Wedding Trends: What's In and What's Out?
If you're planning a wedding soon, you probably want to ensure it's a memorable experience for everyone involved. But with trends changing like the seasons, which traditions are considered timeless and which ones are now outdated? From garden settings to sparkler send-offs, here's what's in and what's out for wedding trends.
1. Garden Settings
Weddings set in lush gardens will always be a timeless theme. Whether it's being surrounded by nature or the beautiful contrast between green and white, this is a trend that will never go out of style. Plus, you, your spouse-to-be, and all your guests will be able to soak in all that gorgeous sunshine.
2. Historic Venues
Of course, the weather doesn't always swing our way, so sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. Instead of holding a garden wedding, you may prefer staying indoors—and historic venues make perfect settings.
3. Clean, Minimalist Styles & Designs
You likely also wouldn't want your wedding to look cluttered and disorganized, which is why most choose minimalistic designs and themes. Keeping the styling simple, clean, and pure also shifts the focus to where it matters most: the pair getting wedded.
4. Bespoke Menus
On your and your spouse-to-be's special day, having bespoke menus will turn up that charm just that much more. Having a personalized menu—one that caters to all of your guests—will make everything feel seamless, personalized, and wholly unique.
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5. Monogram Details
Since you're getting married and you're in the spotlight, why not highlight that even more? Getting your monogram detailed onto napkins, tablecloths, glasses, and chairs will make the evening feel so much more special. Plus, these can be taken home to keep as memories.
6. Neutral Color Palette
As with sticking to a minimalistic style and design, you'll likely want a neutral palette. That, of course, doesn't mean that you can't have random pops of yellows, blues, and pinks. But keeping to a simple color scheme will, again, allow everything to look clean and chic.
7. Vintage Car Exit
We can't forget about driving out in a vintage car with the "just married" ribbon! We saw that having a dramatic exit after getting married to the love of your life is absolutely necessary. (Don't forget to toss your bouquet behind you if you haven't yet!)
8. Long, White Gown
While you can choose different dress lengths and colors for your own wedding, a long, white gown will always look timeless. You can either pick one that has the train—the portion of the dress that sweeps against the floor as you walk down the aisle—or a puffy skirt that hits perfectly at your feet.
9. Lots of Florals
A wedding isn't a wedding without lots of flowers. Whether it's bouquets, flower crowns, or small blooms you can weave around the hair, florals should dominate your special day. You can also choose different varieties to add accents of color that will complement your overall palette.
10. Wedding Song
What's more special than dancing with your new life partner? Dancing with them to the tune of your special song, of course! If you have a track that's dear to you both, make sure to add it to the playlist for your wedding day so you can spin, prance, and boogie around to it.
Now that we've covered the 10 timeless wedding trends, let's flip the switch and jump into the 10 outdated ideas you should probably skip.
1. Large Bridal Parties
Large bridal parties are a thing of the past. Nowadays, it's generally best to keep these gatherings small and intimate, inviting only the people closest to you; things can get messy and disorganized quickly otherwise. Keeping a tighter circle also allows your group to quality spend more time together.
2. Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
The tradition of having all your bridesmaids wear the exact same dress is starting to fall off-trend. Not only that, but it doesn't look as visually interesting or pleasing. Instead, choose a color or pattern to follow, then let your bridesmaids add their own flair of personality to the table.
3. Boring Cocktail Hour Spread
If you're thinking of creating personalized, one-of-a-kind main course dishes to serve your guests, then do the same for cocktail hour. The customary dishes like cheese plates can come off dull and banal, so it's better to curate a spread that's as special as the main dinner menu.
4. Guest Books
It's said that guest books were once a legal requirement to document the names of the people who served as "witnesses" to your wedding. That's now a thing of the past, and some couples may choose to skip the book altogether. If you're planning to have one, though, try a digital guest book where your friends and family can leave photos with their notes, or have them record their messages via voicemail through a secret phone.
5. Sparklers
Sparkler send-offs are also becoming a thing of the past. Though they can make for a great photo, at the end of the evening when everyone's tired and uncoordinated from celebratory drinks, it can be a hassle to get lined up for the perfect shot. It's better to send off your guests with a small snack or treat and a final song and dance.
6. Ice Sculptures
While ice sculptures are beautiful to look at, they can also be costly, and they don't serve much purpose other than being an extra thing to look at. Since weddings are already so expensive to plan, save your money or spend it elsewhere.
7. Bows
Bows are another thing that is falling out of tradition. Sure, they can be cute and add a nice touch to your overall decor, but a heavy hand can make these come off rather juvenile-looking. Instead, for a decorative element, stick to florals or greens for a clean, minimalistic style.
8. Wedding Cake
You might think a wedding cake is a must during your big day, but this tall-tiered treat is no longer something everyone expects. Gone also is the cake-in-the-face tradition. Of course, you can decide for yourself if having cake is important, but there are better dessert options out there.
9. Garter Toss
Though the bouquet toss is something others might still hold dear, the garter toss is one that's viewed as outdated—and even sleazy. If you want to avoid having an awkward moment, it's best to leave this medieval trend behind.
10. Your Officiant Must Be Someone Professional
Some may believe that your marriage officiant must be a recognized professional, like a priest or other religious figure, or someone who's legally qualified, like a judge or mayor. But depending on the laws of your country and region, you might be able to have a friend or family officiate the wedding, which adds a personal, intimate touch.
