Last year we made a post about the upcoming trends for weddings in 2020. It's sad to say we didn't get to see many of them come to life because of the pandemic but we did notice a few. Micro weddings being one of them. While small weddings were trendy, they became popular out of necessity. We hope to see some of those trends pop up again in the new year. What we are already noticing is that people are going big in smaller ways. With smaller guest counts, couples are able to allocate their budget a little differently. Chairs and linens are being upgraded, flower arrangements are getting bigger, food is getting more refined and the overall experience feels richer and more intimate.
The Knot recently release it's 2021 trend forecast, nicknaming this year, the Year of Intentionality. Here's what to expect in 2021:
1. THE WELCOME BOX
An alternative to the welcome bag, the welcome box is a great way to get your guests prepared and excited for the festivities ahead. Think itineraries, hand sanitizer, masks, snacks, and favors.
Photography from Pinterest
2. TENTS AND TWINKLY LIGHTS
Outdoor weddings have become super popular as they are a safer option for your guests and vendors. Tents help essentially create an outdoor venue and provide shelter from the elements all while getting a breath of fresh air. We have a lot of tents to choose from, our favorite being our new sailcloth tents. With a translucent top and "wooden" poles, this tent is a beauty all on it's own. But this trend also includes twinkly lights. Check out our friends at SW Productions for tent lighting and draping!
Photography from Pinterest
3. MINI D'OEUVRES
We love mini versions of things. Like our children's gold chiavari chairs, everything is just cuter when it's small. Mini d'oeuvres are no exception. They are a safe and sweet way to wow your guests.
Photography from Pinterest
4. TINY TOASTS
Now this is a trend we can really get behind. Gone are the days of lengthy speeches given by the best man and maid of honor where you're supposed to be funny but sentimental without adding too many inside jokes or making anyone uncomfortable. With smaller, more intimate weddings being the trend this year, we are going to see more toasts but in a dinner-party style.
5. MISMATCHED SEATING
Unconventional designs are taking over receptions. Imaging mixing and matching different table shapes and sizes as well as chairs. Just like mismatched bridesmaid dresses, this is a trend we hope is here to stay.
Reach out to our friends Pretty Little Things Vintage Rental to see all of her fun and unique seating options as well!
Photography from Pinterest
6. BISTRO-STYLE ENTERTAINMENT
Acoustic performances and coffee shop vibes are going to be popular this year. instead of booking a large band or dj, consider incorporating a smaller, more intimate performance for your guests.
Photography by Love Tree Studios
7. LIVING ROOM DECOR
The outdoor lounge trend continues but this year it's plush and cozy furniture like what could be found in your living room.
Photography from Pinterest
8. VISUAL PLANNING
Visual as well as virtual planning has become a necessity this year. Virtual announcements, zoom celebrations and new technologies have become more and more popular. It's a great way to include more guests while keeping them safe.
9. SINGLE-TIER AND MINI CAKES
Just like guest counts and d'oeuvres, cakes are also getting downsized.
Photography from Pinterest
10. WEEKDAY WEDDINGS
Weekday weddings are a great option if you have a particular venue in mind but it's out of your price range or already booked. Since so many couples had to postpone their weddings in 2020, it's possible that many vendors and venues are already booked for the year.
11. BRUNCH WEDDINGS
We are obsessed with this trend because who doesn't love brunch?! Imagine using our Concoction Caravan to serve coffee, mimosas and bloody marys to your guests. The donut wall filled with delicious donuts (we recommend Harold's) and lots of sweet and savory treats like the chicken and waffles pictured below. Sounds heavenly right?
Photography from Pinterest.
Photo of Concoction Caravan by Amanda Mussleman Photography
12. CUSTOM COCKTAILS TO-GO
Premade cocktails are getting better and better all of the time. You can now get your favorite cocktails and wines in a single-serve option which is a huge plus. They are easy to serve and usually have super cute branding. Or make your own to-go kits with canned mixers and miniature bottles of alcohol to pair with them. Make sure to have fresh mint, cherries and limes available for your guests to spruce up their premade drink of choice.
Photography from Pinterest.
13. COLORS WITH A BREATH OF FRESH FLAIR
Unexpected color palettes are going to be big this year. Fun and fresh prints will a happy change from neutral color schemes.
14. ACTIVITIES WITH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Like we previously mentioned, micro weddings and outdoor events are trending. With a smaller guest count, there are more options available in terms of unique, outdoor venues. To keep your quests entertained, consider renting an inflatable or some outdoor games.
15. A FOCUS ON FLORALS
Flowers add so much to an event. This year, we will see a "focus on voluminous floral arrangements that are equal parts breathtaking and sentimental." Sensibility also plays a large roll in choosing what flowers to incorporate into your big day. Instead of focusing on what's pretty, think about adding flowers that are in season and ones that are sentimental. Your flowers shouldn't just match your color scheme but they should correlate with the food, the entertainment, the overall vibe you want. Your florist will be a huge asset in helping you make these decisions.
A few local florists we love collaborating with include: Sugarberry Blooms, Nephew & Co, and Tiger Garden.
Photography by Kelsi Kliethermes Photography, Love Tree Studios, Elizabeth Laden Photography, McDonald Video and Photography, Emily Broadbent Photography, Morgan Lee Photography, Catherine Rhodes Photography, Hillary and Grant Photography
16. SENTIMENTAL TABLETOPS
We are here for it! Tabletops are a passion of ours. From specialty linens to layered dishes and glassware to lots of candles... it's all in the details this year. In order to help social distance, there will be less guests at each table giving you more room to add fun and unique items to your tables.
Photography by Kelsi Kliethermes Photography
17. VENDOR CURATION
Just like everywhere else, we will see a rise in intentionality when picking vendors. People are being more selective with who they want to work with, selecting vendors on what they stand for and what they can do.
18. THE BIG REVEAL
In this case, it's go big or go home. Think aerial shots of you and all of your guests, and styled, editorial images of you and your décor. We are finding that couples are willing to spend more on their photography, recognizing that the cost is worth the lifelong images they receive.
Photography from Pinterest.
19. COORDINATED DRESS CODES
We are big supporters of coordinated outfits and dress codes. Aesthetically it just looks so good when your guests match the color scheme and vibe of your wedding.
Photography from Pinterest.
20. HUMOR... LOTS OF IT
Last year was tough but instead of focusing on the tragic aspects of it, couples are choosing to embrace this crazy time with humor. There were so many save-the-dates and change-the-dates and cancel-the-dates last year that people are finding looking for ways keep things light when passing along the news.
21. THE NANOMOON
Minimoons were so last year. Nanomoons are in for 2021. Short trips, often local and socially distanced are happening in place of a traditional honeymoon. One day we will all get to travel again but right now people are making the most of it.
Need ideas? Thankfully Missouri has a lot to offer. Take a trip to Hermann and stay at a bed and breakfast and visit a winery or two. Or go to St. Louis or Kansas City and stay downtown in a luxury hotel. Or schedule a stay at the Iron Horse Hotel in historic Blackwater. Or go on a hike at one our many state parks.
Photography from Pinterest.
22. SOMETHING SPONTANTEOUS
Like we mentioned earlier, with a reduced guest count, couples can afford to focus more on the details and truly enjoy the day. Spontaneity and surprises are always fun so why not do something to make your wedding extra special? What would you choose?
