Each year brings in a fresh crop of wedding trends and 2021 has been no different. And as new ideas and inspo come into play, others have definitely run their course. Here are the trends we are seeing left behind and being replaced with what couples will use to stand out on their big day.
Out: Flower Walls
In: Hanging Florals
We admit it, flower walls are beautiful, but they've been featured at so many weddings that they’ve lost their wow factor. Instead of focusing blooms into just one wall, spread them out or change the perspective by drawing guests’ eyes up with a hanging floral installation.
Out: Cute Wedding Signs
In: Custom Signage
Those signs telling couples to “pick a seat, not a side” are cute, but they don’t really serve any real purpose. We recommend working directly with your stationer to design custom signage that ties in with your invitation suite and making sure those signs are actually useful, such as directing guests to the cocktail hour or letting them know where the restrooms are located. And when it comes to signage, less is definitely more.
Out: Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
In: Same Color, Different Styles
Gone are the days where your bridesmaids wear matching shoes and gowns, (check out our last post a few weeks ago) Instead, more bridesmaids will be wearing a gown in the color palette that the bride chooses, but in the style that they feel most comfortable in.
Out: Mason Jars
In: Other Repurposed Items
Wedding planners all agree: It’s time for mason jars to say farewell. I think it’s safe to say mason jars have run their course, period. Try some mixed-metal galvanized tins, glass cylinders in different heights, or terracotta pots in different colors or sizes. You can still DYI or thrift shop for all of these vintage items.
Out: Wedding Favors
In: Extra Guest Experience
While the concept of wedding favors is a lovely sentiment, if guests had a choice between an additional tray passed appetizer option or a fun activity like a photo booth at a wedding, they would choose those over a favor any day. Get creative, we have seen so many companies popping up for lawn game rentals, live bands we are sure guest will enjoy. One of my top favorite experience I have seen at a reception was a Caricature Artist hired for guest to have pictures drawn.
Out: Sit-Down Dinners
In: Creative Cocktail Receptions
We are seeing more couples that are ditching the traditional sit-down dinner for a more flavorful cocktail reception style reception, couples are focusing on what they can offer their guests instead of just the usual beef, fish, and poultry choice. The charcuterie boards paired with heavier appetizers like sliders or mini anything have become so popular, we are seeing it all the time.
Out: Champagne Toast
In: Artisan Cocktail
Instead of champagne glasses on a wall, consider crafting a unique cocktail and have servers greet guests with an artisan beverage that can then be used to toast the bride and groom. Splurge the money on a fun eye catching signature drink that all of your guest will want to photograph.
Out: Dessert Buffet
In: Wedding Cake
While couples opted for dessert buffets in an effort to be different, the wedding cake is definitely making a comeback, but not just a plain buttercream cake or small cutting cake. We are talking about a tiered cake that tastes as good as it looks, intentional design in line with the aesthetic, and making it the centerpiece of the reception. Overall the cake should complement the event design and tie in details from other aspects of the wedding. Want to take it a step further? Opt for individual cakes for each place setting, an interactive dessert, or a wall display of mini cakes.
I’m sure you can get away with a few of these items not being replaced but why not try something new that everyone will want to talk about for the rest of the year.
Happy Planning
XOXO
Photography: Ashtyn Nicole Photography, Rich Faiva Photography, Kayla Fisher Photography, J. Sonive Photography
Content: www.theaisleguide.com