2021 COVID Wedding Trends and Terms You Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of new terms and phrases into our everyday conversations: “social-distancing,” “six feet,” “pandemic,” “quarantine.” If you decided to postpone your 2020 wedding for 2021 or are starting your wedding planning adventure in the new year, you will likely encounter new COVID wedding trends and terms as well.
Planning your wedding without a pandemic happening can be stressful… during a pandemic, even more so. That’s why we recommend utilizing a full-service wedding planner from the start. At Mountainside Events, we are well versed in “COVID wedding language” and are ready to help you navigate wedding planning in the new year.
For starters, here are 8 COVID wedding trends and terms to know!
COVID Wedding Term: "Micro-Wedding"
This is undoubtedly the most popular COVID wedding term. Micro-weddings have taken the wedding industry by storm as a way to adapt to the ever-changing safety guidelines and regulations.
A micro-wedding is a small, intimate gathering of a couple’s closest friends and family. It often includes many of the same traditional aspects of a wedding--beautiful floral arrangements, delicious food and drinks, a wedding photographer to capture moments at the ceremony and reception. However, the small guest list, unique venue locations, and intimate environment resemble an elopement wedding experience.
There are not any hard definitions for what is considered a micro-wedding, but industry professionals typically consider any wedding with 50 or fewer guests “micro.” Although, most micro-weddings are usually smaller with a guest list of no more than 20 people. A micro-wedding may just be your solution to having a semi-normal wedding during COVID.
COVID Wedding Term: "Sanitation Station"
We know, we know, “sanitation station” doesn’t sound very “wedding-like.” Nevertheless, this term has become exceedingly popular, due to the health and safety issues brought on by COVID. Since your wedding will bring together people from different households, it is important to offer amenities so your guests feel safe at your wedding.
A “sanitation station” that includes individual hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes, and even disposable face masks can be seamlessly integrated with your wedding design to ensure safety and high-style.
If you’re struggling to picture how a sanitation station won’t disrupt your wedding vibes, we understand. Reach out to Mountainside Events today for design and styling inspiration.
COVID Wedding Term: "Essential Guest List"
Just as there are “essential workers” who are able to go to their jobs while others have to quarantine, a COVID wedding may only be able to include “essential guests.” That’s why the term “essential guest list” is becoming more popular.
While of course it is ideal to have all of your friends and family attend your wedding, depending on state regulations that simply might not be possible in 2021. This is why it is vital to create two guest lists: an “everybody” list and an “essential” list. Your essential list should include those people who will still be invited to your wedding, even if you can only have 20 people attend.
COVID Wedding Term: "Virtual Wedding"
Thank goodness for technology, right? It is because of smartphones and video-call apps that many of us have been able to stay connected with far-away friends and family during the pandemic. It is also how some people choose to get married.
Even if you are having an in-person “micro-wedding,” you may consider live streaming the event for those who aren’t on your “essential guest list.” This way, everyone can still be part of your special day, even from far away.
COVID Wedding Trend: Plan B has Become Essential
At Mountainside Events, we like to be prepared, which is why we typically have a Plan B in place for weddings. If it starts to rain during an outdoor ceremony, we have the umbrellas ready to go. We are quick on our feet and ready to work around any potential setback. We have always done this to ensure our couples’ weddings go smoothly.
However, now having a wedding Plan B is essential. And it entails more than planning for inclement weather. From having two guest lists, a backup venue option if yours closes, and a virtual set up if family members can’t travel, planning your Plan B is just as important as Plan A.
COVID Wedding Trend: Weddings Happen 7 Days a Week
With COVID, anything goes. That’s why in 2021 you will likely see a lot more weddings happening seven days a week. While the weekend has traditionally always been popular for weddings, things have changed. With people working from home, kids out of school, and uncertainties around every corner, some couples are opting for weekday weddings.
Fortunately for couples, this 2021 COVID wedding trend may actually save them some money. Venues are often less expensive on weekdays and your favorite band is less likely to be booked.
COVID Wedding Trend: Buffets are Out and Locally-Sourced Dinner Style Plates from Restaurants and Caterers are In
Whereas wedding buffets were once a popular wedding dinner trend, due to health and safety concerns, this won’t be the case in 2021. Instead, plated meals will take center stage.
To support small businesses, you may consider having your wedding meal catered from a locally-sourced restaurant or catering company, such as Juli Y Juan’s Kitchen. This will not only support local businesses but it will bring more creativity and uniqueness to your wedding.
COVID Wedding Trend: Intimate Vibes All-Around
Intimate and cozy is a COVID wedding trend that is here to stay. And we love it! While there is truly something special about having a huge bash for your wedding, there is something equally as special about having an intimate wedding experience. And in 2021, that is what you will see.
This will be most noticeable in the wedding venues chosen for micro-weddings and small events. Typical wedding venues, such as hotels or country clubs, will have to compete with Airbnb cabins, unconventional outdoor venues (like a random field in the middle of nowhere), and families’ backyards. Traditional wedding venues do provide all-inclusive wedding packages, which are often more cost-effective. However, choosing a smaller, more unique wedding venue is definitely a wedding trend you will see in 2021.
Plan Your 2021 COVID Wedding with Mountainside Events
Although there are new COVID wedding trends and terms, there is one thing that hasn’t changed: your wedding is the most important and special day of your life. We know that which is why we are dedicated to ensuring each of our couples has an unforgettable wedding and enjoyable wedding planning experience, even in the midst of the pandemic.
Are you ready to plan your 2021 wedding? Contact us today to learn more about our wedding packages created specifically for this year.
Photography Credits: Love and Lens, Johnny Robson Photography