La Lista trend edit: 2021
Photo: Sylvia Rosokoff
The 2021 wedding season has been a long time coming for so many couples. Although the new year didn’t mark the sea-change we had all hoped for, we’re slowly making progress towards a post-pandemic world and we can’t wait to see all of the beautiful celebrations that will take place. We’re expecting to see more intimate celebrations, more outdoor weddings and more creativity than ever before. The rise in smaller weddings has opened up a whole host of new venue options for couples and we will see more intimate seated dinners, different uses of space, and more unique styling and table setups.
Couples had a lot of time to think and reflect in 2020 (when they weren’t binge-watching Tiger King and Emily in Paris!) and this will really shine through. Couples will more than ever before be creating weddings that are completely authentic and perfectly reflect their personal style and personalities. We just can’t wait to see it! But for now, let’s take a look at our edit of the most important wedding trends for 2021.
Micro weddings + Elopements
Although the micro wedding ‘trend’ was forced upon us by the global situation (of which I will try not to mention) - we expect to see more couples choosing to celebrate in a more intimate and personal way. The past year has given couples a lot of time to reflect on what’s really important.
Couples want to celebrate with their nearest and dearest and create a wedding that is authentic and really reflects them as a couple. Elopements and all in one celebrations (hen/stag, wedding + honeymoon) will continue to be popular as couples choose to create memorable experiences for their guests rather than just half-day events.
Photo: Henry Tieu
Thoughtfulness and Intentionality
The world healed while we were all at home in 2020 and it became very apparent that our actions have a huge impact on the environment. We are all increasingly becoming more mindful about the brands and businesses we work with and where we spend our money.
Couples will be looking to host responsibly in 2021 by working with local suppliers that support sustainable practices. We will see couples being much more intentional and thoughtful about the suppliers they pick and each micro-decision they make for their day.
You can create a more eco-friendly wedding without spending more or changing your plans. Read more.
Photo: Red on Blonde
Stationery: White Vines
Non ‘bridal’ fashion for brides
Long gone is the expectation that brides have to wear traditional wedding gowns. This year we will see lots of alternative bridal looks, from suits to jumpsuits, to little white dresses and capes. We will see brides and bridesmaids saying ‘F**k it, I’m wearing what I want!’ and donning outfits that truly reflect their personal style...and we are very much here for it!
Photo: Alice Mahran
The sleek and minimal bride
We will also see more brides wanting to simplify their look by choosing a sleek, minimal style dress. This style has been on the rise over the past few years with retailers such as Net-a-Porter stocking ready-to-wear brands and boutiques such as The Fall curating thoughtful edits of minimal wedding dresses for the contemporary bride. See The Fall’s Italian Garden dress edit.
I want to get married all over again just so I can wear the Ophelia!
Designer: Grace Loves Lace
Statement Sleeves + Bows
For those opting for a more traditional style wedding dress, this year it is all about statement sleeve! Puff sleeves, cap sleeves, long billowing sleeves...any sleeve will do!
Statement bows will also big (in size & popularity!) - think traditional bride with a fashion twist.
Designer: Danielle Frankell
Big Bang
With more couples choosing to slim down their guest list, we will see that excess budget being spent on photography, styling and fashion. At a smaller and more relaxed gathering, there will be plenty of time for the bride and groom to slip out for some extra photos by a perfectly styled prop. We can’t wait to bear witness to couples going all out with styling and decor to add to that editorial look. Think large floral installations, personalised neon signs and epic lighting installs.
Photo: Sylvie Rosokoff
Outdoor weddings + lighting
There has been a surge in interest in outdoor weddings, wedding tents and mood lighting. As well as being more Covid friendly, we’re all feeling more connected to nature and the outside world. With micro-weddings being more agile this has also opened up a whole host of new outdoor venue options. Natural styling and luscious greenery are also trending, think cascades of foliage, eucalyptus and hanging succulents. Add to this some statement lighting - and you have yourself a vibe!
Photo: Colin Ross
Non-traditional wedding parties
As wedding celebrations become more authentic and personal to the couple, we will see more mixed-gender wedding parties. Couples can include all of the important people in their lives without having to stick to outdated traditions. We can’t wait to see all of your groomsmaids and bridesmen!
Photo: Lucie Weddings
Just started your wedding planning and not sure where to start? Check out bride-to-be Lauren’s Top Tips for Planning with Pinterest and start pinning like a pro.
Written by Beth Butler, marketing person and lover of all things weddings; with a particular passion for beautiful photography, muted florals and a good cup of tea.
