Weddings in 2021: Celebrate Safely. Celebrate in Style. | The Benson Hotel

Weddings in 2021: Celebrate Safely. Celebrate in Style.

The modern wedding industry faces an unprecedented challenge in 2021: It seems that “for better or for worse” and “in sickness and in health” has taken on a whole new meaning. The last year has changed the way we look at celebrating life’s most memorable moment. The pandemic has forced a reckoning among engaged couples, inspiring them to reevaluate their priorities and find ways to make their special day more intentional, all while being vigilant about guests’ health and safety.  The Benson’s wedding specialist will help inspire you with ideas for wedding touches that will take your 2021 “I Can’t” wedding to “I Do.”

With social distancing still in place, and some state regulations around safe serving, pod seating at wedding venues are necessary and unique ways of keeping guests safe. Tables of four to six instead of 10 to 12 can be a fun way of bringing family and friends together in a more intimate way. Also, if you’re a fan of the sweetheart table, now is your time to embrace it. Thanks to food service restrictions, caterers are opting for a more personalized serving style; think individual plates and cones in lieu of charcuterie boards and family-style meals. There’s also a return of really elegant plated course meals, which is an opportunity for couples to get creative and make each place setting feel special.

Don’t feel tied to conventional wedding favors:  Showing gratitude never goes out of style. Neither will health and safety. Masks, hand sanitizer or handmade soaps can be customized with your initials, logo, or wedding date. Handwritten notes or personalized favors on each plate can also be unique touches for your guests.

Let’s not forget dessert!  For safety reasons, and also to make guests feel more special, couples might consider serving individual wedding cakes. These can be placed at a seated dinner or sent home as a treat at the end of the night.

Also, never underestimate the importance of entertainment at weddings. People may not remember the flowers or the taste of the cake but they will surely remember the fun they had!  With dancing out of the question for some, couples are reimagining entertainment. A concert-style reception with live music could be worth the investment and create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Whether you’re one of the many who opted for a “sequel wedding” (wed now, party later), and are now planning the large party that followed your more intimate exchange of vows, or are purposefully choosing to downsize your special day, one thing is for certain: Celebrations are a keystone of family and community. They’ve also been a part of The Benson’s foundation for more than a century. The Benson offers wedding packages ranging from all-inclusive micro weddings to parties of grand scale, all offering flexibility and affordability, with cleanliness and sanitation as fundamental aspects of our service. Learn more about weddings at The Benson here or call 503.219.6713.

The Benson, a historic downtown Portland hotel, has long catered to celebrities, CEOs, dignitaries and every U.S. president since William H. Taft. It offers guests 287 tastefully appointed guest rooms, including a variety of suites, 18,000 square feet of meeting space and abundant guest amenities. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, The Benson offers comfort, luxury and proximity to all Portland has to offer.

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