2021 is shaping up to be an unpredictable and very unique year – weddings included. This year weddings will look a little bit different from years past, with many couples steering away from the traditional, and focusing on small, intimate celebrations.

1 - There’s No Place Like Home

With tradition wedding venues closed or very limited in capacity, many couples have hopped on the backyard wedding trend. Backyard weddings are not only easy on the budget, they’re allowing couples to get creative and bring their dream wedding space to life! There’s also something sentimental about getting married in your own backyard.

first look photograph at a backyard wedding in ottawa

2 - Intimate Ceremonies

A 2021 top wedding trend is small, intimate gatherings. While the pandemic has forced couples to go this route, these “micro weddings” have many up sides beyond simply cost savings. Smaller gatherings are allowing couples to spend their budgets more lavishly in areas that they really love. For example, decor, food, that perfect dress, or a dream wedding album. More importantly, they give couples time with the people who mean the most to them. Gone are the 45 minute receiving lines.

Intimate ottawa wedding ceremony photograph

Candid moment after an outdoor wedding ceremony in ottawa

3 - Wed Now, Party Later

This new 2021 trend has lots of couples opting to say their vows now and throw a big reception for their family and friends once restrictions have eased up. This non-traditional approach is something that has couples who are eager to tie the knot excited! Being married right now AND having a big party to look forward to in the future to celebrate that marriage, win win!

photo of a bride heading to her wedding ceremony

4 - Live Streaming

On the theme of wed now, party later, a big trend this year is live streaming your wedding ceremony. Since we can no longer gather in large groups, live streaming is great for including all the family and friends you wanted to be there in person. They get a front row seat from wherever they are in the world.

5 - Do it Your Way

We believe that the best trend of all is to DO IT YOUR WAY! Couples are seizing the opportunity to make their wedding day into whatever they want it to be. There are always going to be trends in the wedding industry. What’s cool now will be uncool in five years, so remember to make your day exactly what you want it to be. Don’t worry about what’s popular or what others are doing. Your wedding should be exactly that, yours!