Another year has come and gone, and what a year it was for weddings! After all the surprises and plot twists of 2020, we all learned to adapt and find our own ways of navigating the new world of wedding planning. From ceremonies in breathtaking locations to non-traditional choices in food and fashion, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the imagination and creativity of couples who were wed in 2021. As celebrations slowly started to make a come back, one thing was clear: love truly does conquer all. No matter what challenges lie ahead, know that marrying the love of your life is always worth it. Let’s take a look back at some of the things we loved about what weddings looked like this past year.
Home backyards, sprawling garden venues, and al fresco restaurants—what do they all have in common? They’re considered a little safer thanks to the fresh air and circulation. Think strings of fairy lights, makeshift tents, minimalist styling, and you’ve got yourself a plan for an easy, breezy affair. Add to that a delicious spread and live music and you’ll surely leave your guests wanting more.
Bohemian and rustic themes were a popular choice for wedding styling this year. The earthy tones of the decor seamlessly complement the natural beauty of the outdoors as well as the cozy ambience of intimate indoor venues. Boho is not only flexible on the venue, but on the budget too! You can consider trading fresh flowers for dried ones and incorporating a few D.I.Y. accent pieces to complete the ambience.
Intimate celebrations don’t always have to mean some get to enjoy, while others miss out on the fun. Aside from live streaming the event, another way couples have managed to involve more of their loved ones is by hosting drive-by receptions. More guests are able to see the blooming couple and extend their congratulations in person—all from the comfort of their own cars!
One trend we hope to see more of in the years to come is the presence of fur babies in wedding ceremonies and receptions. With weddings happening a lot closer to home, we’ve seen some pets dressed to the nine’s and other even walking down the aisle as part of the entourage. It doesn’t really matter what role you give them on your big day. We know your fur babies (as well as your guests) will appreciate simply being included in the festivities.
A lot of thought goes into the different elements of a bridal ensemble. There are brides who make subtle, non-traditional choices like wearing sneakers or bright colored stilettos, and there are brides who choose to make a statement with a sleek jumpsuit or a bold colored wedding gown. The fashion choices we’ve seen this year are anything but standard and they’re making us look forward to each moment the church doors open even more!
Gone are the days where couples follow the same template when it comes to weddings, especially when it comes to curating their menus. Say goodbye to long buffet lines and champagne bottles, and say hello to take home meals and alternative toasts. There’s more freedom to include food and beverages they actually enjoy together like their favorite street food stall for cocktails or a coffee cart for speeches and toasting.
Traditions aren’t for everyone, so it should come as no surprise that some have taken this chance to create new ones that make more sense for them. It might be because they’re saving the tradition for a second, larger celebration or it might just be because they want to do something different. We’ve seen couples prep together, walk down the aisle together, and even give each other makeovers before the reception. Whatever their reasons, we are all for couples finding ways to make sure their weddings truly represent them and their love.
