Trends

Intentionality Year of

Wedding trends to personalize the big day

New experiences, new design elements – the coronavirus pandemic has caused couples to lean into curated “moments” and highly personalized nuptials to welcome their new beginning.

Knot.com’s trends forecast for 2021 includes marrying necessity with the new during what they’ve termed the “Year of Intentionality.” doors because of the ambiance, as well as for health reasons. Tents provide protection against the elements, and strings of twinkle lights and chandeliers and special lighting techniques create a fairytale-like atmosphere. as “dinner-party style.” Speeches are more casual. Couples are also toasting their loved ones with tiny toasts throughout the event to say “thank you.”

1. THE WELCOME BOX.

The gift bag has been transformed into welcome kits that make your family and friends feel loved and cared for, particularly as weddings become more intimate. The boxes are more fun to open than a bag and includes such necessities as hand sanitizers, masks, programs and favors.

2. TENTS AND TWINKLY LIGHTS.

Couples are getting back to nature as more weddings move out-

3. MINI D’OEUVRES.

The trend toward smaller plates is growing – single-serve and bitesized appetizers and hors d’oeuvres arranged on grazing boards, in small baskets and take-out cartons. It’s convenient, easy to eat and the presentation can be wow-worthy.

4. TINY TOASTS.

Move over, best man and maid of honor. Today’s weddings are becoming more intimate in 2021, and the Knot says planners are predicting the rise of “tiny toasts” where loved ones are asked to share a fond memory of the couple, described

5. MISMATCHED SEATING & TABLES.

Mismatched bridesmaids dresses are now commonplace. Now matchy-matchy is out for reception spaces. Brides are opting for a mix of square, rectangular and circular tables for unique fl oor plans and seating arrangements of four and six guests. Couple also six guests. Couple also are looking at unconventional options in options in ceremony spaces.

6. BISTRO-STYLE ENTERTAINMENT.

“Relaxed-but-formal” settings lend themselves to café or bistro-style music, such as an acoustic group. You could add to the vibe by having baristas serve lattes or other co ee beverages (with or without alcohol). There’s plenty of room for thinking outside the box for entertainment, food and drink.

7. LIVING ROOM DÉCOR:

Whether your reception is indoors or out, the beautiful and plush aesthetic of cozy throws, comfy chairs and lounge-style seating gives guests a spot to sit and feel at home while enjoying the party. Knot.com describes it as “a cozy farmhouse rendition of a living room plucked straight from Magnolia.”

8. VIRTUAL PLANNING.

Virtual invitations, Zoom weddings, wedding websites you can build – technology is impacting the wedding planning process. AR and technology can impact planning as well as enhance guest experiences, such as invitations that give tours or glimpses into the wedding location, photos of guests unable to attend or with the couple at the wedding … options are endless.

9. SINGLE-TIER AND MINI CAKES.

Cakes will grow smaller in size but more dynamic in detail, whether it’s an intricate pattern or play on the couple’s color scheme. A trio of single-tier cakes is another trend, taking elements from the wedding design to mix and match styles of the tiers.

10. WEEKDAY WEDDINGS.

Once upon a time, June was the most popular wedding month. That has shifted, with October becoming the most popular wedding month in 2020, followed by September, May, June and August, respectively. Now, weekday weddings are seeing an uptick. In the most recent The Knot Real Weddings Study, weddings outside of Saturdays already account for one in three weddings, a trend that is likely to continue.

Considering a weekday celebration may provide better access and cost savings for venue and vendors, perhaps putting originally out-ofbudget choices within reach.

13. BRUNCH WEDDINGS.

Mimosas, bloody Marys and bubbly – welcome to the brunch wedding, which will be a hot commodity in 2021. Couples are talking advantage of daylight and sunkissed experiences, lush garden parties, brunch boxes under airy tents and breakfast-for-dinner menus that guests love.

14. CUSTOM COCKTAILS TO-GO.

Pre-packaged cocktails and beverage options are become more sophisticated, and couples will create dedicated grab-and-go libation stations for guests in 2021. Ask your caterers about ways to supplement your custom ready-to-drink cocktails, such as fresh mint leaves, citrus slices and even custom coasters (great favors!) to help guests enjoy their to-go drinks. Plus it limits wait time at the bar.

15. COLORS WITH FRESH FLAIR.

Fresh color palettes and prints are surging in popularity. Knot.com forecasts more couples will infuse fresh, nature-driven hues and unexpected palettes into their wedding décor.

16. FRESH AIR.

Ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions are taking place outdoors, under tents and on patios and decks at venues. Now couples are curating weekend itineraries to help guests take advantage of nature. The micro wedding trend is leading couples to unique, scenic and beautiful settings that could not host a larger crowd or event, perfect for smaller weddings.

17. FOCUS ON FLORALS.

Couples are seizing seasonality in flowers – a play on the farm-to-fork trend in food. Components are in harmony with one another in a natural, unfabricated way. Couples are being more thoughtful in the “why” behind the flowers they’re selecting to tell their love story, making their choices both romantic and sentimental.

18. SENTIMENTAL TABLETOPS.

Custom linens and tabletop displays are expected to become more intimate, personal and elaborate in 2021. Seated dinners lend themselves to new table designs that look like styled shoots with luxurious linens, crystal glassware, layered china, lots of candles, flowers and other details.

19. VENDOR CURATION.

Watch for an uptick in intentionality in purchasing power throughout the wedding planning process. Couples are seeking diversity, as well as beautiful work.

20. THE BIG REVEAL.

More couples are searching for “epic” announcement photos, unique aerial shots and go-big or go-home concepts. Couples increasingly want styled shoots for the wedding to give the day an editorial photo shoot look. Clients are spending more on photography and fashion to that end.

Source: Theknot.com