13 Wedding Trends You Should Ignore This Year

1 | Photo Booths

Face it: Photo booths are tacky. There will be plenty of chances for guests to get perfect shots on your wedding day; there's no need to supply them with cheap props and a booth for them to pose in. Instead, Sarah Bramhall, the resident wedding specialist at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, in upstate New York, suggests investing in a photographer and videographer to capture the authentic moments on your wedding day. 

2 | Blush and Gold

The blush and gold trend is overdone and, as such, should be avoided. According to Melody Williams, executive director at Vegas Weddings in Las Vegas, sunset colors are a much better option for 2019. Yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples are bright and eye-catching, she says. "They also create a romantic look that can be tailored to any season—go with deep pinks and purples for winter, and bright oranges and yellows for spring."

3 | Unusual Cake Flavors

Unusual cake flavors—like coffee and cream, hazelnut almond, or whatever "pink champagne" is—are all the rage right now, but it's best to stick to basics when it comes to your wedding. Chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet may not exactly wow your entire guest list, but they're sure to please just about everyone.

If you're looking to spice things up when it comes to dessert, instead of exotic flavors, serve cupcakes, and just have a smaller cake for you and your partner to cut into. This will allow for more flavor options, too. And if you want even more of a variety, Ericka Luna, the catering director at Pechanga Resort & Casino, in Temecula, California, says, "Non-traditional is the new traditional. We're seeing cupcake tiers, candy bars, mini pies, and even latte stations." 

4 | Party Favors

Party favors for your guests are just unnecessary. It's a trend that simply wastes money. Bramhall says, "Use that money for something that your guests can enjoy at the wedding, like a dessert bar or fun cocktail accessories." Your attendees will be much more appreciative.

5 | Flower Crowns

Your wedding isn't Coachella—and, while it's important to show off own personal style, your wedding day probably isn't the best time to break out your flower crown. Instead, opt for an elegant braided look that includes small, pinned flowers. 

6 | Rustic Themes

The rustic thing has been done way too many times. It's high time to move on from burlap and mason jars. Luna suggests opting for a more natural theme, by using things you can actually find outside in nature. For example: use traditional glassware, but decorate the tables with hand-picked bouquets. All in all, this will create a more elegant and unique feel for when you're tying the knot.

7 | Fake Flowers

Fake flowers might be easy to take care of and cheap to buy in bulk, but you shouldn't even consider using them on your special day. They look cheap and have no place in a wedding space. Use real flowers for all bouquets and centerpieces—or don't use flowers at all.

8 | Trendy Dresses

Justina Michaels, a New York City–based wedding planner and the owner of Fitting Fêtes, an event planning company that specializes in weddings, says, "The wedding trend I think everyone should always avoid is buying a dress that is en vogue. Years later, a bride may regret wearing something that doesn't fit her personality or the look and theme of the wedding." Michaels suggests choosing a comfortable, timeless dress that represents you—not trends.

9 | Recreating Pinterest Photos

You're going to want to look back on your wedding photos for, hopefully, the rest of your life. And, though you may not realize it in the moment, flipping through an album of overly posed photos is sure to be a drag. To that end, Dawn Browne, a wedding photographer at Degrees North Images, suggests staying away from trying to recreate photos you've seen on the internet: "This trend adds stress to an already tightly scheduled day." Instead, use your time wisely and allow your photographer to capture moments unique to you and your partner. You'll enjoy these authentic photos much more than posed ones.

10 | Charging Stations

Charging stations are popping up at weddings more and more, but this is another trend you should stay away from. Yes, it's practical, but Bramhal advises brides and grooms to encourage their guests to just unplug and enjoy the event. Weddings are supposed to be fun: Eat! Drink! Dance! Be merry! That can't happen if everyone's glued to a screen the whole time.

11 | Digital Invitations

Digital wedding invitations are becoming more and more popular, namely for the sake of convenience. But there is something special about receiving a wedding invitation in the mail. Keep things traditional and send out real invitations to all of your guests.

12 | Huge Bridal Parties

Don't listen to Instagram. It's not necessary to make every friend, cousin, and former one-semester college roommate a bridesmaid. A smaller, more intimate bridal party is the way to go, and will make for a more personal wedding day.

13 | Flash Mobs

C'mon: Do we even need to explain? Overdone, cheesy, and not only on the way out—they're already out. Don't even think about it. If you really want to get weird, lift inspiration from the 27 Weirdest Themed Weddings That Actually Happened.

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