2020 was the ultimate plan-ruiner.
We saw the entire world creep indoors, catch ups become virtual and weddings, well, they were damn near impossible during the pandemic.
This pause in nuptials has had a huge knock-on effect to both engaged couples and wedding vendors alike. The photographers, venues, florists and designers who have managed to weather the storm are set to now be extremely busy for the return of I Do’s in Australia.
But we have a funny feeling that weddings are going to look quite a bit different.
You see, much like with every other aspect of our lives, we have had the time in 2020 to sit back, observe and reflect. Mentally clearing out the things that we simply don’t need, value or want to devote time and energy for. While for most that will be crossing pointless catch-ups with average acquaintances off the calendar and indulging in more self-care, for those planning a wedding, the goal posts have changed.
We predict that couples will be prioritising safety, romance and things they actually care about for their big days. But what exactly will that look like? Here are the seven key ways in which we’re sure the wedding scene will change in 2021.
Elopements.
Usually reserved for the wildly romantic or those somewhat distant to their families, elopements involve the couple, a celebrant and a single witness to do the deed. However, following the year that was, it’s likely that elopements will become much more mainstream, meaning they will probably have a little more at play than usual.
Most couples in the new year planning an elopement will also tack on a photographer, videographer and potentially a couple of mates.
This makes it more of a ‘micro-wedding’ style, but the addition of the photographer and videographer means perfectly romantic pictures and glorious footage are captured of the day and that’s what is shared with the wider family after the ‘I Do’.
Much, much smaller weddings.
Obviously COVID restrictions have put a physical ban on big numbers at weddings, but we’re predicting even when huge guests lists are officially back on the scene that couples will be keeping things smaller than usual.
This will work to their advantage if COVID cases flare up again, but also it means they can easily cull distant cousins and plus ones that they never actually wanted to invite. (Sorry, but it’s true!)
And with a reduced guest list couples will also enjoy a reduced catering cost, which we’re sure is music to the ears of every pair planning a wedding!
Whole weekend-away affairs.
As travel is off the cards for most Australians, we think that couples will use their weddings as the perfect excuse to gather family and friends together for a celebration. And that means locking in much more than six hours for a ceremony and reception.
We’re anticipating three day weekend affairs including pre-wedding festivities such as a welcome brunch and rehearsal dinner, the day of the wedding itself and, of course, recovery sessions the following day.
This will also drive up resort-style weddings in popularity as couples opt for venues that can accommodate their nearest and dearest and involve little to no driving around so everyone can make use of the open bar. Of course!
Minimalistic wedding dresses.
Bye bye ball gowns. We’re anticipating a lot less of you in 2021.
To match the more relaxed, intimate style of weddings we’ll see next year, wedding dresses will also be a little more chilled out.
Replacing larger-than-life, uncomfortable boning and sleeves that prevent you dancing the night away will be silk slips, casual flowy gowns and minimalistic detailing.
Expect separates to stay well and truly in style too, with this offering more flexibility and comfort to brides. And don’t think that brides are restricted to a skirt - our guess is that more pants will be spotted strutting down the aisle than ever before.
Here’s a selection of wedding dress styles you’re sure to spot at every 2021 wedding.
SCOUT // SERAFINA // BRAXTON // ELLA
CYRUS // KINGSLEY // RIVER // KELSEY
Midweek weddings.
Because all the couples who had to cancel or postpone their weddings in 2020 have shimmied over to 2021, the year is unsurprisingly looking pretty booked up. This means that it’s more likely than ever that couples will opt for a midweek wedding.
Friday and Sunday weddings were well and truly on the rise prior to the pandemic, but now that most weekends are fully booked for popular wedding venues in 2021, expect to see a lot more Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and even Thursday weddings.
Makeup wedding parties.
The couples that opted to go ahead with their nuptials in 2020, forgoing a big ceremony for an elopement or micro-wedding that worked with the COVID rules, will likely be planning a ‘makeup wedding party’ in 2021.
This will be just like having the reception by itself, involving food, drinks, speeches and as much dancing as possible.
With these ‘makeup wedding parties’ we expect to see some serious party dresses in the mix. Think short, simple, spicy and a heck of a lot of fun. Here are some bridal picks we love for ‘makeup wedding parties’.
PIECE 4 // PIECE 5 // PIECE 12 // PIECE 3
Localmoons will overtake Honeymoons.
As international travel has a massive question mark lingering above it right now, we’re sure that most couples will choose a localmoon for their newlywed adventure.
Swapping in the Maldives for Mollymook may sound like lacklustre in comparison, but getting the opportunity to explore Australia is a blessing that we shouldn’t take for granted.
Plus, international couples could only dream of having Australia as their honeymoon destination, so lean in, explore your back garden for your first adventure as a married couple.