The Coronavirus has shaken the world, and weddings are no exception. Melbourne Brides and grooms have struggled to decide whether to postpone 2020 weddings or completely change them to meet guidelines acceptable for the pandemic.

Even once the virus has passed, weddings will be impacted at least for a while. As people have found their lives more focused on relationships than on material things, many couples now have a desire to be more environmentally conscious as they plan their weddings. They are also taking the focus off of spending money and putting in on celebrating the people in their lives. Here are 10 ways the Coronavirus has changed and contributed to wedding trends.

Engagement rings will be responsibly sourced.

The engagement ring has changed dramatically, and the traditional idea that only diamonds will do is no longer applicable. That's because more couples are opting for unique choices and because the diamond industry has been rocked by allegations of cruelty. For these reasons, modern couples are choosing engagement rings featuring stones other than diamonds or buying diamonds that were created in labs.

Couples will use local resources.

In a questionable economy, weddings are less likely to be extravagant affairs. Brides and grooms will be looking for ways to cut costs. One way of doing that is to use local, seasonal sources for items like food and flowers.

Wedding parties will mix genders.

With a focus on relationships, couples are choosing to have the people closest to them as their wedding attendants. Brides are choosing to have bride's men as well as bridesmaids, and grooms are asking grooms' women to stand up beside them. This is also due to same-sex weddings now being mainstream and people with various gender identities being recognized and understood. The result is that wedding parties are focused on the love between people rather than on gender.

More weddings will happen on weekdays.

Weddings no longer have to happen on a Saturday. Weekday weddings are becoming more popular for several reasons. One is that wedding vendors typically charge less for weddings on a weekday. Another is that so many weddings have been rescheduled for next year that dates are going to fill quickly. Weddings are also getting smaller, and fewer guests make a weekday wedding easier to pull off. 

Grandparents will be seen in non-traditional roles.

As couples look for unique ways to honour loved ones, grandparents will be offered more than just a walk down the aisle and a special seat. Using grandmothers as flower girls is a trend that is getting more popular all the time. Grandparents may also be honoured at a special time during the ceremony and given spotlight dances at the reception. Showing appreciation for grandparents is heartwarming for everyone as a new marriage begins.

Weddings will be highly personalized.

A personalized wedding is meaningful to modern couples who are seeking a unique expression of their love for each other. You'll see details that celebrate specifics of the relationship like food from the restaurant where they had their first date or a recreation of the first bouquet one sent to the other. Reception tables may be named for places that are special to the couple, and decorations might suggest favourite sports teams or college colours and mascots. Specifically showcasing what is unique about the couple is more important than the money spent.

Couples will focus on giving.

In realizing all that they have to be thankful for, couples will be using their weddings to reach out to people less fortunate. Instead of gifts, they may ask for donations to a specific charity. They may highlight specific organizations in their ceremony programs or at the reception, or they might skip elaborate floral arrangements in favour of a contribution to a non-profit group. Social issues will also be front and centre for many couples as they use their special day to speak out about topics that are important to them.

Items will be repurposed or upcycled.

Brides and grooms will save money and reduce negative environmental impact by reusing as many of the items needed for the wedding as possible. This may mean wearing a relative's wedding gown, borrowing decorations, or shopping for supplies in thrift stores. Do-it-yourself projects will be featured, making the wedding more unique and less expensive.

Wedding parties will include page boys and girls.

Children represent family and the future, so they will play a bigger role in many upcoming weddings as these topics are celebrated. Couples will be mimicking the sweet UK tradition of having young boys and girls surrounding the couple throughout the wedding. Children will also be welcomed as couples choose to have family weddings rather than upscale, evening affairs.

Many couples will choose sequel weddings.

A sequel wedding is one where the couple gets married in a very small, private ceremony and then has a big party for friends and family. The ceremony itself is often casual and low-key while the party is where the bride will wear a traditional gown, and guests will be treated to dancing and food. Toasts or speeches may take the place of the ceremony, or the couple may decide to show a video of the official wedding.

The world has changed since the Coronavirus pandemic took over, and wedding trends have been altered by this cultural shift. Many post-pandemic weddings will be simple but beautiful events with a focus on love, life, and gratitude.

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