Wedding Ideas Trending Now

There's nothing I love more sometimes than something adorably vintage. Nothing wrong with sticking to a tradition that means a lot to you! However, I hate to see brides continue to include something in their wedding that has no meaning or purpose to them purely for tradition's sake. Weddings are expensive! The last thing you need is to include one more thing in your wedding that doesn't bring you joy. With that being said, here are some of my favorite wedding trends that I am seeing of things people are leaving out and new things that they are including!

1. Wedding Favors - I don't think I still have a favor from any wedding I've ever been to, nor is that what I look forward to when I'm going to a wedding. I'm going for the cake and alcohol (and the bride and groom of course). This is one of those traditions I really think we could stand to leave in the past. I promise you people won't know the difference. If you still feel obligated to do a favor though, maybe try incorporating it into your reception seating (i.e. shooter bottles attached to their seating tag) or a sweet treat to take home for people who didn't get a chance to get some cake. Otherwise, don't feel guilty for not including a favor!

2. Not Saving your First Look for the Aisle. - Trust me, this one is going to make your wedding day flow so much more smoothly. It might not be a new trend, but I think it's important to include. Doing a first look before your ceremony will allow you and your partner time to spend with each other before all the guests arrive, It also doesn't leave your guest hanging while you and your photographer are trying to get all of those stunning memorable photos. Do as many photos before the ceremony as you can and for the rest of the day you can relax, enjoy your guests, and party.

3. Sand Pouring/Candle Lighting/Any Other Unity Item - This one might be a little controversial, and again, if something means a lot to you, then do it! However, I think sometimes brides feel the need to make their ceremony more "special" or extensive by including a unity item. If this is not something that would be really meaningful to you, I say pass it up! The ceremony doesn't have to be long to be meaningful. In fact, keeping it short and only including what's important to you will probably make it more memorable in people's minds than a long ceremony with a lot of extras. People have short attention spans. Unless it's something you will remember forever, cut it out.

4. Wedding Cake - Again, this might not be a very new trend, but I hear a lot of people talk about how they don't really love wedding cake. but feel like they have to have one. I think it is just as cute and really unique to have dounuts or ice cream at your wedding if that is something you love. As long as you have options for people to pick their favorites, these untraditional desserts can be just as good, if not more fun for guests, and mean more to you.

I could go on and on about wedding traditions, but I think these are the most valuable tips and something you should definitely not feel guilty giving up if you want to! If nothing else, this is your permission to do what you want on your wedding day. Wear what you want, do what means the most to you, and enjoy your day! And if you need a bestie to back you up, I'll be behind you 100% all day long.

Til next time,

- Jaimie with JMG Photography