As the leading training company for wedding planners, stylists and designers, the Wedding Academy is well-placed to compile a report that pulls together all the trends we are seeing in the wedding industry.
As a proud contributor to the 2018 Wedding Trend Report, with images taken from my recent Modern Cuban Wedding styled photoshoot, I can contest that there are lots of new, exciting, and creative wedding trends appearing this year. The official report was launched last week (5th January). It includes contributions from over 50 of the world’s top wedding professionals. Each shared their insight into what is trending in weddings for the year ahead.
As a wedding photographer I felt it beneficial to share a few snippets of the report that may help pave the way for 2018 wedding photography trends. A few potential ‘trends’ have been taken directly from the report and written in my own hand.
Pre-Wedding Photoshoots
Google has recorded a huge spike over the last couple of months in keyword searches for ‘pre-wedding photoshoots’ worldwide. This trend began in Chinese and South Asian weddings, where it was quickly followed by the U.S. Not to be confused with the First Look, the pre-wedding photoshoot is images of the couple (and their bridal party) before their big day. This enables them to get lots of bridal portraits without impacting on their wedding day.
Reduction of Props
Brides + Grooms want more focus on themselves as a couple, rather than cramming lots of visual aids into the images. Gone are the days of vintage suitcases, excessive table décor, and elaborate favors. I love this. As a Fort Lauderdale wedding photographer, I enjoy taking the detail shots on the day of a wedding, but the most important factor on the day is the couple.
Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies
Not a new phenomenon, but couples are becoming more savvy with wanting their photographers to capture their guests reactions rather than a mobile device covering their faces. I have seen an increase in ceremonies with signage asking guests to turn off their mobiles. From a photographer’s perspective, this is good news. Hopefully we will have a clear view of the bride walking down the aisle rather than Aunt Maud’s iPhone.
Prints + Albums
I have been receiving more inquiries from couples asking about my print and album pricing. According to the report, this is a trend that is increasing. This will allow the couple to showcase their special day in print rather than reaching for the mouse and keyboard to view their images.
Fashion-Forward Couples
According to Phillip Van Nostrand, Owner of Phillipvn Photography, there’s a definite trend veering towards more fashion-forward photography. This means an opportunity for the photographer to create more magazine editorial images; clean, creative, and artistic. However, this could also impact those photographers, such as myself, that do not offer editorial-styled wedding images. Those of us that lean towards the more natural, candid wedding shots.
Lighting
Couples are becoming more aware of unique lighting opportunities for their wedding photography. I’ve had several informed brides that have requested the type of images they’d like to create with the available light in any given venue. This is anything from back lighting to romantic accent lighting during the reception. I recently shot a wedding at the Living Sculpture Sanctuary in Davie, where tikki lights and naked flames were the only available lighting. Tricky, but atmospheric.
Furry Friends
Pets. Big, small, feathered or fur. According to the Wedding Academy there will be an increase in including pets in ceremonies. I have captured many weddings, engagements (and family sessions) where the couple have brought their dogs and cats. The wedding industry has seen an increase in over 40% of clients asking if they can incorporate their beloved pet into their wedding album.
First Looks
Having worked in the UK and Australia, First Looks are not common-place, but are becoming more popular. First Looks are being included in wedding photography to enable the couple to be away from their guests for less time after their ceremony.
Photographer’s Becoming Trusted Advisors
This is my personal opinion. As part of my wedding photography packages I include a detailed photography timeline. What time I’ll arrive, what time the bride should dress, what time the bridal portraits commence etc. My role as a wedding photographer is becoming more important than ever. As well as the venue, the photographer is one of the first vendors the couple will book. Therefore, I am often asked to recommend event planners, florists, and even my favorite place for a honeymoon! On the day, the couple look to me for advice and guidance involving key timings on the day. Whilst I always work very closely with their event planner, my experience demonstrates that photographer’s are becoming more and more integral to the planning and execution of the day.
Dessert Bars
According to Sarah Pete Rizzi, Owner of Sincerely Pete + Wanderlust Wed Co, she is predicting that the traditional cake cutting will be out, and photographers can concentrate on capturing the dessert bars, which are being more requested.
