In what has come to be known as the B.C. era (before Covid), weddings were big business, a highly lucrative industry worth $4.5 billion in the GCC. Middle-Eastern weddings which are known for their larger-than-life, opulent and extravagant celebrations have found new ways to continue their celebrations. The pandemic has led to changes in the market, making it intimate, personalized and with a focus on the heart.
We have got Sarah Al-Mughamis, Founder of Kuwait-based wedding planning company – Q8 Planner to share with us what has changed post-COVID in the opulent world of weddings in the Middle East. Since its opening in 2012, Q8 Planner has encouraged artistic leadership and is well-known in the wedding world for its flawless precision and attention to detail. Sarah Al-Mughamis is very well-known in the wedding market for her elegant style and friendly approach with her clients.
Micro Weddings Are Reigning In GCC
Couples have had to say ‘I do’ to limited guests, having to cut original guest lists and make huge cutbacks all-round due to COVID-19 rules. Not to mention social distancing, masks and rules and regulations. Hence Sarah predicts that it will dominate in the next 1-2 years for many reasons (percussion for COVID-19 – reducing the cost as of general economy recession – taking time to go back to the old norm, etc.)
In House Weddings
Nothing says love like a wedding with a “home sweet home” sign. We have seen some luxurious “at home” weddings in the Middle East in recent months. From breathtaking tablescapes to beautiful stair decor, house weddings can also give you a feel of having a wedding at an exotic hotel if done right. “As in Kuwait, with the most extended curfew, weddings are tiny and only in-house ones.” Shares Sarah.
Eliminating The Extras & Elevating The Essentials
What this pandemic has taught us the most is the importance of love and things that really matter. Sarah tells that “Couples are spending less time on things like color schemes and more time on experiences together. Due to economic conditions, many extras like giveaways, wedding invitations, and wedding stationery became a history for reducing the cost and limiting it with the essentials.” With that, the focus on personalized weddings that hold a significant meaning to the couple has increased.
Small Vendor Team With More Focus On Quality
To adhere to the “limited gatherings” norms, currently, couples are preferring DJs over Live music as the size of the wedding is minimal. The photography packages have become smaller (one photographer + two videographers) as the wedding is small, which removes the studio, drone, crane, and other extra photography selections. Increased focus on videography to capture the emotional moments after what the couples have been through in 2020.
Elegant Decor
Modern couples are embracing the minimalism concept to achieve an ultra-chic wedding aesthetic. “Most of the requested decoration is elegant and straightforward due to future uncertainty.” The modern minimalist trend has an emphasis on clean lines, different textures and sculptural details. And an overflow of fresh greenery can turn any event into an elegant affair. Try monochromatic stationery and lighter tones to have a truly chic and elegant celebration.
Q8 Planner is a full-service event planning like social occasions, graduations, and expos with a focus on destination weddings. With strong connections with like-minded, highly professional, and excellent vendor venues, couples love the fact that Q8 Planner takes care of every detail, from renting the wedding venue to flower arrangements, food, and all the little tiny details in between.
The Q8 Planner philosophy is to plan outstanding weddings, with unrepeatable creativity and extraordinary attention to every detail.
If you are looking for a uniquely personalized wedding with highly professional service, look no further. Book this impeccable team right here!
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