2021 Wedding Trends (You Won’t Want To Miss!)

While we can never really predict the future, we can absolutely see some clear 2021 wedding trends emerging, thanks to a lot of influence from 2020.

2020 was a little crazy, wasn’t it? With the pandemic, civil unrest, presidential election, and killer hornets (were those even real?), a lot happened. It seems clear that the landscape of 2021 is going to be drastically different than in previous years.

Some of us spent the better part of 2020 working remotely in our leggings.  Some wrangled toddlers and school aged kids. Others were out there in the real world working so hard to keep the rest of us safe.

We had to do intense tasks, like teach our grandmothers how to FaceTime.  Many of us spent 24/7 locked up with our significant others for months on end (yes, this is intense even for the best of relationships). Everyone has a different situation, a different story.  The long and the short of it is, we are all ready to move on to “normal” life.  At the very least, we’d like a fun break from what we’ve become accustomed to.

But I digress and let’s back to 2021 weddings! 

2021 wedding trends are certain to be influenced by the events of 2020.  This doesn’t mean that the weddings will be lacking in style, experience, or romance.  I seriously can’t wait to tell you all about them! 

Most of these came from reputable sources like The Knot, but I’ve got my own predictions sprinkled throughout as well. 

2021 WEDDING TRENDS

GUEST EXPERIENCE

Obviously one of the changes for 2021 wedding trends is that the wedding guest count will be smaller than usual, for most weddings.  This means some changes to the guest experience, for the positive. 

Many couples are planning on a small 2021 celebration followed by a larger one when this pandemic finally subsides.  This doesn’t mean that couples want to skimp on treating their guests with a great time in 2021, though. When the guest count is low, there are more options. Couples can focus a little bit more on each and ensuring every single guest has the best time and feels incredibly special to be at their wedding.  

Participation From Everyone

With less guests, it means there’s a greater chance to have meaningful moments with each of them.  So, couples are anticipating bringing everyone in attendance into the celebration in 2021. 

While at a smaller wedding, there is a better chance brides and grooms will have a strong connection with each person there, and really do want to get them involved. Not only will this make the couple’s experience better, it should be an honor for the guests. 

So how will guests get involved? 

Well, one way is for each guest to say a small toast at the wedding. Yes, parents and best friends can still get up and do their regular spiel, but depending on how many guests you have, each one may have the opportunity to share words of wisdom, advice, or a fond memory of the couple. 

Additionally, guests may feel inclined to help out with commonly outsourced wedding items, like making dessert, hosting in their own homes, or officiating.  

Dress Code

Now this isn’t a new concept (I tried to make this happen in 2017 by encouraging guests to match my wedding’s colors), but it does make sense that this will trend in 2021. 

Because 2021 weddings will be small, photography is likely to be a staple at each one.  Most couples want to step it up a notch whenever possible. In 2021 we’ll see more and more brides and grooms ask guests to wear certain colors to make the photos pop even more than normal. Perhaps this means guests wear colors related to the wedding (as I did, with requests for “fall” colors), or the wedding will be a black and white affair.

Either way, this is another way for guests to have a little fun and be involved.

Welcome Box

The box is replacing the bag!

One way couples are welcoming guests to the wedding is through a beautifully decorated box.  This is taking the place of the usual welcome bag. These little boxes may be available to guests when they arrive at the ceremony and are filled with all sorts of little goodies for the day.

In order to reduce the congregation of folks and cross contaminate items, welcome boxes are intended to hold anything a guest will need at the wedding or should take with them when they go. Many couples are putting safety supplies like hand sanitizer, masks, or gloves in the boxes, but there are also fun items too, like to-go cocktails, snacks for the ceremony, and personalized messages.  Functional items like programs and wedding favors are also intended for these boxes.

While the purpose of these little boxes is to reduce exposure and help people distance while at a wedding, they really do seem like a thoughtful welcome to a wedding.

VENUE AND DÉCOR 

2020 definitely had an impact on 2021 and the visuals that will be curated while at the wedding. From being outside the whole time, to seating, decorations, and even colors, there really is meaning behind why these items are trending.

