I recently attended my first wedding since the COVID pause. It was a really special experience for several reasons, and it felt very reflective of the trends we’re anticipating for 2022. Perhaps most significantly, I was struck by how genuinely excited everyone was to be there. Also, I think the COVID pause has allowed couples to take new liberties when it comes to certain wedding traditions—they have waited so long for this moment, they are going to do it their way. Guests are so happy to celebrate that no one seems to care if the couple skips the traditional first dance, or there is no wedding party. And couples can focus more on the guest experience to ensure everyone feels taken care of and has a great time. It is really a win-win.

Our industry is the belle of the ball right now! While other industries are cutting back on services offered a la “Skimpflation,” events and hospitality businesses are standing out. We have spent the last two years saving events and going above-and-beyond for clients. Consumers know and see the hard work we have done. This will continue to benefit our industry as people are willing to pay top dollar to service providers that they know will deliver. I am seeing this in bigger client event budgets, and less price pushback than in years before.

Having recently returned from a trade show and conference, I am truly inspired by my peers in the hospitality, meeting, and event industries. Despite a global pandemic and the rapid changes in our industry, we have all worked hard to persevere while creating new and innovative solutions to an ever-changing business. 2022 will continue to be a year of growth, exploration, and opportunity as we look for new ways to connect and engage our audiences in a safe way. This industry is here to stay.

I am very optimistic that 2022 will return to pre-COVID levels, unless of course a new variant emerges. Here’s what we’re seeing:

• Curated guest lists: Because of the pandemic, couples have felt more freedom about reducing the number of attendees. Many 2022 couples are planning more intimate weddings with 50 or fewer guests; this allows them to stretch their budgets in other ways.
• Weekday events: Many venues and hotels are booked for weekend dates during 2022. Couples postponed their wedding dates, and, of course, folks continued to get engaged, which is resulting in high competition for weekend weddings.
• Hybrid events: These are likely to continue into 2022. Adding a virtual element to a traditional live event structure, hybrid events allow small groups to take part in face-to-face sessions, which are then shared with a larger audience using digital platforms.

I am filled with positivity when I think about what the future of the wedding industry holds in 2022. It’s only going up, right? After dealing with the loss and disappointments of 2020, then the chaos of the wedding boom in 2021, 2022 looks to be a year of positivity. Budgets are bigger than ever, while couples are focused on what is most important—their marriage and their nearest and dearest. Our weddings in 2022 are much more thoughtful, while at the same time full of luxe details.

A big lesson learned for wedding and event pros who have been attempting to avoid incorporating technology into their company is that they cannot exist without it. Couples and clients planning events have no patience for anything but a streamlined and easy experience. So many have taken the plunge and as a result, will have a better work/life balance in 2022. When you lessen administrative tasks with automation and increase the ability for clients to interact virtually, it means more time for your craft or family.

2021 has been an intense year for the industry, with many event professionals shining a light on the foundation of their businesses to establish a sustainable brand that stands the test of time. Take a moment to evaluate your current marketing efforts and determine if they still align with your big-picture business goals.

Going into the new year, it will be vital to find the balance between the booms and busts. Both are inevitable, so avoid spiraling during slow periods and overcompensating during busy periods. Instead, learn to trust yourself, your marketing, your intuition, and your ability to succeed. A slow month is not a failure, but rather an opportunity to reflect and recharge. A busy month is not a time to do it all, but rather a chance to prioritize what’s most important and protect your energy.

As we navigate the ups and downs 2022 has in store for us, authenticity will help you find stability and strength. Instead of jumping on the latest fads and novelties, stay true to yourself and don’t lose sight of the values that have driven you so far. Trust is built through transparency, both in terms of who you are and what you offer to the world. Start the new year by celebrating all that makes you and your business unique, then carry that with you throughout 2022 and beyond.