Wedding Trends Here to Stay

It is July and the pandemic is officially coming to an end. We cannot help but take the time to reflect - what have we learned and/or gained from this experience? Especially in terms of wedding planning and invitations (I mean, what else would be on our mind??)

 Here is what we gathered: The pandemic has taught us to be more adaptable and creative. In life, in making plans, and in terms of celebration. It also reminded us of the importance and value of being able to gather all together and spend time with the people most important to us.

 For so many brides, grooms, and wedding planners ‘modifying’ became more than a nine letter word, but rather a reality. Interestingly enough, it also brought light to some really amazing and beautiful trends that we believe are here to stay.

 Here are our Top 5 Favorites:

 Outdoor Spaces

Across the country, wedding and event planners have made one conclusive statement: Outdoor spaces have gained priority in terms of wedding venues, for access to fresh air. However, it has also brought forth a sense of natural beauty to the event- with fresh flowers and grass, warm summer breezes, songs of the birds, and fresh flowing water. There is a sense of tranquility and elegance associated with these factors that we believe will remain front and center as a commodity to wedding planning.

 After a year spent indoors, who would not want to seek refuge in the beautiful outdoors? But this isn’t just reserved for the rural areas. Cities are finding this to be the case- planners have spoken out about their clients deep interest in gardens, terraces, rooftops, etc for their events.

So, how do you incorporate this into your own wedding? After selecting an outdoor venue, remind people of the serenity they are embarking on by bringing forth this theme of green, fresh cut flowers, of ivy and other mosses, of the sun and warm summer tones. This can be done in your invitations of course, but also in decor such as table markers, guest giveaways, or a variety of other little touches. Luckily, we have embraced this trend deeply at Invites Ink and have a variety of invitations and wedding decor options to choose from!

 Guest Lists/Seating

The pandemic has definitely taught us the value of select seating and personal space. We have had to learn to group together people of the same home, in the same “bubble,” or vaccinated folks v non-vaccinated. Now that this is becoming less of a worry, we still have the overwhelming belief that having that sense of order will remain present post-pandemic.

It relieves a sense of on-the-day chaos, keeps families or groups together, and provides an easier experience for catering companies. By having designated seats, caterers can better personalize and individualize the dining experience (allergies, preferences, etc).

Here’s how to incorporate this into your wedding: Invitations are the first step to welcoming guests to your big day, but once they’ve arrived, how do you continue to lead them throughout the day? Having personalized tables and seating charts upon arrival is a great way!. Together, we can create beautiful table markers or even a table list on their way in. Useful as both a sense of order and a decoration. Place it on theme or add a little pizazz like glitter, your options are endless.

Sanitary Measures

Obviously, the biggest takeaway we have gained from the pandemic is the importance of sanitary measures. Several weddings have rid themselves of the buffet style of eating, of tight seating, and have required masks, hand sanitizer, or temperature checks upon arrival.

These sanitation measures, we believe, are here to stay. Whether it be due to lingering worries of the pandemic or just personal sanitary preferences.

But, how do you let guests know of your plans? Include it in your invitations! We have a wide array of options to include sanitary details into your invitation - personal cards, designated areas on the invitations, or do two invitations one pre-RSVP and one after. We can also help create beautiful signs you can place around the venue.

Creating an Experience

A huge trend to come out of the pandemic is making the guest experience more of a priority, due to more intimate weddings and shorter guest lists. The goal? Unique experiences for each guest. But, why? Outside the traditional celebration of establishing a union, each and every person in attendance has helped shape the couple in a unique way. Why not bring that forth on the big day?

Here’s how to do this: For starters, personalized wedding favors are making a HUGE comeback. Whether it be themed decor and tiny trinkets, or monogrammed masks, individual boxes have become a popular takeaway to enhance the guest experience. Plus, if the seating charts are put in place, they are easily deliverable and enjoyable. We would love to help you craft your wedding favors, together! Another fantastic idea is creating a photo board or memory board where guests can share their favorite experiences and memories with the couple or individually for the grooms or brides. We have several options to choose from!

Invitation Design

Who would we be if we didn’t talk about the invitations? Over the past year and a half we have found these trends to not only be on the rise but everlasting: 

—      Simple, Causal Writing

—      Earth Friendly Options

—      Personalized Designs

—      Color, Color, Color!

—      Change the Dates

—      Floral and Natural Prints

—      Pressed Flowers

—      Inclusive Designs

—      3D Textures