Top Wedding Trend: Ignore the Trends!

I had the privilege of being invited to a destination wedding a few short months ago. I have been to a LOT of weddings, and I was thinking back to this particular wedding wondering why I had SO much fun. Sure, it was in a fabulous location, and we were all itching to travel. That might have been part of the reason, but in retrospect, it was such a fun wedding because the bride and groom threw out the rulebook and tailored the weekend to fit their very unique personalities!

The wedding itself was so unapologetically about the couple. There was no wedding party! There was no pomp and circumstance! The vows were non traditional: The bride's vows were sentimental and sappy, while the groom's vows were silly and quirky. There was no first dance or bouquet toss but the cake cutting was theatrical and memorable and the toasts were funny and heartfelt. There was no formula and no one was rushing around to be somewhere or do something. It was relaxed, it was fun, and it was all about the the couple!

In these still-crazy times, it is more important than ever to focus on what is meaningful and personal. It is not the time to worry about having equal numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Gone are the days of asking your mom's best friend's daughter's cousin to be in your wedding party. It is time to mix it up and pick your closest family and friends to share in your joy.

It is also time to skip the obligatory events that so many couples dread. Pick and choose the traditions that speak to you and incorporate the ones that you are truly excited about! Think a first look is silly and too much stress? Skip it! Think the bouquet toss is outdated? Skip it! Want to have your female best friend be your best "man?" Go for it! If you and your soon-to-be spouse are relaxed and having fun, everyone else will have the time of their lives! The #1 wedding trend for 2022 is having the wedding that YOU want!

Our Favorite Microwedding Trends!

Hanging Florals

Go wild on the florals.  Your pictures will thank you.  Statement bouquets, elaborate floral chandeliers, and overhead aisles are just a few ideas that will elevate your microwedding.   

Elaborate Place Settings

Bring out Nana’s fine porcelain and and silver!  With only a handful of guests you can dress up your table and make your guests feel like they are sitting down to a truly special dinner.

Outdoor Lounges

Hire a designer or stylist to take your raw space and bring it to life.  Add a vintage sofa, dramatic lighting, or some cushy seating options for your guests.

Designer Cakes

Splurge on the cake. Again, your pictures will thank you! It will be a statement piece and your guests will remember how delicious and beautiful it was.

Custom Drinks

Come up with a few custom drinks to wow your guests. You can skip the full bar and offer some creative cocktails that say something about your personalities!  

Microweddings and Elopements are becoming the Rule and not the Exception

When we sat down to discuss ways to increase our microweddings and elopements back in January, we had no idea an actual pandemic would be changing the shape of the industry. 

Many brides and grooms were forced to cancel their large weddings because of Covid related lockdowns and travel restrictions.  Just thinking of planning an event where guests would be coming from afar or where older family members might be at increased risk, had many couples reevaluating their special day and opting for a much smaller event. What seemed like a Spring and Summer trend is now looking like a longer term shift.

The many microweddings and elopements we have witnessed this past year have varied greatly. Some are simple affairs that involve the couple, an officiant and a photographer.  Some are more elaborate, full blown celebrations, where the couple has decided to splurge on things that matter most to them.  Sometimes that means gorgeous floral design and gourmet catering.  Sometimes it is a celebrity wedding photographer. Sometimes it is a big city stylist and a couture wedding gown. Sometimes it is all of these things and no expense is spared for the lucky handful of invited guests. However the event unfolds, it is as special and unique as the couple involved.

At some point, the pandemic will be a distant memory, and time will tell if the shift toward microweddings is long lasting. Until then, we will continue to provide a blank canvas for our couples to design their perfect wedding day. We wish all of our couples a lifetime of happiness and will look forward to seeing them back at the Inn to celebrate their anniversaries!