With all that’s been going on recently with COVID-19, it’s hard for those getting married to have the traditional weddings they have dreamed about since childhood. As times change, so do weddings. Here are some wedding trends to watch.

Micro-Wedding Trends

Smaller is better, at least when it comes to social distancing at weddings. The fewer guests in attendance, the easier it is to maintain a six-foot distance between everybody. Micro-weddings are often followed by larger outdoor receptions, with extended friends and family members being invited to this event only. 

To be legally recognized, a wedding only needs the officiant, the couple getting married, and often one or two witnesses. In some faiths, though, require more people be present. For example, in Judaism, a minyan of ten men is necessary, including the grooms and their two witnesses each. The minyan can include family members, while the two witnesses must be unrelated to the grooms.

Micro-Receptions

Some couples want to keep the small vibe throughout their wedding day. They will choose to have smaller, more intimate receptions with only their wedding guests in attendance. Plated meals may be chosen in place of the larger buffets frequently seen at large receptions. Flower arrangements are lovely and elegant while staying small to avoid overwhelming the reception table. 

Micro-receptions are also popular to ease the strain on the happy couple. Weddings are among the most stressful of life events, so it’s important to minimize that stress wherever possible. If you and your beloved are introverts, a micro-wedding with a micro-reception might be the way to go.

Destination Weddings

With travel bans being lifted, destination weddings are back in the wedding planners’ guidebooks again. Couples can plan a whole weekend of activities for their guests to enjoy, including seeing the local sites, sampling local restaurants, and of course watching their loved ones tying the knot. 

Whole-Weekend Wedding Trends

Destination weddings aren’t the only way to spend a full weekend with your loved ones. Instead of a rehearsal dinner the night before the nuptials, have a welcome party with all your friends and family. Schedule daytime activities for your guests to enjoy before the wedding itself. Have an amazing reception after the wedding, then a fabulous day-after brunch. 

Dedicating a whole weekend to your wedding is a fun way to bring all of your friends and relatives together. Not everyone will be able to attend all the events, of course, but spending this time with your loved ones provides the feeling of “it takes a village” to your special day.

More Color in Weddings

While some traditions still hold true, a white wedding may not be one of them anymore. Brides are choosing to wear dresses that aren’t in the white family. Bridesmaids, bridesmen, groomsmen, and groomsmaids are wearing bolder colors. Couples are choosing brighter color combinations in their wedding decor.

Speaking of color, that applies to the tablescape, too. Gone are the days of draping white crepe paper surrounding bundles of silver and white balloons. Colorful, unique flower arrangements, unexpected materials being used as place mats, and plates with printed designs are all very on-trend this year.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing trend in the wedding industry. Couples can choose caterers who don’t use plastic and vendors with green production models and use online save-the-date cards and wedding invitations. 

Some couples are including vegan options in their catering, while others are choosing an entirely vegan menu. They may donate their flower arrangements to local nursing homes or hospitals after the day is over. 

However you choose to celebrate your special day with the person you love, know this: You should elect to have a wedding that fits with your personality, your social causes, and the life you’re going to lead together. There are certainly many options for you to choose from.