landscape of weddings will look like in 2022. Couples should be prepared for anything, from smaller ceremonies to eloping altogether (just kidding). Whatever the case may be, the most important thing is that the couple can adapt and still have their dream wedding. Speaking from a planner’s perspective, I know that the more nitty-gritty details my clients focus on, the harder my team and I have to work. But at the end of the day, it’s all about happy clients and wedding services that help newlyweds enjoy their day. 

How Will the Post-COVID Life Change Weddings in 2022?

COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, including weddings. Many couples have had to postpone or cancel their wedding plans due to the pandemic. As we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and vaccines become more widely available, weddings are starting to make a comeback. But what will weddings look like in 2022?

There will likely be a big trend towards smaller, more intimate weddings. Many couples have had to downsize their guest list due to pandemic-related restrictions. This change seems to continue into 2022 as couples prefer to err on the side of caution and wish to make their events safer. Although public health and pandemic-related challenges aren’t as severe in 2022 (thanks to vaccines), there’ll still be a tinge of safety precautions in upcoming events. 

We’re also seeing couples inclining towards more customized outdoor weddings instead of pre-made venues. With social distancing still a concern for many, hosting an outdoor wedding allows guests to spread out and feel more comfortable. Sure, outdoor weddings sound dreamy, but they bring along some challenges that keep wedding planners on their toes the whole time. You better onboard someone reliable! 

Another significant trend we’re seeing is a shift towards DIY weddings. With so many couples having to cancel or postpone their plans, many are taking matters into their own hands and planning DIY weddings. This trend is likely to continue into 2022 as couples want to save money and get creative with their wedding plans.

What Fears do Brides Have When Planning Their Big Day?

For brides, the wedding planning process is a time of stress and anxiety. There are so many important decisions, and it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the most common fears is that something will go wrong on the big day. Will the photographer arrive on time? What if the flowers are wilted? What if the cake collapses? Will the caterer be able to provide the food you want? What if the band cancels? And the list goes on. 

Now, given the predicted wedding scenario of 2022, extensive planning is the only thing that can save you from these glitches. If you start planning your wedding well before time, you’ll have enough margin to shortlist and test reputable vendors in all service categories. From caterers to venue decorators, you can’t make do with average services providers. 

Therefore, to help ease your fears, it is essential to research, investigate, and hire reputable vendors who you can trust. By taking the time to plan, you can help ensure that your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

What can Wedding Planners do in 2022 to Tackle Bride-to-bes’ Fears?

When it comes to wedding planning, fear is often a bride’s constant companion. But just as fear can cripple your happiness, you can also overcome it with effective planning. The best way for wedding planners to provide their clients with the best services is by being over-prepped and attentive. 

Now, I know every wedding is different, and you can’t have two options in everything, but if you communicate with the anxiously happy couple, you can know their concerns better. Once you know what your client expects, you can draw an event accordingly and manage it without exceeding the budget or overburdening your team. 

Summing Up

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, one thing remains certain: love will continue to find a way. In spite of the challenges of 2020-2021, couples across the globe have persevered, and as a result, 2022 is shaping up to be a banner year for weddings. After a haul of postponed nuptials, brides are ready to walk down the aisle and say, “I do.” 

And while the thought of planning a wedding may be daunting, there are multiple resources available to help make the process as smooth as possible. From wedding planners to catering companies, there are plenty of vendors eager to help turn your special day into a reality. 

So if you’re planning on getting married in 2022, start your search for credible vendors today. With their help, you can make your life-changing day everything you’ve ever dreamed of. I wish you luck!