6 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO PLAN A MODERN WEDDING IN 2024

Inspiration is everywhere for couples planning their wedding in 2024, but how do you plan a modern wedding?

For me, a modern wedding means contemporary decor, considered details, and carefully curated suppliers. See below for the top 6 essential ways to help you create a modern, atmospheric celebration, filled with soul.

No.1. work with a planner with a modern aesthetic

Work with a planner who can provide you with the modern aesthetic that you are after, and who will curate and source your suppliers, accordingly.

Think of them as your chief coordinator when it comes to the design of your wedding day. They are there to work with all of your suppliers to make sure that your wedding day feels coherent and reflective of you both as a couple.

Working with the right planner can be invaluable, especially if you feel overwhelmed by all of the choice available to you. 

Abigail from AR Weddings. Captured by Emily Brown Films

No.2. carefully consider your wedding venue

Choosing a venue with good bones is so important, and will undoubtedly set the tone for your wedding day. It’s something that all of your suppliers will consider when working with you.

If you prefer an historical wedding venue to a modern one, be it a country house, hotel, or heritage site, modern wedding styling will absolutely complement this style of setting too.

Good architecture, original features, and large modern windows that fill the room with light, can have the biggest impact.

Look for the details. Your photographers will thank you for this too.

The fig tree in The Fig House at Middleton Lodge Estate, Yorkshire. Captured by Faye Wilde Photography.

Marble architecture and sculpture at Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Gothic styled arched windows at The Mount Without, Bristol. Captured by Faye Wilde Photography.

Contemporary chandelier lighting in The Gallery at Norwood Park, Nottinghamshire. Captured by Faye Wilde Photography.

No.3. editorial style photography

Choose someone with an editorial eye, someone who has a flair for capturing the finer details for you.

Research their aesthetic and editing, to make sure their skills will encapsulate the mood and feel you are seeking.

Flash, film and blurred photography is perfect for capturing organic candid moments, so make sure to speak with your photographer about the possibility of using these styles on your wedding day.

Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography at Elmore Court, Gloucestershire.

Bouquet by Mille Fleur at Elmore Court, Gloucestershire. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Veil and Dress by Susanna Greening Designs. Captured by Faye Wilde Photography in the gardens at Middleton Lodge Estate, Yorkshire.

Feathered cape by Wilden London. Contemporary quartz ring by K.Fines Jewellery. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography at Elmore Court.

No.4. the right bridalwear for your day 

Contrary to popular belief, your dress doesn’t have to match your venue. However, your choice of venue will undoubtedly influence the mood of your day and so you will naturally be drawn to certain styles that complement it.

Think clean, minimal and understated for a relaxed approach to your wedding day. Or go bold and choose a statement piece of bridalwear to create impact. If your budget allows, why not have both for a day and evening look?

Consider modern slip dresses in sensual silks, large bows, puff sleeves, flowing fabrics and unconventional shapes and structures. Pair with untraditional, statement jewellery and accessories, such as bespoke embroidered veils.

Some of my favourites include And for Love’s linen Audlyn gown, Julita London’s Lana Dress, Susannah Greenings Bay silk slip with detachable bow belt, and Wilden London’s Priscilla gown.

And for Love’s linen Audlyn gown, perfect for summer or destination weddings. Accompanied by a bespoke Rebecca Anne Designs veil. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Wilden London’s Priscilla gown with large bows and puffed sleeves. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Susanna Greening’s Bay silk Slip Dress with detachable bow belt. Captured by Emma Ryan Photography.

Metres of luxurious flowing silk. The Lana Gown by Julita London. Captured by Sam Sparks Photography

Julita London’s Cosmos Mini with pleated gold cape. Captured by Sam Sparks Photography.

No.5. set the tone with stationery

For most of your guests, the wedding invitations will be give them the first indication of what to expect from your day.

So, choose clean typography with minimalist stands and holders. Consider hand drawn venue details, embossing with foils, or blind debossing with natural textures and colours.

Linen signage is a trend that is here to stay. If using outdoors, the movement of the fabric will look absolutely beautiful in your wedding videography.

Working with a stationery designer to create modern bespoke stationery suites, will ensure your wedding day feels more authentic to both you and your guests. 

Bespoke menu and place card setting using textured card, blind debossing and foils from Smitten with Ink. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Welcome linen signage by Smitten with Ink. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Bespoke menu place card by Smith and The Magpie. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

For most of your guests, the wedding invitation will be the first time learning when and where your ceremony is taking place and will give them the first indication of what to expect.

So, choose clean typography with minimalist stands and holders. Consider hand drawn venue details, embossing with foils, or blind debossing with natural textures and colours.

Linen signage is a trend that is here to stay. If using outdoors, the movement of the fabric will look absolutely beautiful in your wedding videography.

Working with a stationery designer to create modern bespoke stationery suites, will ensure your wedding day feels more authentic to both you and your guests. 

No.6. florals, décor & styling

Using beautiful styling for your wedding day, is one of the best ways to make sure that you and your guests have the most unforgettable experience, and with the right guidance, this can be achieved within all budgets. 

I have seen it time and time again - having a beautifully styled wedding, helps to elevate the energy within a room. It simply reflects the love you have for one another and the love that you share with your family and friends too. 

It’s a way in which to introduce the colours, textures and style that suits you both as a contemporary couple.

Consider using minimal ikebana-style florals against seasonal meadow arrangements or installations to create intentional impact.

Choose venues that provide modern furniture (particularly chairs) and make sure you are happy they match the aesthetic of your day. This will help avoid costly hire prices for larger celebrations.

Use modern reception styling that utilises clean lines, contemporary serve wear, linens, and textures to coordinate with the overall atmosphere you wish to create.

Modern Spring inspired wedding design by AR Weddings at The Mowbray, Sheffield. Captured by Rebecca Emily Photo.

Natural and earthy tones, inspired by the rewilding ethos at Elmore Court. Designed by AR Weddings with Mille Fleur at Elmore Court, Gloucestershire. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Designed by AR Weddings at The Mount Without, Bristol. Captured by Rebecca Rees Photography.

Modern monochrome design by AR Weddings at Norwood Park, Nottinghamshire. Captured by Rebecca Emily Photo.

With these 6 key aspects in mind, you can make sure you create the beautiful modern wedding you want and deserve.

AR Weddings, can assist you with wedding planning, design, styling and on the day coordination. It would be lovely to hear more about your story and the wedding day plans so far.

Use the link below to receive your complimentary brochure and consultation.

All images used, feature work planned, designed and styled by

AR Weddings.