Did ‘Yellowstone’ Inspire This Year’s Biggest Wedding Trend?
The TV show’s effect is everywhere, it seems.
Etsy Sellers: FawcettAvePaperCo, SmokeandMirrorsUK, AllyJacquelineCo, GuerreroFootwear, AllieandOak
Ever since Yellowstone premiered almost five years ago, we’ve seen a heightened interest in Montana tourism and real estate, Western fashion and home decor, country music, and heck, even related baby names (baby Dutton, anyone?). Now, it seems that the show and its universe is influencing wedding trends, too.
Etsy just released its 2023 Wedding Trends Report and announced Etsy Registry, their brand new wedding gifting experience. And one of the trending themes is “Western Weddings,” which made us immediately think about the Yellowstone effect. “The western-themed wedding trend is a laid-back and unconventional style that is part coastal cowgirl and part Vegas elopement. As one of the hottest wedding trends of the year, this playful theme allows couples to get creative with their big day—from their decor to their style—and show off their fun side,” explains Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson.
Think Western-style wedding dresses (flowy prairie silhouettes, lace, fringe), cowboy hats, bolo ties, cowboy boots, Western ranch motifs, and earthy, relaxed vibes. Etsy has seen a 40% increase in searches for Western wedding dresses, a 21% increase in searches for fringe dresses, and a 19% increase in searches for Western wedding items. But cowboy hats are the biggest trending item in the category—seen at bachelor and bachelorette parties—with a 1,334% increase in searches for disco cowboy and cowgirl hats (this one might also be the Beyoncé effect if you’re familiar with her Renaissance album).
More Videos From Sunset
If you’re looking to embrace any trending theme or motif on the big day, Isom Johnson says you can balance the trendier pieces with timeless elements to tastefully embrace the trend—not to mention, it won’t seem as outdated when you look at your photos years later. And if the Western Wedding theme isn’t for you, there are plenty of other 2023 trends that just might pique your interest—you can take a look at them below.
Lovecore
Romantic and extra sweet, the “lovecore” trend is all about heart patterns, roses, and the colors red and pink. Etsy has seen a 21% increase in searches for heart-themed invitations; an 18% increase in searches for pink menus; a 22% increase in searches for pink morganite or moissanite engagement rings; a 19% increase in searches for hot pink bridal items, and a 14% increase in searches for pink or red veils.
Oversized Flowers
Florals have always been a bridal style mainstay, but this year, there are rosettes and floral appliqués galore. Etsy has seen a 78% increase in searches for floral wedding dresses; a 35% increase in searches for 3-D flower veils; a 32% increase in searches for 3-D flower dresses; and a whopping 159% increase in searches for flower chokers.
Love Story Gifts
More and more people are gravitating towards thoughtful and meaningful gifts that tell the couple’s love story, like custom portraits and pieces that pay tribute to things like a couples’ favorite song or where they live. Etsy has seen a 71% increase in searches for personalized recipe boxes; a 65% increase in searches for custom couple portraits; and a 37% increase in searches for custom song plaques.
Rings with Character
Many couples are choosing unique and personable engagement rings and wedding bands—think handmade rings, alternative gemstones, unique stone placements, and vintage pieces. Etsy has seen a 253% increase in searches for handmade engagement rings; an 82% increase in searches for teal sapphire engagement rings; a 63% increase in searches for toi et moi engagement rings; a 25% increase in searches for vintage wedding bands; and a 11% increase in searches for east west engagement rings. Conversely, they’ve seen a 71% decrease in searches for solitaire engagement rings and a 48% decrease in searches for diamond engagement rings.
Statement Accessories
Etsy sees a growing trend of brides focusing on statement accessories, with many making the accessory the focus of their wedding look. For example, a bride might pair their simple wedding dress with dramatic drop earrings. The site has seen a 109% increase in searches for wedding gloves; a 23% increase in searches for white sunglasses; and a 15% increase in searches for personalized bridal bags.
Eye-catching veils are also having a major moment with a 78% increase in searches for embroidered veils; a 28% increase in searches for custom veils; and a 15% increase in searches for cathedral length veils.
Stop the Presses
Couples are also having fun with their wedding programs or wedding weekend itineraries, like ones that look like newspapers or magazines and that are personalized with the couples’ favorite photos, memories, and stories. Etsy has seen a 127% increase in newspaper wedding programs; a 13% increase in searches for wedding program books; and a 7% increase in searches for book or magazine programs.
We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.
Read the Current Issue Here!
Get one year of Sunset—and all kinds of bonuses—for just $24.95. Subscribe now!
