How to have a wow-worthy wedding for two
As small-scale affairs become the new norm, couples get creative
As weddings are moving away from big bashes to small-scale affairs because of the coronavirus, couples are embracing the fact that they can focus less on pleasing hundreds of guests and more on creating the perfect day for just the two of them.
“An elopement no longer means that the event would be decided on and executed that same day or week. It just means that it will have the intimate feel and charm of impromptu nuptials but be planned just like a large wedding would,” says Aya Kanai, the head of content and editorial partnerships at Pinterest.
And, if space and protocol allow, many couples are having minimonies with fewer than 10 family members and friends from their social bubble. “Small weddings are, of course, a reflection of the times we’re currently living in, but the esthetic of the event is as important as ever,” Kanai said.
Here, bridal experts share the top trends that will help make your elopement or cosy fête magical.
Out-of-the-box locations
Since location is the main component of a wedding, we can expect lots of changes in venue selections for 2021celebrations. As couples are scaling back their guest list, they are also being very intentional about where they choose to wed.
“Couples have gotten really imaginative and are tying the knot in uncommon, picturesque locations just by themselves or with a tight group of family and friends, such as in a beautiful hidden courtyard, endless flower-filled field or even underneath a waterfall,” said Michelle Norwood, the founder and creative director of Michelle Norwood Events, based in New Orleans.
Pairing the stunning outdoor space with an unforgettable dinner — such as a private chef on a yacht sailing around a scenic coastline, or a chic picnic on a secluded beach — is the ultimate goal.
A focus on table decor
Giving up a long guest list definitely has its advantages when designing a dream wedding. Planners, floral designers and event stylists are seeing a trend among couples who are hosting intimate events reallocating their original budgets toward lush florals, lavish stationery and luxe tablescapes. The shift to bigger decor budgets and smaller venues has made the table the focal point of the event.
“If you’re only having one table for under 10 or even two, think about how unique that could be. You’re no longer designing dozens of tables, so you can pay extra attention to the one you have,” said Kristin Shockley, owner of Lustre Theory Styling & Design, based in Norfolk, Va. “Tablescapes are taking a new direction with still-life influenced designs where hors d’oeuvres are worked into decor, loose florals are placed around the table for extra romance, and bread isn’t just sitting in a basket or on a plate but displayed on individual wooden serving boards along with fruit and nuts. This gives your guests more to look at on the table.”
Curated menu
With no guest list to worry about, or the addition of just a few guests, couples will be gravitating to a more luxurious and selective menu for their wedding celebration.
“We’ll see couples going all out with elevated meal experiences, such as multiple courses, foodand-wine pairings, individual cheese platters and grazing boards and extravagant food like caviar,” said Alexandra Dettori, the executive chef and founder of Alexandra Dettori Catering and Events, based in New York.
Stylish food and drink trucks featuring creative menus for guests keeping a safe distance outdoors will continue to be popular, as well as chic, yet COVID-safe, food presentations like beautifully packaged individual courses and grazing boxes.
Mini wedding cakes
Elegant, individual presentations won’t be just for the main courses. Weddings cakes will also be smaller in size but more dramatic in detail. Compact single-tier, petite two-layer and mini individual cakes will be a highlight of the wedding dinner.
“I’m noticing many couples who are having smaller weddings are asking for fancier treats. This helps make their day extra special, especially if it’s just the two of them,” says Dawn Konofaos, the owner of Alévri & Co., based in Baltimore.
“One-tier cakes feel unique when on the taller side: at least seven to eight inches in height and six inches in diameter. A small two-tier cake still maintains a bit of tradition and individual mini cakes are not only COVID-friendly but also cute and much more elaborate than in previous years.”