5 Ways Weddings Parties Have Changed After a Pandemic
We love it when couples do what makes them happy, but we also love noticing and predicting new wedding trends! The pandemic has changed weddings so much, and wedding parties, in particular, are going through some big changes. Obviously, this doesn’t mean current trends are going to go away and that couples shouldn’t take advantage of them. It just means that, in general, wedding parties might look a little different in the future. This is just what we’ve noticed and what we think will happen!
Smaller Wedding Parties
This is one of the biggest ways the pandemic has changed wedding parties. One common thread throughout the pandemic was that couples needed to make hard decisions. Couples often had to cut their guest lists, and in some cases, cut down their wedding parties to accommodate for smaller ceremonies. Many couples opted for an elopement and realized they didn’t need sixteen other people standing with them to make their dream ceremony a reality.
On the flip side, some wedding party members needed to have the tough conversation of no longer being able to attend or be a part of the wedding due to finances, health, or other reasons. Overall, this has meant smaller wedding parties.
Adventurous Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
The travel bug got us. It got us bad. We are predicting more adventurous bachelor/bachelorette parties. Sure, Nashville, Charleston, Miami, and Scottsdale will have their moments. But we predict more all-inclusive Caribbean getaways! Our top three picks are Costa Rica (best of both worlds – all-inclusive resorts and rainforest adventures!), Jamaica (relax and unwind, but still party!), and any Under Canvas property (check them out now; thank us later).
We think getaways to national parks and exploring the natural beauty of the US will be the norm as opposed to booking an Airbnb or having a brunch party.
These parties and getaways will go beyond the wedding parties too. The couple will also include their closest hype men and women. Especially with wedding parities getting smaller, you’ll need some extra heads to invite!
Color Palette or Texture Based Attire
There’s been a shift in wedding party attire. First, everyone wore the exact same dress. Then, it was the same color but different styles and after that, pattern dresses were introduced. We think that next up will be couples giving their wedding parties a color palette or a texture and letting them make the decision. This gives the party a totally custom look and feel. Azazie and Birdy Grey will still be a huge hit, but you may see more and more wedding party dresses purchased on sites like Poshmark.
Luxurious Wedding Party Prep Lounges
Over the past three years, we’ve seen many venues up their game when it comes to the bride and groom’s suites. Some, like Perona Farms, have multiple houses and suites on the property to accommodate larger parties. Others, like The Ryland Inn, have overnight accommodations for the party. Venues like Bear Brook Valley focus on comfort, aesthetics, and morning services. All of these different venues really emphasize creating an amazing experience for the wedding parties.
Bridal suites now have full hair and makeup stations. One of our favorites is The Mansion at Mountain Lakes where you can sit in a comfortable salon chair, do your makeup in a large mirror, and have ideal lighting. The lounge areas are perfect for sipping mimosas and getting your prep photos done. Meanwhile, the groom’s lounges are man caves with craft beer selections, TVs, games, and barbering chairs, like at the Rock Island Lake Club!
The cost to upgrade to use these suites is typically less expensive than what it would cost for an additional night at the hotel plus additional transportation on the wedding day. Plus, you save so much time by being on-site all day long, and these lounges can save you money since they often come with food and drink!
Less Wedding Party Proposal Boxes
Proposal boxes had their moment. There were brunches, dinners, trips, and more, all perfectly planned to ask your wedding party to be a part of your day. But post-pandemic, we think couples will be reevaluating how they spend their money, especially with wedding parties being smaller. They are realizing they don’t need to spend so much money and time popping the question. We think heartfelt handwritten cards and photo collages are going to be the new trend. It’ll be something that is more personal to each person and less expensive and over the top.
The pandemic has really made couples reconsider what they want their wedding to be, and this includes wedding parties. These wedding trends might just be a glimpse of how weddings will continue to shift and change. No matter what happens, we’ll be there to help you plan! Just let us know how we can help you create the wedding of your dreams!
