BY OPEHELLIA MCKNIGHT
BRIGHT IDEAS
POST-PANDEMIC DESTINATION WEDDING TRENDS
There are times that I feel like I’m watching a real-time, 360-degree camera focused on destination weddings because of my work on both the travel and planning sides of destination weddings. Since the beginning of the year, inquiries have dramatically increased on the destination side of the wedding industry as many couples have been waiting for more relaxed travel restrictions and protocols to confirm their plans. Here are some of the trends that are popping up as couples begin planning their destination weddings again. Whatever the reasons are for these changes, we are here for it and excited to jump back into planning dream celebrations.
1 Couples are getting more private, with celebrations on the water or secluded island. There is a definite request for privacy and some couples still have a need to just be with their own groups for their celebration, and a boat on the open sea or a celebration on their own private island gives them the confidence to really enjoy their wedding without anxiety. (Little known and fun fact: Jamaica, for example, is an archipelago made up of 28 islands, some of which are perfect to host private wedding celebrations. Imagine that: An island all to yourself. Now that’s privacy!)
2 There is a definite move towards more intimate weddings, which I feel will become a staple for a few years. Couples are very focused on spending time with just family and close friends because they have not been able to do that consistently for the past two-plus years. Even when there are requests with a bigger guest list, couples are focused on a design that reflects intimacy. Clients are doing weddings their way and are not being constrained by wedding etiquette and traditions. They are keen on creating new rules that they deem appropriate for their inner circle and the new life they are building as a couple.
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3 Natalie John of Dreamy Weddings in Saint. Kitts, says she has seen a definite surge in groom involvement in planning. Space has been created for grooms to add their personality and style, which is great, because design and décor is getting bigger. Couples are more focused on a more opulent look and feel. This could be attributed to postponed events. Some couples may have been able to put aside more savings over the last couple years and are wanting to create their dream wedding.
5 A full weekend or multiple days of celebration is still very present and has now become a regular request so that couples can squeeze every drop of connection and together time in their wedding weekend. Franciene Foster of Jamaica Wedding Concierge says that couples are happy to spend a bit more to add in different elements and curate epic wedding getaways that include pre- and post-ceremony events, as well as excursions for their entire group in destination.
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According to travel designer Vanessa McKnight of Unforgettable Escapes, there has been an increased interest in creating travel registries in lieu of wedding gifts for her clients. At recent bridal shows, she has seen interest from couples who want to know more about the process and how to create a travel registry.
