Grand multi-function celebration to a leaner and sustainable format

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge effect on almost every industry, especially the Indian wedding industry that is estimated to be around $50 billion but was put on abrupt halt when the lockdown happened. From The Knot Worldwide's latest Global COVID-19 Wedding Report published in the month of October, we noticed that the industry has revived itself by exploring alternatives that we would have initially never anticipated.

Just like every marriage to work, weddings in 2020 had to go through a few adjustments. Couples have had to forgo their ideal wedding destinations, reduce their guest list, host celebrations on other days than the one intended, and more. Wedding planning resumed with the same gusto towards the second half of 2020 with newer ideas, mediums and alternatives. While several couples went ahead with their nuptial celebrations, some have taken the decision to postpone their weddings until 2021, once the situation gets better. Trends, specifically wedding trends, are ever evolving. The Knot Worldwide has identified trends we noticed in 2020, which are most likely to continue in 2021:

Gone digital

The year 2020 saw a huge rise in the digital world. Wedding technology platforms such as The Knot Worldwide's Wedding Wire India helped couples plan their weddings even during difficult times such as these. From selecting vendors to providing aid and advice to couples, the platform offers it all! This year, couples have chosen to go down the sustainable route with digital tools and platforms taking the front- seat during their planning.

Online wedding planning through wedding tech platforms such as Wedding Wire India helps connect engaged couples with over 60,000 vendors across categories to help with their big day. These tech platforms have now enabled the entire wedding planning process to be shifted online from virtual venue tours to having vendor meetings online. One can plan their whole wedding for the safety and comfort of their homes. Making bridal wear purchases online. With bridal wear designers launching their websites during lockdown, couples prefer and have grown accustomed to virtual tours over video calls to shortlist designs. As restrictions are being relaxed, couples visit stores for fitting sessions or final short listing.

Sustainability is the buzzword, off-late

The pandemic may have had its worst effects but it has also brought in the culture of leisure and relaxation activities allowing people to be more creative. Couples have shifted towards a more sustainable preference and have been trying their hand at newer , DIY projects for the first time.

The pandemic has led people to create and appreciate the authenticity and details of what already exists. Styling heirloom accessories or jewellery set and pairing them with new pieces. Designers are also reviving the age-old charm of hand woven natural fibre.

It's all about location, location, location

Outdoor weddings have gained popularity. Couples host celebrations in their very own backyards, gardens and outdoor spaces to make their celebration more personal and keep their guests in a safer and more secured environment. Wedding charters are gaining popularity with wedding parties booking entire planes to fly to wedding destinations instead of risking traveling in shared flights. Looking at the fact that the pandemic is not past us as we get into 2021, we foresee most of these trends carrying on in 2021 as well. Couples may want to continue to follow the arrangement of intimate weddings this year with family and friends to make it a memorable one. We hope that 2021 will be a year filled with weddings and memories shared with friends and family.

— WeddingWire India