“2021 weddings will be a celebration not just of love, but of reunion and recovery.”
To have or not to have? Seems to be the biggest question for couples planning their wedding in 2021. Following a difficult year for engaged couples and wedding professionals alike, 2021 offers a glimmer of hope for the return of in-person weddings—with a heightened focus on health and safety. With vaccines rolling out in different parts of the world, it has been a turning point in the wedding industry. From focused decor to tasteful touches, marital celebrations will highlight love like never before. Read on to see the biggest changes and predictions from experts in the business from 50+ countries on how they see 2021 weddings unfolding.
“2020 was all about being reactive. Postponed dates, a smaller number of guests, and the bride and groom masks. People had to make the best of it. 2021 will allow happy couples to plan the perfect day not despite the circumstances, but in a way that flows with them.” Tells Colette Sullivan, Lead Marketing & Communications, Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE.
“I personally think the biggest change would be the ‘Positivity’ that people have got in them post lockdowns in every country in the world. So while we will still take time to bounce back the way all of us used to do business at least there is scope for all the Industry associates to bounce back.” Says Pawan Mirchandani, MD, Horizon Wie, India & Dubai.
Luxurious Intimacy
Picture Courtesy: @jumistory
2020: Elopements, virtual weddings, Local destination
2021: Luxurious Intimacy, sentimental tabletops, global destination.
Let’s return to romance, intimacy, elegance and opulence and make this year will all be about intimate luxury.
“One of the big wedding trends of 2021 will be more intimate ceremonies and there will be more budget per guest, the wedding will be remembered for personalized touch in every detail even though the smaller number of guests doesn’t mean the celebration will be standard.” Says Eric Sugiono, Poetyque Events, Indonesia.
“When planning your wedding in 2021 be aware of all the details, smaller does not mean less personalization and details it actually means you can be more creative and grand for your guests.” Mentions Joann Gregoli, Owner, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, USA.
“We definitely see buffet-style dinners be reduced or disappear completely. Weddings will scale things down in size but scale-up in decor and special personalized moments. Receiving lines will also be reduced or disappear completely and be replaced with a general greeting to everyone by the newlyweds at the reception.” Advices Valarie Falvey, Owner, Kirkbrides, USA.
“Keep it small but not compromising on elegance and sophistication. A destination wedding with up to 30 guests is easier to handle in case of sudden restrictions due to the pandemic.” Reconfirms Fernanda Silva, CEO, Wedding Luxe, Brazil & Switzerland.
“Love is not only about 2 people. It’s also about everyone surrounds you. As sympathy to COVID-19 Pandemic which maybe happened around you and around the world, suggest to simplify but still style your wedding without sacrificing the meaning of the love celebration. It is always a good time to tie the knot when you are ready, do not wait.” Sums up Sinly Anfeny, Director/Owner, Bali Wedding Paradise, Indonesia.
Focus On The Heart
Pictures Courtesy: @allforlovelondon & @facibenifotografia
2020: Focus on decor, guests and food
2021: Hyper-personalization, Meaningful, return to traditions with a focus on love
The pandemic encouraged couples to reflect on the wedding details most important to them and refocus on the only thing that matters the most – love! Weddings are all about love and at the core, it should revolve around the hearts.
“With the focus on the heart, we are all so much more appreciative of life and relationships. When the world has gone through life like 2020 collectively, no celebration would ever be the same.” Tells Amelia Soegijono, Fine Art Wedding Photographer from Australia
“Celebrate your union and find joy in the process as you work through this very unexpected, but very real, new normal together. Focus on the cause for the celebration at hand. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in throwing a pretty party (I love dreamy design details as much as the next luxury wedding planner, after all)—but, the truth is, a “pretty party” really isn’t what a wedding is (or should be) all about. Instead, it’s the cause for celebration at hand that’s important. You’re celebrating your love story—the challenges you’ve overcome together, the meaningful moments that will be a part of you forever, that crazy-romantic engagement story you love reliving, and the laughs (and tears) you’ve shared along your journey. By shifting your focus from the celebration itself (which has likely been upended due to COVID-19) to the actual reason you’re celebrating, you’ll find you begin to feel far more relaxed, at ease, and joyful as you plan a new kind of affair. Forget the things you can’t have (a grand celebration for hundreds of guests; the décor items that are no longer available), and lean into the things you do have (a partner by your side for all of your years to come; a love story worth celebrating…even if that celebration looks a bit different than you originally imagined).” Beautifully explains Mwai Yeboah, Love From Mwai, UK
“More heartfelt and meaningful weddings, as they are more intimate with a small party, there will be more attentive to details, decor, food and wine choices are more important, choice of a bespoke Menu rather than set packages.” Says Rosanna Do Pastena, Owner, Orange Blossom Wedding Planner – Dream Weddings in Italy
“Willingness to get married vs uncertainty should highlight two behaviors: more thoughtful choices and plan for one part of the couples and last time decisions for another part.” Adds Bourguignon Sylvian, Managing Director, Chateau De Santeny, France.
