Wedding planning is going full steam ahead now that weddings are allowed to continue under Level 2 lockdown. If you need some inspiration, consider these key trends that are expected to make huge waves in 2021.

Micro-weddings:

While the micro-wedding concept has been around for years, it has been given new life due to the pandemic. With limited guests allowed, couples are pretty much forced to have a micro-wedding under current regulations.

This isn’t a bad thing, however. There are a host of benefits in having a micro-wedding. They are more affordable, more intimate, have fewer practical arrangements and are much less stressful.

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Sentimentality:

One bonus of this crazy year is that many have truly found the value in their family. Spending so much time with your loved ones can be a bit much at times, but it mostly makes you appreciate them. Some have also unfortunately lost loved ones due to the virus, and may want to pay tribute to them on their big day.

We predict many brides and grooms will want to incorporate some sentimental meaning into their outfits, decor or even the venue. You could opt for a family member’s backyard for your I do’s, use some fabric belonging to a special family member in your wedding outfit or even attach a picture of them to your boutonnierre. Of course, including your loved ones in the bridal party is also pretty sweet.

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Inspired by nature:

Considering we’ve spent most of 2020 cooped up indoors to prevent the spread of coronavirus, being outside is a welcome change! On a practical level, outdoor venues are also the safer choice as it allows for fresh air, which is handy amid the pandemic.

We predict many will want a return to nature to celebrate their freedom and enjoy parts of the world that were closed off for so many months. Parks, gardens and beaches will likely be popular locations in 2021. Along with the venue, we also expect massive florals to take centre stage.

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Safe and stylish measures:

With the pandemic, hygiene has become a top priority all over the world. There are a number of ways your wedding can be shaped to include hygiene and social distancing measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Sanitising stations are already growing in popularity. Set up a fun stand with a bunch of hand sanitisers on deck so that your guests can stay clean throughout your big day. Another fun touch is to have personalised face masks made for your guests! You can use your wedding colours, and have your names and wedding date printed on them.

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Charity donations:

This pandemic has also made many realise how much they have, even if its not that much. By virtue of having a home, a salary and food on the table, many of us are priviledged.

We predict that couples will opt to include some form of giving back into their big day. Instead of wedding gifts, couples can ask for donations to their favourite charity. The wedding flowers can be donated to the local old age home, and supporting local will go a long way in helping rebuild the wedding industry.

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Feature image: Pexels

It’s likely that the coronavirus pandemic will change the way of weddings forever. Now more than ever, it is important to abide by certain rules and regulations in order to stay safe. This means that wedding etiquette must change too.

Whether you’re attending a very small function in person or you’re watching a virtual ceremony, there are certain aspects of etiquette you’ll want to follow. Lest your friends or family consider you rude; you wouldn’t want that right?

If you’re wondering what coronavirus-era wedding guest etiquette looks like, not to worry. Here’s what to do:

For attending a wedding in person: 

– Keep those masks on!

It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling to hear each other, or if people can’t see you smiling. Protecting each other’s health and wellbeing is the most important thing.

– Greeting

You may feel it a bit uncomfortable to not congratulate the couple with a hug, or greet other guests with a handshake or hug too. However, safety regulations dictate that no such physical contact should occur. This means you don’t have to worry about being rude when it comes to greeting. Stick to a chat or an elbow bump.

– Not attending

If you’ve been invited but do not feel comfortable attending an in-person function, be sure to let the couple know as soon as you possibly can. Since events are limited in the number of people who may be present, the couple will surely have somebody who can fill your seat. Be polite but honest that the circumstances make you uncomfortable and worried for your health. They will most definitely understand.

You may, however, still need to send a gift to the couple. Depending on how close you are, you can decide if it is appropriate or required.

– Best not share photos

The couple may have had to cut important guests from the list in order to abide by minimum number requirements. Avoid offending other friends and family by refraining from posting any images online, unless the couple directly gives you permission to do so.

For attending a virtual wedding: 

– RSVP

It remains important to let the couple know you will be attending, despite the fact that it won’t affect their budget. This is simply good manners.

– Don’t share the link

If you’ve been sent a Zoom link or anything of the sort, do not share it with anyone who has not been invited to the wedding by the couple. Even though it won’t make much of a difference, it is their personal choice and their privacy that you are disrespecting if you share the link with uninvited guests.

– Do not attend in your PJ’s

Despite the fact that you’re cozy on your couch, you shouldn’t attend the wedding in sloppy attire. You don’t have to get fully dressed up, but be sure you look presentable.

– Gifts

It could be more difficult to give a gift, however, a monetary gift is quick and easy. If you’d like to send an item as a gift, be sure to let the couple know that you will be doing so.

– Congratulations

You may not be able to speak during the livestream, as it may be a bit messy and noisy if the couple unmuted all guests at the same time. However, you should definitely send them a congratulatory message either via text or you could film yourself sending some well wishes. It will mean a lot to the newlyweds.

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As one of the most memorable moments of your wedding, the perfect first dance not only opens the floor but is a special and intimate moment between the newlyweds which has become an important wedding tradition over the decades.

It stems from many years ago when ballroom dancing was an acquired skill everyone had to have, and the first dance at a ball or special event was usually done by a royal guest of honour to open the floor.

Nowadays, couples typically pick a song suited to their personal love story and practice a routine before the time to entertain their guests. But to make your first dance special, there needs to be a touch of originality. Since not everyone is a skilled ballroom dancer, it can be challenging to put on the performance you want.

Here are some easy steps to getting your first dance-off on the right foot.

STEP 1 – THE VIBE

What kind of story do you want to tell with your first dance? As we’ve said, this is a crucial moment to show off the type of couple you are. You could go romantic and sultry with a tango, or cheesy with an 80s-inspired throwback that references moves like the electric slide and the hammer dance. If you’re more emotional, a slow dance is perfect whereas a classic couple might enjoy a foxtrot. Each dance style gives a different vibe and will determine the music choice and choreography going forward.

STEP 2 – THE SONG

The song you choose for your first dance should be representative of the personal relationship you have with your partner. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to choose a completely original song, but you should feel that it speaks to you and your partner’s feelings towards each other. You also need to keep in mind the length of the song and the beat for your dance.

STEP 3 – THE CHOREOGRAPHY

You can either choose to have a professional dance instructor choreograph a dance for you and your partner, or do it yourself. If you want to choreograph your dance, however, you need to start as soon as possible as the more time you have the more time you will have to learn the steps. This can be a good time for you and your partner to become even closer during the wedding planning, through learning to dance together.

STEP 3 – THE DANCE

When it comes to your big day there will be a swarm of emotions, and executing a rehearsed dance may be a challenge, despite all your practice. Don’t feel discouraged by this, and, instead, focus on your partner and all the moments you’ve shared and the ones you’ve yet to share. A perfect dance will look different for everyone and should be about celebrating with your loved ones.

Smaller factors to keep in mind:

– Take your wedding shoes into consideration when planning your wedding dance. Practice in them a few times before your big day.
– When deciding on your wedding outfit, think about whether you will be able to move around and dance comfortably in it.
– Make sure to speak with your DJ and MC beforehand to let them know how and when you would like your dance to happen.
– Give yourselves enough time to practice, and remember to relax and allow for mistakes to happen in your first few tries.

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