In the same way that we’re ushering in the hottest new wedding trends, there are some trends that are ready to be retired before turning the page to 2025.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Esther Griffin Photography
Straight from wedding experts themselves, here are the top trends that have overstayed their welcome.
"I am ready for a few traditions to head on out! The bouquet and garter tosses, traditionally, I'm ready to see them phased out. No matter how I look at it, it just isn't that necessary in order to make a wedding day complete." —Jen Sulak, Weirdo Weddings
"The couple stopping in the middle of the aisle for a dip and kiss during the recessional. This choreographed move has become popular in part through social media. Weddings aren't photoshoots, and staged photos during the peak emotional moments of the day are a trend we can say goodbye to. In 2024, couples feel that they have to stop the momentum of just being married for this 'photo op.' The moments when couples walk down the aisle are the most beautiful, happiest, and blissful moments of perhaps their entire life. The authentic, candid captures from these just-married moments are always the most meaningful of the day and typically go in a frame and are passed down to generations. Turning moments into staged photoshoots, as opposed to letting the day unfold naturally, is a trend that can go away." —Melani Lust, Melani Lust Photography
"I, personally, am so ready to say goodbye to green — all shades of green. Do not get me wrong; it is beautiful, classic, and timeless. However, it is greatly overused right now. I live for weddings with fun colors in the flowers, dresses, and décor. They are spunky and unique. You do not see them on everyone's Pinterest board. If green and neutral is your thing, that is fantastic. Weddings are so fun when you make them your own and incorporate your personality. I am ready to see people embrace that side of it if they choose green. Have fun bar signs, tablescapes, and name tags, and make it who you are." —Kelsey Strickland, Twickenham House and Hall
"Don’t get me wrong, the retro film look for photos and videos is great and can be a lot of fun, but I don’t see it maintaining the same level of popularity going into 2025. In my opinion, the classic, natural, timeless style that stays true to colors will always hold strong. I think we'll see a shift, with more couples opting for that timeless, authentic look rather than the trendy retro aesthetic." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
"When it comes to invitations, couples need to collect RSVP information from their guests, and some are still asking guests to mail back a card. Now, couples have the option to collect RSVPs via their wedding website; mailing physical cards is an age-old tradition that we can happily retire. Couples can avoid additional postage costs and envelopes getting lost in the mail and make this task much easier and convenient for the guests to confirm their attendance instantaneously." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"I'm ready to say goodbye to weddings at more than one location for the ceremony and reception. Planning a wedding is challenging enough, and the additional logistics that go into multiple locations add to the stress. It can also add to the costs. With many out-of-town guests, transportation could be necessary. And then there are the timing difficulties of getting people from one location to the next while the couple is taking photos. Most venues have included either an outdoor or indoor wedding ceremony location option in their packages. Why not reduce the stress of the day by getting ready, starting, and ending the day all in one place?" —Shannon Tarrant, WeddingVenueMap.com
"Another popular 2024 trend that I'd love to say goodbye to is the use of props, such as foam light sticks on the dance floor, hats, glasses, and funky uplighting; those are props best saved for the photo booth if you must have them. Though props can be fun, they do reduce the photographer's ability to capture and present our clients with authentic moments and facial expressions." —Anna Solo, Anna Solo Photography
"We're all about changing up formal, highly structured floral arrangements and going for a more relaxed design. The formal high flowers lose personality appeal, so it's time to shine through with curated color palettes, freeform bouquets, and centerpieces." —Joan Wyndrum, Blooms By The Box
Bear in mind that there are no hard and fast rules about what you can and cannot include in your big day — if any of these trends on their way "out" speak to you, then it's worthwhile to let them shine in your wedding!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
