Despite COVID-19 circumstances, and the pandemic’s prolonged impact on gatherings throughout last year, we at Premiere, here in Austin, and at Party Time Rentals in College Station, were fortunate to have been allowed, throughout much of 2020, to help execute, a few relatively large weddings and a host of smaller weddings and wedding-related events.  While we certainly experienced our fair share of postponements and a few outright cancellations, and deeply empathize with the tough choices our couples had to make, we are so grateful to our couples who pushed forward, and despite the inherent difficulties, celebrated their marriage in meaningful ways, both grand and intimate. 

In this post we share, based on intense research and decades of wedding-industry experience, our take on what the New Year will bring to the 2021 wedding scene. Predictably, for as long as our communities are threatened by the pandemic, micro weddings, either planned by design or held by default (due to travel restrictions or travel concerns, potential COVID vulnerability and other factors), will continue taking the wedding world by a storm. If you’re newly engaged, (Congratulations!) a pintimate wedding, carefully planned from the outset, is definitely an interesting alternative. If you’re unfamiliar, a pintimate wedding is a personal and intimate wedding, also known as a Micro Wedding; a small, intimate wedding reception and/or ceremony typically celebrated with twenty to fifty guests.

Starting late last summer, and throughout the fall, Premiere and our sister store Party Time assisted with micro weddings by the score.  We found that, when you opt for a micro wedding, everything immediately becomes so much more meaningful as you focus on what, and above all, who, are really important to you. And while approaching the planning process from that perspective often lends itself to a more simple and minimalistic design…

…it doesn’t mean your special day has to be any less elegant or less extravagant, if that’s the vibe you want! Having a micro wedding allows you to hyper-personalize every last detail.   Because the numbers are lower, abundant time and ample resources can be dedicated to each and every invited guest and wedding detail you include. 

There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple and budget-friendly, but we urge you to remember that this is still your wedding day, and should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple and what you want. So we say splurge a little, and have the Pinterest-worthy wedding of your dreams on a smaller scale that you many have originally planned for or imagined.

Here are a few splurges we recommend for micro weddings:

The majority of our tabletop rentals (china, chargers, flatware, and napkins) are rented in quantities of 10’s so it’s easy to order for a small group!

Instead of Basic Z-ware, opt for the Heirloom China!

Consider adding a Bennett Wood Charger or Gold Banded Glass Charger to instantly elevate your table setting!

Although Excalibur glassware gets the job done, it’s your wedding! Trust us, choose the Melodia Crystal instead.

Euro Rim is a perfectly respectable flatware option, but we know you’re eyeing the Capri Brushed Gold!

It might be tempting to keep it simple with Economy linens, but we recommend the Velvet linens instead. Studies show your guests will spend up to 80% of their time “at the table” – what’s on that table, as well who’s “at it”, makes a huge difference. Now is also the best time to order your linen rentals as we’re running our annual Linen Special between January 11th and February 1st. Check out the details here!

Step up your seating! Out with the basic folding chairs and in with the classic X-Back Chairs! Bonus points if you do assigned ceremony seating for an extra personal touch!

Looking for something a bit more luxurious?

You’re in good company! Sometimes you have something unique in mind, and that’s where Premiere Select, our Luxury Collection enters. Think of it as a rental boutique with upscale selections for high-end weddings, celebrations and social affairs in and around Austin and Central Texas. We offer a complete line of specialty flatware, glassware, china, chargers, linens, furniture, and decorative cake tables. If we don’t have it, we probably know where to get it or how to make a custom version just for you!

We had the most fun working on the design of this stunning wedding at a private residence last year. Through Premiere Select, we assisted the client with custom draping throughout the property, tables and chairs for the ceremony and reception, tabletop rentals, and even helped with coordinating the lighting and signage for this incredibly chic wedding. More truly is more!

Thinking big and outside the box!

And maybe a pintimate microwedding isn’t your cup of tea! There are still safe ways to celebrate with larger crowds and have the macro wedding of your dreams, as long as you’re operating within the gathering limitations imposed by your local government offices. We’ve partnered with many COVID-19-conscious couples to help them host weddings within the necessary parameters and make their guests comfortable!

As 2021 picks up, we expect to see a lot more outdoor events and wedding ceremonies and receptions. 

With the unpredictability of Texas weather, that means tents, whether for rain and bad weather plans, or to create shade on a warm spring or hot summer day!

Even if the weather is great, a tent frame without the top and dramatic lighting creates such a romantic atmosphere.

2021 in color

Bold color palettes reign supreme. With Pantone’s cheery yellow tone, Illuminating, and simplistic neutral, Ultimate Gray, we’re bound to see endless variety.

Many millennial couples are also taking inspiration from the 80’s and 90’s with bright hues like fuchsia, papaya orange, sunny yellow, bright reds, and teal blues.

And for those who prefer something more subtle, you still can’t go wrong with warm neutrals, crisp light blues, and pastel lavender.

Don’t forget to plan for the uninvited guest, COVID-19.

Whether large or small, highly-detailed or super simple – however you choose to voice your promises and celebrate your love, your special day will be a beautiful expression of your commitment. Regardless of your choice to proceed with a full-size or narrowed down wedding guest list, we recommend implementing COVID safety precautions into your plans, like Acrylic Buffet Sneeze Guards, Hand Sanitizer Stations, and of course masks. We’re so impressed by the creative ways our clients kept their guests safe!

Curious how we’re handling our operations and inventory differently during COVID? Check out our Risk Mitigation Plan here! We also put together a blog post last fall to show different table set ups with 6 guests while setting up a socially distanced seating display in our South Showroom that may help with visualizing your plans.

No matter if this is your first wedding, second or third marriage, or you got eloped during COVID-19 and are ready to host your sequel wedding, we’re here to help you in this part of your journey as much or as little as you need. Even if you want to use your family’s china but just need a few extra chairs, or you need a tent, tables, glasses, and the whole set up in your backyard or venue, we are ready, willing and able to accommodate!

Please visit us at either of our two 2 Austin locations, North (11002-A Metric Blvd.) and South (11810 Menchaca Rd.) for your convenience! We’re open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm by appointment, and Saturday appointments may be arranged with extra advance notice subject to availability. We are also happy to welcome you to our College Station showroom at Party Time Rentals, our sister store. If you’re not ready to visit in person, we’re also available for virtual showroom visits, via Zoom or the platform of your choice . . . To get started, please complete our contact form.

In the meantime, here’s wishing you a safe, healthy and happy 2021.