Wedding trends in unprecedented times

DRY FLOWERS In décor, dry flowers are trending currently, as well as different elements like dried fruits. Also, watch out for open roses – we’re talking full blooms here, not rosebuds!

INTIMATE CELEBRATIONS Less will be more in 2021, thanks to lockdown restrictions that come and go. This year, it’s all about the quality of an event in terms of details rather than the number of guests, so we’ll be seeing far more intimate weddings with the focus on special, touching details that mean a lot to the couple. Also, the food is likely to be more health conscious, a nod to staying healthy in times like these. Because life is so uncertain right now, and restrictions change so often, couples are finding a silver lining in changing plans that brings unexpected excitement into the mix. Of course, health and safety is a major consideration in weddings these days, meaning that what the couple had originally planned may have to change to suit COVID-19 regulations. But the parties will go on, and fun will be had by all!

BACKYARD WEDDINGS Already, 2021 has been a year of changes, cancellations and learning how to go with the flow. Backyard weddings have been booming and we expect them to continue to be a popular choice this year, for both safety and comfort reasons. Just because you’ve moved your celebration to the backyard doesn’t mean it’s not going to be exciting… we’re expecting this type of celebration to exceed all expectations.

THE WEDDING PLANNER Another trend for 2021 will be hiring a wedding planner. As uncertainty is the name of the game this year, thanks to the pandemic, more and more couples are choosing the assistance of an expert to help them put a wellplanned celebration in place, restrictions and cancellations notwithstanding.

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Lockdown has people across the globe anxious to experience new things and travel to distant destinations. Think of that old adage: “Distance makes the heart grow fonder”. And it’s true – people have been restricted from visiting places they love, spending time with the people they love and enjoying the experiences they’ve yearned for, for so long. Couples are ready for something fresh and exciting... and that’s exactly what the prospect of a destination wedding serves up.

Many engaged couples have had to reschedule or put off their wedding altogether because of the pandemic. So, when it’s finally safe for them to host a celebration, I believe they will want to ‘go big’ – which could well mean getting married overseas.

At this point, the couple is not just celebrating their love; they will be celebrating their health, the health of their family and friends and the fact that the world is finally starting to open its doors again. After lockdown, I think couples will take full advantage of exotic, far-flung destinations for their weddings.

NEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE Yes, COVID-19 has changed the world, but it has also made us become more creative when it comes to putting together a celebration. These days, couples are searching for more meaningful, memorable ways to show their love story – regardless of uncertainty and restrictions. It’s all about the small things… the challenges you’ve overcome together, the meaningful moments that will be a part of your lives forever, that crazy-romantic engagement story you love retelling and the laughs (and tears) you’ve shared on your journey. By shifting your focus from the celebration itself to the actual reason why you’re celebrating, you’ll find you’ll start to feel far more at ease and excited as you plan a new kind of wedding. After all, the celebration of love must go on – and preferably with a signature cocktail in hand!

AFRICAN ELEGANCE

In this magnificent planning shoot, less is more when you have the spectacular backdrop of The Laurentin at Pont de Val at sunset