The Spectacular Highlights: 2023 Seattle Wedding Show Recap

We’re excited to bring you the 2023 Seattle Wedding Show Recap. Ya’ll know wedding show weekend is one of my absolute favorite “work weekends”. The excitement buzzes through the air as dozens of vendors erect displays they’ve worked HOURS creating and perfecting. The low rumble of chatter fills the once empty convention center space, as friends who only see each other once a year, exchange hugs and hellos. It’s like the days leading up to Christmas, minus the presents and big guy in the red suit. The Seattle Wedding Show is truly a wondrous event, and there isn’t a wedding expo that even comes close to matching this show’s excalibur.

Then the doors open and it’s a whirlwind of activity. Couples, Bride Tribes, and groups scurry through the aisles, seeking their last couple vendors. The newly engaged take it all in with wide eyes and amazement. Vendors excitedly greet passersby and chat up their services to those who stop in their booths. It’s hard to really put into words what the wedding show feels like.

Greens, Golds and Wood Accents; 2023 Decor Trends

If I had to sum up the decor trends in three words, it would be green, gold and wood. At least one of these things made an appearance in just about every booth. Pantone’s 2023 color of the year may be magenta, but you wouldn’t know that walking through the show booths. Gold appeared in everything from pillows on couches and gorgeous rough hemmed napkins, to candlesticks, flatware and even some incredibly creative florals featuring bright yellow/golden hues in sunflowers and roses. Of course, green wasn’t to be outdone by the warm summer colors and showed up right next to most golden accents. Velvet tablecloths in emerald and kiwi made gold rimmed plates pop off the tables. Garlands and greenery graced beautiful handmade arches, centerpieces and backdrops. Floor to “ceiling” floral pieces seemed to be trending upwards (pun intended) and many booths were like walking directly into a fairy garden.

While I can’t be 100% sure (afterall, it’s been almost a full week already) I’d say the majority of booths featured something made of wood too. Wooden or metal hexagon arches seemed very popular, along with the rustic wooden chairs featured by many of the booths. My favorite wood accents though were the names at the place settings in the Cort Party Rentals and Grit City Weddings booths. I could see this fun accent being refashioned into a home decor piece or Christmas ornament after the wedding day. Wooden menus and cake displays also made an appearance.

Seattle Wedding Show Recap: A Very Important Date

When it came to picking a date, couples seemed to fall into two categories: Ready to marry right away or wanting to take their time to plan. Of those we spoke with, they were split pretty evenly between Spring of 2023 and Spring of 2024 with a few planning for late Summer 2023 or even into 2025. Fridays have started to become more popular with 2024 couples but Saturdays are still reigning overall.

For couples who are looking to get married within the next 16 weeks, I highly recommend moving quickly. In the past, many vendors have booked up well before the year started, but from speaking with vendors a lot of us still have some availability for this Spring. For us personally, we have our calendar opened through 2025 and have begun booking couples for next year and beyond.

Focus on the Groom

In years past, the Seattle Wedding Show has held most of the focus on the Bride. This year there’s been a slight shift and more services focused on the groom. From custom suits to our absolute favorite Wanderer Barbering Co, this year’s grooms are going to be some of the dapperest on the block. (Is Dapperest a word? Spell check says it’s right, but I feel like I made it up).

Every year I love seeing the couples excitement as they find their dream vendors, and every year it’s always a joy to meet new vendors among the more seasoned ones. This year was such a wonderful feeling to be back in person and ready to party. I cannot wait to see what next year brings and watch the excitement of our 2023 wedding season unfold!