Weddings: A Celebration of Love and Personal Expression

Weddings are a wonderful celebration of love! With heartfelt vows, beautiful outfits, and a sprinkle of excitement, there's never a dull moment. After 20 amazing years of officiating, I have enjoyed watching trends come and go, often returning with a fun twist. It's all part of the joy of the big day!

In this post, I'm sharing what's changed, what's stayed the same, and why your wedding should be unapologetically yours.

Wedding Fashion: From Strapless to Sequins (and Sometimes Capes?)

Once upon a time (read: the early 2000s), strapless white gowns were it. Ivory, if you were feeling wild. Fast-forward to today, and brides are showing up in blush, burgundy, floral prints, jumpsuits, cowboy boots, sparkles, and sometimes two different dresses—because why choose when you can do a quick change and slay both looks?

We've gone from "What would Princess Diana wear?" to "What feels like me—but dramatic?" Lace, embroidery, and sequins have taken center stage. You want velvet? Wear velvet. You want a black wedding gown? Who are we to stop your inner gothic princess? No matter the trend, the gown still symbolizes love and commitment… just with better tailoring and a lot more personality.

Ceremony Vibes: Less Stiff, More 'Us’

Back in the day, ceremonies were solemn. As in, “Don't you dare laugh during the reading," serious. Now? Couples are tossing the rulebook and writing their own story. (Sometimes literally.)

These days, I see poetry, inside jokes, family rituals, shot glass unity ceremonies—yes, it's a thing—and sand blending like a zen beach meditation. According to actual data (not just my own amused observations), 68% of couples want a personalized ceremony that reflects their values, quirks, and weird inside jokes.

The real trend here? Being real. And that never goes out of style.

Destination Weddings: “We'll Get Married Somewhere Beautiful… and You'll Like It”

Destination weddings used to be reserved for the rich, famous, or very extra. Now? They're basically mainstream. In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. weddings were destination, or "domestination"-based. And why not? If you're going to spend money on a wedding, you might as well do it on a beach in Tulum or at sunset in the Texas Hill Country.

Have I been invited to officiate a beach wedding in Cancun yet? No. Am I available and capable of packing a carry-on in 20 minutes flat? Absolutely.

Weddings that double as vacations? I mean… genius.

Tech: From Polaroids to Livestreams

Remember when the best wedding photos were in a bulky album that lived in your mom's attic? Now, you get a highlight reel set to music on Instagram before the cake is even cut.

Tech has changed everything. Digital RSVPs, Zoom guests, live-streamed ceremonies for your cousin in Bali—it's all normal now. And while I love a digital-savvy couple, 90% of my couples still ask me to make an "unplugged" announcement before the ceremony. So yes, there's still hope for Gen Z.

And if you must post, at least wait until the couple walks back down the aisle with a dip and a kiss for that big Polaroid moment, cool?

Food: From "Chicken or Fish?" to "OMG Is That a Taco Truck?”

Ah, wedding food. Once the domain of lukewarm buffets and uninspired meat medleys, it's now a culinary adventure. Couples are getting creative with gourmet food trucks, interactive stations, and even heritage-inspired menus. I've seen dumpling bars, BBQ brisket buffets, and yes, mini donut walls that make people lose their minds.

And what wedding isn't complete without a cute donkey saddled up with bottles of cold Modelo?

Also trending: late-night snacks. Because who doesn't want sliders at 11 PM after dancing to "Mr. Brightside" like it just dropped?

The One Trend That Never Dies: Love

Everything else—the fashion, the flowers, the tech—will change again (and again). But one thing never does: the fact that two people are standing up, surrounded by their favorite humans, and saying, "I choose you.”

I've officiated hundreds of weddings. Big ones, small ones, weirdly themed ones (ask me sometime). And they've all had the same magical core: love, commitment, and the courage to show up for one another.

That's the trend that will never go out of style.

Why Personalization Matters in Weddings

Personalization in weddings is crucial. It allows couples to express their unique love stories. When you personalize your wedding, you create a memorable experience for yourselves and your guests.

Consider incorporating elements that reflect your journey together. This could be through music, decor, or even the food you serve. Personal touches make the day truly special.

The Future of Weddings

As we look to the future, weddings will continue to evolve. Trends will come and go, but the essence of love will remain. Embrace the changes and make your wedding day a reflection of who you are as a couple.

In conclusion, weddings are a celebration of love, creativity, and personal expression. So, make your day uniquely yours, and enjoy every moment of it!

20 Years Later… Still Loving It

Looking back over two decades in the wedding world, I can confidently say this: Weddings are more creative, expressive, and beautifully personal than ever.

So go ahead—wear glitter, write your own vows, feed people churros at midnight. Just make it yours.

Here's to more love stories, more unexpected moments, and many more years of joyfully saying, "You may now seal your vows with a kiss.”

With joy,

Rev. A. Benae Colbért

Ceremonies For Life | Austin, TX

Legally ordained. Spiritually grounded. Fully inclusive. I want to marry you!