Unique Wedding Ideas For 2020

COVID-19 has reshaped every element of our lives. And while some changes we've had to make can be small and manageable, others can feel disastrous. We know that couples who planned to get married in 2020 feel helpless, frustrated, angry, or depressed. Their joyous occasion, being surrounded by friends and family, has been turned on its side. Did you know the average American wedding hosts 167 guests? -- and that’s far above the current guidelines for indoor or outdoor events in Michigan (and much of the United States) as of this writing. Many couples are choosing to postpone their weddings to fit in all the people they originally planned to invite, but other couples are getting creative. There’s hope! So, let’s talk about how you can move forward with a unique wedding plan that will dazzle your guests. Today, we’re going to discuss micro weddings, shift weddings, and sequel weddings. Let’s go!

Micro Weddings

A micro wedding is a small wedding with a reduced guest list. For our fellow Michiganders, that means up to 100 people outside (and less inside). This allows a couple to still have their wedding experience, but with immediate family and close friends only. For couples focused on the ceremony and the marriage, micro weddings offer a super intimate feel and allow couples to keep their plans amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Micro weddings can also help couples to save or re-allocate their budgets because of their reduced guest list. Want fancier flowers or a more expensive meal? --  micro weddings can help you achieve that. The challenge is deciding who “makes the cut,” which forces couples to eliminate some family members and friends. However, for those who don’t want to postpone their wedding and would love a more intimate vibe, this is a great option. Music pairing: For micro weddings, we recommend a smaller music group, like a duo featuring acoustic guitars or a piano and saxophone. If you are thinking of dancing at your micro wedding, many bands are now offering smaller versions that can still get the dance floor going. And of course, a DJ can provide the versatility to completely go with the flow of the party.

---

Shift Weddings

A shift wedding is a traditional wedding reception where the guest list is split into shifts, so the couple can still celebrate with a large group of people, just not at the same time. If you’re considering this option, we’re recommending splitting the party in half. Imagine starting the reception with your family members, mingling during a cocktail hour and enjoying a nice dinner with a smaller group of people. Then, leave some downtime for yourself while your vendors sanitize the space, and then bring in your friends for a dance party, with appetizers and desserts. This allows you to modify your original wedding without changing the guest list or adding an event post-COVID. This also helps create a more intimate vibe at each part of your wedding. As long as you are able to work with your venue and vendors to allow for a “sanitation break” in-between, this can be a great option! Music pairing: For shift weddings, we recommend a versatile band that can provide live music for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. For cocktails and dinner music, you might consider a smaller ensemble, like a jazz group, a solo guitarist or pianist, or a playlist for background music. For dancing with your friends, bring in the full band you were hoping for or the DJ that can bring the house down!

---

Sequel Weddings

Photo: Getty Images

If smaller groups just don’t feel like the right thing for you, consider a sequel wedding, which is a traditional wedding reception that happens in the future -- like a first-anniversary party -- which is paired with a micro wedding or elopement. A sequel wedding takes place after COVID restrictions are lifted and it is safe to have your full guest list celebrate with you. This choice is great for those who still want (or need) to make their marriage official during the pandemic, but want to celebrate it with all the people they originally planned to invite. A sequel wedding removes the process of choosing who not to invite, which can feel cutthroat or exclusive. The challenge is on the wallet because you’re effectively paying for two weddings instead of one. Music pairing: For sequel weddings, there are lots of options. First, we recommend trying to retain your existing vendor lineup. If you need help with coordinating dates and availability, we’re helping all of our clients with that, so please ask. If you’re pairing your sequel wedding with a micro wedding, check out the options above to see what fits your style. And of course, if the band or DJ you were originally working with isn’t available on your new/sequel date, shoot us a line and we can help.

---

What Makes Sense For You?

Right now, it’s tough to know what the foreseeable future holds in the COVID-19 crisis, but hopefully, these options provide some ideas for you to continue your excitement about getting married in 2020. If there’s anything we can do to make the decision easier for you, please reach out to us at Detroit Event Company. We’re here to help.

Matt Rappaport

Founder/CEO
Detroit Event Company
matt@detroiteventcompany.com

Schedule an Inquiry Call

Get a Quote