While the wedding industry collectively navigated the ups and downs of 2020, we’re still carrying many of the repercussions into the new year. As a result, the map of 2021 will look different from what we’ve seen in the past. From the disruption of 2020 to the road to recovery that lies ahead, we expect to see the wedding industry transform in new and unprecedented ways, pushing event pros to adapt their businesses to meet market expectations.
Come what may! The Industry has collectively made through the pandemic and managed not just to survive the flames of the pandemic, but emerged stronger and better.
Last month, we revealed the 2021 DWP Global Wedding Industry Update from 60+ countries covering 1000+ wedding professionals to see how the wedding market is looking like. As we make our way through the first quarter of the year, here’s what the planners have to say!
Some Common Sentiments Of Wedding Planners From Around The Globe
Quick recovery & busier times ahead: Many planners expressed relief that the future won’t be filled with Zoom weddings and are hopeful that the vaccine will allow their industry to revive. The year 2021 is anticipated to be one of the busiest years for weddings in decades, but with COVID-19 precautions in place.
Niden Gezer, Co-founder, Nilyum Event Design, Turkey speaks for everyone when she says “This process is really difficult for everyone. Post-COVID, everyone will travel more than before and continue the events. We believe it will recover very quickly. We are all very tired of this process. When we learn to behave truly ethically without being overcome by our ambitions, when everyone does their job right, everyone will develop and earn more.”
“We’re now only stopped by governments. Our clients and partners can manage risk and protocols, get vaccinated. As soon as travel bans will be lifted, the business will be bigger than ever, ever before. We won’t have enough people in teams, not even locations available, etc cover couples’ requests. Be ready and prepared!” Points Muriel Saldalamacchia, Founder, The International Wedding-Planner, France & Italy.
“It will take time, but we notice that weddings and their emotional & special nature mean that they will be executed with an even greater desire. Our clients are invested in making their weddings special – many have been waiting for a long. The world and people’s awareness have changed but a wedding remains one of life’s special occasions that will be celebrated. We are seeing recovery and promising “boom” for later in 2021. Shares Christina Holt, Owner & Director, Wedding Concepts, South Africa.
Keeping the spirits high, Jess Tantapaiboon, Owner, The Wedding Bliss, Thailand tells “I guess it will start slowly but once things are more secured, it will come back crazier than ever. Echoing a similar sentiment, Teena Barretto, a leading planner from the Philippines says “Everyone will go big and go hard on their celebrations post COVID-19.”
Jo Anne Brown, Co-Creative Designer, Celebrations Group Ltd., Cayman Island shares her experience: “In the Caribbean and luckily for me living and having my business in the Cayman Islands that has been able to be totally Covid Free for the entire 3 islands we will and are being sought after for weddings even more than before. If done in unity and universally we should do very well. But it does depend on the governments and the people of the various countries and how they act.”
Encouraging each other helps to get over tough times sooner. “Keeping positive, encouraging couples to make their wedding as beautiful as they can, as they are allowed to!” Says Roberto Cohen, CEO, Roberto Cohen Cerimonial, Brazil.
“I think it will be slow. Destination weddings will occur internally or in nearby areas. On the other hand, as we have been kept from traveling for so long we will probably want to travel more so at this point I see a boom in destination weddings worldwide. But not for 2022. It will take more time, we will need to have vaccinations taking place and borders more flexible for this to get back to the levels we have known,” points Fernanda Silva, CEO, Wedding Luxe, Switzerland.
“We will recover quickly and be incredibly busy as soon as weddings fully resume. I anticipate the next 2-3 years as being some of the busiest in our careers. Stay positive, informed, and connected while we make an effort to support one another,” advises Jill La Fleur, Owner/Creative Director, La Fleur Weddings & Events, USA.
“I believe that the wedding industry will recover, as long as vendors remain professional and passionate to work. Couples are looking forward to getting married and it is up to us to guide them wisely so that they can have the wedding of their dreams, by sharing information, opinions and knowledge. Community over the competition should be encouraged!” Sums up Konstantina Lafara, Wedding Planner, Soo Events, Greece.
Picture Courtesy: @gideonhermosa
Pintimate weddings: One of the top trends on the horizon is being termed the “pintimate wedding”—a personalized and intimate micro wedding for a better guest experience.
Bob Conti, Partner, Ed Libby Events, USA emphasized the importance of personalization. “Fewer attendees with more attention to detail and collaboration is the way to go.”
“Intimate weddings with smaller crowds is all the buzz post covid. The wedding industry is recovering rapidly. Destination weddings are also back in full swing. But the safety procedures have been amped up because it’s very necessary in these times,” points Bhavnesh Sawhney, Director & Co-founder, FB Celebrations, India
“We will have more detailed agreements regarding the force majeure. Hospitality will be one of the most significant aspects in destination weddings since the guest list getting smaller, the couple would want to show the guests how much they meant to them,” tells Eric Sugiono, an Indonesia-based wedding planner.
