RALEIGH, N.C. — The wedding industry went from a $100 billion industry, to barely getting by in 2020. According to the Wedding Report, the wedding industry will lose $47 billion over two years.  

 

What You Need To Know

  • According to the Wedding Report, the wedding industry will lose $47 billion over two years

  • 58% of couples are still deciding to hold their weddings in the next few months

  • Last year, couples started a new trend called the "Mini Moon" in a location close to them


Brian Whitely opened up the newly renovated Victorian as a wedding venue in Youngsville around a year ago, with no idea the pandemic would ruin his plans. The all-inclusive venue can hold up to 200 people but has yet to do that in the last few months.

"We started offering elopement and small weddings," Whitely says.

Esther Lee, a senior editor with the popular wedding site The Knot, says it's one of many venues that had to get creative during this time. Lee says 58% of couples are still deciding to hold their weddings in the next few months, and venues and vendors are creating safer options to get it done.

"Sixty-seven percent are adjusting seating. There’s a new idea called 'mix matched seating.' There might be a two-seater next to five-seater. Now, plated dinners over family style that were arising in popularity. There's much more thoughtfulness about guest experience," Lee says.

If you're one of the many who got engaged over the holiday season, Lee says you should start wedding planning now.

"2021 is shaping to be packed year for weddings. We recommend couples be proactive in planning process especially if you’re newly engaged. Reach out to dream vendors and pros because they could be booked up," Lee says.

The Knot also anticipates international travel surging once the pandemic is over. Last year, couples started a new trend called the "Mini Moon" in a location close to them. Once travel restrictions open, Lee says they may want to take their real honeymoon out of the U.S.