Staying Ahead of the Curve with Trend Hunting
Trends in the wedding industry are constantly evolving, but so are the couples wanting bigger, more showstopping experiences for their big day. As the pros, it’s our responsibility not only to anticipate the next best thing but to stay inspired for our clients. Better yet, trend hunting is the perfect way to keep things fresh and current (and one step ahead of your competition).
Trend timing
We aren’t psychics — nailing down the timing of trends can be tricky. However, there are always going to be predictors that can help position you as a mind reader to prospective clients, and the secret often lies in seasonality. Certain colors, patterns, and florals will be more popular during autumn as opposed to summer themes, and vice versa. If you want to switch it up and go unexpected, it can be as easy as going for elements that bring brightness to the colder months or even moodiness to a June wedding.
The Pantone Color of the Year is a great example of how influence plays into what’s trending. Similarly, Fashion Week and annual trend reports are perfect for showcasing trends that might be cyclical or have new twists on old favorites. These typically come into the fold later in the year so that you can plan ahead for next year’s wedding season.
Finding your inspiration sources
Social media will continue to be the go-to for trend sourcing. Being active on Pinterest, Instagram, and now TikTok is going to be your best bet; I recommend keeping a close eye on your fellow pros who inspire you the most! Just as you should admire those in your own niche, it’s equally crucial to watch those in different specialties. Bookmark anything that stands out to you to save for 2025.
Additionally, attending industry conferences such as Wedding MBA is a wonderful investment to see what your colleagues are doing. Walk the tradeshow floor and take a look at new tech or samples of what other pros are offering for the coming year. Making connections and seeing things from a different lens can help you out of your comfort zone.
Planning for the future
Determining staying power for trends will also be key here as you plan ahead to forecast what couples may be asking for in the coming year. The great news is that trends are always open to interpretation and experimentation, so something that you might’ve seen a few times before can easily be personalized in exciting ways. Be wary of anything that could potentially be a fad that won’t stick around for long — you and your couple will want the wedding photos to age well!
Be sure to also keep your imaging updated and remove anything that’s long outdated. Having a portfolio is important, yes, but anything too old on your website or social media may be hurting you more than helping. Prospects only take a few minutes (sometimes seconds) to browse your aesthetic to see if it matches theirs, so make your photos diverse and switch up your look.
Remember, you don’t have to completely break the mold and try something that no one has done before; it’s all about leveling up in smart ways that will make lasting impressions on both potential and existing clients!
if you are looking to find out what will be trending in 2025, you can join the Tri-Valley Wedding Pros on Wednesday, October 23, at Wente Vineyards to hear Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting present Unveiling 2025 Wedding Trends: A Fresh Perspective on the Year Ahead! You can purchase your tickets here.
