Top 10 2021 Wedding Trends
It’s safe to say 2020 was an unprecedented year for weddings. Many couples planned one wedding, and then decided to make fast changes to either downsize their original celebration or postpone it entirely. Some couples even chose to cancel their wedding days, and that felt like the most devastating decision to have to make. We don’t feel we can move ahead to 2021 without recognizing everything the past year held. But, we do have to admit we’re welcoming this year with open arms and plenty of hope that the next 12 months will be different.
As we enter into 2021, we think many of the most popular elements from weddings we experienced in 2020 will continue to trend throughout the year. Things like smaller weddings (think: elopements and micro weddings) and celebrations on weekdays, such as Thursdays, will stay popular. Plus, we’re also eager to see plenty of color, plenty of pets, and a shift toward differing ways of serving dinner. Below, we’re highlighting 10 wedding trends our couples are embracing in 2021. And, we cannot wait to see them come to life!
Elopements:
In 2020, many couples decided they wanted to make sure to officially get married! And, for many, the best way to make sure they were officially Mr. and Mrs. was to elope. But, though elopements tend to make people think of the couple tying the knot without any guests, that’s not necessarily the case. Elopements can also include a very small guest list of parents, siblings, and a friend or two. Planning a wedding for a select few simplifies the process, and it also opens the door to choosing to recite your vows on days outside of the weekend. Couples can also still choose to toast, sample cake, and enjoy a meal!
Micro Weddings:
Similar to an elopement, micro weddings are known for their small guest lists. Typically, these types of celebrations keep the guest count below 50 and sometimes even below 25. They tend to feel much more like an intimate dinner party, which means you and all of your guests will have plenty of time to interact with each other. Plus, micro weddings allow you to welcome all of the wedding traditions you would like to experience (think: ceremony, first and parent dances, toasts, cake cutting, and more).
Thursday Weddings:
As couples postponed their wedding dates in 2020 to new dates in 2021, some opted to re-plan their wedding days on a weekday. This is a great idea because it helps to keep prime weekend dates open for other couples! Plus, with vacation time put on hold from 2020, many guests have the ability to take off during the week outside of planned trips in 2021. A weekday wedding on a Thursday, for example, allows your guests to attend and celebrate with you, while still also leaving their weekends free to spend more time with you or enjoy the time off on their own.
Shortened Ceremonies:
Even though couples postponed their receptions last year, many did decide to move ahead with their ceremonies. With that in mind, their 2021 wedding date may primarily be serving as a reception date. Because a bride’s walk down the aisle and the moments when the couple recites their vows are so sacred to everyone in attendance, we expect some couples to want to do abbreviated ceremonies that still allow guests to feel as though they have experienced some of the most important moments with the couple in person.
Pets in Weddings:
We have spent more time at home with our pets than ever before, and our dogs, in particular, feel even more like esteemed family members! The idea of leaving a pup behind on a wedding day seems odd for many couples, so we’re expecting to have more dogs in attendance at weddings. And, we have to say we can’t wait!
Bold Color Palettes:
After spending lots of time at home in 2020, many couples are planning wedding days with plenty of vibrancy. And, that definitely includes their color palettes! We’re expecting to see bright shades of yellow, orange, and pink woven throughout weddings, especially in the florals, and it’s safe to say The Outpost Center will have never looked bolder.
Style from Home:
Throughout the past year, we have learned comfort is key. So, expect to see elements and style from home on wedding days! Bistro and twinkle lights help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, so we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of soft lighting at celebrations. We also think more couples will incorporate wedding lounge seating (think: sofas, arm chairs, and coffee tables) into nooks that allow guests to relax in between dance sets.
Assigned Seating:
The health concerns from last year will definitely not fade away overnight. To help guests to feel safe and comfortable, we think more couples will opt for assigned seating. This helps to ensure guests are seated with people they know, and that will only make conversations easier to have! We think we will see plenty of escort cards that assign guests to a specific table as well as placecards that assign them to a specific place at that table.
Stationed & Plated Dinners:
Buffets have always been one of the most popular ways for couples to serve dinner to their guests. But, in 2021, we’re expecting to continue to see a shift toward stationed and plated dinners. Stations are very similar to buffets; however, the key difference is guests are served at the station by a member of the catering team. Plated dinners, of course, are served while guests are at their seats. The idea, overall, is to keep guests’ health and safety at the forefront, and we’re onboard.
Outdoor Games:
With guests wanting to spend more time outside, we think outdoor games will become even more popular. Many of our couples already set up games, like corn hole and Jenga, for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. We think they will remain as an option throughout the entire reception. That’s great news for guests who are looking for an option to mingle together off of the dance floor, and we also know a little friendly competition never hurts!
What wedding trends are you excited to see in 2021? Is there anything else you think we should add to our list? Comment below!