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According to “The Knot 2020 Real Weddings Study [COVID-19 Edition],” 2021 is anticipated to be one of the busiest years on record for weddings. Of the 7,600 couples surveyed for the study, 47% of those who planned to wed in 2020 adjusted their schedules to instead say their “I dos” in 2021 or later. And, on top of this data, the study also revealed that 93% of weddings originally scheduled in 2020 were not canceled but were instead adjusted to either comply with pandemic-related restrictions or rescheduled for a later date.
As we enter the summer months of 2021, it seems the “rescheduled for a later date” phase has suddenly arrived for tent and event rental companies as well as event planners. As the percentage of fully vaccinated individuals continues to grow on a daily basis and pandemic-related restrictions ease throughout the states, the bottled-up longing for in-person gatherings and celebrations has abruptly exploded and wedding celebrations are back on the schedule.
This year’s June/July issue of InTents—our annual wedding issue—explores the return of “I do.” As health and safety measures continue to occupy a large portion of the spotlight at weddings, new trends have emerged that are equally worthy of sharing the limelight. Though guest counts in 2021 may be smaller than pre-pandemic times, the demand for outdoor and rural weddings has risen. And, as more couples choose to focus on their guests’ experience, the desire for eye-popping decor such as draped lighting, plush furniture and lush greenery is growing by leaps and bounds.
One additional piece of information worth noting from The Knot’s Weddings Study is that the pandemic encouraged many couples in 2020 to reevaluate wedding details that were most important to them. With all preconceived notions set aside, couples found that two key elements of their celebration—love and relationships—emerged as the most important details. In my opinion, this is all the more reason to celebrate.