With invitations on standby and pristine white dresses forced to remain in their garment bags, we've consulted our crystal ball in an attempt to predict what weddings will look like post-lockdown.

Image: Jeremy Wong Weddings via Unsplash

Micro-weddings
The last few weeks have shone a light on what's most important to us, and this looks set to play out when it comes to compiling guest lists, too. Restrictions may call for smaller numbers, but micro-weddings will gain momentum for couples who want to spend their day celebrating intimately with those who mean the most to them.

Meaningful gestures
Many would-be-brides strive for perfection on their big days. Still, instead of place settings written in calligraphy and seating plans drawn with military precision, we see a need for more personal, heartfelt touches—think handwritten notes, crafted favours, and relaxed invitations.

Off-beat venues
While there will always be a demand for quintessential wedding venues, we predict 2021 will be the year that unexpected places will play host to these special days. From countryside pubs and town halls to urban warehouses and back gardens, couples will be looking at fresh, new settings in which to exchange their 'I dos'.

Weekday nuptials
With many of 2020's postponed weddings spilling over into 2021, it seems likely that we'll all receive a weekday wedding invite. While this is something that may have been considered an inconvenience previously, we think it's something we'll all come to embrace as we long to gather with our loved ones once again.

Less-is-more dresses
Whether it's because they're hosting a smaller wedding day than initially planned or because there's something incredibly chic about a simple wedding dress, we can expect to see many brides opting for more minimal attire. Edinburgh-based designer, Olivia Rose the Label, has been busy dressing brides in her midi dresses throughout lockdown, and their popularity shows no signs of waning.

Meaningful gestures
Many would-be-brides strive for perfection on their big days. Still, instead of place settings written in calligraphy and seating plans drawn with military precision, we see a need for more personal, heartfelt touches—think handwritten notes, crafted favours, and relaxed invitations.

Sustainable focus
By no means a trend, sustainable weddings were gaining momentum long before the lockdown was imposed. However, the need to have a more eco-friendly wedding is only going to increase. Wholesome, locally-sourced food and flowers will become a priority for many, as will do-good favours. Why not consider a small potted plant, or jar of organic Scottish honey?

Experiential hen parties
Unessential international travel is likely to be a long way off, which throws a spanner in the works for many hens and stags. However, instead of a send-off that centres solely around booze, experiential hen and stag parties will be all the rage in Scotland next year. Think the likes of pottery classes, white-water rafting, or escape rooms.

Honeymoons on home soil
Similarly, far-flung honeymoons will have to be put on hold until it's safe to travel—even if the required two-week quarantine sounds like a nice way to start married life. Instead, chic Scottish staycations will reign supreme. Thankfully, we've whittled down the most luxurious off-the-grid retreats for you.

The new 'I do': Is this what weddings will look like after lockdown?

With invitations on standby and pristine white dresses forced to remain in their garment bags, we've consulted our crystal ball in an attempt to predict what weddings will look like post-lockdown.