As our country is on the brink of reopening, we are all entering strange territory of a “new normal”. What does this mean for your upcoming wedding? What changes will you see with wedding trends? We do not have a direct line to Dr. Fauci, so we don’t know exactly what the new mandates will look like for your wedding reception. But, we can share an educated guess based on our wedding industry experience. Some will only be necessary in the interim while others may be a permanent staple…time will tell. We have listed some post-coronavirus wedding trends to expect and the silver linings found within them.
Less Guests = More Budget: If your wedding is taking place in Summer 2020, it is extremely likely that some of your guests will not be able to attend. Out of town guests, older generations, and the vulnerable may have to decline the invitation. The good news is that your budget goes quite a bit further with a smaller head count. Consider upgrading your dinner menu, adding some floral installations, or bringing in an upscale lounge seating area (or two!).
Six Feet of Separation: With social distancing being the primary mitigation tactic, be prepared for your wedding reception layout to be altered. Grouping guests by household and leaving distance between people will present a seating chart challenge. Time to get creative about your seating arrangements and layout design. Reach out to your planner or venue for assistance.
Dancefloor Drama: Social distancing comes into play primarily when it comes to your cousin’s dance floor moves. Maintaining space between people on the dance floor will be a challenge. Even with a massive dance floor, people tend to be drawn together. Putting dancing squares on the floor or obstacles in the way may help prevent groupings. Or you can consider alternatives such as an additional toast from friends and family, trivia, karaoke, dueling pianos, or other live entertainment.
Videography: Considering the possibility that some of your guests may not be able to attend your ceremony and reception, having a videographer capture the day has increased in importance. Discuss with your vendors the possibility of livestreaming your vows so absent family and friends can still share the moment.
Dinner is Served: Catering at your event is going to have some changes as well. Caterers are recommending a plated meal over the standard buffet. If you are set on a buffet, care will need to be taken when releasing tables to get in line and self serving is not an option. Truthfully, the best way to go is a plated dinner. This is not only more sanitary, but it also has an upscale vibe, allows for more room in your venue for social distancing, and guests get served more quickly.
A Little Now – More Later: Several couples are opting for a small celebration or ceremony now with a large reception later when all of their friends and family can attend. The idea of these intimate ceremonies has been trending, but coronavirus launched them to a new level. Moving forward, this trend might move toward a small ceremony earlier in the day and then a large party in the evening, not necessarily leaving months between the two celebrations.
The Gift of Health: Undoubtedly you have seen the new trend of offering masks as a gift to your wedding guests. Take advantage of this “fashion” trend and stop the spread at your reception. Sometimes it is better to embrace the change and not fight it. Another option would be small hand sanitizer bottles or antibacterial soap with your names and wedding date. Get creative!
Worth the Risk: Procuring Wedding Insurance has now changed drastically. Although we hope that our world will never see a pandemic like this again, there is no guarantee. Purchasing Wedding Insurance can go a long way to cover all sorts of incidents and will give couples peace of mind moving forward.
The sun is shining and the end of this storm will eventually come to an end. People will still get married and vendors will still be here to guide you through the changes. Take heart and know that no matter what, nothing stops love. (But it doesn’t hurt to cover your bases). Happy planning!
Photography Credit: Laning Photography
