This year has been a little bit rough for everyone, the wedding industry included. That being said, we’re all still looking forward to the future, and the weddings that are to come! Here are some of the top wedding trends for 2021:
A Focus on Sustainability
What this looks like: Sustainability looks at reducing your wedding’s carbon footprint. This will be seen in all aspects of the event:
- Food: Locally sourced food and beverages, including seasonal vegetables, locally farmed meats, and local beer, wine, and spirits.
- Décor: Focus will be on venues that don’t require such lavish decoration that will end up in a landfill. Couples will look for options like potted plants, architectural floral elements, and fun vintage pieces that can be rented to add a special flair.
- Fashion: A renewed interest is rising in dresses that are sustainable yet stunning, with couples searching for vintage or pre-owned wedding dresses that create a unique statement. After this eye-opening period, couples are more carefully considering not just the look of their wedding day attire, but the people and designers behind the look, too. The world has seen how employees are treated, and that makes a difference to many – and people really want to support those that they feel “did the right thing” when the world was on its knees.
Beautiful Table Scapes
What this looks like: Carefully thought out selections of tableware, glassware, linens, and floral elements will continue to be an important part of the wedding day décor. To add to that, plated, coursed dinners (which many are embracing for 2021 instead of buffets) can enhance the table scape to the point of becoming a part of it. When selecting your menu, have an idea of the look and feel you are trying to attain – local, fresh ingredients make for beautiful meal presentations full of color and texture.
Personalization Everywhere
What this looks like: Weddings are seeing an increased focus on guest experience, with things like personalized thank you notes, hand-crafted favors, and small touches to show your guests that their comfort and entertainment is important. Having a family friendly wedding? Consider hiring child care personnel so that the parents can truly be guests at your wedding. An outdoor wedding on a warm, sunny day? How about custom printed fans featuring fun pictures of the couple with their loved ones? Any details that can help your guests sit back, relax, and enjoy are where many couples are putting their attention. These selections are showing more forethought by the couple about who is there for their wedding and, arguable more importantly, why.
Focus on Philanthropy
What this looks like: This could mean donations to a favorite charity in lieu of traditional wedding favors, donation of leftover food and florals to local hospitals, hospices, etc., or donating to a special cause. The goal is for the couple to give back to their community and start the marriage off from a place of gratitude and kindness. In times of difficulty, many people will turn back to the basics and focus on the small joys that they can be grateful for.
A Return to Traditional Elements
What this looks like: Timeless styles and nostalgic accents mirror our sentimentality and longing for a simpler time. Weddings are going back to their “roots”: uniting two people and celebrating with joy and love with close friends and family. This is not to say that there won’t be some unexpected twists – couples will still be looking for ways to incorporate their own personal style and preferences.
Entertainment Experiences
What this looks like: This circles back to guest experience and leaving that lasting impression. Couples will be paying closer attention to ways they can enhance guest enjoyment through alternative entertainment options in addition to the traditional dinner and dancing – things like live music, magicians, comedians, balloon artists, sketch artists or painters will be a fun and funky addition to the party.
Immersive Guest Experiences
What this looks like: The word for 2021 will likely be “ambiance” – couples will be looking to set the tone for their event with the venue and some essential décor, making sure that their event can be an experience for all of the senses. Beautifully structured floral installations would play well with this trend, because they provide beautiful views, scents, and luscious textures that can be enjoyed by all in attendance.
A Return to Glamour
What this looks like: After being stuck inside for so long, it’s natural to want to put in a little extra for a stunning wedding day look. That means a return to full on glamour in the world of hair, makeup, & fashion. A renewed interest in statement jewelry and sparkling hair accessories, elegant and timeless fashions, and classic makeup styles is definitely on the horizon for 2021.
Microweddings
What this looks like: Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and for some couples the microwedding is a terrific option. Create an opulent, immersive experience for 10 – 15 of your dearest loved ones. With the smaller guest list, there is more room in the budget to create a truly once in a lifetime event celebrating you and your fiancé that will certainly leave lasting impressions.
Weekday Weddings
What this looks like: Partly due to the massive amount of rescheduled events in 2020 due to COVID-19, 2021 is shaping up to be a very busy year. With this in mind, couples are looking at alternative dates a little more seriously. With many feeling the financial strain of the current economic slowdown, weekday weddings offer opportunities for tons of savings on everything from venues to entertainment. Also a plus? Weekday weddings give you a higher chance of being able to have all of the vendors you love with less competition for those dates!
What trends do you want to see take off in 2021? Any trends you wish would go away? Let us know in the comments!
0 Comments