Events & Weddings In New Braunfels, Texas

2020 was quite the year. While it wasn’t ideal, we had many beautiful weddings to celebrate. As Gruene’s premier wedding venue, we enjoy seeing all different kinds of weddings. Wedding styles that fit each one of our brides personalities make every weekend exciting. Wedding trends we saw in 2020 were: smaller weddings with a higher price point per guest, flowers were out and greenery was in, and one of favorites of course, is mix and match brides maids dresses.

Like last year, 2021 will not disappoint. Many of those same trends will continue into the new year. We will see many new wedding trends that are going to bring fresh style and new ideas to events. Here are our professional advice on weddings in Gruene Texas and 2021 wedding trends.

They’re Going to Be Outside

Pre 2020, weddings could happen in just about any space. Outdoor and garden style weddings are going to popular wedding trends for a long time. Social distancing and guest safety are now an important part of every event. Finding event spaces that offer open air options is critical to having events in the post pandemic world. This is a seismic shift for the wedding industry. Most event spaces aren’t versatile and are unable to adapt to this trend.

Gruene Estate is ideally positioned as the premier open air wedding venue in New Braunfels and Gruene Texas. Our original historic open air wedding chapel and open air pavilion allows guests to socially distance and still enjoy a beautiful Texas wedding. This advantage has given our brides the ability to have their events and accommodate a large guest count safely.

Weddings Will Be Smaller

The past few years we have seen weddings trending smaller with a higher price point per guest. This will continue to be the trend in 2021. The average guest count for weddings nationwide in 2017 was 185, 2018 was 173, 2019 was 171, and 2019 was 157. There are advantages to smaller guest counts. Couples can spend more money per guest to create an elevated wedding experience. Here is a opportunity to find some high end and unique wedding vendors. Cigar rollers, live wedding paintings, bands, or a late night desert food truck are all possible options.

Weddings Will Be Local

International destination weddings are a thing of the past for the forseeable future. There is a rise in destinations that are a car or short plane ride away. Short travel prioritizes guest safety and makes travel easier for everyone involved—no passport required. Venues such as Gruene Estate offering open air options are in demand. Ideally situated in Gruene and New Braunfels, Gruene Estate offers easy access to Gruene Hall, floating the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, and two historic downtowns with an incredible night life. Gruene and New Braunfels are Texas’ premier wedding destination.

Versatile Attire

Speaking of new wedding trends for 2021. Adaptability is the name of the fashion game. Pieces that can be worn in different ways and are able to adapt to different settings is the trend right now. Alterations are perfect for weddings. We have seen lots of brides where two different dresses: one for the ceremony and one for the reception. Slight alterations like a frock or removable train works great for switching things up post ceremony.

Days of the Week

Weekday weddings are going to be very popular option for 2021. Due to shifting dates from 2020, many of the prime weekend dates are going to be taken, so weekdays give you more date options. Week days also allow you to book your preferred vendors, so this will save you a significant amount of money both at the venue and with vendors.

Gruene Estate offers significant discounts on week day weddings. We also have a vast array of inhouse décor, and new options to upgrade your event in house. Our Shastagram photo booth and luxury lounge rental options make it easy and convenient to take advantage of our unique upgrades.

Although 2020 was hard, we are looking forward to 2021 and these new wedding trends. Outdoor weddings, wardrobe alterations and smaller events are going to be the new normal. Send us an email and we would love to hear all about your gorgeous dream wedding!

Photos Jessica Chole Photography