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Weddings

10 Wedding Trends That Are Passe (And What To Try Instead)

August 3, 2011 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Weddings
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Mini cupcakes, mason jar signature cocktails, calla lily bouquets… am I talking about every wedding you’ve been to in the last 2 years? Yea, me too. We’re sick of seeing the same good ideas repeated over and over again; these passe trends need some updating:

Over It: Mini Food

From mini cupcakes to sliders, wedding food keeps getting smaller and smaller, but surprisingly the catering bill stays the same size.


Try Instead: Big-Girl Portions

"Old-fashioned wedding candy bar"Serve your guests a whole meal – thus dramatically reducing the chance for black-outs later in the evening. Trending now in wedding food: live-grills, where your guests can see and smell their food cooking up!

Over it: Calla Lily Bouquets

"Ice cream truck for wedding catering"

The white, elongated flower had its moment — but the flower gods are telling me there are new trends to try.

Try Instead: Wildflowers

"Mason jar cocktail for wedding drinks"

Wildflowers aren’t just for hippie weddings anymore — a good florist can make a wildflower bouquet look as refined and feminine as any rare flower.

Over It: Round Paper Lanterns

"Mason jar lighting for wedding decor"

Once a beautiful summer lighting idea, this trend now gets the award for “Most Overused.”

Try Instead: Chandeliers Outdoors

"Whoopie pies as wedding desserts"

There’s something about elegant, indoor chandeliers hanging from trees or outdoor tents that we just love. Make sure you don’t skimp on the lighting guy, though!

Over It: Candy Bars

"Croquembouche for French weddings"

Yes, it’s photo-friendly — but everyone and their sweet little mama has done it.

Try Instead: Ice Cream Trucks

"Personalized silk fans for wedding guests"

Food trucks are so hot right now (Zoolander voice), and ice cream trucks are an even cooler way to serve your guests dessert.

Over It: Mason Jars for Cocktails

"Pack of sunglasses for wedding favors""Wedding bunting for decor"

Ok, full disclosure: I had mason jars at my wedding, like 2 months ago. But even I can admit they are so played out — especially for lemonade signature cocktails and candy favors. Sorry!

Try Instead: Mason Jars for Lighting

"Floral garland for wedding decoration"

We’re seen some very inspired assembly jobs when it comes to mason jar chandeliers and lighting. Check out Etsy seller, Treasure Again, who has over 20 pieces for sale.

Over It: Whoopie Pies

"Photo booth setup for weddings"

These clever, cream-filled treats have had their day.

Try Instead: Croquembouche

"Props for a wedding photo booth"

A glazed doughnut pyramid. What about that sentence DON’T you like?

Over It: Hand-Fan Favors

"Lemon drinks for wedding refreshments"Personalized Hand Fans ($50 for 20) are a summer favor staple, but let’s face it: you can do better.

Try Instead: Sunglasses

"Couple dancing at a wedding celebration"

The new must-have summer favor? Give your guests colorful Wayfarer Sunglasses ($69.99 for 24) — they’ll look great on the dancefloor!

Over It: Bunting

"Colorful wedding decor"

Banners or bunting are all over Etsy, which can only mean one thing: they’ve been done a million times since Sunday. They can be pretty, but there are so many other things to string — from mini lanterns to fresh flowers.

Try instead: Floral Garlands

"Welcome sign for wedding guests"

This BHLDN Floral Garland ($1,150) may be pricey, but take a photo of it to your florist and see if she can make something will real flowers for less.

Over It: Photo Booths

"Flowers used in wedding arrangements"

This idea is a bit dated; photo booths peaked in 2008, and since then brides have had to get more and more creative with how they take pictures. Plus, have you heard how much these things cost?!

Try Instead: Photo Props

"Mistakes to avoid when planning a wedding"

Get your guests to clown around for pictures by providing props – everything from pinwheels to pirate hats. Seeing your little grandmother with a mustache on is good for a few laughs; who doesn’t like to ham it up for photos?!

Over It: Signature Cocktail

"Wedding reception table setup"Every bride thinks she’s cute and clever to do this – and if you do come up with something yummy, guests can really go for it – but it is so done.

Try Instead: Signature Dance Move

"Young couple on their wedding day"

Instead of spending dough on first dance lessons, have your instructor create a signature dance move to teach guests on the dancefloor. This is one of our sillier ideas – but it’s pretty amazing. And definitely better than the macarena.

Shop our guides to the best strapless wedding dresses, white wedding shoes, and inexpensive wedding dresses.

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