What’s in and what’s out: How Geelong wedding trends are changing

From elopements to first look photo opps, here’s which wedding trends our lifestyle experts tip to be winners in Geelong this year.

While some wedding traditions are timeless, others fade from year to year. Here’s what gt’s lifestyle experts predict for the region’s weddings in 2022.

Elopements

It was somewhat of a forced alternative thanks to Covid, with couples cancelling their weddings due to lockdowns and limits on numbers and instead opting to say ‘I do’ in front of a small group of loved ones – or even just a celebrant and a photographer. There’s no denying the pandemic changed the way couples plan their big day, but Verity Stubbs, of Ginger + Mint Photographer, says elopements are here to stay.

Couples are opting for more intimate ceremonies. Photo: Ginger + Mint

“So many people are going for a much more informal wedding and again that comes down to learning so much over the last two years about what’s important to us,” Verity says. “There are a lot more options with elopements now. A lot of the vendors are open to elopements so there are a lot more package options for that. But also people are just wanting to get married. They actually just want to start their lives together. So people are taken a step back from those big expectations and doing what people tell you to do, to instead do what suits them.”

Pets at weddings

For many couples, their cherished pets are their first babies – a part of the family they couldn’t celebrate their big day without.

Karryn Starcevic was one such bride who wanted her cat at her wedding but couldn’t find a business in Geelong that could help co-ordinate the process – so she started her own.

The Wedding Sitter is now an in-demand service across Geelong and the rest of Victoria, which takes pets to weddings for humans who can’t say ‘I do’ without them.

The Wedding Sitter. Photo: Instagram/Ali Bailey

It takes unwanted stress out of the day, with the team picking up your animals, looking after them during the wedding and then dropping them back home.

“These days people are having kids later and their animals are their kids and they want their family members involved in a day that is so special to them,” Karryn says.

“I barely hear a word of your ceremony because I am so focused on your pet.”

While the majority of the time the pet attends the ceremony, however if it is more anxious or overwhelmed there are alternatives.

“We often do a first look with the pet involved, or portrait shots somewhere quiet away from all the guests,” Karryn explains.

First look photos

Gone are the days where the groom can’t see the bride before she walks down the aisle. One of the biggest wedding trends right now is what’s been termed “first-look” photos, where the happy couple has a photo session before they exchange vows.

With couples spending so much money to celebrate their big day with friends and family, having photos before the ceremony leaves more time to have fun with their guests.

Ginger + Mint photographer Verity Stubbs says this is a trend that’s here to stay, because it means couples can relax and enjoy the celebration they’ve spent so long planning, rather than spending hours after saying ‘I do’ having photos taken.

Couples are making photos fun with props and plenty of personality. Photo: Ginger + Mint

“First-look photos have become really popular because it means couples aren’t spending so much time away from their guests,” Verity says.

“They’re rolling straight from the ceremony into the reception. People are valuing time with their guests more, especially after the last two years.”

Another big photo trend right now is bringing personality into the pics, making them less formal and more fun.

“From sunglasses, to confetti, bubbles and props, couples aren’t taking the photos so seriously,” Verity says.

Flowers

Flowers are an important aspect of any wedding. From the bouquet and boutonniere and statement displays, there’s something about having fresh blooms on show.

And while pops of colour are loved by florists, it is the neutral tones that are on trend at the moment.

Florette’s Erin Cusack says blush pink and white are the go-to colours this wedding season, along with pampas grass.

“Everything is really muted with whites, tans, nudes and blush pinks,” she explains.

“People also seem to love large headed blooms and roses.”

Erin says flower trends seem to follow what is happening in fashion and homewares.

She personally loves using colourful flowers, with approximately one in 20 of her clients opting for a colourful bunch.

Picture: Smith & Archer

“Occasionally you get a wild one with lots of colour and it looks stunning on the day. I recently had one that had rusty oranges and burgundy, it looked amazing,” she says.

While generally it is the bridal party that are holding the flowers, Erin has also made a few flower collars for dogs to wear at the ceremony, much to the delight of attendees.

And in regards to placement of flowers, going big at the ceremony is becoming more popular, while paring back reception flowers.

Escaping tradition

They say you should plan your dream day exactly how you want it.

This doesn’t mean you have to follow every traditional element of a wedding.

Can’t decide on who to have in your bridal party? Don’t have one.

Don’t feel like having a cake? Don’t have one.

Do your feet get sore when wearing heels? Why not wear cool sneakers instead.

Don't’ want to get married on a Saturday? Get married on a Wednesday.

Plan the day you want and incorporate as many or as little traditional aspects as you want.

Another very non-traditional thing popping up at weddings these days due to the global pandemic, is live streaming the event.

Instead of a cake, why not have a champagne tower. Photo: Miranda Stokkel

If family and friends can’t make the wedding in person, make them still feel involved by setting up a camera and a live link for them to view at home. There are even businesses dedicated to this now.

At the end of the day it is about creating you and your partner’s dream wedding day. If this involves following traditional aspects of a wedding, great. If not, also great.

And don’t stress about what others think as they will have their own turn one day.

Originally published as What’s in and what’s out: How Geelong wedding trends are changing