Small outdoor weddings have always been a quintessential option for wedding planning couples, but intimate outdoor affairs are truly having their moment as the world navigates celebrating in the midst of the pandemic. Now, smaller guest lists are a safety precaution and an outdoor venue offers a wedding setting that will hopefully reduce the chance of coronavirus spread. Fresh air, sunshine and ample space to spread out are all important options for couples marrying during this (yes, we’re going to use the word) unprecedented time. Truly, the number one 2020 wedding trend is one that none of us anticipated, but our ever-adjusting 2020 engaged couples are proving it to be a first choice solution!
While the pandemic initially affected spring and summer weddings this year, it’s ongoing presence is now infringing upon another season (at least) of engaged couples. Now, small weddings, micro ceremonies and backyard weddings are more than just an eco-friendly option that is gentler on the wedding budget than traditional big weddings — they’re a way to move forward with life plans in the midst of so much pandemic pausing.
Nationwide, botanical gardens and city parks are now the darlings of the wedding venue world. Built-in impeccable landscaping nestles your “mini-mony” or micro-wedding (read about the difference here) in a gorgeous environment, while also easing your guests’ minds as they attend your big day. Simplified wedding receptions with spacious seating options and, of course, the new essential wedding favor personalized face masks will add a sense of safety to your wedding, too, which will translate to a better experience for everyone. Discrete handwashing stations with luxury hand sanitizer is also a good idea.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that an outdoor wedding has to imply that your wedding needs to dial back the glamour! We are seeing breathtaking, modern interpretations of the intimate outdoor wedding trend. Skip the mason jar lanterns and opt for extravagant candelabras or endless cafe lights for your ambiance. Scatter your modern bistro seating with custom classic matchboxes and stock your powder rooms with custom guest hand towels to extend hospitality to the private spaces. Serve your fabulous signature cocktails and elegant hor d'oeuvres under an expansive night sky for a dazzling wedding setting, complete with extra space on the dance floor for social distancing purposes! Custom wedding cocktail napkins and personalized frosted cups will add perfectly appointed details to your special day.
This year of weddings is one that requires immense ingenuity and flexibility from engaged couples as they watch the international backdrop to their big day swirl with uncertainty. We do hope, though, that in spite of so much loss and difficulty in the world right now, that the intimate, outdoor wedding trend will offer a precious and memorable day for everyone involved, especially our 2020 brides and grooms.
