Summer wedding trends are on point in 2021!
Wedding trends in general have been a bit crazy over the last year or so. It makes sense, though. Engaged couples trying to keep up with changing pandemic guidelines and rules have had bigger issues to deal with than deciding the lighting and appetizer options. However, now that the world is appearing to get closer to normal, it’s getting easier for couples to focus on trends and making their dream weddings happen again. While weddings are still going to have some residual elements of the last year at them, expect couples to incorporate some fun ideas as well.
The great thing about summer weddings, and in particular weddings this summer, is that there will be a sense of optimism with them. Guest counts can be a bit bigger, guests will be more relaxed in general, and everyone will have a great appreciation that they are able to get together for these types of events. So no matter what you have planned for your wedding, expect it to be a wonderful time just because the world is ready for it.
2021 Summer Wedding Trends In Food, Décor, and Style
There are a ton of summer wedding trends that we could explore, but this post is going to focus on three major types – décor, food, and style.
If you’re planning a summer wedding this year, you may want to incorporate some of these trends into your plans. They are current, beautiful, and really fun. Let’s get into them!
Summer Wedding Décor
When it comes to wedding décor, summer weddings will be gorgeous in 2021.
Most weddings will be outside, so expect to see a lot of influence from outdoor elements such as greenery, plants, and wooden signs. Additionally, as mentioned in this post from earlier this year, there will be coziness from items you’ll typically find indoors, like lounge seating and throw pillows.
Here are some more examples of what you can expect to see:
Bamboo Chandeliers
Bamboo chandeliers are a really cute way to dress up an outside wedding.
These chandeliers bring back images of paper lanterns to me. They are easy to install, add some flair to a space, and can be used well after your event. You may even be able to find them for rent nearby, or borrow them.
Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers are all the rage right now for weddings.
If you’re not exactly sure what a pressed flower is, let me explain. Pressed flowers are just as they sound, they are flowers that are flattened and pressed into a design. If you scroll Instagram or Pinterest, you will see them everywhere that is related to weddings. Pressed flowers are on cakes, they are on invitations, and they are even on some wedding dresses.
Apricot & Peach Shades (Plus Bright Colors In General)
Color is the name of the game with summer wedding trends this year.
For summer weddings in any given year, you’ll typically find softer versions of bright colors. The predication at the beginning of 2021 was that orange was going to be one of the most popular colors throughout this year. It’s no surprise that apricot and peach are so popular right now. They are likely to be found in linens, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and throughout reception areas.
Canopy Lighting
Canopy lighting is a twist on twinkle lights.
Because the overwhelming majority of 2021 weddings will be outside, twinkle lights are incredibly popular. You may even be able to count on some hanging if a wedding will last until after sunset. Canopy lighting is essentially twinkle lights that drape over a space. They are installed over arches and frames, and could provide a sort of ceiling effort for lighting. They are especially pretty over tables or dance floors.
Summer Wedding Food
Summer weddings are going to take food to another level in 2021.
Most weddings this summer will be on the smaller side, meaning that couples can treat their guests to a special spread of food. They won’t necessarily spend less on food, though, they will just splurge more per guest. Individual portions, elevated cocktails, and thoughtful options are all going to be part of summer weddings in 2021. Additionally, hiring local businesses and focusing on sustainability are at the forefront when couples are choosing their caterers.
Here is what you can expect:
Smaller, Fancier Cakes
You probably won’t see a lot of four tiered wedding cakes at your next summer wedding, but you won’t be missing out on anything.
You will definitely still see cake. And they will be gorgeous. With less guests to serve, couples are looking to bakers to create cakes that are show stopping. Naked cakes decorated with incredible flowers, glossy mirrored cakes, and asymmetrical shapes are all trending right now on social media. The thought is that if you’re going to have a smaller guest list, and don’t need as much cake, you might as well make it a huge part of the décor and totally photo worthy.
Vegan & Vegetarian Food Options
Serving vegan and vegetarian food options goes back to the sustainability factor.
Now, the trend is not to eliminate meat altogether from weddings this summer. It is to thoughtfully add in more plant-friendly options. Not only is this more eco-friendly, it also is an attempt to provide more options to guests. When you have a smaller guest list, you may find that you don’t mind catering to the handful of vegans in the group. If you’d like more details on feeding vegetarians and others with dietary restrictions, this is a recent post on the subject.
Mini Desserts
Okay, mini desserts have been trendy for years, but they are worth mentioning here.
With the pandemic, this just seems like a no brainer when it comes to individual portions and hygiene. Beautiful, individual packages of goodness are perfect for a wedding these days. As you can see in this post, they can be anything that is easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Expect to see lots of fun options like tarts, mousses, profiteroles, and cupcakes.
Charcuterie Cups
Charcuterie cups and individual charcuterie plates are definitely a summer wedding trend right now.
If you need a refresher, charcuterie generally refers to a collection of appetizers that are laid out together. You’ll find a plethora of options in them, like meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, and spreads. In the past, it made more sense to have a large platter of these options on a table for guests to grab and place onto smaller plates. However, in an attempt to keep things separated and more hygienic, individual cups are now a thing. They are cute, they are beautiful, and they are really appetizing.
Beautiful Cocktails
I think you’re seeing a trend here. Couples are elevating every element of their wedding’s food, and they aren’t going to exclude drinks.
While at summer weddings this year expect to see really gorgeous cocktails. They may be simple, such as champagne, but served in a nice glasses. Or, they may be complicated, and garnished with herbs or fruit. They may also be displayed on a grab and go type of bar or seating chart. No matter what, they will be prevalent and they will be Instagram worthy.
Summer Wedding Style
If you’re getting close to your summer wedding, you probably already have your clothes and accessories picked out. However, it’s still fun to learn what’s trending.
Sparkly Wedding Dresses
Bring on the bling! With your wedding dress, that is.
Sparkly wedding dresses are so popular right now. Everyone is just ready to shine. This summer, there will be a lot of glitter and fun with wedding dresses. They may not be incredibly elaborate, but they will definitely be fun and eye catching.
Shorter Dresses
Choosing what’s right for you and your style is what summer wedding trends are all about in 2021. This may mean wearing a shorter wedding dress.
To go along with keeping weddings mostly outside, many brides are opting to forgo a long and heavy wedding dress for something that is a bit more comfortable. Short dresses are becoming more and more available and they are being snatched up. Plus, there are still a lot of couples who want to have another reception or wedding down the road, and short dresses are the “now” option with a longer dress later on at the larger wedding.
DIY Accessories
Do it yourself has been the name of the game since the pandemic hit, and some people have gotten really good at it.
A lot of brides (and grooms for that matter) are going to wear accessories that either they themselves made, or were gifted to them by a crafty guest. This could be fun earrings, boutonnieres, bow ties, or garters. It’s a cute way to accessorize without going overboard on spending.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Summer wedding trends in 2021 seem really fun and make a lot of sense for the times. Outdoor weddings, smaller guest lists, quality food, and a thoughtful experience are all going to be seen time and time again. The world is ready for meaningful experiences and couples are ready to jump into help their friends and family have those at their weddings.
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:
Ten Things To Do The Night Before Your Wedding
Canadian Weddings (And How They Differ From American Weddings)
Seven Things Wedding Guests Actually Care About
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The Top Wedding Trends of 2021
The Biggest Wedding Trends To Expect in 2021
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