How has the Wedding Industry Changed for 2022?
You found your man and you’ve got your dream engagement ring, but what happens next? Getting engaged can feel like crossing a finish line, but in reality the race is just beginning. Wedding planning can feel overwhelming and stressful at times. There are tons of little details to stay on top of and organization is key. Whether you are newly engaged or heads down in the process of planning, a lot has changed about the wedding industry — especially in the last few years.
Here’s what’s happening with the ever-evolving wedding industry as you plan your big day.
Pandemic Planning and the Wedding Boom
As the world makes its way back towards a renewed sense of normalcy, weddings are back in full swing. COVID-19 brought the wedding industry to a standstill, bringing planning everywhere to a dead stop. Couples were forced to change their wedding vision in major ways putting health, safety and protocols at the center of planning.
At the height of the pandemic with lockdowns in place and no end in sight, many couples canceled their elaborate nuptials all together, instead opting for scaled-back, backyard style weddings or even a virtual exchanging of vows. Couples moving forward with in-person weddings implemented COVID specific considerations, like mask or vaccine requirements and socially distant celebrations.
The flip side to scaling back is freeing up wedding budgets. The average cost of a pre-pandemic wedding was about 25k. However, lesser big day details means a significantly smaller investment. As a result, couples's wedding budgets are being redirected towards things like engagement rings or investing in a specific aspect of their wedding. Large scale weddings at traditional venues are on the way out while intimate outdoor weddings, DIY decor, air-filtered tented events and elopements become increasingly popular.
Much to the relief of small business vendors and the wedding industry as a whole; plenty of couples still have their heart set on a traditional wedding. Opting to postpone rather than drastically change their vision for their day. Business as usual is great for venues and vendors, not so much for couples. Lockdowns spurred engagements as well as postponements, the increased demand is making it difficult to lock down details. Long engagements are now the norm as couples are delaying their weddings by extended periods of time to ensure they are able to book their preferred vendors.
Wedding Details
After two years of uncertainty, couples, venues and wedding planners alike have learned the value of agility. Engaged couples have a revamped view of what’s really important and as a result, new trends are emerging. The wedding industry is seeing a creative mix of classic and unconventional. Couples are planning traditional weddings with innovative twists to make the day look and feel more like them.
Brides are leaning into new trends like ditching the white gown for alternative bridal looks. Guest lists are getting smaller and planning has taken a digital shift. As couples rethink their spending, vendors have had to adapt to new and different needs. Some photographers offer streaming services as part of their package. Bakers are making much smaller cakes and caterers are preparing individual plates and wrapped finger foods. Couples tend to prefer custom wedding favors and gifts over standard issue items.
While trends ebb and flow, some things are here to stay. The pandemic permanently changed the way the world plans and celebrates weddings. One thing's for certain — after a year with no parties, everyone is ready to celebrate!
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and the world of fitness.
