Our Top 10 Takeaways from 2020
December 17, 2020
Kinda like Spotify Wrapped but for weddings.
It’s no question that 2020 was a rollercoaster for the wedding industry. What started off as a promising year that was meant to be filled with ceremonies worthy enough to close out the decade quickly devolved into chaos as the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold of communities across the world. Venues were shutting down because of safety restrictions and couples planning to get married were left high and dry wondering, “WTF is going on?”
Even though 2020 had some major low points, it also had some upsides. Couples found ways to adapt to the new wedding landscape and still managed to say “I do” under the difficult circumstances. Some postponed their date and some went with the flow and decided to tie the knot in a more intimate setting by hosting a micro wedding. Oh yeah, the list of new wedding lingo that came about from COVID-19 is extensive! One thing’s for certain though—this year proved that love is what matters most at the end of the day.
Below—the top 10 trends, cultural moments and takeaways that all took place in the whirlwind of a year that was 2020:
1. New vocab words were introduced into the popular wedding lexicon
There’s a whole new section to add to the wedding dictionary thanks to 2020. From micro weddings to latermoons to change the date, the language surrounding ceremonies adapted to the times just like the couples that were caught in the middle of all the chaos. With so many couples opting for smaller settings to say “I do” at, the wedding industry began to focus on more intimate details that were concerned with the couple instead of extravagant events. We have a feeling that micro weddings, minimonies and elopements are here to stay.
2. Silent discos and other socially distant games
2020 forced couples to get inventive with how to entertain their guests. They were faced with the dilemma of wanting to keep everyone safe while still ensuring that they had a good time. What was the result? Silent discos, acoustic concerts and outdoor games that allowed everyone to enjoy themselves with the group they came with. The events looked a little different but still allowed guests to partake in a momentous day in the couples’ lives.
3. Zoom took center stage
If someone had told us that 2020 was going to be the year of virtual weddings, we probably would have laughed and walked away. But with COVID-19 thrown into the mix, couples had to figure out how to include everyone from their original wedding guest list without sacrificing the health of their loved ones. Enter: Zoom. Zoom was there for the couples that opted for a smaller ceremony during the pandemic. It was the platform that connected us the most during this isolating time.
4. BLM
After the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement swept across America (and the rest of the world). With it came a call for inclusion, support and acknowledgement of wrongdoing against the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community in every industry, including our own. Platforms and brands focused on bridal and wedding planning made pledges for diversity and began actively practicing their commitment to anti-racism. This powerful movement paved the way for a wedding industry that actually reflects the couples tying the knot. After all, the future looks brighter with everyone in it.
5. Hand sanitizer was abundant
If you didn’t have a hand sanitizer station at your wedding, did you even get married during the coronavirus pandemic? Couples had to get creative this year in order to keep their guests feeling safe at their 2020 ceremony. From hand sanitizer stations to providing custom-made masks, couples and their wedding planners came together to create spaces for nuptials that were both conscious of the times and still romantic.
6. Bachelor/bachelorette parties got creative at home
Goodbye trips to Miami, hello bringing the club to your living room! Over-the-top bachelor and bachelorette parties were pretty much out of the question this year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that doesn’t mean debauchery didn’t ensue from the comfort of homes. We saw brides- and grooms-to-be bring margaritas and the beach to their very own backyard in order to keep the party going. Zoom also came in handy here in case a member of the wedding party didn’t feel comfortable attending.
7. Change the date cards
“Save the date” took a backseat in 2020. Couples who had to reschedule their original wedding date opted for the phrase “change the date” so that guests were aware of the postponement. Just another phrase to add to the wedding dictionary!
8. Corona-themed engagement photos
Grab the toilet paper and Corona beer—COVID-19-themed engagement photos were all the rage in 2020. Couples chose to shine some light on a heavy situation by creating funny engagement photos where they poked fun at some of the ridiculous trends that came about during quarantine. Now there’s no shortage of couples announcing their engagement with stacks of toilet paper and masks by their side.
9. Face masks
The 2020 wedding accessory of the year goes to… face masks. Since face masks were required for larger events, couples took the opportunity to customize them to their wedding day theme. Some even had mask stations available for their guests in case they forgot their own at home or felt more comfortable with one on.
10. Love is what matters most in the end.
Ok, it's cheesy, but it's true. While 2020 was less than ideal for most couples that were planning to get married, love persevered at the end of the day. Despite couples having to adapt to safety restrictions—which often meant cutting down their guest list or postponing all together—weddings still happened and fairytales were realized.