“There will be more weddings in 2021. Thoughtful, heartfelt but also people are ready to express themselves, express their love and they are going to do this in a way that feels genuine and creative.” Shares Jennifer Johnson, President, Epic Presentations, St. Barthelmy F.W.I.
“Elaborate, over-the-top weddings won’t be the focus of many 2021 couples. The pandemic has changed us all and has made us realize what truly matters, which isn’t necessarily a lush, picture-perfect event. Weddings might lean more on being happy and full of gratitude, which is actually a very good thing if you ask me.” Adds Greta Betton, Wedding Planner, Italy.
“I’m expecting to see many more weddings in 2021 than in 2020. I think the biggest change within the weddings will be more of a focus on the ceremony – from customs, to design than we have seen in the past. People are valuing the space where vows are exchanged over the party now that certain aspects of receptions may have restrictions so I am expecting more elaborate ceremony decor, programming and family involvement.” Reiterates Feyisola Ogunfemi, Owner & Lead Planner, Statuesque Events, USA
“I believe that it is the search for truly unique experiences, with family and friends that really matter in the lives of these couples.” Sums up Simone Tostes, Founder, Aonde Casar, Brazil.
Fewer Guests
Picture Courtesy: @audreyparisphoto / @discotecnik
2020: Zoom wedding or elopements with no guests
2021: Micro weddings with fewer guests
Small is the biggest trend! For many couples, this crisis has shifted their priorities and the focus is now more on an intimate/micro gathering with their nearest and dearest.
“I believe the change will be a consistent, significant change in the number of guests that the couples will consider inviting – no matter if the event is a buyout or an intimate Wedding (up to 25 people), the number of guests will decrease compared to previous years. On the other hand, there should be more room for décor budget or other specific details food and beverage related.” Tells Evelyn Nguyen Van, Head of Sales Groups & Events, Zaya Nurai Island, UAE
“Now we say ‘wed now party later’. The “new normal” may have inspired intimate weddings with a smaller number of guests so couples should focus on creating unforgettable experiences and sharing special memories with their guests.” Shares Romina Feraretto, Luxury Wedding Planner, Romina Ferraretto Event Planners, Argentina.
“Tighter guest lists. Fewer third cousins, friends of parents, and plus-ones. Couples surrounding themselves with the most important people in their lives.” Adds David Pressman, Producer, David Pressman Events, USA.
“Fewer guests in 2021 than before. A slow movement to get “back to normal” towards the end of 2021.” Reconfirms Brigitte Lima, Partner, Something New Weddings, Portugal
“Smaller weddings with bigger details. Virtual components to both the wedding ceremony and reception for guests still cautious about attending,” points Nancy Barkley, Owner, Honeymoons & Get-A-Ways, USA.
“Mostly budget weddings with few guests will prevail.” Sums up Narine Sargsyan, Director, Narine Sargsyan Wedding Design Studio, Armenia.
Creativity & New Concepts
Picture Courtesy: @bazevents
2020: Simple weddings
2021: Imaginative alternatives, creative social distancing measure, unique entertainment
We have seen new concepts like – minimonies, micro & sequel weddings, hyper-personalization emerge in 2020 weddings. More creativity is expected in 2021.
“The biggest change from 2020 to 2021 wedding will be people implementing imaginative alternatives. People may not be able to travel where they want so they can bring the exotic elements to their location.” Says Michele Fox Gott, CEO, Center of Attention Events, USA.
“2020 has really caused couples and industry professionals to think outside of the box when it comes to event planning. 2021 will see the events industry take these creative ideas and concepts to new levels.” Says Adam Galwas, Director, The Wedding Filmmakers Ltd, UK.
“A reduction of invitees and an extension of details in wedding themes. People will appreciate more the small creative picture (the things that matter most) rather than the big picture (the grandiosity of weddings)” Points Roger A-Smith, GM, Music-A, Lebanon.
