Event Trends For 2023
With a new year comes anticipation for all the weddings, ceremonies, parties, and events that will take place in 2023. Whether you’re a couple scouting out the popular creative new wedding ideas, a company looking to wow guests at a corporate event, or anyone else planning an extravagant event in 2023, we’ve put together a list of the top event trends forecasted for 2023.
1. Projection Mapping
A popular trend that emerged in 2022 was projection mapping. If you’ve been to or seen pictures of the popular Van Gogh Experience, which projects the artist’s paintings on every wall of the room, you will know how magical and transformational it can be to do this.
The trend caught fire, being used for both corporate and personal events. Pictured below is an event that uses projection mapping, which completely transports the guest into an immersive world of the host’s choosing.
2. Monochromatic Décor
Another trend we see growing in popularity is monochromatic décor, which serves multiple purposes. Having one main color in your décor creates a scene that is striking, straightforward, and coordinated. It is sleek and simple, as well.
For a corporate or brand event, a monochromatic theme could help accentuate the brand’s color in a big way.
Smirnoff, for example, hosted an event promoting their new pink lemonade with pink, of course, as the main color. This is not only stunning, but it makes for an unforgettable event. The monochromatic options are limitless!
3. Comfort Seating
A priority that should be on any host’s list is the comfort of their guest. That is why this recent trend has been dubbed as “comfort seating” and is growing in popularity at corporate events.
Instead of having cold, hard folding chairs, this Washington, D.C. event pictured below offered a “living room atmosphere,” complete with lounge chairs and sofas. Who wouldn’t want to sit through a speaking series in such comfort?
Of course, comfort seating has been popular for social events and wedding receptions where guests can sneak away and kick their feet up, as pictured below.
Wedding guests enjoying lounge seating, from Reagan Events “Jungle Glam”
4. Immersive Experiences
For occasions such as destination weddings, work retreats, or milestone celebrations, what better way to welcome your guests and kick things off than with an exciting experience? Another recent trend is welcoming guests in a grand and dramatic way. Make it fun, intriguing, unforgettable...
This could manifest in many different ways. It could be greeting your guests by dancers and cocktails, live interactive entertainment, a field day upon arrival with competitive games, or even as simple as a beach day for your guests. The options are endless and will have your guests mingling and having fun instantly.
Bartenders were part of the decor and entertainment at Reagan Events’ 10 Year Celebration
5. Over-the-Top Charcuterie
Who doesn’t love a charcuterie board? Luckily, charcuterie boards at events are back and better than ever, especially since self-serve food displays lost popularity during COVID-19. A trend that seemingly will never fade, charcuterie boards are becoming a staple at events again, whether it’s a table-sized board or a grand display. It is also a sure way to keep your guests’ appetites satisfied.
Charcuterie does not have to mean an average meat and cheese display! As pictured below, there are endless ways to get creative with charcuterie for events. Pull from local inspiration when it comes to compotes, cheeses, crusty breads, etc.
Cocktail hour, Reagan Events “French Chateau Fairytale”
6. Speakeasy-Inspired Afterparties
Now that we’re in this century’s Roaring ’20s, speakeasies have become a popular way to enjoy drinks with select guests in a more intimate setting following the main event. Guests will never say no to another food and beverage experience. Make it exciting by introducing secret doors to hidden, tucked away lounges with custom specialty bars. Break up the evening with these new adventures that are sure to prompt spontaneous, authentic post-party photos.
Bourbon bar, Reagan Events “Raindrops on Roses”
7. Statement Aisles
Looking for an idea to make your entrance stand out in a unique way? Look no further, statement aisles are in. Designers are designing different and creative aisles for couples to walk down. Whether it’s a burst of color, a meandering shape, or even patterned, statement aisles are all the rage in 2023. We see this trend evolving into reception entrances, similar to how we created a mirrored corridor leading into our 10 Year Celebration, pictured below.
8. Private Last Dances
As intimate as weddings can be, often it’s a challenge for the couple to spend quality time together to soak in the magnitude of the day. After a whirlwind night of celebrating, we can’t think of a better way to conclude your wedding reception, void of the distraction of an audience. A private dance with just the two of you can make for the most memorable photos and memories from your evening. We predict that the private last dance is a wedding trend that is here to stay.
A couple sharing a candlelit private last dance, Reagan Events “Swept Away in Savannah”