“Since the number of guests is shortened, couples can spend more on quality catering and gifts for the guests.” Adds Carol Pereira, Founder, Lavigne Events, France.
Picture Courtesy: @tali__photography
Safety takes the front seat: Survey respondents told us that fears about new variants as well as travel restrictions both locally and internationally were playing some role in the uncertainty. But with proper SOPs laid by event organizers, the risk can be mitigated.
“Our couples and their families have to be assured of the continued safety protocols but also given the confidence that with the majority of guests being vaccinated, celebrations can safely take place. It will not be long when our industry thrives and flourishes again as people have a short memory and are eager to celebrate love.” Shares Nikki Khan, Founder, Xquisite Events, USA.
“We need to use all precautionary measures, keep our couples and guests and staff safe, and guide our clients to keep safety in the forefront as we plan future events. When couples see they can host a stunning and festive wedding, while keeping everyone safe, the industry will flourish again.” Tells Heather Jerue, Founder & Director, Rendez-vous in Paris, France.
“We will be looking at ceremonies with fewer guests for a while, but still, there will be lavish events, regardless of the number of guests. We need to follow protocols enlisted by our countries to help combat this pandemic. The situation may be difficult now, but ignoring protocol for an event, means we are prolonging the situation. We must be patient and encourage a smaller number of guests until the situation gets better.” Advices Sara AlSalman, Founder, Royal Weddings by Sara J, Bahrain & Dubai.
“There will be a lot more weddings happening, however; there is always going to be a safety concern on every wedding. The wedding industry would have to come up and bring some creativeness to each event to make it fun, intimate, elegant and keeping safety in mind and adapting and evolving our services to the ever-changing social and economic conditions.” Shares Chetali Shah, Owner & Lead Wedding Planner, Wedding Elegance NYC, USA.
“I think smaller weddings will continue until at least the first quarter of 2022 and people will start to ease back into feeling safe attending larger weddings like we saw pre-COVID. I think in 2022 we will be back to where we were. Come up with safety guidelines for the near future to show local governments we are doing our part in providing safe events. Support local businesses and support one another as we re-enter back to business during these transitional times.” Reiterates Percy Sales, Owner, Percy Sales Events, USA.
“Weddings have picked back up sooner than I expected and couples are ready to celebrate; where it’s an intimate affair or large. However, we are strongly focusing on safety. Be open-minded about changes in the industry.” Says Christie William, Owner, Niq William Events, USA.
What About The Budget?
Picture Courtesy: @roberthykl
When the pandemic took over the world, we thought that the couple’s budget will be reduced. But on the contrary, it hasn’t! Couples are sure mindful about their spendings but they are spending large on things that matter!
Bruce Russell, a leading wedding & event planner from UK says- “They are not spending less, but they are conscious of what items we are spending on, and the impact on the guest experience.”
Similar sentiments were shared by Terrica Skaggs, Chief Wedding Planner & Designer, Cocktails & Details®, USA. “They are spending more to have better venues for the weddings they want. Everyone has to be on the same page and of one accord. We need to work together and not just for one individual’s best interest.”
“Budgets still seem to be there at the higher end of the market – couples want to spend when they can but they need reassurance around terms and conditions, etc.” Tells Aimee Dunne from UK.
“There is not a real difference in budget expenditure but they all mention insurance now and flexibility on payments and refund/postponement policy, something they hardly ever mentioned before. I feel people will be desperate to celebrate and we will see a boom in requests, although will certainly be more aware and cautious about possible unexpected situations such as another pandemic etc. Offer flexibility.” Adds Bernadette Garside, Director, The Perfect Wedding Company, Spain / Canary Islands.
“Couples will spend more on the unusual venue and the intimate details.” Tells Elsie Ofulue, Director, Events on Wheels, UK.
“The budget has been affected tremendously. Couples are more interested to personalize certain services and looking for different ways to virtually engage with those guests who would not be able to attend the wedding due to COVID.” Points Patrizia Cilli from Italy.
Together, We Flourish
Set Rules & Guidelines: A negative COVID test 72 hours before the event via email is a good way to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Post Wedding recovery will depend on vaccination, following protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and asking everyone attending the event ( guests and vendors) for a negative Covid Test. The wedding industry will flourish little by little since the Covid 19 virus will take time to be “controlled” so it is up to the venues, vendors and everyone involved with the event industry to get together and create a “universal” Covid set of rules and regulations for everyone to follow at an event. This way it is one set of rules not depending on the place where you live in. I just planned a wedding in Puerto Rico and requested all the vendors to send via email their negative Covid tests and it worked really well.” Shares Anne MarieKleis, President, AMK Events, Puerto Rico.
