Over the last 3 years, the wedding industry has seen an incredible shift in the style of weddings being had. While style and trends typically change every few years, this growing trend to have a smaller more intimate wedding style has taken off. With the pandemic ripping through the world, forcing people to stay home and not gather in large groups, these smaller weddings are the new normal! 

Let’s talk about the WHY behind trends and style changes every few years. 

Think about it this way… you have a sister or two, or a group of amazing BFF’s. I think we can all agree that once one member of your world gets engaged, it usually means the rest aren’t far behind. Enter the bouquet throwing tradition! 

So, the first wedding takes place and the style is elegant and glamorous with a royal feel. The bride wears a ballgown that could fit a soccer team under the skirt. There are sparkles everywhere. The lights dim and out walks the newlyweds to the dance floor to have their first dance. Everyone has tears of joy! It’s absolutely perfect… for them. 

Next up to get married, what are you more likely to do? “Steal” or “reuse” the first wedding’s style and flavour? Probably not, which is why your wedding is more subtle. Maybe a country rustic theme, smaller venue, smaller attendance. You want a very intimate vibe. And it’s so YOU! 

The next one to get married has seen both of the styles done before them… So, a destination wedding it is! Everyone wants to celebrate in their own way, and every love has its own style.

All three weddings have very different preferences that show up in every decision you make through planning a wedding, and that includes the wallet. 

So now, let’s get back to the original point… 

While the pandemic may be forcing everyone into smaller affairs, over 2,200 millennials cast their vote on The Tylt, a digital social polling and opinion platform, and made it very clear that they’re more interested in celebrating marriage with a more affordable, intimate wedding than a big, expensive bash. When asked which size wedding they’d rather have, 70% chose smaller weddings over large affairs.

With all of that being said, here are some simple things to consider when planning your wedding, no matter the size.

Choose a budget that is right for you!

At the end of the day, all that matters are the “I Do’s”, so be sure to set limits on what to spend and stick to it.

Figure out what is important to you!

Is it the dress? Is it the pictures? Is it the food? Maybe it’s all of it! Research vendors to find your best match and do NOT settle.

Determine a guest list and OWN IT!

Don’t feel any guilt about who you are or are not inviting. At the end of the day, it is up to you and your partner with who you want to share your day with. No one should make you feel bad about not getting that invitation. Having a smaller wedding gives the flexibility to limit the headcount and be justified in doing so!

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and it’s only one day. So, make sure you take every opportunity to let it all soak in. And make sure you have a great photographer/videographer, as that is the only thing you can look at in 25 years that won’t have changed!