Here are some trends that are out (or should be) and some trends that are in:
1. OUT: Large wedding parties — IN: Wedding parties with just those who are dearest and closest or just the bride and groom
2. OUT: Tiaras — IN: Elegant hair pin or a single bloom
3. OUT: Fairy tale princess themes (unless it’s your Sweet 16, leave the princess themes to the teenagers)
4. OUT: Chocolate fountains – IN: Candy buffets, mini dessert buffets or butlered served confections on silver trays
5. OUT: Ice sculptures of initials, hearts and swanns – IN: Bars made entirely of ice
6. OUT: Bouquet & garter tosses – IN: Bouquet & boutonniere dedications
7. OUT: Mashed potato bar – IN: Sushi bar
8. OUT: Chi-chi hors d’oeuvres – IN: Mini old fashioned comfort foods: mini grilled cheese sandwiches, pigs-in-a-blanket, mini serving of mac n cheese, deviled eggs, fried chicken lollipops, or mini burgers
9. OUT: Typical first dances – IN: Surprise your guests by dancing to a collection of your favorites songs (fast, slow, or both)
10. OUT: Formal wedding party introductions at the reception – IN: Presentation of the couple ONLY at the reception
11. OUT: Brown/Pink and Brown/Blue color themes – IN: Brown is normally paired with a soft pastel, try it with Kelly green or cranberry which speaks to the new trend of using bold colors
12. OUT: Photo Montages at the reception – IN: Photo booths or instant photo shots taken during the reception
13. OUT: A wedding cake decorated with lots of stuff: repeating swags, columns, basket weaves, pearls and sitting on gold or silver foil board
14. OUT: Martini bars – IN: Bars with a four drink menu called: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, or a wine tasting table, sangria bar, hot cocoa bar, smoothie bar, or an after-dinner drink bar (cordial, port, brandy)
15. OUT: Salads as a first course – IN: Soups (hot or cold) or an individually served hors d’oeuvre
16. OUT: Candies wrapped in tulle, candied almonds, mini photo frames & personalized candy wrapper bars – IN: Donations to a charity in lieu of a guest favor
17. OUT: Traditional large centerpieces — IN: Centerpiece of varying heights and sizes interspersed with candles
18. OUT: Big “I Do” letters
19. OUT: Tiffany themed weddings – IN: Bold colors – strong yellows, rich purples, bright greens, and shocking pinks
20. OUT: Balloons or small white Christmas lights for decoration
