Now that we’re officially heading into the 2021 wedding season, it’s a great opportunity to share some of the top wedding trends we see for spring and summer of this year!
It is still a time of constant change as we adapt to state and local safety protocols. As of writing this article, the state of Massachusetts is allowing indoor weddings of up to 100 people or half of a venue’s capacity. We know this may change, but for now, we are planning events that meet these guidelines. We are also planning larger events scheduled later in the year, as the state is expected to ease restrictions even further as more and more people are vaccinated.
This spring, we’ve been busy planning weddings with a guest count of under 100 people. These events can be uniquely warm and charming, allowing for a wider variety of available venues and a more personalized experience for you and your guests.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at three Boston wedding trends we predict to be popular in the first half of 2021 and possibly, beyond!
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Outdoor Celebrations
Throughout 2020, when indoor venues were heavily restricted, we saw brides and grooms opting for unique natural outdoor settings. This outdoor focus is a wedding trend we expect to continue.
In the Greater Boston Area, there are so many beautiful natural settings in which to get married, many that lend themselves well to an intimate wedding. This has allowed couples to plan more weddings with a bit more creativity, like those on a beach catered with a lobster bake! Or an intimate hillside wedding on a North Shore farm during foliage season. These outdoor celebrations take advantage of unique locations with breathtaking beauty that would not be appropriate for a wedding with a larger guest list.
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Tents, Tents & More Tents
The focus on outdoor weddings also means brides and grooms are opting for a tented setting. Tented weddings are a trend with many advantages, including the option to host more guests safely as tented weddings qualify as “outdoor.”
Tents can provide everything a beautiful wedding needs, complete with lighting, flowers, flowing fabrics, casual furniture, a dance floor, and of course, the added benefit of protection from inclement weather.
One of the more dramatic tent styles is a pole tent like you see in this video with its grand peaks. Frame tents are also very common; they are built with side supports that can be beautifully camouflaged with fabric. And, tents with clear roofs give guests a feeling of open air. Many tents today are erected without sides to allow for more fresh air to flow throughout.
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Alternative Dining Options
The recent vaccine rollout, combined with social distancing measures, has provided some relief to the hospitality industry. As of the end of March 2021, there is hope that there will be a wider range of options for how we celebrate indoor weddings in the coming months, all while adhering to safety guidelines. Still, more intimate weddings may be with us for a while, and we find they have a charm all their own.
A smaller guest list often means more creative catering and food service than larger weddings. The caterers we know have added imaginative and interesting ways to serve delicious food safely. A 2021 wedding trend we’re seeing is dinner served with wine pairings or multiple small plated courses served throughout the event. Maybe a vodka bar or a scotch bar would suit your guests.
For a bit of whimsy, food trucks, popular for outdoor wedding venues over the past 5-10 years, continue to be sought-after. Or consider our friends at Hive. They have curated fantastic drink menus for weddings, served right out of their custom Airstream trailer!
Wedding Trends in 2021
At Jodi Raphael Events, we’re feeling optimistic about what 2021 will bring to wedding and event planning. Not only do we see signs of restrictions loosening, but we also have seen how wonderfully creative these events can be within challenging circumstances.
As experienced Boston wedding planners and special event planners, we believe in celebrating these special moments; we pride ourselves as experts at making your wedding something memorable for you, your family, and every guest.
Please connect with us to learn more about Boston wedding celebrations!
