Kimberly Rolleri is the owner of the Spanish R Rolleri Ranch, nestled in the beautiful Sierra foothills. The private setting offers an intimate, relaxed feel for wedding rehearsals, ceremonies, and receptions. The 2200 square foot home is the perfect place to stay for the weekend of the event as well. In the following article, Kimberly Rolleri discusses the brides and grooms of 2023, and what’s trending in venue options to provide this year’s couples with their magical setting to begin the rest of their lives together. In California, the Spanish R Rolleri Ranch, nestled among small towns near the border of Stanislaus National Forest, is sure to be a wedding venue many couples will fall in love with. It’s accessible but private, not too small yet not too big. It’s unique but reliably beautiful, and as a wedding venue, it checks many common boxes. The Spanish R Rolleri Ranch is reflective of the latest in wedding venue trends. In 2023, people are more likely to hold a ceremony and reception outside, or at least split planned activities between the indoors and out. The outdoor setting also provides flexibility for design, especially if a couple is going for the trendy rustic or organic look for a reception. In 2022, a whopping 72% of weddings were held either partially, or completely, outdoors. Kimberly Rolleri says that the types of wedding venues regularly fall in and out of favor, but this year there are a few trends that are hard to ignore.
Kimberly Rolleri explains that choosing the right venue is often essential for couples to achieve their dream wedding, and it can be a challenging feat. Couples have to think about the best way to incorporate catering, have enough space for guests, and aim to have the venue reflect their overall style. Sometimes, it’s easier to find ideas from what’s trending at the moment. Getting married in 2023? Here’s what to expect when looking for venues:
Kimberly Rolleri says that outdoor weddings are more popular than ever, especially when tucked into a natural setting. A memorable view is key here, whether it’s a vineyard, a mountain range, or something a bit more tropical. The desire for a natural setting also makes ranches and farms just as popular this year as they were last. In fact, 20% of couples in 2022 went with a farm, ranch, or barn for a venue explains Micah Rolleri.
Kimberly Rolleri says that there have long been traditional times of day to get married at a venue, usually kicking off in the late afternoon for a dinner party. Weddings can be stressful, and it can be tough to expect a couple, their bridal parties, family, and friends to party all day long without time to chill out and relax. With a midday wedding, the afternoon provides time to rest before a romantic nighttime reception, or continuing through to the early evening hours, allowing ample time for traveling home before it gets too late at night for guests who’ve come from far.
Green or eco-friendly ceremonies are increasingly sought after, especially if sustainability is a couple’s personal mission. There are more eco-centric venues than ever before, some that include solar power and sustainable practices throughout the venue, or those with their own farm-to-table restaurants, with food grown right on the property reports Kimberly Rolleri.
More Destination WeddingsKimberly Rolleri of the Spanish R Rolleri Ranch report that just 9% of couples tied the knot in a destination wedding ceremony in 2020 (likely due to travel restrictions from the pandemic), but it’s quickly gaining popularity again, with 18% embracing the trend just 2 years later. Many are seeing a return the normalcy as guiding this rebounding trend, which commonly includes weddings in Europe and beach weddings in Mexico or around the United States. In 2023, destination weddings are expected to increase upwards of 60%!
Kimberly Rolleri says that while many ceremony invite lists regularly reach at least 100 guests or more, small weddings are also having a moment. So-called micro-weddings have far fewer guests, usually between 10-25 but as many as 50, and couples pick intimate and romantic venues - smaller options that are a perfect size to support the micro-wedding preference.
Likely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, people seem eager to party in style. Enter black-tie affairs at upscale venues. Those going for a very dressy event often find venues that feel ornate, such as a museum or a historic mansion.
Kimberly Rolleri says that weddings in 2023 are not often one-day-and-done events. Often, couples plan several activities across a few days leading up to the event and even right after. This means a wedding venue that needs to be in close proximity to a hotel for guests to coordinate easily for pre-ceremony cocktail gatherings, rehearsal dinners, sightseeing, and other friends-and-family welcome outings.
Kimberly Rolleri of the Spanish R Rolleri Ranch explain that catering can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, and often couples were only able to use the venue’s catering company provided. Now, many couples are eschewing that approach and finding a venue that can either accommodate a buffet of food options that mean something to the couple or a venue open to bringing in an outside caterer.
