2021 Wedding Trends
If you are planning a wedding then you are knee deep in recommendations, ideas, to-do lists, Pinterest albums and thank heavens for the “save” option on IG posts. So what is to come for future weddings? Wave goodbye to the minimalist bride and dig a little deeper for an out-of-the-box wedding. I am a sucker for the details at any event. A creative invitation, a unique seating chart, a personalized favor, an unexpected floral display, these small details make a big impact. Now is the time to serve up a fun, personal event with loads of wow-factors!
Dust off the passport:
If you are contemplating a destination wedding then you are already up to date with the hottest trend! According to a recent Zola survey, three-quarters of couples are extending their wedding day into a wedding weekend. Extending what would normally be a 4 hour event, to a multi-day celebration aka vacation, puts a whole new spin on wedded bliss! Fun fact: It used to be 25-30% of guests invited to a destination wedding would decline. That number saw a significant drop recently with only 10% of invitees declining the chance for a vacation and celebration event mixed into one.
Go Big or Go Huge:
High centerpieces, oversized decor, jaw dropping ceremony arches and rentals will be all the rage, if not already! Big statement pieces leave a big impact but that doesn’t mean you have to empty your bank account to carry out this trend. Towering centerpieces and hanging florals are dreamy big trends but you can get creative with oversized balloons, loads of candles and clusters of large paper lanterns, for example . I am seeing a lot of pampas grass used in all types of decor. The tall, romantic blooms create an idyllic scene any girly girl would love.
Where else can you see this trend? In the experiences! Escort cards are being replaced with person to person interactions. Evenings are being topped off with professional dancers, live music, cultural experiences and fireworks. Couples are splurging on rentals such as mirrored aisles, customized dance floors, acrylic covered pools and velvet cushioned chairs. You can upgrade just about everything and anything! What I love about a destination wedding is the fact that you are celebrating for several days and more time means you’ve already gone big! Guests are more likely to spend 4-5 days with you rather than a 4 hour reception. Not to mention, no one is running home at the end of the night. Take the party to the lobby bar or a casual gathering at the beach.
Shiny and New:
It is a fabulous time to get married overseas. There are more hotel openings than ever before. There is something about getting to a new hotel that puts butterflies in my stomach. Fresh paint, modern accommodations, cutting edge technology, up-to-date decor, the best in food and amenity trends, and so much more. Even the staff seems excited to show off their new “workplace”. This lends itself right into the wedding department and event spaces. The new Majestic Costa Mujeres in Mexico has a stunning ceremony location elevated over water with panoramic ocean views. The soon to open Finest Punta Cana will be opening after the much success of its sister property, Finest Playa Mujeres, with the “Sky Terrace” which will offer amazing sunset views. As an alternative, the grand ballroom is a timeless, blank canvas, in case you want an indoor reception for your big day. Dreams Vista Cancun has a long deck that stretches from the beach out over the Caribbean blue waters. At the end of the deck is the expensive Ocean Palapa which holds up to 150 guests for a ceremony. The views are dreamy! Couples are intrigued by new properties in order to give their guests an impressive experience, not only for the wedding day but for their hotel stay. You can find all new hotspots located throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. The over done marble catering halls look like something straight out of the Sopranos, and if you’ve seen one, you have seen them all. You can do better!
Sustainability:
Traveling is no longer only about the experiences but also about ways we can give back. I am seeing this trend continue into wedding celebrations. Furthering its commitment with the environment, islands are limiting the use of plastic. A great surprise for your guests while incorporating this trend is gifting them with insulated water bottles and reusable straws. As for decor, florists are ditching cut blooms for plants that can easily be replanted and you’ll get your daily serving of vegetables since menus are ditching the meat, or at least cutting back. Locally sourced food, charitable wedding favors and outdoor events are great ways to give back and be one with nature. Hotels are also doing their parts. The Fairmont Mayakoba, which happens to be one of my favorite hotel stays, minimizes its impact on the Mayakoba ecosystem with LED lights, software-controlled air conditioning, water-saving and efficient toilets, and showers and sinks that save nearly 800 gallons of water each day. Organic waste is donated to farms, plant waste is used to make compost, and whenever possible, local and organic foods are served to guests. After attending a wedding at The Fairmont Mayakoba, it has certainly become a popular recommendation I love to share with my clients.
Bold Bright & Beautiful:
We are seeing a lot more bold colors and twinkling lights. Hues from every color of the rainbow are making a splash on the scene and creative light displays are too. From hanging strings of light over the dance floor to customized neon signs behind the sweetheart table, couples are making a bright and sparkly statement! On the dance floor, your guests will love the surprise element of flameless fireworks or a cluster of hanging disco balls shimmering overhead. Elevate your beach dinner with stationary chandeliers or bring a pop of color to your centerpieces and bouquets. Couples are opting for larger-scale palettes and colors never seen before in wedding design. The brightest colors in the crayon box are having their moment and I’m loving it. The more daring, the better!
Micro-Weddings
Some couples are ditching the 200+ guest list for something more intimate. Picture being seated at one, long table filled with flowers and candles, overlooking the Caribbean Sea with your immediate family.Twenty to thirty guests, poolside for dinner and dancing under the stars, fifty of your closest friends and family on the beach sharing tapas and champagne with a live mariachi band, or just a handful of family in an oceanfront, serene chapel! Micro-weddings are saving couples money and cut down on planning but are definitely not less beautiful
Fashion Forward:
Comb the bridal runways and you’ll see blush tones, plunging necklines, modern lace, sleeves, slits, and fringe having a moment. Brides will also be keeping things fun and flirty with trousers, jumpsuits, short dresses and kaftans. Be a good friend and make sure your bride tribe is also turning heads. Similar to decor trends, bridesmaids’ dresses are also colorful! Mix matched styles are a great way to showcase each friend’s personality while keeping on trend. Personally, I am loving a cowl neckline on a sheath, slinky dress with spaghetti straps. Perfect for the beach and elegant enough for a wedding. Don’t forget to show a little leg! Mid length dresses are making a splash on the scene and are totally appropriate for a destination wedding. Less is more when on the beach, no?
Stationary:
I am one of those people who loves to get mail, and not via email but one that requires a stamp and a trip to the mailbox. Sorry ladies, but I cringe at E-vites. These days we are seeing loads of color and customization and not only on the actual invite but the envelopes too. Colored envelopes are in! Custom illustrations are giving me all the feels. Make your stationary personal with an illustration of your hotel, destination or the theme. A matter of fact, venue illustrations are an easy way to add a one-of-a-kind touch to your wedding. Illustrations of any kind can be found on an envelope liner, on the actual invitations and in hidden places that will pop up the day of your wedding. I used a custom illustration of my fur-baby during our engagement party on cocktail napkins and then carried it through to our wedding day on our specialty drink menu located at the bars. I also had a custom illustration created of the interior architecture of our church for the ceremony programs. The artwork is now framed in our home and ended up being a great keepsake. Texture and new materials are also great ways to update and elevate your stationary. Think, gold foil, letterpress printing, embossed leather and acrylic! Flex your creative muscles and hit your guests with something fresh and exciting. It will set the tone for an unbelievable weekend they won’t want to miss. What’s wrong with giving them a bit of FOMO?
Your wedding day will be the best day of your life so base your decisions on the things that represent the two of you and your love. You can never go wrong when your LOVE is the focal point! Some advice, have fun because in the blink of an eye it becomes a memory and the tedious tasks are quickly forgotten about. And, of course, hire the right people who will take the load off and make planning seamless and stress free. You deserve someone in your corner and hopefully that will be me!
