Features Product Features

Weddings are back … and have actually been, for some time, according to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study. While overall spend has rebounded, guest count is down, meaning the spend on each guest has risen. But the biggest change has been mindset, opined Nancy Dickson, creative director, The Gift Wrap Co. “The wedding market was so badly wounded by coronavirus, but the industry will absolutely come back, just in a totally transformed way. The formality and ‘should do’ culture that was so ingrained in weddings has really been blown wide open. Couples have fully embraced it as THEIR day and make it a true celebration of who they are.” 

What’s Hot

“Smaller, intimate weddings are still my majority,” noted Rebecca Meixner of Rebecca Illustrated. “Wedding weekends are very popular too, I’ve definitely noticed a significant shift to more relaxed celebrations with a heavy concentration on family and small, meaningful details.” 

Color palettes are inspired by destination and beach, barn, and park settings, Dickson described. “Hotel ballroom weddings seem to be a thing of the past. Couples are taking their weddings to outdoor venues that speak to their values, passions and true personalities. Colors are simple and natural, lots of sand and browns, greens and pale sky blues.” 

Also Look For

Custom elements and illustrations that express and tell the couple’s story, Meixner detailed. Wedding venue illustrations — especially barns! — wedding crests featuring individual touches, and pets are making appearances everywhere from save-the-dates to custom cocktails. “Folks can’t get enough of their fur babies on the big day!” 

Tried and True

There are still options for every taste, stated Dickson. “There is something about gold and white that speaks to consumers across the board. It’s simple, classy and elegant and can be swayed by slight touches such as the color of the accenting ribbon or bow.” 

Designer Quote

“Couples feel so much more of a connection to the past and the value of family. I never experience ‘bridezillas’ because some couples have had to cancel or make so many special arrangements that they are truly more grateful. I really feel a sense of connection in creating art that people will keep. I love that people appreciate things that take time, are handmade and have actual meaning.” — Rebecca Meixner, Rebecca Illustrated 

petal & pins

The Card Bureau 

Drawn to Ecology 

Quiet Lines Design 

Rebecca Illustrated

Rust Belt Love 

Crafty Paper Co. 

Friendlily 

k.Patricia Designs 

Paper Wolf Design 

The Gift Wrap Co.