If you’re planning a 2021 wedding, you’re probably already diving deep into all the details: the date, the venue, the size of the bridal party. Maybe you’re trying to zero-in on a theme and color palette, or maybe you feel stuck at square one and don’t even know where to begin. Whatever kind of inspiration you need, now is the time to look for it as the decade’s newest wedding trends are rolling out with the new year.
Sleek, understated weddings are stepping aside for to-the-max wedding styles, and they’re serving some fresh ideas to help you kick-off your planning. From food and decor to unique guest experiences, put your own twist on these trends to inspire your perfect 2021 wedding.
Upcycling for green vibes
This is the decade of upcycled weddings—couples are finding sustainable ways to host their celebrations without having to skip the party or the details. They’re repurposing decor, eliminating tossed goods, sourcing locally grown flowers, and composting leftover food. But we’re also seeing more unique eco-friendly trends, like going green from the very start with an heirloom or vintage engagement ring, a reset family stone, or a ring that’s responsibly sourced. Beyond recycled paper, couples are getting creative and using alternative materials like upcycled fabrics, leather, and wood for their invitation suites.
Edible flowers everywhere
Some flowers taste as good as they look, which is probably why edible flowers are all the trend. Couples have flowers frozen in ice cubes, infused in drinks, tossed in salads, and on top of desserts. It’s a unique way to use floral elements in ways that don’t involve centerpieces and bouquets.
Cheese is the new cake
The rise of Insta-worthy charcuterie boards has inspired a new savory wedding trend. Couples are ditching the dessert tables for displays of meats, varieties of cheese, crackers, nuts, and fruit. Bonus: it’s the perfect late-night snack for your guests.
Registry remix
Place settings and hand towels are nice to have, but most soon-to-be newlyweds are asking for experiences or cash, not things, as wedding gifts: a European honeymoon, starter funds for a new home or a puppy, passes to national parks and museums, tickets to sporting events. Lots of couples also create a charity registry, so guests can donate to a cause that means something to them, like foundations that support animal rescue efforts or cancer survivors.
“Grandmillenial” decor
This grandma-inspired, modern Millennial style is inspiring a lot of fun, bold wedding trends. Popular “Grandmillenial” decor elements include eclectic twists on antique furniture, funky floral wallpaper, and mix-and-matched patterns. Couples are playing with different textures, like wood and metallic accents: think greens, branches, and grasses spray painted for dramatic hanging floral pieces. Unexpected combinations of materials like velvets, suedes, and satins add bold pops of color and depths.
Microweddings
Couples looking for more intimate, affordable celebrations are planning microweddings—they’re eco-friendly, super affordable, and significantly less stressful to plan, which is why it’s one of the top wedding trends. This style soiree is a more casual, condensed version of what most people could consider a traditional wedding—usually 40 guests or less. Couples like the simplicity and feeling more connected to their guests in a more relaxed atmosphere. Like the sound of a microwedding? Plan a big bash to go with it! Friends and family will embrace your dreams of an intimate ceremony, especially if they are invited to celebrate with you at a reception later!
A whole new level of fashion
Sleek, understated styles are taking a back seat to this bigger, bolder, more-is-more wedding fashion approach. We’re talking statement ball gowns and exaggerated sleeves, bright colors and layers of textures, funky shoes and edgy jumpsuits. Embellishments are the key elements this year—lace, bows, feathers, sequins, pleats, bows, rhinestones, pearls. They’re on dresses and veils, capes and shawls, matching couples jackets, and on the newly-trending hair accessory: barrettes and combs.
Cheers to self-service bars
When we say self-service bars, we aren’t talking about coolers and chilled wine racks, but more like beer tap and wall-mounted champagne dispensers. Do-it-yourself drink stations let guests be their own mixologists—imagine an ice cream sundae bar, but for margaritas, with different flavors and a spread of garnishes and mix-ins for guests to create their own signature drink. Couples love this trend because it gives their guests a hands-on culinary experience, a photo-worthy moment, and it means one less bartender!
All of the lights
What’s a wedding without mood lighting? Couples are getting hitched at more unconventional venues, like breweries, gardens, and pop-up barns, so they have to bring their own source of light to set the vibe for the celebration. String lights, candles, and lanterns will never go out of style, but couples discovering more out-of-the-box lighting options: LED light signs with fun images or catchy phrases, delicate hanging basket lanterns, and modern tube lighting are the popular looks right now.
Bold fashion, creative cocktails, earth-friendly soirees, mini-guest lists—you can put your own spin on what’s trending to plan your 2021 wedding. If you need more inspiration or guidance, give us a call. You can reach our event coordinators by email or phone at 877-545-1002.