Collaboration Over Competition: #strongertogether “Share our thoughts, grow together, work with each other not against each other. We are in this together.” Beautifully says Anna Schulz, CEO, Anna Schulz Weddings, Germany.
Similar sentiments were shared by Evelyn Paz, Wedding Planner, Event Flow by Evelyn Paz, Mexico. “We need to still be patient, resilient and work together as an Industry, as Peers, not as rivals or antagonists.”
“There is a lot of pent-up demand to celebrate so I think the wedding industry will come back bigger and better than before. However, we must first overcome the covid issues currently facing Europe and the vaccinations required to make people feel safer. The wedding industry can flourish by collaborating more, being more creative than ever and promoting the importance of safety and safety protocols. Spread the message to clients: hire professionals to make sure you and your guests are safe!” Says Marina, Luri-Clark, Owner & Creative Director, Marina Luri Events LLC, USA.
“We need to work together to build even better and stronger alliances and connections for value addition to the couple’s wedding experiences in a destination that we service. Safety and a feeling of everyone being taken care of by the couple and the wedding team. By working together by networking, learning and trusting each other. Keep learning and practicing ethical and best safety endeavors.” Points Tracey Manailescu, Lead Planner, Tracey M Events, Canada.
“To collaborate more, create projects where we can work together so we can have a better impact on the industry.” Further adds Anett Tarcsay, Destination Wedding Planner, The Wedding Company, Guernsey.
“Building in safety protocols so the industry can be wholly trusted and won’t cause super spreader COVID events. Also having insurance against cancellations caused by governmental lockdowns. Giving consumer confidence to our clients, working closely with our suppliers and we have really seen an increased sense of honesty between companies who we work with, which means closer collaboration which in itself will bring about better overall weddings.” Sums up Charlotte Aitken, Director, Albion Parties, UK.
“Speak up and voice to the government about our safe working practices. How we are so organized as an industry that we can safely execute large-scale events, maintaining social distancing, etc.” Tells Sejal Kankali, Wedding Planner, Sejal & Co, UK.
Pictures Courtesy: @tesslaureen
Sharing Thoughts On Online Platforms: During the time of COVID, DWP Insider served as a platform for raising the voice of the wedding industry from every corner of the world. From webinars to roundtables to surveys to opinions, it was open to helping the wedding industry professional in every way possible.
“Keep on working with each other to make the industry better and offering a better experience to clients. Working on more exclusive destination experiences for guests. Having a platform to share experiences on destination weddings market and meeting vendors with the same high-quality standards.” Advices Cyrielle Mohara, Director, Chic & Co, China. Similar sentiments were shared by Olivia Buckley, Founder, Olivia Buckley International, Ireland.
“Band together to make our voices heard around the world that we need help to reopen and recovery for our industry (financial, letting us have a seat at the table about reopening protocols, etc.” Tells Rebecca Grant, Owner, New Creations Wedding Planning, USA.
“The visibility is still very uncertain as the virus is not contained and many countries are still going in lockdown. The sector can still recover but it will take time…for the time being, we can not even replan a date for the confirmed weddings since last year. We will definitely have to wait while continuing with massive online advertisements. Through aggressive advertisements, continuous webinars with other professionals and close collaboration with our partners, we can come back stronger.” Says Cartier Clement, Director, Beach Destination Ltd, Mauritius.
“Continue to work together. To continue with the innovation of new methods of communication for events. Continue to be flexible with clients and vendors as changes are still happening. Taking care of ourselves to be ready for the huge expansion that is going to happen in the industry.” Adds Jennifer Johnson, Owner, Epic Presentations, St. Barthélemy.
Creative services “I think many couples that put their plans on hold are ready to commit and celebrate. I think we will see an increíble amount of weddings by giving the best service, being creative and making sure that the couple has the wedding they want.” Points Guadalupe Alvarez, Director, Penzi Weddings, Mexico.
“I am worried that we will see a shift in wedding sizes AND budgets once the fallout from COVID-19 begins to reveal the financial impact on couples and American spending. We will need to continue to be the creative and savvy individuals that led us to these specific career paths. This industry has needed an overhaul for a long time and I feel that we are about to really enjoy being a part of the process, new trends and innovations that are born as a result. We should focus on the importance of creating intimate moments in the lives of the people we serve by educating them at all times on the way their visions can be achieved despite these current times.” Explains Bailey Smith, Principal Planner from USA.
“We have to look at the future with positivity. It is undeniable that the wedding industry is strong enough to survive this setback because couples will continue to marry here and everywhere else in the world. The key is to be flexible, adapt to the new demands of the market and offer innovative solutions. We have had months to stop, think and reconsider our model. Fresh minds come up with creativity and innovation.” Beautifully sums up Kiran Mansharamani, Warq Events, Spain.
