We can be in no doubt that 2021 wedding trends are going to be influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown of 2020. Thousands of brides and grooms were forced to cancel or postpone their nuptials this year, many with the idea that their 2021 wedding would be even bigger and better, but as we all learn to adapt to the ‘new norm’ of life after Coronavirus, we may need to tweak our plans.

That doesn’t mean that 2021 weddings won’t be fabulous, they will, but after this period of reflection, being stuck at home without being able to see or hug our loved ones, we must accept that Coronavirus will have a profound effect on how we choose to celebrate in the coming year.

So, what will weddings look like in 2021? We will explain everything you need to know about planning your wedding ceremony and reception with our complete guide to 2021 wedding trends.

Smaller Weddings Set to Dominate  

Have you heard of the term ‘Micro Weddings’? With restrictions on larger gatherings expected to stay in place for the foreseeable future, many brides and grooms will need to scale down their wedding plans with intimate ceremonies of just 20 – 50 guests.

A small wedding might not be your idea of a dream wedding, particularly if your guest list extends to hundreds of family and friends. But it’s time to head back to basics and focus on what is truly important, and that is creating a safe environment for your nearest and dearest.

When it comes to working on your guest list for a smaller wedding, think about the immediate family and your closest friends as a couple. You can always arrange smaller dinner parties, for those who you cannot invite, and celebrate your marriage for an entire year.

But We’ll Be Making Up For It In Other Areas…

Smaller weddings can be just as extravagant as larger weddings, and with more of your wedding budget to spread around, you can create a truly unforgettable experience for your guests. Think gourmet cuisine, complimentary cocktail bars, personalized wedding favours, and unique entertainment experiences.

You can spend more on things like wedding invitations, reception venues, and your wedding cake if you opt for a micro wedding, and splash out on those diamond wedding bands that you love, but hadn’t considered as a viable option until now.

There are so many benefits of a scaled-down wedding that you may wonder why you never thought of it before!

Image: Dani Taylor Photography; Accessories: Tilly Thomas Lux

What Will Brides Be Wearing in 2021?

When it comes to 2021 wedding dresses, brides are going to be spoilt for choice with both glamorous full-skirted designs in Duchesse satin and minimalist styles with luxurious textures and Chantilly lace all featuring in runway collections.

Long veils, personalized with bespoke embroidery, similar to that worn by Hailey Baldwin when she married Justin Bieber last year, are set to dominate in 2021, as are heirloom veils handed down from great grandmothers, mothers, and aunts.

After months staying indoors with minimal makeup and top-knots, 2021 brides are expected to go for all-out glamour when it comes to bridal hair and makeup next year, with diamante embellished hair accessories, chandelier earrings, and 1940s style makeup with natural color palettes and vibrant red lipstick.

We are going to see 50 shades of blue when it comes to 2021 bridesmaid dresses, with a sprinkling of teal and silver for good measure. Neo-mint, this year’s biggest bridesmaid trend, is set to stay around for another year, and we are expecting to see more than a hint of blush along with a veritable bouquet of florals.

And The Grooms…

Our grooms are more groomed than ever before, and in 2021, we can expect our grooms to be suave and sophisticated. The blue theme will continue here, with many grooms expected to wear blue slim fit suits with crisp white shirts and color-coordinated accessories next year.

Modern grooms can showcase their unique sense of style with traditional tweeds, statement checks, and brocade, while traditional grooms will not feel out of place in a classic black tux.

Florals by Moss Floral, Planning by Lindsey Brunk, Photo by N Barrett

2021 Wedding Décor

We expect to see a lot of personalization when it comes to 2021 wedding décor, with many brides and grooms handwriting place cards with private messages and baking special ‘thank-you’ cookies for their wedding guests.

We are being encouraged to embrace color in 2021, perhaps to escape the darkness of Coronavirus, but we should keep it cool, calm, and collected. Wedding color schemes will be awash with pastel hues, with lavender, lemon, peach, and dusky pink replacing traditional ivory and gold palettes. It’s all about creating a relaxed wedding vibe.

The pastel theme will continue across wedding bouquets and floral arrangements, with impressive displays of antique roses, peonies, fragrant sweet-peas, and orchids remaining the number #1 choice for 2021 bridal parties. Bigger is better when it comes to wedding flowers next year, with oversized centrepieces and traditional floral arches creating the perfect backdrop for your big day. 

With a smaller venue to decorate, you can let your imagination run wild with vines of greenery, candles, fairy lights, and seasonal blooms. For an extra personal touch, gift wrap your wedding flowers at the end of the day and give them to your guests to take home or donate them to your local care home or hospital for the residents to enjoy.

Image: Eternity Square Scattered Diamond Wedding Band by Madani Rings

Wedding Ring Trends 2021

Statement wedding rings are going to be a huge trend in 2021, and if you love the idea of a white ceramic wedding ring, a mixed-metal wedding ring, or a classic yellow gold band embellished with a dazzling display of diamonds, you’re going to be spoilt for choice in the coming year.

MADANI offers a range of customizable options to suit every bride and groom, and if you download their app from the Apple App Store, you can try on any ring in the comfort of your own home by taking a picture of your hand.

Wedding Menus: Food For Thought

The Coronavirus pandemic has made us all more aware of our surroundings, and with many small businesses struggling to survive lockdown, conscious brides and grooms should consider sourcing their wedding menu locally in 2021.

A seasonal wedding breakfast, made with homegrown meat and vegetables from local farmers and markets, will make an outstanding addition to your wedding day while reducing your carbon footprint and supporting your local community. Vegan wedding menus are increasing in popularity, and if you want to introduce your friends and family to some of the many delicious options available on a vegan diet, your wedding day could be the perfect time to do it.

Naked wedding cakes are as popular today as they were 5 years ago, and if you love the look of these minimalist creations, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have one for your 2021 wedding. Decorate with pastel-colored flowers, fresh fruits, or your favorite chocolate treats, and use a different filling for each tier to complement every taste.

If you are looking for something different, you could treat your wedding guests to a cheese wedding cake with tier upon tier of stilton, brie, and specialty cheeses. A gourmet delight for cheese lovers, these non-traditional wedding ‘cakes’ will make a welcome addition to your reception, and they pair beautifully with fine wines, ports, and spirits.

Image: pinterest.com

Take A Philanthropic Approach To Wedding Gifts

If there is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, it is that there are many people around us who are less fortunate than ourselves. People have lost their loved ones, their livelihoods, and their homes. In 2021, many couples will take the philanthropic approach to wedding gifts, by forgoing them all together and asking their guests to donate to their favorite charity, hospital, or community project. These small acts of human kindness can make a huge difference to those affected by the virus, and it will make your wedding day even more meaningful.

A Final Note…

There is life after Coronavirus, and while many brides and grooms are disappointed that they had to cancel their 2020 wedding, they have much to look forward to in the coming year. You may not have the wedding that you had pictured in your mind, but that doesn’t mean that your special day will be any less special. It’s all about putting things into perspective.  

As William Lyon Phelps once said: "The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage"  So be patient, your time is coming, and it’s going to be better than you ever dreamed possible.