The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly impacted the world in dramatic ways. Borders have been closed and the economy been brought to its knees. In addition to this, countless couples who had their perfect wedding planned have had to accept that it simply is not going to happen. Even celebs, who aren’t usually as affected by global events as the man on the street, have had to rethink their wedding plans. Some of the couples who had to postpone their nuptials this year include Katie Perry and Orlando Bloom, Liz Gillies and Michael Corcoran, and Astrid Loch and Kevin Wendt. Others, however, refused to bow down to the pandemic and got hitched anyway, contributing to a range of new wedding trends.
Guest lists have shrunk drastically
When Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara said ‘I Do’ on 22 November 2015, there were more than 400 guests in attendance. At present, a wedding with 50 guests can be considered ‘extravagant’. When Dennis Quaid and Laura Savoie got wed on 2 June, they had no guests apart from the minister who married them. He also served as their only witness. The loving couple wasn’t the only pair to opt for an intimate wedding. Across the pond in the UK, Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi tied the knot during a low-key ceremony on 17 July 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints. Although many couples were forced to settle on micro-weddings during the pandemic, they have become such a hit that they are undoubtedly here to stay.
Ethical and alternative wedding jewelry is a hit
With everything else going on in the world, it may be somewhat surprising that sustainable weddings and ethical jewelry continues to skyrocket in popularity. Although A-listers don’t typically have to worry about budget restraints, conflict-free diamonds have become considerably cheaper, as no price-gauging exists for ethical gems. Indeed, it is now the case that blood diamonds are often more expensive than ethically mined diamonds due to their reliance on the black market. When Dennis and Laura tied the knot, they exchanged gorgeous rings from Bvlgari – a brand that prides itself on the continuous advancement of its moral, environmental, and social awareness. Alternative jewelry also continues to trend, with many couples opting for non-traditional wedding bands, bracelets, cufflinks and necklaces. The trend extends to engagement rings as well. In fact, Harry Wentworth-Stanley proposed to Cressida Bona with a stunning ruby Art Deco ring in August last year.
You don’t have to have your cake and eat it
Recent wedding trends have indicated the bride and groom, as well as their guests, place increasing focus on the food that is served at the reception. At the beginning of this year, a number of wedding-day cuisine trends were identified. This includes the inclusion of plant-based dishes, grazing tables, and quirky desserts. With weddings with very few or no guests becoming a ‘thing’ however, the need for fancy feasts is slowly diminishing. When British songbird Lily Allen got married to actor David Harbour in Vegas recently, there was no special catering to speak of. Instead, the newlyweds enjoyed a meal consisting of cheeseburgers, French fries and soda from their favorite takeaway, In-N-Out.
Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences you will have. Even if you have to somewhat deviate from your originals plans like many celeb couples have had to, your special day is bound to be one that will be remembered forever.