Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025

The Biggest Wedding Trends to Expect in 2021

The Biggest Wedding Trends to Expect in 2021

After an unprecedented year, our editors and experts share the wedding trends we're seeing for 2022 and predict what's on the horizon in the year to come.

The wedding boom is here and couples are ready to celebrate their weddings in 2022 like never before. While there are still some restrictions, weddings are looking more like what they used to with larger guests lists, destination events, and big design moments.

This year, we are also seeing that couples are generally making everything more intentional, focusing on the guest experience, creating more personalized details, and spending more money per guest to make them feel really included in the experience.

Keep reading for more on the wedding trends we're seeing now and on the horizon!

Breaking Tradition


“With the forced changes to events these past two years (e.g. micro weddings followed by bigger parties), I have seen more couples decide to do things in a more nontraditional way, and I welcome the change," shares Tzo Ai Ang of Ang Weddings and Events. From reception-only celebrations to elopements to bold design, weddings are much more individualized to the couple.

Planner Tory Smith of Smith + James Events adds, “We love the ‘anti-trend’ trend. The whole industry is moving away from cookie-cutter weddings and we’re here for it. Out-of-the-box destinations, culinary surprises, and crescendo moments really do it for us.”

Big Parties


While many have opted for micro-weddings the past few years, big parties are back! Planner Jason Mitchell Kahn declares, “We spent a while not being able to celebrate, and now that we can, we are going bigger and better than ever!" Rafanelli Events’ Bryan Rafanelli agrees. “We have been forced to hold back on almost everything [in] our lives,” he says. “I see abundance all around us. More of everything to make every wedding dazzling and once in a lifetime experience.”

What can you expect? “Big statement floral installations and focal points, bigger and more over the top design elements," suggest Lisa Costin and Somer Khouri, the co-founders of event planning and design firm A Charming Fête.

Intimate Weddings


While some may be doing blowout events, others have come to embrace the intimacy of a micro-wedding. “I actually love this smaller, more intimate wedding,” shares planner Annie Lee of Daughter of Design. “Selfishly for decorating purposes, we can do so much more interesting designs when we're setting 50 places rather than 250!”

However, a small guest list is not required. “Even my clients with large guest counts want to create cozy spaces and a sense of familiarity at their weddings, and I’m really enjoying the design challenge," adds planner Laurie Arons. "Building little partitioned nooks in a large space, incorporating dining ‘booths’ in addition to tables and chairs, and designing a series of sheltered lounge areas are just some of the ways we’re making big weddings feel intimate and personal this year."

Destination Weddings


With travel restrictions loosened and vaccines available, the destination wedding is back on the table for many couples. “We're currently creating many international weddings after two years of staying domestic. I'm excited to see couples ready to celebrate abroad again," shares planner Beth Helmstetter.

“We’re loving all of the weekend activities that clients are setting up for their guests to enjoy," says Ashley Mason of Saunter Weddings. "It could be a recommended food tour or sea adventures in your destination location. Just makes for an even better weekend!”

Full Wedding Weekends


Speaking of, there definitely has come a rise in the wedding weekend. With welcome parties, daytime activites, and day-after brunches, many weddings are expanding their scope outside of the simple ceremony and reception. “I love that couples are feeling the impulse to extend this level of hospitality to family and friends, particularly when travel is involved. Weddings that are multi-day experiences result in an unparalleled and authentic spirit of community, as guests have more opportunities to meet one another, to spend time together, and to make memories," explains planner Alison Jackson of Pineapple
Productions.

“Even if it is a hometown wedding, there are full-on three day experiences," Jung Lee of Fête shares. "It feels more immersive and celebratory than it has in the past. I feel there is a new appreciation for the celebration of a couple entering a new phase in their life.”

Colorful Décor


While there are definitely still white weddings, you might see a lot more hues in 2022. "Color in design seems like the outward manifestation of the joy we are all feeling as we start seeing the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel," notes Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions.

Jaime Kostechko of Wild Heart Events adds, “We have always been a fan of color, but we are seeing some new combos that have our wheels turning!”

Unique Tabletop Design


All eyes will be on the tablescapes at receptions this year. “The one trend I'm excited about and would like to see more of in 2022 is the curated focus of tabletop and less about the ceiling," says celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss. "The flowers, dishes, and details that sit in front of the guests throughout the event are sure to be appreciated!”

“Vivid color and unexpected pattern—small, floral prints, country toiles, chinoiserie, and more—are coming to the table literally and figuratively," notes planner and designer David Stark.

Formal Affairs


“Black tie is back! After losing a whole year of parties, people are more excited than ever to get dressed up for formal events," shares Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events. Quite frankly, it looks better in photos anyways.” Sunna Yassin and Mollie Jones Hennes of Bash Please add, "This is not your average ball gown and tuxedo. 2022 is in for some very fun formal looks!"

