Weddings and the way people celebrate them have evolved over the years. Some wedding traditions remain strong as time goes by, others are fading and changing along with time. Each year, a new trend in the wedding industry is born and captivates the lovely couples who are planning their union day. 

2020 really turned our world upside down, with the pandemic and all. Couples who are set to be wed this year are forced to postpone their wedding the following year.  For those planning their celebration next year, here’s what we predict to be the INs and OUTs of wedding trends in 2021. 

The buffet will be a thing of the past

COVID-19 gave us a glimpse of what’s in store for future social gatherings. Things are adjusted for the safety of everyone, especially the way food is being served.  Buffet catering is considered to be one of the easiest ways to serve food in a large wedding gathering. However,  it will bid us goodbye for now for safety reasons. Couples are seen now opting for food boxes, plated dinners, and food trucks which will probably continue in the next coming year. 

You may want to try this food box from @snackinabox.to

Sanitizers will have a special place

Sanitizers, masks, and other anti-COVID paraphernalia will definitely have a special place in the wedding venue. A “Sanitation Station” setup will be a need. In fact, it will be included in the venue selection and area planning to make sure that it will be strategically placed. 

Functional and yet chic placement for masks and sanitizers.

Intimate gatherings are definitely IN

This year made us reflect on what is really important in life. Thus, aside from the safety concerns, couples are choosing to have intimate gatherings which consist of those people that play big roles in their lives. Social gatherings are being regulated this year and it will continue to 2021.  Couples are advised to limit their guests from 100-1500 at the maximum. 

Extended celebration will be a great idea

Indian wedding celebrations usually last up to a few days. With this pandemic going on, some regulations are being put in place. Doing the ceremony now and moving the reception to a later date has become another way to celebrate, which is expected to continue in 2021. Some couples are planning to held their ceremony this year and set their reception next year, which is practical in both spending and waiting for the storm to pass. 

The seat and the floor plan is becoming a “must”

Let’s face it – seat plans are not 100% implemented. There will always be some guests who will request to sit next to someone they know or they would wish to be transferred because they are not comfortable. This is why some couples opt to have “free-for-all” seating for their reception since it is easier. However, seat plans and floor plans will have great importance in 2021 wedding planning. As we all know by now, social distancing is one effective way of preventing the spread of the dreaded virus. With a series of lockdowns happening (and there’s no guarantee that there will be none in the near future), people are craving a human connection. Guests may want to guarantee to sit next to their family and friends in a gathering. Strategic planning of seats will be highly focused next year to make sure that guests will be safe and at the same time, enjoy the event near to someone they are comfortable with. 

Sample of a setup that follows the safe social distancing

Live Streaming will continue

Some say that it is still fortunate that COVID-19 happened at a time when technology is highly developed. Well, they are correct. Can you imagine being on lockdown without a way of knowing the happenings in the outside world? Without the technology that we are currently enjoying, it will be difficult to connect to our loved ones who are not allowed and capable to travel. Live Streaming of wedding ceremonies became a way to “virtually” invite people to witness a couple’s union. This trend will surely be present in 2021. 

Wedding trends may come and go, but there’s one tip that will always be true and helpful – get a planner the moment you get engaged. Saves you a great deal of money and time.