2021 Wedding Trends: Fashionable Bridal Gowns, Lots of Color + Creative Decor

2021 wedding trends

2021 Weddings are upon us, and with them comes hope for a brighter and better year for all! What better way to start things off by dreaming of what the biggest 2021 Wedding trends will be. Last year saw a total shake up of the wedding industry and this year we will see couples continuing to push the boundaries of what is considered “traditional”. Micro weddings and elopements continue to be a hot choice, and couples are deciding that quality is more important than quantity.

That means more focus is being put on creating a magnificent experience for guests, all while considering safety, sustainability and solutions to the current hurdles of wedding planning in a pandemic. In 2021, it’s all about color, creativity and the continued knowledge that love truly does conquer all.

Are you ready to see what’s hot for the weddings of 2021??

(Above Photo – photog: Nikk Nguyen Photo | planner/designer: XO Moreau Weddings | steamer rentals: Pop & Drop | venue: @therileybuilding | floral: @thefarmerandi | HMU: @lustrebella | dress: @unbridaled | suit: @bonobos| models: @themadisonking & @girardwho)

1. Quality Over Quantity

Love Made Me Do It Sign

photography, concept + planning: The Smiths & Co | florals + Co-planner: Botanics | styling + decor: The Collect Co. | dress: Rue De Seine from Lovely Bride | Suit: Top Man

What exactly does “quality over quantity” mean? It means giving attention to the details! Since wedding guest lists are smaller during this time, couples are able to put more budget towards creating memorable environments for those guests. That could look like: custom food experiences over the traditional wedding buffet, or a single “wow” floral installation that makes a statement, rather than dozens of the same centerpiece on every table. The sky is the limit in 2021 when it comes to what you can do with food, decor, and wedding design- as long as you get creative and inspired!

2. Outdoor + Tented Events

Dinner under a curtain of fairy lightsphotog: Pablo Laguia // event design: Paloma Cruz Eventos as seen in this

With event restrictions still in place in the majority of the country, we are seeing outdoor weddings soar! This is including backyard events too! This focus on hosting an event outside actually gives you the chance to be ultra creative with tented spaces, and eclectic lighting. For example, these fairy light wedding ideas will make you swoon!

3. Retro Color Palettes

retro color palette for wedding backdrop

photo: Natalie Hills Photography | venue: White Aspen Creative | event design: Mae & Co Creative | florals: Color Theory Design Co |  HMU: Cassidy Elise | dress: LAUDAE via: Bespoke Bride

Green and white weddings had their time in the spotlight, and while we definitely agree that the palette is a classic, color will be center stage in 2021 weddings. Particularly, the warm, retro-inspired tones of mustards, terra cotta, and pink. Think sunset hues like the ones featured on our latest floral GWS x Erin Condren LifePlanner covers!

4. 2021 Wedding Dress Trends

eileen gown from christie nicole bridal

Fashion-forward dresses started to come forward last year- just take a look at our Favorite 2020 Wedding Dresses! However, wedding dress in 2021 will be STATEMENT MAKERS! After spending a year cooped up at home, brides everywhere will be looking to shine in their gowns. They’re choosing fun colors, bold prints, fashionable cuts, and trendy embellishments. This stunning Eileen gown from Christie Nicole Bridal is made with a pearl detailing and double lined with 100% silk. And those tulle voluminous sleeves! WOW.

For more dress inspo, check out the Best 2021 Bridal Trends We Spotted at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week!

5. Dried Flowers Are Still Big!

dried palms backdrop

photo: Amrit Photography | decor: Finesse Decor Company | bouquet: Dushan Flowers | HMU: Blue Rose Artistry | bride’s attire: Payal Keyal

The trend of dried flowers, and the mix of dried + fresh, is still going strong! 2021 couples will take the trend even higher with colorful dried florals, creative installations and unique ways to incorporate them.

6. Sustainable Wedding + Eco-Friendly Events

cactus table runner

photog: Marcos Sanchez Photography | event design + florals: Best Day Ever | via How to Use Potted Plants in Your Wedding

Wedding waste is never in vogue, and that’s never been more true than in 2021. What are some creative ways to bring sustainability to your day? Be conscious about food waste, rent items whenever possible, look for dried flowers or plants that can be kept after the wedding, and try to reduce single-use plastics. Need more inspo? Find out what to Rent, Reuse, or Donate for an Eco-Friendly Wedding.

7. Statement Earrings for Brides

bride with statement earrings

photo: John Hersey | wedding dress: Katya Katya | earrings: Wolf & Moon | planning + styling: The Stars Inside | flowers: Flower & Fern

Remember how 2021 brides are pushing the limits with traditional wedding attire? Well they will be rocking some extra bold accessories too! Welcome the statement earring to your dream bridal look. You can also see how to shop the trend here!

