2022 Wedding Trends
Out with the old, and in with the new …
Whilst there are definitely some repeating themes from the past two years, we are looking towards the new and the different in Bodleian Weddings. In fact, I am myself new – my name is Isi, and I have just joined the Bodleian team as an Events Assistant. I recently finished my job on the Isles of Scilly where I was making ice cream and living in a tent, so to be amongst the dreaming spires is a real scene change. I am so excited for all the weddings in the upcoming year, it will be a treat to be part of such an important day for so many.
So in keeping with my newness, and as our return to the blog in 2022, I thought I could showcase some new trends populating weddings in 2022, which might provide inspiration for your big day.
1. Very Peri
Pantone’s 2022 colour of the year is popping up everywhere in wedding decor, and rightly so – the ethereal mixture of blue and purple which creates Periwinkle can compliment classic weddings or equally be at home among rustic, whimsical themes. Pantone explain they chose ‘this happiest and warmest of all the blue hues’ because it displays ‘a carefree confidence and daring curiosity’, a transformative colour for transformative times. Periwinkle is complimented by natural greens, dusky blues and purples, and warm neutrals such as ivory or stone – this makes it a perfect partner for the stone walls of the Divinity School, as the fresh blue and the historic honey-coloured walls work in harmony. In 2022, why not add a pop of peri, be it in your bouquet, cake or ribbons round your flowers for an enchanting twinkle within your wedding colour scheme.
2. Cottage-core
Inspired by our simpler, more home-orientated lives over the past two years, many couples have turned away from classic formality and embraced a more natural, relaxed aesthetic. Cottage core focuses on evoking nostalgia, peacefulness and the wholesome purity of the outdoors. Blousy peonies, sweet daisies, quintessential roses – all these florals will evoke British pastoral bliss, and make beautiful dried bouquets, so you could continue the cottage core aesthetic beyond your wedding day. Why not add a flower meadow runner to your ceremony, as a twist on traditional ceremony flowers. Whilst often this theme is used in conjunction with natural settings, however I think the effusive sprays of flowers and soft details beautifully contrast with the majestic carved stone of the Bodleian.
3. It’s all in the details
We are seeing more and more couples featuring small personal details throughout their wedding – it is often an inexpensive and creative way to make your wedding more unique. Some ideas for this include: embroidery on the veil, a ribbon personalised with the couple’s name for the table settings or bride’s bouquet, quotes from song lyrics or books in clothing or stationary. It can be a great way to add humour to the day (see adorable dog intruder below), and are an inexpensive way to make your wedding memorable. As we move out of the pandemic, we have been reminded of what is important, and seen an increase in sentimentality over grandeur. If the Bodleian meant a lot to you as a student, you will find personal memories threaded throughout the venue, making it feel all the more precious.
Has this post provided any ideas for your big day? Are you swayed by the new trends, sticking with traditions, or blazing your own trail? At the Bodleian, we love to hear how you are going to make your wedding yours – and we work really hard, along with our accredited suppliers, to bring your perfect day to life.
We would love to talk to you about your wedding, show you round the venue and deliver your dream wedding. Please get in touch with us 01865 277191 or on weddings@bodleian.ox.ac.uk . Can’t wait to hear from you!
Love from the Bodleian Weddings Team x