The Biggest Wedding Trends to Expect in 2021

What we do know is that wedding trends in 2021 will look different: Eighty-one percent of our followers say the pandemic has changed their expectations for their wedding. This year, we are also seeing that couples are generally making everything more intentional, focusing on the ceremony, creating more personalized details, and spending more money per guest to make them feel really included in the experience. 

Keep reading for more on the wedding trends we’re seeing now and on the horizon!

Intimate Guest Lists

According to our recent American Wedding Study, 47 percent of our followers are now planning on downsizing their guest lists. While this is a hard task, we are seeing couples prioritize the health and safety of loved ones by limiting those in attendance.

Assigned Seating

While assigned seating is typical reserved for family members during the ceremony, we’re recently seeing intentional placement for all guests. This is a COVID-19 safety measure that we hope sticks around post-pandemic!

Domestic Destinations

There will be a rise in destinations that are a car or train ride away. This prioritizes guest safety and makes travel easier for everyone involved—no passport required. Venues such as Amangiri, shown above, have even opened spaces like their tented camp, which can be rented out for small groups.

Formal Dinner Service

Thanks to food-service restrictions and reduced guest counts, we’re seeing a return of really elegant plated course meals. This is an opportunity for couples to get really creative with their menu, and also, to make each place setting feel special for the guest (think a handwritten note on every plate). 

Weekday Weddings

At this point, vendors and venues have slim availability for 2021. A weekday wedding may allow a couple to get married at their dream venue and hire their preferred vendors. Not to mention: There are often cost benefits with a weekday wedding—and it’s also an opportunity to support the professionals in this industry, who have been hard hit by the pandemic.

Celebration Care Packages

Whether they’re marrying on Zoom or with a downsized guest list, couples are not forgetting about guests not physically with them. They are mailing celebration boxes to guests and asking them to toast from afar with a custom cocktail kit or mini bottle of bubbly. Some are even sending treats like a mini wedding cake, cookies, or, in some cases, the full wedding meal! We love this idea and hope it will continue for guests unable to attend.

Author marcomm

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