“More couples with go eco, weddings will be smaller and brides will look for the unknown places rather than follow fashion.” Adds Namrata Rajgarhia, Founder 2 Fat Ladies, India
“As I say “the devil is in the details” and personalization is the key so irrespective of the scale of your wedding look forward to an experiential wedding to create memories that last forever and make your D day special. In terms of invitations, they should reflect the true personality of the bride and the groom.” Beautifully sums up Puneet Gupta, Director, Puneet Gupta Invitations, India.
Rise In Outdoor Venues
Picture Courtesy: @weddingsbyvivaah
2020: Indoor closed space lockdown weddings
2021: Outdoor weddings, beach, garden and backyard
Keeping social distancing intact, ballrooms and indoor accommodations will be less preferred. Planners and couples will shift their attention to outdoor venues with gorgeous backdrops.
“I think the chance of organizing weddings without restrictions. The weddings will be organized outside and will be a lot of intimate weddings or elopements. The people will want to celebrate your wedding or event with their guests after this difficult period. They will want to travel and live a real “wedding experience.” Adds Patrizia Leonardi, Wedding & Events Planner, Future Emotion of Patrizia Leonardi
“For obvious reasons, many weddings will be downsized. Fewer guests will give the opportunity to increase budget in other aspects such as decor, experiences and above all, future weddings will be more personal and human. Needless to say that any possibility of using outdoor venues or spaces will be a big demand in near future.” Shares Kiran Mansharamani, Business Development Manager, Warq Events, Spain.
“I see a rise in the popularity of smaller venues for the small reason. As technology improves, more couples will opt to add a live stream component to their wedding for those guest can’t travel. Broadcasting wedding ceremonies have become more popular as couples look for ways to share their special day with faraway friends.” Reiterates Gayane Khojayan, CEO & Founder, Prestige Wedding Planner, Armenia.
More Clarity
Picture Courtesy: @prestonrbailey
2020: Uncertainty
2021: More regulated guidelines
Now that we have a better grasp on how to handle planning during a pandemic, as well as an understanding of how to execute safety precautions such as from temperature checks and sanitation stations to rapid COVID tests, planning has become a bit more streamlined.
“The good part about 2021 is we know what to do! Celebrating in larger areas, outdoors, with a beautiful landscape, in rural areas, smaller intimate micro weddings or ceremonies. Instead of open buffet presentations, dishes served in ala carte order will be preferred. Demands will shift to more open spaces and private family homes, private boat/yacht celebrations. In recent years, many couples have ALREADY embraced the intimate wedding trend with outdoor celebrations. This situation will make itself felt more in 2021 and more personalized, more detailed outdoor weddings will be in the foreground.” Beautifully explains Nilden Gezer, Luxury Destination Wedding Planner, Nilyum Wedding & Event Design, Turkey
“I believe couples in 2021 will take a more simplified approach to their weddings.” Says Zeinab Kassem, Event Planner, A Vile, Lebanon.
“Hopefully less confusion from the government on what can and can’t happen. This will make it easier for couples to be excited about their special day.” Points Jason Harper, Director of Culinary, Cocktails and Canapes, Canada.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Jayne Davies, Wedding Manager, Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel, Cyprus.
“Hopefully, the world opens up and we can welcome people back to our beautiful Island to celebrate their love at our incredible location!” Sums up Megan Truskett, Director of Weddings and Events, The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Indonesia.
Fusion Of Tech & Weddings
Pictures Courtesy: @apollofotografie / @andremaierphoto
2020: Virtual weddings
2021: Complete immersive hybrid weddings
Livestreaming, 3-D projections, video mapping, these are the times when technology will rule 2021 weddings. Couples are looking out for more ways to include their family far apart in an interactive and immersive way.
“Big celebrations will momentarily be out unless via hybrid. Intimate celebrations will be the trend.” Adds Claire del Rosario-Bernabe, Director of Sales & Marketing-Resorts, Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, Philippines.
“Hybrid weddings. Even with larger weddings to be permitted, the majority of the out-of-town guests will still only be able to enjoy virtually, depending on the government restrictions for different countries.” Points Bhavnesh Sawhney, Co-founder, FB Celebrations, India
Safety
Picture Courtesy: @andreawagnerphotography
2020: Travel restrictions, no clear safety protocols
2021: Vaccine availability, temperature checks, enhanced safety
Health & Safety to remain top of mind for future weddings. No matter what, this will be a part of every part of the celebration. From masked weddings to ensuring social distancing and implementing sanitizing stations, this factor will stay strong in all the celebrations.
