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The biggest wedding trends for 2021
From eco-friendly tree planting parties to palm readers, midweek weddings, '70s vibes and acts of gratitude, the latest wedding trends are eclectic and meaningful - and British-focused
Without question, the wedding trends for 2021 are going to be influenced by the Coronavirus lockdown of 2020. From helping the British economy bounce back to adopting a ‘go big or go home’ mentality for postponed weddings, this period of time we’ve been stuck in our homes – not able to hug our loved ones – will have a profound effect on how we choose to celebrate.
Expect 2021 to be a bumper year for weddings, thanks to postponed dates from this year. And with each of those couples putting their own personality and flavour on their day, we predict a really surge in creative and unique weddings.
Here are some of the biggest wedding trends to embrace for 2021 in association with Hitched.
1. Buying British
Lockdown has put a huge strain on the UK economy and, in 2021, we’re seeing that couples are going to favour choosing to support the UK’s phenomenal network of suppliers, bridal boutiques and independent businesses with their hard-earned money.
The excitement of going out to a bridal shop, to see the styles in person and try them on will be such a luxury and encourage more brides to invest in British brands. More couples will turn to independent shops on Etsy and local designers to buy their décor and stationery instead of choosing Amazon or a big corporate brand. Local suppliers, from bands to photographers, will get more booking as couples choose to invest in the economy on their doorstep by wanting to support local.
We can provide you with an extensive list of recommended local suppliers who we have worked with to help with your wedding planning.
2. Acts of gratitude
You can easily incorporate poignant acts of thanks into your wedding day and after the tough year 2020 has brought, there is so much more to be thankful for. Though time-consuming, a personal note on each guest place setting is a hugely meaningful gesture. Choose special guests to take home one of the flower arrangements at the end of the night, smaller things include baking special ‘thank you’ biscuits for each guest.
3. Locavore Menus
Buying British will be seen most clearly in wedding breakfasts in 2021. Think locally-farmed meats, ingredients, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and modern British twists on classic wedding dishes. The British beef and dairy industry have been particularly hard hit. Our head chef at Manor Hill House uses as much local produce as possible when creating our wedding menus.
4. A Return to Tradition
Weddings will go back to their heart: making treasured memories with friends and family. Experts across the wedding industry are predicting tradition to be a defining feature of 2021 weddings, from timeless dresses to nostalgic fragrances and traditional speeches.
“I am seeing a return to the more traditional side of weddings,” says Jennie Evans of bespoke floral designers Liberty Lane Flowers. “Many more of my clients are choosing their local childhood church for their ceremony, with a statement archway to frame the entrance, and delicate meadow flowers lining the aisle."
Private settings such as Manor Hill are able to help create an intermate homely feel as a ‘home from home’ wedding venue with a Marquee in the grounds and beautifully maintained outdoor gardens.
5. Entertainment Experiences
2021 weddings will be much more about experiences, couples will want to really celebrate 2021 after such a tough 2020. That means couples will focus much more on entertainment and looking after their guests, ensuring their day is memorable.
Palm and tarot readers have boomed in popularity for weddings, as well as interactive experiences like street artists to sketch your guests, petting zoos, acrobats and fire performers, roaming musicians, magicians and more.
We have seen all of the above at Manor Hill House and we love exciting entertainment! If you have an idea of something you wish to incorporate into your day, speak to us!
6. Pastel Shades
Pastel tones are predicted to be huge for 2021! Stay tuned for our summer photoshoot where you will notice a lot of these colours present! Colour schemes are a core part of any event aesthetics, and next year, weddings will be washed out in pastel hues. They will be key in delivering cool, calm and relaxed yet personal wedding vibes. Think gorgeous lilac, pastel pink, yellow and peach tulips and sweet peas, with a pop of colour such as orange or coral, and stationery of complementing colours too.
7. Sustainability
Couples are increasingly putting sustainability as a top priority for their wedding day and 2021 will continue to see a big growth in this.
Their efforts to make weddings sustainable are great ideas for all couples to adopt: arrange a tree planting party for your guests to reduce their carbon footprint; keep food miles down by opting for locally grown meat and vegetables or a vegan menu; serve local beers, wines and spirits; and choose a venue with a beautiful backdrop that doesn’t require lavish decoration that will end up in landfill.
From food to drink, it is really important to us at Manor Hill to support as many local businesses possible and we spend time sourcing local produce.
8. Full-On Hollywood Glamour
“After we’ve all been stuck inside wearing jogging bottoms and messybuns, I think we’ll see a return to full-on Hollywood glamour,” predicts Tilly Thomas Lux founder Sally Thomas. “Hair accessories adorned with sparkles or pearls will continue to be popular and I think we’ll see renewed interest in chandelier earrings and statement necklaces.”
Following weeks of elasticated waistbands, couples and their guests will want to go all-out for 2021 weddings. As well as statement and sparkling accessories, expect photo-perfect hair and makeup while there’s a professional photographer around an we make up for lost photo opportunities. Many people will have had to cancel holidays so will be turning to the salon for a sun-kissed look and a bronzed goddess glow to cap their glamorous look.
9. Micro Weddings
Micro weddings or elopement weddings with less than 20 guests and we’ll see more and more of these intimate ceremonies in 2021. In some cases, it might be about budget constraints, but for a lot, the reasoning will be that couples simply want to scale back to just the few family and friends they can’t live without.
Lockdown has been a period of reflection for many about what’s truly important, and for some couples, that will crystallise exactly who they want by their side on their special day.
It also means prioritising those you love the most, which if social distancing is still being enforced next year will be a practical must. You could also say that this time of isolation has made many of us ruminate on the things that are most important in life and those we truly miss when we’re not able to see them.
10. Weekday Weddings
Guests can expect to see an influx of invites to weekday weddings in 2021. This is in part due to the build-up of 2020 weddings which have spilled over into 2021, but also budget considerations for couples who’ve been more stretched than expected. Hiring venues and suppliers is cheaper on weekdays and there’s more likely to be availability.
Check out our ‘why weekday weddings rock’ blog for more info!
Photographer credits: The Brand Studio // Tom Humphries // Julie King // Nicholas Rogers