It’s no secret that over the last year or so the wedding industry has undergone many changes. With wedding receptions back on the horizon we wanted to bring in an expert to share their insight about what is trending in the wedding world of 2021. Over the last four decades Bill Hansen, CEO & Founder of Bill Hansen Catering, has hosted (among numerous brides and grooms) four U.S. presidents, championship Super Bowl teams, athletes, and even the Pope! Needless to say, Bill’s expertise and attention to detail keeps him always on the lookout for trends in the event industry. Here are seven wedding trends he has noticed for 2021 thus far:

Vendors’ Work Pictured Above: Planning + Production: Karen Ogden of Tropical Occasions; Design: Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions; Photography: Jonathan Yonkers Photography & Video; Reception Location and Accommodations: Villa Punto De Vista; Floral: Stylos y Flores

1. Color, Color, Color: After this grim last year, brides want to go bold with a bright color palette to make the wedding more fun and lively.


Vendors’ Work Pictured Above: Venue: The Nines; Photography: Jessica Hill Photography & Andrea Zajonc Photography; Hair/Makeup: Jovana Combs Beauty;  Floral: Blum Design in Flowers & Jodi Iverson; Event Rentals: Bridgewood Event Rentals; Clothing Styling: Charlotte’s Weddings; Models: Kelsey & Luke Pearson; Kelsey’s Dress: Justin Alexander; Luke’s Suit: Gustavo Apiti; Planning: Your Perfect Bridesmaid

2. Delayed Receptions: Many of the 2021 wedding couples will have already had a small intimate ceremony and gathering and are now planning the big party where everyone can finally attend.


Vendors’ Work Pictured Above: Photographer: Anna Gomes Photo; Ceremony/Reception Site/Caterer: Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort, Villas & Golf

3. Exciting Entertainment: Couples are looking to surprise their guests with more than just a Band or DJ. You might see anything from a palm reader or magician during cocktails to a full gospel choir leading the bride and groom down the aisle to the ceremony, to a roaming electronic LED violinist during dinner.

Vendors’ Work Pictured Above: Photographer: Amy & Jordan Photography; Wedding Designer & Planner: Jennifer with Imoni Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Silverleaf Club; Florist: Sarah’s Garden Wedding Floral & Styling; Custom Moscow Mule Mugs: Copper Mug Co.; Accommodations: The Omni Montelucia Resort & Spa; Furniture: Glamour and Woods

Champagne Towers: No better way than to kick off the reception with a spray of champagne atop a tower of coupe glasses. Makes a great photo op.


Photo courtesy of Canva

Wedding Scents: Custom wedding scents that match the theme and venue for the wedding. These can be sprayed upon arrival and throughout the reception space and even bottled as a favor for guests to take home. 

Photo courtesy of Canva

Interactive Food Stations: Creative and uniquely designed themed stations are going to be a huge trend. People really want to go outside the box these days and are brimming with ideas to bring food to life in front of their guests.


Vendors’ Work Pictured Above: Photographer: Amy & Jordan Photography; Wedding Designer & Planner: Jennifer with Imoni Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Silverleaf Club; Florist: Sarah’s Garden Wedding Floral & Styling; Accommodations: The Omni Montelucia Resort & Spa; Furniture: Glamour and Woods

Outdoor Spaces:  Are still going to be huge this year. Lounge-style weddings with eclectic lighting, food stations and lounge seating will be a huge trend as brides try to recreate that ultimate backyard wedding feel in many different venues.