Congratulations – you're engaged! You've shared the lovely news with family and friends, and no doubt shed a few happy tears. But now the Champagne bubbles have settled, your thoughts are naturally turning to planning your big day.
In recent years, many couples have had no choice but to wait a long time to say, "I do". Now, most brides and grooms-to-be are starting to get organised straight away – picking that all important date, getting that venue booked, and imagining what their 2024 wedding day will look like.
More couples get engaged at this time of year than any other. Of course, staying one step ahead secures the day and hotel of your dreams. But it also makes sure your big day stands out from the crowd as one of the first couples to embrace 2024's wedding trends – and we've picked just a couple of our favourite ‘new traditions' here at Marriott.
Get Creative With Sustainable Stationery
Eco-aware couples are making the move away from traditional invitations and choosing sustainable ways to let their guests know they're getting married. Instead of posting a piece of paper or cardboard embellished with glitter (packed with microplastics, which are a key cause of damage to our oceans), 2024's couples are sending invitations using recycled paper, vegetable-based inks and biodegradable packaging – setting the scene for an eco-friendly ceremony.
If you're a creative couple, why not make a statement with increasingly popular illustrated invitations? A sketch of your stunning venue, like the 16th century gatehouse at the entrance to Delta Hotels by Marriott St. Pierre Country Club, really sets the tone for a day of glamour and celebration. Get that dream date booked in as soon as possible so you can commission the illustrator (or get to work yourself!) and send those invites out early!
Put Experiences On Your Gift List
Many couples live together before they get married, making the traditional gift list of pots and pans redundant – and some couples feel uncomfortable asking for money. But there's a new trend of experiential gifts emerging. Here, guests give couples an opportunity to start their married lives together with a unique experience or a diary packed with date nights. Either give your guests guidance to pick something you enjoy or let them surprise you, like a wine or whiskey tasting night or a couples cooking class for recipe inspiration.
If you're getting married in a hotel in a tourist city, such as Delta Hotels by Marriott York, why not ask for an experiential gift to extend your celebrations? You might love a longer hotel stay to start your mini-moon, or a spa session for a wedding morning unwind with a pedicure to prep your dancing feet!
Gather Everyone Together With Sharing Menus
It's not always easy to keep everyone happy, and family relationships play a big part in how you organise your seating plan. Remove that headache completely and embrace a new trend by choosing a shared dining experience instead of a formal wedding breakfast. 2024 couples are looking at grazing tables and buffets with a luxury twist, which are great for socialising and connecting new family members and friends. They're also a brilliant way to combine cultures in one meal and cater to different dietary needs.
Don't want to miss the sit-down dinner and the experience of being waited on hand and foot as bride and groom? Book a meal for the night before or after your wedding in the signature hotel restaurant at your venue. Or, if you're jetting off on honeymoon the following day, why not take afternoon tea in the Cast Iron Grill and Oak Hall at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club and enjoy fine dining before your in-flight meal?
Go Bold With Beautiful Backdrops
Make a real trend-setting statement with big backdrops to frame those perfect wedding photos. You can create your own with the help of your venue dresser: think sentimental signage or beautiful eco-friendly flower walls, which avoid messy confetti tosses while still capturing those Instagram-worthy photos.
Of course, your gorgeous backdrop is ready-made for you at Marriott's Hotel & Country Clubs. The rolling Derbyshire countryside at Delta Hotels by Marriott Breadsall Priory Country Club is the ideal setting for year-round elegance, with the changing seasons complementing colour schemes for a naturally stunning 2024 wedding day.
With city centre hideaways and sweeping country club settings, you'll find your dream destination for your wedding day with us at Marriott. Then, once you've set the date, chat to your Memory Maker and discover how to bring the 2024 trends to life in your venue.