8. 2021 Wedding Trend: Cottagecore Weddings

Earthy Wedding Inspiration

photo: Sam Sparks Weddings | venue: Hidden River Cabins | event design: Stories Of Events | florals: Olive Owl Flowers | wedding dress: Bowen Dryden | via The Cottagecore Wedding Trend

It’s the moody wedding theme that everyone’s loving in 2021. Cottagecore emerged as a lifestyle trend, and now it’s taking over the wedding scene with idyllic venues, touches of nature, and a simpler mindset. Look for peasant style wedding dresses, vintage decor pieces, lots of flowers and the appreciation of quiet beauty. Check out this Cottagecore Wedding Inspiration for more!

9. Bold Color Palettes for Florals

colorful wedding flowers

photog: Luke Daringan | florals: Texture Florals

After a year with so much sad news, weddings are a chance to finally celebrate the good! And what better way than with bright, bold colorful florals! Think unique color palettes, contrasting textures, and a spotlight on unusual florals…yes, we are LOVING this direction!

10. Elopements in 2021

Arizona Desert Elopement

photo: Jasmin Elaine Photography | wedding dress: High Neck Halter Vera Wang | via A Covid-19 Elopement: Becoming One Under the Arizona Sun

Elopements are here to stay in 2021! We saw 2020 couples throw out the old stigmas of what an elopement is, and instead, embrace intimate nuptials that were adventurous, inspiring, and personal. More and more couples will continue to elope in 2021, but not just because of event restrictions. Couples are finding more and more importance in doing what feels right for them. Check out our favorite 20 elopements for ideas and inspiration!

11. Standout Hanging Installations

Byron Bay Boho Wedding

photo: Ivy Road Photography | venue: Byron View Farm | event design: The Wedding Shed | planning: Byron Bay Weddings | florals: Bower Botanicals // via Boho-Glam Byron Bay Wedding

Stunning wedding installations are nothing new, in fact, you can see some of our favorite creative hanging installations here! However, in 2021 weddings, hanging installations will take a front row seat as far as reception decor goes. With a more minimal look for table centerpieces, couples are choosing to bring the WOW factor from up above. Sleek tablescapes will be balanced with fun and floral hanging overhead.

12. Customize Face Masks for Favors

initial face masksSince it’s looking like we are still going to be wearing masks for most of the year, have some fun with this one! This linen face mask can be customized and is the perfect favor for your guests and something they will use for your big day.

Be sure to also check out this helpful post: Here’s Where to Find Face Masks for Wedding Favors

13. Live Music + Creative Entertainment

Boho Cabo Wedding Inspiration

photo: Martina Micko | venue: Acre Baja | event design: Fawn Evens by Laura | planning: Wild Ones Community | mariachi band: Mariachi Cabo | via Bohemian Wedding Inspiration at Acre Baja in Cabo

We’re hoping dance floors make their way back to the wedding scene soon. For now, though, couples are getting creative with their reception entertainment. Currently, the focus is all on the food, mingling and conversation, so couples are bringing a live music restaurant vibe to help spice things up. Small duos and trios, jazz bands, bluegrass groups, and mariachi are all on the wish list. Music is still a huge part of the day, but again, quality over quantity is the focus!

14. 2021 Wedding Trends: Decor From Home

Home Wedding Inspiration

photo: Avonné Photography | venue: McAlister-Leftwich House | florals: FLORA | furniture rentals: The Prettiest Pieces | styling: Seeded Events and Design | frames: I’ll Second That | via This Classy At Home Wedding

Whether you use decor you already have, or you buy wedding decor with the intention of repurposing it in your home, “wedding to home” or “home to wedding” decor is big in 2021. It all goes back to sustainability and the desire to get creative with what you have rather than being wasteful. We’re seeing couples bring plants, candles, mirrors, lounge furniture and other objects from their personal living space and take it right to the wedding reception. Talk about creating a personal atmosphere! Get more ideas on how to decorate for an at-home wedding!

15. Extended Celebrations

fun bridal party

photog: Nicole Kirshner Photography | workshop: @savvytheworkshop  | styling + floristry Rachel Moran | coordinator Pop Champagne Events | glam Beauty by Melina | dresses Daughters of Simone

With smaller guest lists, we see couples taking the time to make their wedding a whole weekend event (or perhaps a few week days as week day weddings will be popular this year!). Take the time to spoil your guests with a two day party or longer celebration. I mean, after the past year, we all need a bit of a getaway, right?!

What is YOUR favorite 2021 Wedding Trend that you’ve seen above?

Explore: