Without question, the wedding trends for 2021 are going to be influenced by the Coronavirus lockdown of 2020.
Weddings are now adopting a ‘go big or go home’ mentality for postponed weddings, this period of time we’ve been stuck in our homes – not able to hug our loved ones – will have a profound effect on how we choose to celebrate.
You’ll see on this list both a trend for intimate micro weddings and maxi-weddings where everything from your outfits to your music is oversized and extravagant. That’s because we’ll see two clear paths emerging out of 2020: those who feel the need to scale back and focus on a tight-knit group of nearest and dearest, and those whose passion to celebrate with everyone they care for means a BIG guest list.
Expect 2021 to be a bumper year for weddings, thanks to postponed dates from this year. And with each of those couples putting their own personality and flavour on their day, we predict a really surge in creative and unique weddings.
- Acts of Gratitude- as a whole, weddings will have an even deeper meaning; an extra layer to the day where there is a moment to stop and reflect on the events of the past 12 months and be grateful for good health and safety, to honour the opportunity of being finally able to celebrate with loved ones. Though time-consuming, a personal note on each guest place setting is a hugely meaningful gesture. Choose special guests, such as grandparents or close friends, to take home one of the flower arrangements at the end of the night. Smaller things include baking special ‘thank you’ treats for each guest, or hiring one or two babysitters to look after young guests during dinner and speeches and into the evening – it’s a way of giving parents some much-needed time off.A rather magical idea is a community candle lighting: you give one person at each table matches and, at the same time, they light the candles in your centrepieces. It creates a cosy ambience and gives everyone a moment to reflect.
- Local Menus – Think locally-farmed meats, foraged ingredients, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and modern twists on classic wedding dishes. The beef and dairy industry have been particularly hard hit, so speak to your caterer about supporting those local farmers with your menu. Who’s ever said no to a cheese board?
- A return to tradition – Weddings will go back to their heart: making treasured memories with friends and family. Experts across the wedding industry are predicting tradition to be a defining feature of 2021 weddings, from timeless dresses to nostalgic fragrances and traditional speeches. We are seeing a return to the more traditional side of weddings. Many more of my clients are choosing their local, childhood church for their ceremony, with a statement archway to frame the entrance, and delicate meadow flowers lining the aisle. They are then moving on to a tent in the grounds of their parent’s house or a private home setting. Increasingly, my brides are valuing the sentimental moments of their day and having their bouquets preserved and framed, or roses planted in their gardens that were used in the wedding flowers. Hand in hand with this comes the more traditional bouquet; increasingly we are being asked for something not too big, yet not too small, with usual garden roses, and other scented garden flowers to conjure memories of the wedding day in the future.
- Entertainment – 2021 weddings will be much more about experiences. That means couples will focus much more on entertainment and looking after their guests. Think a cool cocktail service instead of a standard cornhole. We are seeing interactive entertainment such as comedians, magicians, street artists to sketch your guests, petting zoos, acrobats and fire performers, roaming musicians, and more.
- Spring colors 2021- They will be key in delivering cool, calm and relaxed yet personal wedding vibes. Think gorgeous lilac, pastel pink, yellow and peach tulips and sweet rose, with a pop of colour such as orange or coral, and stationery of complementing colours too. As well as mustard and buttery yellow tones.
- Full on Hollywood Glamor – After we’ve all been stuck inside wearing jogging bottoms and t-shirts, I think we’ll see a return to full-on Hollywood glamour!Hair accessories adorned with sparkles or pearls will continue to be popular and we think we’ll see renewed interest in chandelier earrings and statement necklaces.
- Oversized everything! – By 2021, fiancées will be absolutely itching to ‘go big’ as much as possible to finally celebrate their much-anticipated day. Imagine waiting an entire year to finally get hitched, especially when you thought the day was definitely on its way. Now, we’re talking proper blowouts: extra attendees, glitter galore, bouncing balloons, exquisite bouquets of flowers throughout, and all those classic crowd-pleasing tunes. Postponed couples will celebrate this day like no other, and it’s made all the sweeter by having to wait for it.
- Dresses –Duchesse satin will be a favourite fabric, which is so classical and luxurious when sculpted over waist-defining corsets and big voluminous skirts, lighting up the face with its natural glow.And what kind of dress styles will we see? With spring/summer weddings set to dominate, we expect to see more strapless dresses. I also believe there will be a further surge in more demure, covered-up looks, so dresses with high necks and cheeky small and long puffed sleeves.
