Though it may be less about a surge in the popularity of marriage, and more about getting through the backlog of events rescheduled from 2020 and 2021, 2022 is set to be a huge year for weddings.

After long months of lockdowns and other restrictions, hopeful couples everywhere are looking forward to celebrating the happiest day of their lives in the company of family and friends.

“Prepping for the Year of Many, Many Weddings. After much holdover, nuptials are back on
for 2022 and invites are piling up.” New York Times

It could also be that being locked down together at home has brought some couples closer and maybe accelerated the popping of the question. After all, having only your significant other for company, day in and day out, gives you plenty of time to assess whether they are truly the love of your life – and how serious their commitment is.

Just married - Bride and groom barefoot with shoes

2022 - The year of the wedding

So, what do the numbers say? According to market research firm The Wedding Report, a staggering 2.5 million or more American couples are forecast to tie the knot in 2022. That’s the highest number since 1984, apparently – although why 1984 was a peak year for weddings is anyone’s guess!

What will post-Covid weddings look like?

This time last year, we talked about a number of new wedding trends. Some of these – including the sustainability-focused eco-wedding, and the outdoors wedding on a beach or other exotic natural location – are gaining increasing momentum and will definitely continue through into 2022 and beyond.

2022 wedding trends to look out for

The micro-wedding, or “mini-mony”

wedding table setting on the beach - destination wedding.

A smaller, more intimate ceremony with close family and friends. Why risk having to cancel a huge event at the last minute? Instead, focus on quality and the people you care about most. Make it special.
The sequential wedding, or “anni-ception” – for those who went ahead with getting legally
married during the time of restrictions. Now, on the date of their first anniversary, they’re
planning to celebrate their Big Day with a large-scale event.

The clustered or shift wedding

wedding table setting bride plate tropical destination wedding

Meaning several smaller gatherings ranging from breakfasts and long, lazy lunches to high teas and intimate dinners. It could be spread out over an entire weekend, with different guests invited to different occasions.

Elopement

destination beach wedding Bawah Reserve Indonesia

Perfect for those who don’t want to risk having to postpone, downsize or even cancel their event, this remains a popular choice. It’s a step beyond the micro-wedding, and what could be a more romantic and authentically intimate way of exchanging vows? Just think – when you eliminate the logistics of guests, you can truly choose the venue of your dreams!

The postponed honeymoon, or “later-moon”

bride on the beach on swing - destination wedding indonesia

For those who’ve had to settle for a minimoon (smaller honeymoon), a nano-moon (local, staycation-style getaway), or even no honeymoon at all. Or even as a way to make the most of annual leave that’s been building up– that next wedding anniversary is a great excuse!

Weddings and honeymoons at Bawah Reserve

asian wedding couple on beach - wedding arch tropical destination wedding

Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, Bawah Reserve in Indonesia is a collection of six tropical islands – a place of breath-taking beauty and easy, natural charm. But this is only part of what makes Bawah a paradise for idyllic destination weddings featuring that indefinable wow-factor.

honeymoon couple on the jetty at Bawah Reserve

With two distinctively stunning and unique retreats – one on Bawah Island, the other on Elang Island – we offer a variety of options to help you create a bespoke package for the wedding and honeymoon of your dreams.

For anything from an intimate wedding ceremony to a large and lavish celebration, or something in between, we look forward to helping you plan the perfect occasion.

Go on – we’d love to be part of your happily ever after!