2021 is a year of much anticipation, and for those who are wedding planning it still means getting creative with Post-COVID Wedding tasks. One upside of the past year is it has transformed wedding trends, and I have a hunch this transformation will last for years to come. Intentional moments, smaller wedding parties, and more casual wedding looks are all on-trend now, and I vote we all keep embracing it. Keep reading for 2021 Wedding Trends that I think will stand the test of time.

My Favorite 2021 Wedding Trends

Intimate Weddings

With less than 50 people in attendance, chances are your guest list only includes the people you really interact with regularly. Which makes sense, to share the most special day with your most special relationships. Micro weddings offer you and your partner to have a personal and sentimental experience that cannot be duplicated when you spend hours of your wedding day hugging people you don’t even know.

A smaller guest list also means you have more flexibility on location and decor, allowing you to truly create the wedding of your dreams. For micro wedding inspiration, check out this dreamy mountainside ceremony.

Weekday Weddings

With so many wedding getting pushed back, wedding photographers are busier than ever. This means you are more likely to book your dream photographer if you are willing to schedule a weekday wedding. Click here to contact me about my current availability!

Your photographer isn’t the only one it will be easier to book on a weekday - many venues offer this option at a discounted rate! Use that savings for your honeymoon, and take the chance to start your honeymoon early! Travel over the weekend instead and soak up that time with your new spouse.

DIY Beauty Looks

At first, taking on your own wedding hair and makeup may seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! 2021 brides are ditching the updos and going with the classic beach waves they feel most comfortable in.

For makeup that feels 100% you, doing your own makeup can be the best route! You can still achieve an elevated look for your wedding day, and one that photographs well, if you start practicing early.

Take a few deep breaths and head to your favorite beauty store. Use this opportunity to pamper yourself and try all those products saved in your Sephora cart! Practice as many times as you need so by the time your big day comes you’ll practically be Charlotte Tilbury (or James Charles, take your pick.)

Formal Dinner Services

This elegant and truly timeless wedding service is making a return, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Formal dining is giving couples a way to make each guest feel special. By creating personalized menus and beautiful place settings, it is a touch that guests are bound to remember. As a photographer, I love capturing these details that showcase your unique style.

For tablesetting inspiration, check out these posts here and here.

Not-So High heels

Who doesn’t love a mix of comfort and classic on their wedding day? This 2021 trend is here to make our comfy hearts happy for years to come. Brides are throwing out stilettos for kitten heels or even better: FLATS! Yes that’s right, choosing comfort on your big day no longer means sacrificing style. This is the wedding day equivalent of wearing sweats and a blazer to your zoom meetings - tuck your comfy flats under your gown and no one will be the wiser.

Here is one of my favorite shoe options: Loeffler Randall’s Dahlia Bow Low Heel with Ankle Strap Pearl. These low heels will instantly be a family heirloom and your daughter will thank you for it.

I would love to hear what 2021 wedding trends you are happy to see! Click here to share your ideas with me on Instagram.

Plan your Wedding Day Photography

I specialize in photographing fine art wedding events with storytelling. I love to embrace trends like those above when fitting, while still capturing timeless images that won’t go out of style. If this is the sort of wedding you are planning, contact me here!

For more wedding decor inspiration similar to this, you can find me on Pinterest. I share resources there for brides planning timeless and elevated weddings, as well on here on my blog!

2021 Wedding Trends That Will Stand the Test of Time