I Do, I Do, I Do | 2021 Wedding Trends
2020 presented a unique set of hurdles for couples, wedding planners, designers and vendors alike, as weeks of no gatherings turned into months, and regulations changed frequently. These changes made wedding planning anything but easy, however, despite the year that was, weddings have found plenty of innovative ways to adapt and unfold.
Whilst couples had to adopt ‘unsave the dates’ and pivot their plans, we quickly learnt that we could still keep what really matters – close friends, family, small details and memorable moments. Read on to uncover the latest wedding trends this year brings . . .
Micro weddings
Micro weddings are all to do with scale – a small, intimate style, with a guest and family focus. It’s the simple things that matter.
With fewer guests, comes less work, and the smaller the guest count, the more creative you can be. You can now host ceremonies at unique places that typically could not host a larger crowd. Consider scenic and beautiful locations that were out of the question for hundreds of guests, but are now perfect for your partyof 20.
One such venue is Peppers on the Point at the Rotorua lakefront. It comes complete with its own purpose-built stone chapel, restaurant, and accommodation. This boutique wedding venue overlooking Lake Rotorua is suited for up to 70 guests for an intimate reception. Ann Gregor Greene, manager, adds, “Peppers on the Point is perfect for couples who want a wedding day all in one beautiful space. There is just something special about the natural, peaceful and boutique setting that makes the event so much more memorable.”
Focus on floral
Prepare for a floral revival! Breathe life, colour and energy into your wedding day with floral trends that reside on the more meaningful and poignant.
“Florals are now becoming more simpler and are there to add a touch of grace, instead of decoration,” say’s Nikki, from Nikki’s Flowers, Taupō. “Couples are preferring to go back to the roots, with a range of natural textures, foliage, romantic colours – without the exaggerated teardrops and bows.”
The most memorable are those that reflect the couple’s style, personality, and love story, and this can be done in so many ways from the bridal bouquet, to buttonholes, to décor – even the cake.
Colour is the new white
Gone are the days of blush weddings and basic colour palettes. With the overhaul in weddings in general, expect hues that you haven’t seen before – in the flowers, décor, food, venue and so much more.
Check out Get Set Event Hire in Taupō for some stunning colourful wedding décor that can make all the difference to your big day.
“We adore adding variety to our wedding colour schemes,” enthuses Tracey of Get Set Event Hire. “Balloons, candles and centrepieces can really brighten up a minimal space and add a touch of fun. Even hints of colourful florals, confetti and backdrops can make your photos look so amazing.”
Not ready to go all out? Try some gentle versions such as pastels or blush with soft palettes, or add hints of colour to accessories – think jewellery or your bouquet.
Unconventional desserts
Traditional wedding cakes will never go out of style, but when you’re planning a day that is uniquely yours, don’t be afraid to break tradition with additions that say something about you.
Creative dessert options provide a fun alternative – think donut walls, pancake stations, fudge platters (we heart Taupō’s Fudge It), brownies, waffles – and who says you have to choose just one! There are so many out-of-the-box styles and techniques to try out. “Authentic, hand-made fudge makes fantastic bespoke wedding favours. Fudge It can customise to your choice of colours, themes, flavours, you name it!” Fee from Fudge It, adds.
Live streaming
With the current state of the world making it near impossible to gather your friends and family from overseas, live streaming (or ‘virtual weddings’) becomes the next best option. It’s also likely to be a new experience for many of them, so try to ‘bring your wedding to your guests’ with some creative components like welcome bags filled with treats or a virtual guestbook.
Fudge It
40 Heuheu Street, Taupō
Phone: 027 366 3235
Email: sales@fudgeit.co.nz
Peppers on the Point
214 Kawaha Point Road, Rotorua
Phone: 07 348 4868
Email: info@onthepoint.co.nz
Nikki’s Flowers
28 Nukuhau Street, Taupō
Phone: 07 378 0105
Email: nikkisgardening@gmail.com
Get Set Event Hire
12 Titiraupenga Street, Taupō
Phone: 07 3767057
Email: tracey@getseteventhire.co.nz