Pictures Courtesy: @amritphotography
Seeing micro weddings as big opportunities: The popular industry phrase of 2020, “love is not canceled,” called for couples to marry in elopements and micro-weddings amidst the pandemic, and save a grand celebration for later. In fact, 43% of planners agreed that they are conducting weddings with a group size of 50-100.
“More mini weddings, but with a good budget. More outdoor weddings. By understanding that small weddings are to be seen as weddings regardless of the number of guests. Planning more activities prior and after the weddings for destination weddings.” Points Grisell Neumann, CEO, Grisell Neumann Event and Wedding Planner, Mexico.
“Focus on local micro weddings to drive biz in short term. Work out offers for locals to do small/ elope weddings at destinations.” Advices Nguyen Thu Huong, Managing Partner, MHs Planner, Vietnam.
Costanza Giaconi, Founder/Director, Bianco Bouquet Weddings, Italy points these factors for quicker recovery: “Safety protocols, the flexibility of vendors, reviewing contract clauses in favor of both clients and companies. Giving hope to clients, promoting safe destinations, showing couples that we are strong and ready to start to plan again big celebrations.”
With social distancing measures and group size mandates aplenty, everyone turned to technology for human interaction.
“I think the time has come for the major incorporation of technological enhancements in the social market. Adapt. Weed out “hobbyists” as they weigh us all down. Educate consumers on the value of properly vetted vendors.” Suggests Patricia Simitakos, Principal, Trish Star Events, USA.
“Stay positive and look for possibilities. I don’t see this period as a crisis but as a development for all of us. It is an expensive period, but the wake-up call of the world is important.” Says Wiesje Hallewas from Netherland.
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Take A Moment To Applause
Picture Courtesy: @elenapopaphoto
Wedding planners from across the globe have made one thing clear: “We will emerge stronger & better! Here are few motivating words from the experts:
“Many couples in the world can’t get married now because of the pandemic, so when it passes, I think, all of them will organize their weddings with more pomp and circumstance, celebrating how life is good and spending more money on it, then now.” Says Simone Tostes, Founder, Aonde Casar, Brazil.
“I feel really excited and proud of the way our industry pivoted in 2020 and continues to make experiences for Clients bigger and better in 2021. I do feel it gave us all the opportunity to see where we could improve as businesses and be more of a service for our clients. I think the best way we can flourish is to really try and add even more value to our clients’ experience working with us. We all learned some valuable lessons of how we can pivot and applying those moving forward is critical for not only flourishing but survival in the new age of weddings.” Adds Brittany Elis, Wedding Planner, Eventrics Weddings, USA.
“The hospitality industry was impacted the hardest during the COVID pandemic. The industry is ready to come back to a more normal basis and continue hosting events. The industry is safe and providing many precautions to make guests feel safe.” Adds Leslie Jefferson, Wedding Planner, Wedding Savvy LLC, USA.
More weddings: Well, the good news is that everyone’s schedules are filling up again. “With optimism and adherence, we will rise back stronger,” says Yvonne Akpomedaye, Founder, Ivy-Lil’Beth Concepts, Nigeria.
“There will be a large influx of clients when covid is gradually subsiding. People that have initially halted their wedding plans, will start planning again coupled with the people that are just about to begin. We mustn’t get greedy and take on more than we can actually handle. By respecting each other’s craft. Asking for collaborations where necessary. Regulating costs. Creating new and exciting ways of working.” Tells Fakoya Moyinoluwa, MD/CEO, Moamber Events, Nigeria.
“There is a feeling that people across the world are waiting for the day when they can celebrate life. When that can happen in a safe and healthy environment, we will see a boom in the wedding industry, but feel that how celebration is applied will reflect very much the personal experiences of each couple throughout the pandemic. We hope for many real and true experience celebrations with meaning and intimacy, which is what a wedding day really should be.” Tells Selina Clunes, Creative Designer, Botanica Weddings, Bali.
“The industry will recover fully bouncing back to new heights. Things may be different and that isn’t a bad thing. We will see more intimate and meaningful weddings with a focus on creating long-lasting real memories than the hype that many have bought into.” Adds Seyi Olusanya, MD, Once Upon A Destination, Nigeria.
“Businesses that have survived and have also supported their clients will thrive post-COVID. Customer confidence will return once travel restrictions are relaxed and guidelines are clear. Supporting the industry through collaboration will be key to individual success.” Shares Pamella Dunn, Creative Director, Pamella Dunn Events, UK.
2021 is no more a year of uncertainty and assumptions. It’s a year of clarity. Every wedding professional has to focus on rebuilding the core of the industry by being attentive to trends and changing market situations and adapting to the post-COVID world. And just like a Phoenix, the industry will rise strongly once again!
Feature Image Credit: @javisanchophotographer, Planner: @si_quiero_by_sira
