Wedding number restrictions have thwarted the UK wedding industry, although couples have shown a remarkable ability to adjust their plans despite the challenges. When restrictions were lifted in late June 2021, some 50,000 weddings were planned for the following four weeks. Overall, the UK Weddings Task Force predicted that there would be around 470,000 weddings in 2021 and 350,000 in 2022 current global health crisis again leading to some couples postponing their big day, it doesn’t stand in the way of those determined to stick to their original date. The following trends are dominating the current wedding scene.
Smaller weddings are back
When guest restrictions were lifted in June last year, the micro wedding trend took a back seat, although the current situation is rekindling the popularity of more intimate events. The UK government has stipulated that some weddings and venues – including the opening – will close
between 1am and 5am, serving alcohol after 1am and dance floors – should conduct C19 status checks. For some couples, the solution to these restrictions is a smaller wedding that conforms to the rules in their particular country or territory. It was recently announced that weddings in Wales will be restricted by the socially distanced capacity of each venue, with all guests required to take a lateral flow test. Of course, these rules are always changing, so couples choosing to stay safe are choosing venues that can easily be adapted to accommodate social distancing and other measures.
Taking on outdoor venues
The trend towards outdoor weddings has become firmly established in recent years. Weddings in natural settings are not only safer, they also make one
perfect backdrop for wedding photos. From farms to gardens, parks to luxurious country estates, there are a variety of beautiful outdoor locations that are ideal for romantic events. Popular options include The Lost Orangery in Wiltshire, which has a perfectly manicured garden and beautiful terraces, Temple Island in Oxfordshire on the River Thames, and Fforest – a 500-acre farm surrounded by rivers and woodland. Outdoor weddings are easy to enhance with awnings, lighting, outdoor arches and gazebos all making ideal additions to a perfect event.
City weddings that are out of the box
A wedding can be small, but it doesn’t have to be sparse. Trendy city dwellers celebrate theirs Weddings in the UK in unique urban locations such as museums and town halls. These are just a few of the UK’s most original reception locations The Natural History Museum in London, the Garden of Eden in Liverpool (on the majestic Shankly Hotel) and Cardiff City Hall in Cardiff. Those opting for a simple ceremony seek venues like Edinburgh Register Office, which has suites that can accommodate between 60 and 70 guests. This venue offers great views over Edinburgh’s famous Princess Street. Those looking to save can then celebrate their reception at The Elephant House, known for being the place where JK Rowling wrote her Harry Potter books.
Weddings go green
Sustainability is the buzzword in the events industry and weddings are no exception. That reports Blue & Green around 70% of newlyweds are committed to sustainability and indeed this trend goes hand in hand with that of outdoor weddings. Features to look out for include wedding buses for attendees, the use of plant materials as a substitute for plastic confetti, and the purchase of conflict-free and lab-grown diamonds and gemstones for wedding jewelry. Receptions are also getting a whole new look: couples are opting for potted flowers instead of cut flowers for table decorations, organic and vegan cuisine, recycled crockery and cutlery and paper straws. Couples also seek vendors with a proven track record of environmental responsibility. Resorts and venues that use natural energy and have implemented water conservation measures are preferred to those without a published sustainability policy. So important is environmental friendliness that some traditional weddings
Icons are replaced with greener versions. For example, some brides choose elaborate paper flower arrangements or sewn fabric flowers instead of cut flowers for their wedding bouquet.
Online Shopping for Wedding Attire
The online fashion industry is booming and that applies to both everyday and party wear as well as wedding wear. For example, stores like David’s Bridal have a wide range of wedding dresses from as little as £100 and Catherine Deane also has dresses from £195. Of course, both also have high-end clothes for the higher budget. Some British couples turn to designers in Italy and Paris for services such as detailed, personal advice on aspects such as style and measurements. Some boutiques, such as Grace Loves Lace in London, offer the services of an online stylist whereby brides create a shortlist and then (if they wish) travel to London to try on their chosen designs in person. Another trend in wedding fashion is wearing beloved wedding dresses. Vintage, heirloom and second-hand clothing have made a huge comeback, with some dedicated UK sites exclusively on used wedding dresses.
Meaningful Weddings
Millennial and Gen Z brides and grooms are meaning-centric and see their wedding day as the perfect way to express themselves. From themed receptions to photo booths with disguises and fun signs to whimsical reception treats like donut walls, there are many ways couples can add fun elements that say something about their hobbies, tastes and sense of style. Some couples even choose to create DIY favors for guests to take home. Just a few ideas are homemade jams, USB sticks with wedding playlists, and small painted canvases.
Around 70% of weddings were canceled in the early 1800s, but given the diverse nature of the current global health situation, many couples are no longer willing to postpone their celebrations. Trends taking over the scene include smaller, outdoor and sustainable weddings. The average wedding emits around 14.5 tons of CO2, making interest in sustainability one of the most useful trends of recent years.