“Indian weddings will always have the grandeur that had before also. The only change will be the safety aspect considered more now.” Tells Ekta Saigal Lulla, Partner, Weddings By Ekta Saigal Lull, India.
“Everyone will be much more aware of safety, spacing and cleanliness!” Adds Marina Luri-Clark, Owner & Creative Director, Marina Luri Events, USA.
“One of the biggest changes from 2020 to 2021 we foresee is that this new year will surely move from no celebrations – to – back to big celebrations, albeit with safety in place. Weddings that were postponed from 2020 will all take place and they will be personalized with care to make it special for each and every guest. We will be seeing multiple celebrations too, to accommodate all guests; a smaller list of invitees for the main wedding and a bulkier list for a pre/post wedding function.” Shares Trrishanth Sidhwaani, Director, DreamzKrraft – The Wedding Company, India
“The size and format of the weddings will change to adapt to the current sanitary situation.” Reiterates Chloé Atlan, CEO, Aava Wedding, France. Similar sentiments were shared by Guadalupe Alvarrez, Director, Penzi Weddings, Mexico.
“I anticipate the biggest change will be the size of the guest list. I expect to see smaller gatherings until everyone is vaccinated and feels safe to travel. “Tells Renee Daolo, Wedding Planner, Moxie Bright Events, USA.
“Shorter guest lists due to all the restrictions we will be facing in 2021. Celebrations with social distance in an event that is full of physical contact and emotions so the real challenge is how heartfelt and meaningful a wedding can be. Having a wedding party with restrictions, guests wearing masks on the dance floor and respecting the biosecurity standards. You can expect weddings any day of the week. ” Adds Jossy Quezada, Jossy Quezada Wedding Planner, Peru.
“The biggest change is that we have to have a plan A, plan B and C due to COVID 19. It has changed the world and if we are going to have small events we have to prepare and keep everyone as safe as possible.” Adds Kia Marie, Owner, Kia Marie Events, USA
“To every couple planning a wedding in 2021, I would advise them to celebrate responsibly and focus on the celebration of their love, and hire a team of experts to help them guide their guests and ensure the safety guidelines are being complied with.” Points Will Medina, Travel Expert, Destination Weddings Expert, LLC, USA.
Conclusion – Love Conquers All
Picture Courtesy: @monikazaldo
The promise of a vaccine, wedding experts said, has given couples a renewed sense of optimism. If 2020 remains a year of setbacks, 2021 is a year of the comeback!
“They should be positive and optimistic, love always wins and nothing can’t stop a couple to tie the knot and celebrate. They should probably not think too much ahead, but when they are ready to celebrate they should decide in a 3/4 month turnaround. The year preparation or 2 years probably will go out of fashion. If you love each other why should you wait so long to start your journey together?” Shares Sabrina Piccinin, CEO & Founder, Haute Retreats, Italy.
“Well, given the biggest change is that we are ALLOWED to have weddings in 2021, another big change will likely be the appreciation for weddings. This past year has been a whirlwind of emotions, struggles, and disappointments, but let’s look at it from a different perspective, we learned and we appreciated it. The wedding world has never been so wanted and needed, weddings are essential, love is essential, celebrating long-lasting commitment is essential with the people who are closest to you. I think the biggest change from 2020 to 2021 in the wedding world will be the utter appreciation for weddings being able to happen and being around the people who most love you, celebrating love in general.” Says Kristin Phalines, Owner and Wedding and Event Planner, Kyle Michelle Weddings, USA
“Now more than ever, book a wedding planner. We can make sure you have a wonderful experience during all the year and most importantly – a remarkable and stress-free day!” Adds Dóris Costa, Wedding Planner, Fashion Moments, Portugal
“In 2021 everyone will be willing to party and to share all the good and positive vibes that a wedding can give.” Sums up Simona Parisi, Wedding Planner, Brilliant Wedding Sicily, Italy.
Although 2021 will be still a challenging year for the wedding industry, we have proved love will always prevail. The pandemic ushered in an era of unity as small businesses and couples around the nation rallied together to find solutions and uncover ways to celebrate marriage, even in the most challenging times. Let’s keep rolling and make this year a year of the greatest comeback the world has ever seen! LOVE, TEAM DWP
Feature Image Credit: @chrisandruth
