“Chaos” best describes the 2021 wedding season, but maybe not in the way you’re thinking.

Traditionally, when you hear the word chaos you think of confusion and disorder. And yes, there was still some of that lingering from the previous year and planning a wedding during a global pandemic.

But when I think about chaos, the unpredictability and formlessness of this wedding season come to mind. And I mean that in a really good way.

Each wedding was totally unique, and the industry-standard shifted. Sure, it challenged vendors and couples, but it also helped highlight the things that were important. Wedding celebrations became more individualized and less superficial. The table details meant a little less and the connections meant significantly more.

Seeing each wedding with its own set of rules and defining moments were special. For some, it was an intimate elopement followed by a simple sharing of a cookie. It meant hugging grandpa and grandma a little bit harder and longer. And for others, it meant the wait was finally over, and they could throw their dream celebration.

2021 brought unexpected change and a new definition to “wedding” within the industry.

Whether it’s for a singular word or an entire wedding, sometimes we need a new definition.