Outdoor Everything

Outside is the name of the game among 2021 wedding trends.

Not only is it a recommended way to reduce exposure to viruses, but many people were cooped up for 2020 –  and are ready to venture out!  Yes, of course some 2021 weddings will be indoors.  However, expect to see outdoor elements even while inside.

Think nature themed weddings with plants, florals, open windows and doors, wood elements, airiness. This was a great article that really showcased how beautiful this trend can be, with it’s simplicity, green focus, and brown accents.

To go along with this outdoor theme, incredible tents will be in higher demand.  This is because they help control the climate even when the weather is unpredictable.  Tents for weddings have come a long way in the last few years.  Many of them are very large and can accommodate a lot of space between tables, which is awesome.  

Mood Lighting

Ah, is there anything more romantic than twinkle lights? 

With outdoor weddings, especially if they take place in the evening, lighting will be so key in 2021.  The trend won’t be to blast a large color across a wall, but rather to have tons of small golden lights casting a super cozy vibe.  Not only do these types of lights set the mood, but they are beautiful.

In 2021 expect to see lots of twinkly lights, exposed bulbs, chandeliers, and candles.

Seating

Gone are the days where every table needs to be the same size and there needs to be a perfectly even amount of people at each one. Hello to tables that are customized to fit social “bubbles”.

In 2021 we’ll see weddings that have different sized tables to help people maintain distance while still seated with their households. Think tables that may hold two people, four, or six people. 

Not only is this functional, but it creates a unique visual and allows for a little more creativity in set up. To go along with this, expect tables themselves to look different, as well as mismatched chairs, settings, and linens.

Cozy Décor

Look, a lot of us spent 2020 in our living rooms.

And to help create a comforting space for guests, many couples are planning on bringing these same cozy items to their weddings. Imagine sofa’s for seating, with throw pillows and small blankets, framed pictures of the couple as décor, and an increased demand for portable bon fire units and lanterns to create a fireplace feel. 

Bold Colors

According to this article by Harper’s Bazar, colors are going to be a huge deal in 2021.

Couples are just ready to have a little fun and show their personalities. Many weddings are planning on accelerating their visuals with bold pops of color.  Whether it’s deep purples, turquoise, sunset orange, canary yellows, whatever the brides and grooms like, they are going to go for it. 

2020 re-wrote a lot of rules, and when it comes to wedding colors, couples are going with what feels right for them instead of what’s expected.

FOOD

If there’s ever a wedding without food, I don’t want to go to it.

No matter the size of the wedding, food is so essential, and can really make or break the experience. While there won’t be too many buffets in 2021, there will most definitely be food, and lots of it.

Personal Appetizer Plates

Reducing the need to pass items from person to person is going to be 2021’s food plan.

This doesn’t mean that appetizers won’t be served, though. Instead of guests trying to track down that one server who is carrying the amazing mozzarella cheese balls, guests may be treated to a personal plate of appetizers. Think cute little charcuterie boards for each person.

These little plates may actually be served in small bento boxes, picnic baskets, or actual boards, but the concept is the same. Whatever the options are for appetizers, they will be divided out for the guests and presented to each person. No more scrambling, no more looking around for those cheese balls. 

If you ask me, this 2021 wedding trend seems pretty awesome.

Servers / Restaurant Style

As expected, 2021 probably won’t have too many buffets, family style, or self-serve options, but instead many couple will spring for restaurant style servers.

Typically couples would have a buffet to reduce costs, but with a smaller guest count servers are an elevated alternative. Not only do guest not have to get up and hold their own plates, but having servers bring out portioned food will reduce cross contamination of germs and is generally a safer way to serve dinner. 

Dessert

Single portioned desserts are going to be 2021’s jam.

Much like the pre-portioned appetizers, mini dessert plates are expected to be very popular. Not only are these little bites of heaven beautiful and fun, but it’s a much easier way to serve dessert than cutting a huge cake (which takes longer than you’d think). Plus, if you’re having a smaller group, a big cake may go to waste and it’s better to save it for the larger reception you’ll hold later. 

