Small Weddings on the Rise in Key West

What about my wedding? How many of you have heard that from a family member or friend who is getting married this year? Oh COVID, you’ve really put a damper on many things this year, but Cupid still reigns when it comes to love. Today’s blog is a quick update on the wedding scene in Key West and how smaller weddings are becoming a trend.

We had a chance to sit with Jena Rose McCall, Complex Catering Sales Manager at our Key West Beach Resort, to talk about the latest wedding trends and how brides are adjusting during this time. Here’s what we learned:

A Look at What’s Trending

Rescheduling

Most of the brides are opting to reschedule their wedding date vs. cancel. They are not letting it (COVID) ruin their celebration, and they are rescheduling at a later day. For example, one of our weddings scheduled for May rescheduled for November. Not many cancellations just moving the date to a later time this year. Love wins!

Smaller weddings

Smaller weddings are on e of the biggest trends we’ve seen. For example, we had a party of 75 go down to 30 people with a guest list comprised of just close family and friends. It looks like less is more when it comes to planning a destination wedding.

Weekday Weddings Turn into Vacations

We are seeing some guests arriving on Sunday and depart the following Saturday, and the wedding ceremony is sometime during the week. It’s usually a Wednesday or Thursday. Our brides are looking for different ways to find the greatest value. The guests will stay longer and turn it into a vacation while attending the wedding celebration. We usually see if it is a three-night stay the guests usually fly in, but if they stay for the week, they’ll fly into South Florida, rent a car and take the scenic drive. It’s a wedding/vacay!

Smaller Wedding Groups Are Staying Together

We used to see some of the wedding guests stay at other properties in town, but a new trend is the small groups are staying together.

Welcome Parties, Ceremony, and Farewell Brunches

One other trend we are seeing is all wedding celebration events, including; welcome parties, ceremony, and farewell brunches, are taking place at the resort. Our clients have decided to keep everything, and everyone onsite. Our location (six acres of tropical paradise) offers many options for our guests to choose from, including two beaches, the tranquility pool, and our west lawn. Our romantic venues provide premium amenities and flexible spaces to host your special day (or week) the way you’ve always imagined it. The welcome parties and farewell brunches create a unique experience that compliments the wedding day celebration but stands on own as another memory of a lifetime.

Hand in hand, heart to heart, at the beach, our adventure starts.

Small Weddings on the Rise in Key West 2
Photo Credit: @elimbrooks2020

About Our Wedding Packages

Wedding planning can be so stressful, so we do our best to make it easy, quick, and convenient for all parties. Southernmost Beach Resort has created new wedding packages for the bride and groom and their closest friends and family.

The Intimate Ceremony is perfect for the bride and groom, who are ready to say I do without dealing with any stress that comes with wedding planning. This package has it all – Oceanfront Wedding Cabana for Ceremony, Bouquet and Boutonniere, Photography Services and Wedding Ceremony Officiate. This package is valid Monday–Thursday and is inclusive of service fees and taxCeremony times based on availability. It’s easy, quick, and convenient for all.

Key West Casual package is an intimate island wedding on the resort’s private beach that includes a 2-hour dinner reception and ease of having everything included.

Wedding Cake | Bridal Bouquet + 1 attendant + 2 boutonnieres

Center or Corner Arch Spray | Conch Shells and tropical leaves for Wedding Aisle

Tiki Torches (10)

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Oceanfront Beach Celebration is an upgraded option offering a separate ceremony and reception space for a 3-hour all-inclusive wedding reception.

Center or Corner Arch Spray | Lanterns and tropical leaves for Wedding Aisle | Tiki Torches (10)

The Beach Galla package is a full 4-hour reception that offers the private beach for the ceremony and a choice between the West Lawn or South Beach for the reception.

Wedding Cake | Bridal Bouquet + 1 attendant + 2 boutonnieres

Center or Corner Arch Spray | Lanterns and tropical leaves for Wedding Aisle

Tiki Torches (10) | Magical String Lights

We are sharing this information with our readers first! To learn more about Weddings at Southernmost Beach Resort contact JenaRose directly.

The Florida Keys and Key West Covid-19 Guidelines

Your safety is our priority. We know you know the drill, but remember to wear a mask, social distance, and wash hands. Masks are required in Key West. We have some good news for the bride and groom. During the ceremony and pictures, the bride and groom do not have to wear a mask – it’s only during that time. Stay up-to-date on COVID requirements in the Florida Keys & Key West.

In closing, we forgot to say the most important thing, Congratulations! You’re getting married! We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests on your special day (or week) the way you’ve always imagined it. #somolife