Unique Guest Experiences


“Along with the build up and anticipation of getting to see and celebrate with loved ones, we’re finding that our clients are REALLY focused on guest experience,” shares the team at GATHER Events. “From planning surprise moments (celebrity impersonators and pop-up performances) to personal welcome notes and thoughtful gift bag items, ensuring that guests experience the weekend in a way that promotes presence and connection is of the utmost importance. The aim is to have guests depart the weekend feeling delighted and cared for and with specific memories that will last a lifetime.”

Awesome Entertainment


“Entertainment has always been a central focus point at our weddings, but we are seeing a new era of over-the-top musical elements come to the stage—and we are here for it! Whether it’s a fabulous pop-up boy band performance, a headliner, or a broadway set in the middle of dinner, surprising your guests with a major musical moment is a trend we are loving," notes Lynn Easton of Easton Events.

Sustainability


Sustainability is a trend that we are absolutely loving (and hope continues for years to come!). “I love to see that sustainable weddings are on the rise. People are starting to incorporate sustainable elements into their weddings by selecting vendors with greener production, selecting a plastic-free caterer, using online save-the-dates and invitations, and recycling and donating the flowers after their special day," shares planner Colin Cowie. "More couples want greater vegan options, and some prefer an entirely vegan menu, which is another way to make your wedding greener.”

"Sourcing your food from a local farm and repurposing your flowers by sending them to a nursing home or hospital are two of the things we encourage our couples to consider," adds Monica Relye. "Hiring local creatives and supporting the community where you are hosting your wedding weekend are also great ways to continue that sustainability.”

Champagne Towers


One particularly fun cocktail trend this year? The champagne tower. Event stylist and designer Jessica Sloane says, “Champagne towers have made a comeback recently. They are a more engaging way to make a toast!” One way to make it even more unique? Mix it up with a martini tower!

Pearls


Thinking about fashion? Try decking yourself out in classic pearls for your wedding day. Nathalie Cadet-James, the founder of Luxe Fête, says she's loving “pearls and more pearls. I’m a classic girl at heart. I love to see this resurgence.”

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Manhunt in Australia: Armed Anti-Government Suspect Kills Police Officers Sent to Arrest Him
China Launches World’s Most Powerful Neutrino Detector
How Beijing-Linked Networks Shape Elections in New York City
Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Fled War To US, Stabbed To Death
Elon Musk Sues Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged App Store Monopoly
2 Australian Police Shot Dead In Encounter In Rural Victoria State
Vietnam Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Kajiki Strikes; China’s Sanya Shuts Down
UK Government Delays Decision on China’s Proposed London Embassy Amid Concerns Over Redacted Plans
A 150-Year Tradition to Be Abolished? Uproar Over the Popular Central Park Attraction
A new faith called Robotheism claims artificial intelligence isn’t just smart but actually God itself
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Purchases Third Property Amid Housing Tax Reforms Debate
HSBC Switzerland Ends Relationships with Over 1,000 Clients from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Egypt
Sharia Law Made Legally Binding in Austria Despite Warnings Over 'Incompatible' Values
Italian Facebook Group Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent Shut Down Amid Police Investigation
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Deadlock Over Israel Sanctions
Trump and Allies Send Messages of Support to Ukraine on Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict
China Reels as Telegram Chat Group Shares Hidden-Camera Footage of Women and Children
Sam Nicoresti becomes first transgender comedian to win Edinburgh Comedy Award
Builders uncover historic human remains in Lancashire house renovation
Australia Wants to Tax Your Empty Bedrooms
MotoGP Cameraman Narrowly Avoids Pedro Acosta Crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
FBI Investigates John Bolton Over Classified Documents in High-Profile Raids
Report reveals OpenAI pitched national ChatGPT Plus subscription to UK ministers
Labour set to freeze income tax thresholds in long-term 'stealth' tax raid
Coca‑Cola explores sale of Costa coffee chain
Trial hears dog walker was chased and fatally stabbed by trio
Restaurateur resigns from government hospitality council over tax criticism
Spanish City funfair shut after serious ride injury
Suspected arson at Ilford restaurant leaves three in critical condition
Tottenham beat Manchester City to go top of Premier League
Bank holiday heatwave to hit 30°C before remnants of Hurricane Erin arrive
UK to deploy immigration advisers to West Africa to block fake visas
Nurse who raped woman continued working for a year despite police alert
Drought forces closures of England’s canal routes, canceling boat holidays
Sweet tooth scents: food-inspired perfumes surge as weight-loss drugs suppress appetites
Experts warn Britain dangerously reliant on imported food
Family of Notting Hill Carnival murder victim call event unmanageable
Bunkers, Billions and Apocalypse: The Secret Compounds of Zuckerberg and the Tech Giants
Ukraine Declares De Facto War on Hungary and Slovakia with Terror Drone Strikes on Their Gas Lifeline
Animated K-pop Musical ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Animated Film
New York Appeals Court Voids Nearly $500 Million Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump While Upholding Fraud Liability
Elon Musk tweeted, “Europe is dying”
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Hungary Criticizes Ukraine: "Violating Our Sovereignty"
Will this be the first country to return to negative interest rates?
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
Trump Called Viktor Orbán: "Why Are You Using the Veto"
×