Have you become familiar with writing 2020 yet? I haven’t. I still want to say 2019. Whenever I talk with couples getting married in 2021 I think to myself that it’s so far away! But then I’m reminded that 2021 will be here in less than 12 months!! With a new year comes new trends. This year, I plan on reaching out to other vendors to talk with them about what they are seeing because an article speculating on new trends or pushing for something to be a trend doesn’t actually mean it’s a trend if people aren’t using that thing. Since we are just one month into 2020, based on my research, this is what I have found to be some of the more popular trends of 2020.
Going Green
While greenery became quite popular in 2019, this year, going green is actually what it sounds like… environmentally friendly weddings. There are so many ideas that could be incorporated into a green wedding. From recycling the night’s drink containers to upcycling anything that can be upcycled. Interestingly enough, weddings in rural midwest have already been fairly green for some time. Reusing ceremony florals for reception decorations is something that happens almost all the time. I think this is usually a financial thing, but still. Kudos to the small rural weddings for keeping it green! More than that, what about using vendors who are also sustainable? This could be from using food vendors who use local food, to other vendors that do their best to keep things green. For me, as a photographer, I use rechargeable batteries. This may not seem like a huge thing, but I know of photographers that strictly use one-time-use batteries. Talk about a waste. I will literally use batteries for 3-4 years and at that point, they get demoted to house batteries for things like remotes, landscape lights, etc. It’s a small thing, but it’s one of many that I try to do with the few things I use/receive as a digital vendor to prioritize sustainability.
Rich Colors
I’ve been saying this for a while, but I expect things to get quite colorful in our world. Not just with weddings, but with brands, buildings, etc. I’m sure you’ve seen it with larger businesses as they begin to incorporate a more colorful hue to their branding, right? Since this blog is about weddings though, we’ll stick with weddings. I think this colorful vibe will trickle into the wedding sphere pretty quickly too. Greens and whites are still very much a popular theme, but from what I’ve been seeing in larger markets, I think we are going to see a lot more colors become a part of weddings. They’ll be more earthy tones, faded colors, and darker hues. Still, it’ll become more colorful and I’m a huge fan of this. As a photographer, I love details in colors. They add so much to the pictures.
Bold Colors
I know, I know, I’m contradicting myself. But do the research. You’ll see that colors in some way are going to be entering the wedding industry. Some will say it’s going to be rich earthy hues and faded colors, others will say that bold, vibrant colors will become the craze. This is according to a Harpers Bazaar post, “Expect the new year to bring about pops of color, new palettes, print mixing, and statement hues that weddings haven’t seen before.” Regardless if it’s rich/faded colors or bold/vibrant colors. I’m a huge fan of either. Don’t get me wrong, I love the simplicity of green and white, sometimes simple is a statement piece, but there’s no denying that a bold color palette floral aisle running will make a statement too.
Destination Weddings
I can personally attest to this trend. This is one that’s been on the rise for a while anyway, but I see it entering this market more and more. This year alone, I have 3 destination weddings and only one is in the lower 48 states! The wedding day is all about the two of you and I see more and more couples wanting to give it an extra personal touch by going to a destination that they prefer. There’s something also pretty relaxing about getting married on a beach or near the cliffs of Hawaii. No limitations of four walls, no stress of entertaining hundreds of people. Just you two, your closest friends and family, and amazing scenery that speaks to you two. That’s not to say there isn’t anything special about going traditional. I’m all about keeping things old school and sticking with tradition. My wife and I did this. However, if you two seem to be going back and forth and the idea of four walls stresses you out, it might be something to consider to get away.
Charity Donations
I’ve not seen this personally myself, but I have heard of many doing this. The age of those getting married is rising to a point where you have everything you need. You really don’t care to have another set of towels and the idea of having two toasters is a bit overkill. Setting up a charity in your registry allows your guests to celebrate with you by giving to a charity that means something to you two. It’s a win-win for everyone. You two can feel good about making a difference with your wedding day, your guests can feel good about helping out a charity and the charity benefits by having a little extra cash on hand. I love this idea. Especially if you do find yourself fairly well off financially and want to celebrate your wedding in a unique way.
Unique
This isn’t so much a new trend or anything you might find in your research, but this is my input into the trends of 2020. In the age of Instagram, worldwide traditional influence, influencers, and individualism, there is no reason to do a wedding today because this is what so-and-so did, or this is what mom or dad say I should do. This day is a celebration of the two of you. Regardless of who is footing the bill, this day is about you. Let it be a reflection of who you two are as a couple. Whether you are working with a tight budget or a loose budget, there are ways to make your day unique and all about you. By making the day unique to you two, you take a little less stress from the planning. Stress can come quickly when it becomes about pleasing this family member or this group of people. Be hospitable, sure, but when it comes to the theme, the vibe, let it be an extension of you two. When people walk into your ceremony or reception, your guests should come in and think “oh yeah, this is definitely them.” Whether you’re a little traditional, a little goofy, shy or outgoing, formal, or the type to let loose, make your day unique, use this time to be a little extra selfish.
