What Greece destination wedding couples are currently choosing and what are the top trends to expect for the near future.
Love is always oh-so grand to celebrate, and if you’re planning on vowing yours away from home in 2021, there’s an entire slew of new and exciting wedding trends on the horizon. As luxury destination wedding planners for over 15 years, we’ve had our generous share of lavish destination weddings, spectacular affairs, luxe intimate vows, and microweddings all across Greece. If anything, we always aim to be honest and conscientious with our couples. That is why this post does not comprise an affirmation for the long run, rather a deeper look into what is actually going on for Greece destination weddings and luxury vows right now, and what the couples who decided on going forward with their 2021 wedding plans are opting for.
This year, just like with 2020 weddings, this year also involves several differentiations from what the majority of destination wedding couples choose, which is normal given how the pandemic changed their wedding expectations. However, that said, the dilemmas that Covid imposed on them last year seem to have significantly faded in 2021. Although we can only speak about Greece destination weddings, it is lovely to see how priorities are set faster, destination wedding design has become more intentional and focused on experiences, while minimonies and microwedding receptions -which are definitely not something new – now seem way more natural and cool. Read on for more insights on the destination wedding trends 2021, plus some good news for Greece-traveling brides and grooms.
NO 1 – you’ve guessed it- LUXURY MICROWEDDINGS
We are talking of course about intimate luxury I do’s with a wedding guest list from 10 to a maximum of 30 guests. With a smaller guest list on their hands our destination wedding couples 2021 are now focusing on who is attending, but also on creating an experience-centric series of events for their closest friends. More than any other time in history one of their priorities are the long-range vibes of their nuptials, the more thoughtfully curated slew of details that feel more personal and tap on their deepest emotions and larger loves. They wish to invest bigger on ambiance and decor, on their photographers and videographers, but also on the ambiance of their venues. Nobody, of course, has complained that all ceremonies and receptions need to be held alfresco, with the Grecian landscape sparkling ever so inviting under the sun!
ΝΟ 2 – MARRY ME ON A WEEKDAY
Although we’d normally expect our couples to cue up for the weekends, we did notice a shift in the wedding days our 2021 destination wedding couples choose. This year, weekdays are very popular this year, as many of our couples wish to explore more places during their stay in Greece and keep the weekend open for their honeymoon. We have been asked to design 4-day microweddings that begin with the wedding day but still include 2-3 post-wedding events, with island hopping, cruising, and long, languid dinner parties in the mix. Another reason our 2021 brides and grooms opt for weekdays is that it is easier to book and move around with fewer guests.
NO 3 – WEDDING ANNIVERSARY RECEPTIONS
We have seen many wedding anniversary parties during our many years of planning destination weddings and events; however, let us be honest. They had never been as popular as they seem to be in 2021. Be it because some destination couples decided to go forward with a casual wedding at home and now wish to experience something fascinating, or because they’ve been married for quite some time and lockdown fueled their wanderlust, wedding anniversary receptions and events are currently experiencing a huge comeback!
NO 4 – LUXURY PRIVATE VENUE WEDDINGS
Getting wed at home, away from home, never felt more relevant. It is true, the majority of luxury wedding venues in Greece are private and cloistered, but what many destination wedding couples are seeking in 2021 is the retreat and confidentiality a private villa holds. First, because they can actually experience the splendor of their home for the week, and second because backyard weddings and destination I do’s can now be combined. Greek island villa weddings are the first on our list for 2021.
NO 5 – SAILBOAT & YACHT WEDDINGS
A wedding on the open sea is hard to beat, especially if your luxurious sailboat or private yacht can be festooned with fairylights, laced with florals, set in gorgeous tables, and come with envy-worthy black-tie wedding vibes. Thinking outside the box, and diving into the azure beauty of the Aegean, having a destination wedding in Greece on board will make for the memories of a lifetime. And if you wish to seek out some non-traditional weddings on board why not revisit the vows of Jaqueline Kennedy & Aristotle Onassis and their legendary I do’s on board Christina O, Neil Young & Darryl Hanna’s intimate vows on WN Ragland, Heidi Clum & Tom Kaulitz’s iconic superyacht wedding (yup it was Christina O again), Pharrell Williams & Helen Lasichanh’s ceremony on Never Say Never, or David Charvet & Brooke Burke’s plunge at St. Barthélémy for some serious wedspo!
NO 6 – POD SEATING
Are you fans of the sweetheart table? Now is the time to let this love of yours shine. Our couples 2021 wish to have their guests feel at ease fencing off those “matchmaking” reception seating headaches. Opting for smaller tables, intimate seating and for guests to enjoy their reception dinner in groups of four they take elbow space to an entire new level, which, allow us to say, feels oh-so comfortable and chic!
NO 7 – FORMAL DINNERS & INDIVIDUALIZED MENU CREATIONS
Reduced guest counts do have major pros! We’re witnessing a serious return of truly spectacular plated-course meals, and individualized menu creations, as our 2021 destination wedding couples have become more creative with their wedding food, desserts, and libation. Printed menus and fun details add to the picture and guest are really going to appreciate the experience. Think awfully cute mini cakes, gorgeously styled cocktails for each guest, customized dish decor and so many more!
NO 8 – EXCLUSIVE GIFTS
Destination wedding couples 2021 DO want their selected guests to unwind completely and luxuriate. Their choices in exclusive gifting include traditional favors, haute UV cosmetics, towels and beach bags, sun hats, espadrilles,personalized cocktail kits, mini bottles of bubbly, tour guide books, and one day passes to SPAs and private beaches. Topped with hand-drawn maps, monogrammed designer masks, and local delicacies this year’s wedding guest gifts are truly spectacular!
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TRAVELING UPDATES
If you are interested in finding out what are the current measures for getting married or traveling to Greece, kindly visit the links below.
Note that many of these restrictions are bound to change by week and month.
The latest update is that from the April 12th 2021 weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, and other commemorative events will be able to take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens until further notice. We will certainly update this post soon as something changes.
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