Mini desserts and portioned options may just be a trend that we see for years and years because it sounds so awesome.  

ENTERTAINMENT

2021 will open so many more avenues for entertainment than you’d expect.

Before 2020 it was very common to focus on entertaining DJ’s and bands that would get guests out on the dance floor.  For obvious reasons, that’s just not what 2021 is about. Instead of dancing, it truly is about keeping people entertained (and probably seated).

This could look very different for each wedding, but popular options for entertainers will be guitar players, singers, or even bands.  For some weddings, the performers may play in the background, or they might treat guests to an intimate concert.

There are bound to be alternatives to music as well, with guests having fun watching fire eaters, contortionists, or any number of performers who are dying for an audience right now.

SOCIALLY AND ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY CHOICES

We all spent a fair amount of time in 2020 educating ourselves on worldly and local events.  We learned so much about ways to improve our own impacts. This is going to play into 2021 wedding trends as couples have realized that the choices they make can really help improve the world around them.

Small Business Support

In 2021 the prediction is that couples will be more focused on hiring local vendors, especially small businesses, in particular those owned by minorities and women.

While we all have heard of wedding venues that are nationally run and provide a “one stop shop” of services, with a small wedding and extra desire to avoid a cookie-cutter wedding, there is definitely a shift to help our communities by choosing vendors who really need the support.

From local photographers to florists, small catering companies, out of work servers, and even small online craft shops for décor and stationary (often sold through larger websites like Etsy and Minted), all of this small business support really does make a difference.

Environmentally Conscious

One wedding can really create a lot of waste, and 2021 couples are trying to help that.

As we all try to minimalize our homes, purge our excess, and attempt to make our lives as simple as possible, weddings are definitely picking up on this in 2021. Yes, less guests does mean less waste in general.  However, there are so many other ways that a wedding can intentionally help the environment.

Some examples of this are to have locally sourced food provided.  Couples may have a goal to be plastic-free at their wedding.  They may borrow items and decorations, too. Many couples plan on making donations to environmental causes in lieu of favors. Because going “green” is often more expensive than not, the smaller wedding does allow a bit more room in the budget to focus on the environment.  It also helps support a cause that is so important to a lot of couples.

Check out this post on 40 ideas for an eco-friendly wedding. 

OTHER

Virtual Everything

We are all so accustomed to the virtual world right now.

I don’t know about you, but 100% of my work meetings have been virtual since March, 2020. And many wedding vendors are no different than me. In 2021, expect to see more virtual planning.  This may include interviews with photographers, picking out styles with florists, or sending invitations via email.  Additionally, these days you can actually try on wedding attire virtually, or have it altered, which is pretty cool.

Not only that, the live streaming of the actual event will be more popular than in previous years. For friends and family who are not able to make a wedding due to travel restrictions, stay at home orders, or personal social distancing choices, a hired drone pilot can put a couple’s wedding right in their family’s homes. 

It’s clear to see why this will among the more popular 2021 wedding trends. 

Unusual Times In Unusual Times

I would say a good 75% of the weddings I’ve been to have been on a Saturday evening.

In 2021 there will be a sway away from that status quo.  Due to the smaller wedding size, there’s a bit more flexibility on the timing. The engaged may find that they save a lot of money by getting married on Fridays, Sundays, or even Tuesdays, and the time of the event is all relative.

Definitely expect to hear more about weekday brunch weddings in 2021.

Destination Themes

So many couples had to postpone or cancel destination weddings in 2020, they are now deciding to bring the destination to them. 

When you really think about it, why not have a Hawaii theme right in your own backyard, complete with loose orchids, palms, and mai tai cocktails?  It seems like a wonderful way to honor travel plans that went awry, with the intention to see that location at a later time. Really, there are so many creative choices one could have when it comes to world destinations, I can get why this is such an inspiring theme to plan around.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Wow, there you have it friends.  2021 wedding trends will embody the lessons of 2020 as well as some of the exciting moments we all want for the future. They are going to be more intimate than in the past, but no less beautiful and definitely no less of a guest experience.  Cheers to all the 2021 weddings! 

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