Love is patient, but some people are not.
The coronavirus pandemic shook the wedding industry last year, with thousands of couples in the United States changing their plans for the altar. According to The Knot’s COVID royal wedding survey, which interviewed more than 7,600 couples who initially planned to get married between March and December 2020, only 43% had a ceremony and reception last year. Thereafter, 32% legally tied the knot and postponed its reception until a later date, while 15% postponed their celebrations until 2021.
According to The Knot’s COVID royal wedding survey, only 43% of couples planning to get married between March and December 2020 had a ceremony and reception last year.
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Looking to the future, however, a member of the industry predicts that 2021 will be an exceptional year to tie the knot – although the celebrations look a little different than they used to be. In honor of National Wedding Planning Day on March 1, Jeffra Trumpower, Senior Creative Director at WeddingWire, spoke with Fox News about tips to save sanity for those planning receptions, how coronavirus has forever changed big industry and how to be an excellent wedding guest during this unpredictable time.
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By The Knot’s accounts, 52% of those legally married in 2020 rescheduled their receptions for the first half of 2021, and 43% postponed the party for the second half of this year. For those planning to say “yes” in the next ten months, Trumpower said couples should keep their chin up – and minds open.
By The Knot’s accounts, 52% of those legally married in 2020 rescheduled their receptions for the first half of 2021, and 43% postponed the party for the second half of this year.
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“With wedding providers making reservations quickly before what is likely to be a busy second half of 2021, the sooner couples can book, the better,” she suggested. “We also recommend considering a weekday celebration, such as a Monday or Thursday, as an extension of the weekend, so that there is an even greater chance of supplier availability.”
To avoid headaches and heartbreak, couples should also read the fine print before signing the phone.
“It is always important to read all marriage contracts carefully, but even more so in the middle of a pandemic, as things can change in a minute,” said Trumpower.
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As coronavirus vaccines continue to be distributed and states are slowly easing restrictions, she urged couples to respect local laws and follow all health protocols to keep guests safe while celebrating as well. Moving forward, Trumpower hopes that some celebratory trends – trends that emerged in 2020 because of COVID-19 – are here to stay forever.
“It is likely that couples will continue to incorporate some type of technological component in their special days in 2021, as this offers guests who are not comfortable participating in face-to-face events a way to participate in the celebration,” he speculated. According to the director of WeddingWire, “moments of agglomeration” – such as gathering around canapé platters – are officially out of the question. Instead, a more personalized service, such as individual charcuterie boards, is a better bet, for security reasons.
For those eager to confirm their presence at a wedding this year, Jeffra Trumpower shared tips on how to be a great guest during this unprecedented period.
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For those enthusiastic about RSVP with a “yes” to a wedding this year, Trumpower shared tips on how to be a great guest during this unprecedented period.
“Health and safety remain a priority for couples, so wearing a mask, staying away from other guests and hand washing is likely to be involved in the celebration,” she said.
“It is important to keep in mind that the couple probably wishes their wedding had taken place under different circumstances, so guests should do their best to go with the flow and follow the instructions that the couple, venue or wedding professionals have established for the day. And, of course, they must remain positive throughout the experience, “she advised. “It’s a celebration, after all!”
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“Love does not stop simply because of a global pandemic,” added Trumpower, predicting that the next two years will be the busiest the wedding business has ever seen due to pent-up demand. The celebrations will be even more special, as couples and their loved ones are especially grateful to be together.
“While health and safety measures are absolutely here to stay, even after the pandemic restrictions are lifted, we anticipate that couples will focus on incorporating these precautions creatively while focusing on large elements of decor, food and drink, along with alternative entertainment – think of a musical performance, comedy act or magic show during an elevated bistro-style dinner – and alternative event formats – such as birthday receptions and sequential weddings, with various events over a weekend for celebrations smaller groups, “said Trumpower.
“In addition, we anticipate an increase in ‘minimoons’ immediately after weddings, with couples having their honeymoons bigger once they feel safe and comfortable traveling as they originally planned – and we can certainly embark on two post-nuptial holidays! “