The Top 7 2023 Destination Wedding Trends

Let’s explore the top 7 trends for destination weddings in 2023! From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, these trends are sure to inspire you and help you plan the perfect celebration. let’s dive into the world of destination weddings and see what’s hot for 2023!

1.   Plan EXTRA EARLY:  

Before the pandemic, it was not unheard of for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block only 12 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are finding resort and venue spaces fully booked for dates they originally wanted. In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which also drive up prices. Couples are now looking at least 15 months out in order to get the room inventory & pricing that they need.  

BOTTOM LINE:  The sooner you can discover the destination, venue, and resort you want for your destination wedding, and the sooner you reserve your date, the better!  

2.  Toes NOT in The Sand

In 2023, brides are looking to get married in an “IG worthy” location with a breathtaking backdrop. They DON’T want their feet in the sand. Many destination wedding venues have picked up on this trend and are now putting in beautiful above-the-sand platforms, garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos which are growing in popularity.

3.  Exclusive Private Experiences:

In 2023 couples are looking to do private & intimate experiences with their wedding groups, such as private welcome parties the night of their guest’s arrival complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group. Couples are scheduling events such as fire shows, beach parties and bonfires, tequila or rum tasting, and even a private tour or excursion for just your wedding group.

4. Over The Water Ceremonies!  

Like I said before, more and more wedding couples don’t want their feet in the sand, but they still want beautiful views. One of the best ways to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony.  Many resorts now contain wedding venues that are built over the water. This not only gives the normal amazing view but also adds a 3-dimensional beauty to the ceremony.

  5.  Focus on Incorporating Cultural Traditions: 

Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination wedding experience for both them and their guests!  Today’s couples want to do more than just have a “wedcation” they want to give their entire wedding group an authentic experience from the location they have chosen for their destination wedding!

 6. Including Local Cuisine & Cocktails:

Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding, couples are including local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding events. In Mexico, there is a special liquor called Mezcal. Couples hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location they are getting married in. They may also include some type of authentic delicacy on their menu.  

7. Consulting with a Destination Wedding Expert

In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding. Planning a destination wedding alone can become overwhelming and time-consuming for couples who are working, finishing school, starting their family, buying a home, and most importantly finding time for each other!

Today's couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planned right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off of their plate!

The top 7 trends for destination weddings in 2023 offer couples exciting and personalized ways to celebrate their love. By incorporating these trends into their planning, couples can create a memorable wedding for everyone involved to look back on! With these trends as inspiration, couples can plan their dream destination wedding with ease.

 If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 30-minute consulting session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing & trendy destination wedding!