New study reveals wedding traditions your guests want you to ditch after COVID

• 100+ guest lists, packed dancefloors and group photos top the list of wedding traditions Brits would be happy to see the back of

• Couples reveal how they adapted their wedding plans due to COVID-19 and if they would do the same in the future

Weddings have been heavily impacted over the past 12 months due to the ongoing pandemic. From reduced guest numbers to restrictions on live music and dancing, couples have adapted their plans in the name of love, but what wedding traditions are guests hoping stay lost in 2021?

A new study from events specialists AYRE Event Solutions has delved into the wedding traditions that have been lost due to COVID restrictions that Brits would be happy not to return post-pandemic. Topping the list of wedding features engaged couples can leave out of their planning is weddings with over 100 guests (27%).

The results revealed the top ten traditions Brits would prefer happy couples to ditch:

1. Weddings with over 100 guests (27%)

2. Packed dancefloors (23%)

3. Group photos (21%)

4. Mixed household seating arrangements (21%)

5. Self-serve buffets (20%)

6. Queuing at the bar (20%)

7. Weddings abroad (18%)

8. Live music (18%)

9. Having to invite guests you don’t really want to (17%)

10. Singing during the ceremony (16%)

The new research indicates that those planning a wedding in 2021 can look to continue the trend of smaller ‘micro’ weddings with lower budgets and potentially cut back on DJ costs as nearly a quarter (23%) of guests won’t be polishing off their dancing shoes on a packed dancefloor just yet.

Social distancing and non-household mixing over the past 12 months appear to have had a lasting impact on weddings, as a fifth (21%) would prefer not to sit with anyone outside of their household moving forward. Table service could also be here to stay as a fifth (20%) of UK adults would be happy to see the back of self-serve buffets and queues at the bar.

Perhaps least surprisingly, 17% of those polled said they would be happy to see the back of having to invite guests they don’t really want to moving forward, fitting in with the trend of smaller more intimate ceremonies and celebrations.

Other traditions Brits would be happy to ditch include long speeches (14%), bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle together (14%) and self-serve pick and mix (13%).

Splitting the results out by gender, both men (22%) and women (31%) agreed that weddings with over 100 guests is the tradition they would most like to see the back of. But looking at the different age groups, 16 to 24 year olds would prefer to ditch group photos (21%) compared to 25 to 34 year olds who want to see couples drop self-serve buffets (18%).

On the reverse, the wedding traditions the least amount of Brits would be happy to see the back of are cash gifts (8%), food trucks (9%), photobooths (13%), the throwing of the bouquet (13%) and confetti throwing (13%). So couples planning a celebration for 2021 and beyond can add these to their plans if they’ve not included them already!

Managing director of AYRE, Chris Ayre summarises the study: “The wedding industry has been one of the most affected by the ongoing government restrictions. Couples have had to switch up their plans continuously and work with their venues and suppliers to do so. With these restrictions now in place for over 12 months, we wanted to see the lasting impact they will have on weddings and what guests and couples want out of their big days in the future.

“Interestingly, the trend of smaller weddings appears to have replaced big elaborate parties allowing couples to perhaps spend more on the finer details and ensure every aspect of their day reflects them as a couple. More tailored menus, decorations, photo backdrops and entertainment could be on the cards! Experiences with table service at bars and restaurants also looks to have spilled over into weddings as Brits would prefer to avoid queues at the bar and only sit with people in their household.

“For couples still wanting to enhance their big day despite restrictions, we would suggest working with your events planner on the overall production of the day from bespoke lighting inside and outside the venue to a marquee or even improved sound systems to ensure you have everything covered.

“We hope our new study helps those planning a wedding in 2021 narrow down exactly what their guests are looking for and would be comfortable with in 2021.”

To find out more about weddings in 2021 and beyond, please visit: https://www.ayre.events/weddings-in-2021-and-beyond/