Coronavirus has made 2020 a pretty unique year, with many of the things we used to take for granted now privileges to look forward to when things ‘get back to normal’.
When it comes to important and essentially social life events like weddings, Covid’s impact will likely be felt well into next year at the very least.
Wedding, party and holiday venue The Ash Barton Estate have taken note of the wedding trends they’ve already noticed emerged because of the pandemic – trends that they also predict will be popular in 2021.
Brunch weddings
Since large social gatherings and staying later than 10 in bars or pubs has been out of the question, brunch weddings have hit their stride.
The experts at The Ash Barton Estate say: ‘Typically, weddings start in the afternoon and carry on until the early hours with a big party. However, with continuous government guest restrictions, the bride and groom are limited to a smaller celebration.
‘Therefore, many couples have chosen to go ahead and be creative with their intimate micro-weddings. The brunch wedding trend is a great way to still have a sit-down meal with a smaller crowd in safe, socially distanced seating.’
Single tier or cupcake cakes
We’ve all see smaller and/or cupcake wedding cakes before, but now hygiene and smaller guest lists present more reasons for them to be chosen above traditional large tiered cakes.
‘Wedding cakes have previously been extravagant, multi-layered and expensive,’ they say. ‘However, with fewer guests at the wedding and a need for increased hygiene when cutting and disturbing the cake, single-tiered cakes or cupcakes seem much more fitting for the smaller celebration.
‘If you are still getting a cake, why not support your local independent bakery to see if they can create a beautiful cake that can be safely delivered to your wedding.’
Alternative / outdoor ceremony seating
Outdoor gatherings are thought to be safer, and limited guest lists means that you’ll likely want to be a bit more creative when it comes to seating arrangements to make the most of the extra space.
‘The great outdoors never closes completely!’ the wedding experts say. ‘Even if indoor venues have to close, your ceremony may still be able to go ahead in a licensed outdoor location. In September, Harry and Abbie were married under the oak tree with a handful of close family members in attendance.
‘They chose park bench seating and followed the ceremony with a lovely picnic feast. It is likely that we will still be expected to keep to our social bubbles in 2021, so we will see more alternative ceremony seating placed “in the round” with the couple at the centre to allow everyone to get the best views.’
Unplugged weddings
Appreciating the now and not wanting guests to touch each others’ grubby phones could combine to make couples decide to sack of tech altogether on their big day.
They say: ‘In the past, we would hand our phone to someone to take a photo and all gather round to look at the picture just taken. As well as teaching us to be more hygienic when carrying out simple acts like taking a photo, COVID-19 has also taught us to cherish our time with family and loved ones.
‘Due to this, many brides and grooms have, and will continue to opt for an unplugged wedding. This is when guests are asked to refrain from using their mobiles or at least not touch anyone else’s. A professional photographer is there to take pictures, and guests are simply asked to be present and enjoy the moment.’
Fireworks displays
As an outdoor activity, fireworks displays allow people to celebrate from a safe distance.
The venue’s wedding experts say: ‘Fewer guests equals less spend. Brides and grooms who originally had a big budget to blow on their wedding day can now spend more on their intimate wedding and honeymoon.
‘2021 may see more fireworks displays being held at weddings, as a beautiful and socially distanced activity everyone can watch together. If you have excess budget, why not customise your fireworks displace to match the colours of your wedding theme? Or perhaps, set it to ‘your song’ to create an incredibly romantic, impressive display.’
Personalised wedding face masks
For better or for worse, face masks are probably going to have to stick around for a while so you may as well incorporate them into your wedding properly.
‘You may have never imagined accessorising your wedding dress or suit with a mask,’ The Ash Barton Estate say, ‘but they are now a key part of wedding ceremonies. In 2021, wedding face masks will evolve to become keepsakes for you and your guests to take home and wear again.
‘They can be personalised with embroidered names or match the colour and design of your wedding theme.’
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