As we all know 2020 didn’t turn out to be the year we all imagined, and for anyone who had their wedding planned (aka us), they’ve been forced to postpone to 2021 or beyond. For those couples who have postponed to 2021 and are now re-planning their weddings there are plenty of trends that’ll be big for this year. Without doubt wedding planning will have been impacted by Coronavirus and the impact it has had on people and the economy will be something that will affect how people move forward with their planning. There are going to be lots of trends for weddings this year and I think that either people will opt for smaller, more intimate weddings, or they will go for larger weddings and really celebrate with all their family and friends. Which do you think we’ll do?

1. Supporting local businesses

Many smaller independent businesses have been massively affected by lockdowns and the restrictions that have been put in place and some of them have had the added pressure of not receiving any financial help. There has been a big increase in supporting smaller, local independent shops and suppliers so this support will continue and be a main trend for 2021. Couples will look at independent shops on Etsy or local to their area to supply their invitations or decorations rather than choosing big corporates.

Local suppliers will also be more of a favourite with couples rather than outsourcing and hiring in suppliers from further afield. This might also be seen in how couples choose their wedding outfits for them and their bridal party. They might choose to spend money on small, local boutiques for the bridal and bridesmaid dresses rather than going online to spend their money.

2. Entertainment and ambience

2021 will see couples choosing to spend their budget on different forms of entertainment for their big day and look at ways to create more of an ambience for their guests. They will want people to enjoy their big day and create an experience.  One really great way to do this is to have live music for during the ceremony or wedding breakfast. Alongside having live music for their ceremony and evening celebrations people will want to spend more on interactive experiences such as a magician or other performers. 2021 will be all about creating a fantastic experience for not only the couple, but for all of the guests too!

3. Sustainability

As well as supporting smaller, independent businesses, couples will look at incorporating more sustainability into their days. Environmental topics have always been important but people are starting to think more about their carbon footprint and how their decisions impact the environment. They could also look at alternative options when it comes to their menu choices. Many people experiment with going vegan for the month of January, but many more people are adopting this way of life and eating a more sustainable and cruelty free diet. Couples may want to experiment with a completely vegan menu or perhaps use locally produced food from local farmers within their wedding breakfast or evening food.

4. Intimate weddings

2020 saw the rise in smaller, intimate weddings with the restrictions imposed on couples and the limit on wedding numbers reduced to only 15 people. Although a lot of people found it hard to reduce their numbers down to such a small number, many have actually embraced it and now changed their plans to create a smaller celebration. There are some benefits to organising a smaller wedding, not to mention the money you will save that you can save. The main thing is that you can get married and start your life together. Lockdown has given many people a chance to rethink their plans and reflect on what is truly important to them as a couple. Some people have come to realise that it’s about creating memories with those really important people who they hold the dearest.

5. Weekday weddings

We all know that a Saturday is usually the most sought after day for a wedding as it allows people to attend without needing time off from work, and also allows them to enjoy the day and nurse their potential hangovers the following day! As many people have had to postpone their weddings to 2021 it has meant that a lot of people have been forced to go for a midweek wedding instead of a weekend.

For those people who have only recently got engaged and have just started their wedding planning, a weekday wedding might be a good option as many venues offer reduced rates for a weekday rather than a weekend.

6. Colour

For many years pastel colours have been on trend and although they are beautiful 2021 will see a comeback for colour! People will want to celebrate and enjoy being able to get married, and this excitement will be shown in the colours that they choose for their big day. Bringing colours into your day could be in the form of decorations or even choosing brightly coloured bridesmaid dresses!