Couples must choose whether they want to postpone or celebrate within new parameters, thoroughly communicating safety expectations with guests.  But it’s not necessarily a bad thing: the wedding industry is nothing if not creative. Paring down in-person bodies has given rise to indulgent new presentations, and whole new categories of events: the hybrid in-person and remote shindig, for example, and the immersive fully virtual affair. And in lieu of people? Flowers. So many flowers. Here are some wedding trends born of the current day that we hope will stick around for years to come.

Until guests can freely travel and large gatherings are once again deemed safe, every wedding will be somewhat small-scale. But with a micro-wedding comes macro-opportunity. Here’s a chance to cater to invitees, and to customize every aspect of the happening, including going big on location. Dreams of exchanging vows on the soaring red rocks of Sedona or in a candlelit cenote in Tulum are more feasible with just a handful of guests. Those that can’t be there won’t be left out: hybrid weddings are now de rigeur with event action live streamed, an opportunity to include more elderly and international loved ones.

Social spacing is a priority, and it’s an opportunity to get some more comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing furniture into the mix. Maybe also themed, with monogrammed blankets or pillows for an outdoor wedding.

When chairs are a must, group households together on couches or smaller reception tables, leaning into soft upholstery. Glasshouses preferred furniture vendor Taylor Creative , suggests elevating the bride and groom table to the intimate “Sweetheart Table:” a lounge space for the guests of honor. Invitees also get the star treatment with socially distanced lounges and soft private pods. And perhaps the most fun: whimsical outdoor tents, reminiscent of playtime, with pillows strewn about for guests to sink in.

  Now that dance floors are no longer an option, weddings are focusing on food: extending the number of courses, custom-plating hors d’oeuvres, or opting for a pre- packaged-option like a picnic basket, if the wedding is outdoors.  The current state of affairs has also opened up a whole new market: the immersive virtual event.

Glasshouses preferred caterer Oliver Cheng — known for his creative and elegant affairs– has partnered with event planner Jennifer Zabinski to launch celebrationhome , offering fully immersive deliverable dinners in a box. “Everybody can do take-out,” says Cheng. “Our approach is more creating experiences.” Each box touches all the senses, with a customizable beverage, a scent with diffuser, and a Spotify playlist to set the mood. Guests at home can partake in a truffle-filled affair with the scent of France in the air or have fun with cheese at a full-on Alpine fondue party. In addition to scent, sound, culinary, and cocktail components, each box contains napkins, place cards and menus, table “touchables,” and a parting gift for each attendee.

One of the most trafficked areas at any event is the bar, attendees elbow-to-elbow jostling for the bartender’s attention. Tableside cocktail service reduces person-to-person contact while affording a menu of tailored cocktails and an opportunity for fun presentation— perhaps even with a themed bar cart. Personal attendants also means guests’ favored liquors can be stocked, making sure grandpa’s treasured scotch is always on deck for him, and only him.  If extra staff aren’t within budget, reduce contact with pre-batched cocktails. They’re doing wonders with bottled Manhattans these days.

The receiving line and the Hora are on hold but the sky’s the limit on creating new, personalized traditions to really make the ceremony stand out. Guests who are unable to attend can send in video greetings. Extended family dances can be introduced, or a tribute to grandma and grandpa.  A tree-planting ceremony is also a symbolic option.  And in lieu of the bouquet toss the bouquet recipient can be predetermined, a sister or best friend perhaps, who the bride deems the next one to get married. It’s even more fun if they don’t know it’s coming.

The cake-cutting is a sweet tradition– pun intended! — but it’s often lost on a large audience who can’t get eyes on the bride and groom. While the focal point dilemma is fixed with a smaller wedding it’s also an opening to spoil guests. Have them give their preferred cake order when they RSVP and decorate it to match their personality. Virtual guests can also get in on the cake action. Glasshouses preferred caterer Thomas Preti Events to Savor have designed a “cake and punch” basket.  Guests at home are sent champagne and a rosette-topped cake to toast along with the ceremony, providing intimate and immersive touches to make the event enjoyable and memorable for all. Plus, now it’s even more important to do cake tastings.

Sure, a dance floor is feasible if there’s enough social distance. But much less risky is ditching it and instead producing an event to remember.  Talented relatives can sing, or professional singers, bands, or comedians hired. Vaudeville nights and live painters are also an option, and, if it’s a place like The Glasshouse , even acrobats hanging from the ceiling. It’s the chance to throw an awesome theatrical event they’ll be talking about for years to come.

Show those unable to attend in-person that they are missed, with personalized gift baskets sent to their home.  Glasshouses preferred caterer Abigail Kirsch have launched Prepped , offering a variety of at-home culinary options for hybrid or virtual events. “We pretty quickly knew that with in-person events being placed in on indefinite pause that virtual was going to be the medium that everyone was going to take advantage of,” says Director of Sales Will Joseph. From specialty cocktail kits accompanying bento appetizer boxes for cocktail receptions to full, beautifully-plated meals for dinner to DIY cupcakes for a playful activity to get those at home involved, here’s also a way to include wedding branding with packaging or stationery inserts for signature moments. “It’s a way for people to feel they’re still part of the occasion even though they’re watching through a laptop.”

A big gathering of friends and family can still happen, just not in the immediate future. Many couples are opting to have an intimate or virtual ceremony and go all out for their one-year anniversary bash. It makes sense: More time is now afforded to plan and get even more creative, or even more casual, with seafood boils, BBQs, or luaus. A ceremonial aspect can be provided by booking a pastor, priest, or rabbi for a vow renewal, but either way anything goes: After one year the pressure is off and everyone can just focus on having a good time.

Hero image provided by Ryon Lockhart Photography .

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