2021 Wedding Trends: Covid Weddings

It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.


Weekday Weddings

It’s no secret that venues start booking up over a year in advance, so when 2020 weddings started to postpone, there were very few Saturdays and Sundays to choose from – especially during peak season. Because of this, many couples have chosen to opt for weekday weddings! According to The Knot, one third of weddings are already being held on weekdays, and it’s a trend that we fully support. Choosing a date that falls during the week can be cost-effective, and since vendors are typically all booked up on the weekends well in advance, you’re more likely to get the ones you want if you choose a non-peak day – especially when you’re planning for a shorter engagement.


Brunch Weddings

This can go hand-in-hand with hosting your wedding on a weekday, but we love a good brunch wedding! There’s so much room for creativity when it comes to a morning or afternoon reception; if you’re not locked into the typical “dinner and dancing” format, you can introduce all kinds of alternatives for entertainment. Plus, who doesn’t love a luxe coffee bar or a breakfast buffet, like we arranged for Hannah + Rodrigo’s beautiful at-home celebration?


Outdoor and Tented Weddings

Tented weddings have always been stunning, but these days they’re becoming a necessity, too. Whether you’re hosting your wedding at home, on the grounds of a venue, or in a non-traditional location like an open field, a wholly outdoor wedding allows for larger guest counts while still maintaining social distancing. When the weather is less than ideal – think summer in Texas – opting for a tent works as well for protecting guests from the elements as it does for providing a stunning design element.


Shift Weddings

One new trend that we’re seeing a rise in is the concept of a “shift wedding,” where guests rotate in and out of the celebration. For example, think childhood friends for the ceremony, coworkers for cocktail hour, and immediate family for dinner and dancing. It’s definitely an out-of-the-box idea, but with so many traditions being thrown out the window, why not embrace this idea? It’s a great way to keep from cutting your overall guest list, and you get to spend more quality time with each group of guests throughout the day. Another method for this is splitting up the celebration into several different small parties – and who wouldn’t want to stretch out their wedding for as long as possible?


Elopements

Want to forego the typical traditions altogether and just get married? Elopements are on the rise, whether it’s just a quick visit to the courthouse or a full-blown trip across the world. After all, what could be more socially distanced than you, your partner, your officiant, and your photographer out in the wilderness?


Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:

Catering + Bar

Style + Beauty

Design + Decor

Guest Experience

Photo credits: (1) Lightly Photography, (2) Town & Country Magazine, (3) Green Wedding Shoes