6 wedding trends that will start to disappear by 2021, and 9 you'll see everywhere

Buffet catering has traditionally been a popular way to serve dinner at larger weddings.

But wedding planner and florist Amy McCord Jones told Insider that fewer couples are opting for self-serve buffets, which usually involve serving shared utensils and uncovered dishes of food.

"For safety reasons, many couples are choosing plated dinners, food trucks, and sack lunches," said McCord Jones. "I'm also seeing couples hold a simple cake and champagne reception in lieu of a full buffet dinner at their wedding reception."

In 2021, McCord Jones said she expects fewer couples will drain their bank accounts to put on elaborate, picture-perfect weddings.

"The wedding industry has undergone big changes in the past 10 years, and over-the-top weddings may not be the norm for much longer," said McCord. "I believe couples in 2021 will take a more simplified approach to their weddings."

Wedding planner Margaux Fraise, owner of Harmony Creative Studio, told Insider that many couples aren't registering for classic gifts like fancy dishes or stand mixers.

"Lots of couples today already live together and have basic household items," said Fraise. "Modern couples often have no use for traditional registry gifts like expensive dinner-service items or flatware."

Instead, Fraise said she is seeing couples ask guests to contribute to a honeymoon fund or donate to the couple's favorite charity.

A receiving line — the custom of having the wedding party line up to greet guests — is meant to be an efficient way to speak to each guest and thank them for coming, but Fraise said this particular tradition might be on its way out.

"The receiving line has already been fading fast in many areas of the US," said Fraise. "COVID-19 may be the thing that finally kills it everywhere."

Although open seating has become increasingly popular in the past several years, wedding planner Robyn Bruns of Red Letter Event Planning told Insider that assigned seating is in store for a comeback.

"Couples are realizing that guests may want to be certain they will wind up sitting with family or friends," said Bruns. "Free-for-all seating will be replaced with assigned seating at tables of different sizes and shapes."

Adventure elopement photographer Sam Starns told Insider that he's seeing a fading demand for green and white floral decor.

"Green and white florals have been popular over the past couple years, but couples now seem to be choosing more rich and fall-like tones," said Starns.

Starns said he sees warmer hues like burnt orange, deep burgundy, and vibrant purple making a comeback.

McCord Jones told Insider that elopement may be one of the most popular wedding trends of 2021.

"We're starting to see many couples plan small affairs or elopements at the onset, rather than dealing with the potential headache and expense of downsizing due to COVID-19 later," said McCord Jones.

She also mentioned she's seen a rise in the popularity of smaller venues for the same reason.

Broadcasting wedding ceremonies has become more popular as couples look for ways to share their special day with faraway friends and family — and Bruns suspects livestreaming is set to become a common part of 2021 weddings.

"As technology improves, more couples will opt to add a livestream component to their wedding for those guests that can't travel," said Bruns.

Couples looking to save money while still achieving their desired aesthetics are choosing to craft their own decor.

"DIY wedding flowers, invitations, and even wedding cakes have increased in popularity and will likely continue to be popular throughout 2021," said McCord Jones.

Saving money on potentially pricey furnishings can allow a couple to allocate funds to honeymoon travel, a home or vehicle down payment, or an additional wedding service like videography.

Dan Moran, private jeweler and founder of Concierge Diamonds, told Insider that radiant-cut stones — jewels with an elongated square shape with a brilliant-cut facet pattern — are poised to be the it-gems of 2021.

"Oval-cut diamonds were previously the most popular shape, but requests for radiants are eclipsing them at a break-neck pace," said Moran.

Although cool-toned metals, such as platinum and white-gold, have been the recent standard for wedding jewelry, Moran said that couples are increasingly selecting yellow-gold bands and settings.

"What's old is new again! Many people are expressing a desire for yellow-gold in their engagement rings or wedding bands," he told Insider.

Lilia Karimi, the owner of wedding wellness experience company Luv Collective, told Insider that couples looking to avoid crowded bars and nightclubs are booking private experiences or homes for their bachelor and bachelorette parties.

"People are getting creative with their party experiences," said Karimi. "Booking an Airbnb for the party can end up being lower in cost and more intimate for everyone involved."

Some rentals do have restrictions on occupancy and events, so be sure to check with your host before planning a pre-wedding event.

Wedding planner Bianca Hall, owner of Estera Events, told Insider that colorful suits will be popping up at weddings throughout 2021.

"We're seeing colorful suits and tuxedos in dark jewel tones like burgundy and forest green," said Hall. "Couples planning summer weddings are also opting for pastel-blue, ivory, or blush suits."

Although large, luscious bridal bouquets have dominated the wedding scene for years, more petite bouquets may be coming into favor.

"We've seen our clients move towards smaller-scale bouquets for 2021," said Hall. "They're still beautiful but their smaller size allow a bridal gown to shine."

Hall mentioned that lily of the valley arrangements are becoming especially popular with people looking for a delicate floral bouquet.

Fresh flowers can send wedding costs sky-high, so Fraise said that many couples are selecting dried floral arrangement as a cost-effective alternative.

"The textures and neutral colors of dried florals can be woven into nearly any color scheme and are easy to make into keepsakes after the event," she said.

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