Wedding trends fade as experts urge couples to rethink decor and traditions
Veteran planner says burlap decor and dated rituals are going out of style, as couples prioritize personal meaning over fashion trends; New Jersey remains among the costliest states for weddings.
A veteran wedding planner with more than two decades of experience says a number of once popular wedding trends are fading as couples update their planning. Robin Birdie Yarusso told a major outlet that some decor choices and traditions are no longer resonating with modern couples, even as venue, food and decor remain personal decisions.
The trend overlook begins with décor, where rustic motifs built around burlap are taking a back seat. Yarusso notes that burlap is done and should be left behind as couples seek different textures and fabrics to set the tone for their celebrations. This assessment aligns with conversations among wedding planners and attendees who have observed a shift away from the burlap-dominated rustic aesthetic toward sleeker, more contemporary looks. In the broader online dialogue about wedding design, members of the r/weddingplanning community described a move away from cursive minimal signage, beige and white color palettes, and eucalyptus-heavy designs, signaling a collective reevaluation of what feels fresh in ceremony and reception spaces.
Beyond decor, fashion trends are also winding down. The discussion thread on Reddit highlighted several evolving preferences: interest in mismatched floral bridesmaid dresses, the drop or baroque waist wedding dress, and tops that resemble lingerie. While some individuals view these styles as expressive and bold, others warn that they may feel dated to future generations—emphasizing the tension between personal style and long-term trends.
Traditions are not immune to the shift. Yarusso and other planners note a decline in engagement with rites such as the dollar dance and the garter toss. The dollar dance, once a routine where guests paid to dance with the bride or groom, and the garter toss, long a staple at many weddings, appear to be fading from contemporary celebration playbooks as couples seek ceremonies that feel more intimate and less gimmicky.
There is also a conversation about who should pay for the celebration. In social media discussions, some engaged couples report that expectations around parental funding have softened, while others encounter persistent questions about who should contribute financially. A recent thread reflected mixed experiences, with some families still offering support but many couples choosing to assume more of the costs themselves or finding new budgeting models that fit their circumstances.
Another point of context comes from cost data tied to a major market. New Jersey now carries the distinction of one of the highest average wedding costs in the United States, with data placing the Garden State around $70,600 on average. The figure positions New Jersey as the second-most expensive state in the country for tying the knot, according to analysis from Zola. The high price tag reflects broad regional pressures—from venue charges to catering, photography, and other essentials—that influence how couples plan ceremonies and receptions in 2025.
As trends ebb and flow, industry watchers encourage couples to anchor decisions in personal meaning rather than chasing the latest forecasted aesthetic. The prevailing message from planners and consumer discussions alike is that what matters most is a celebration that reflects the couple’s values and story, rather than a checklist of fashionable items that may feel prescient today but dated tomorrow. While experts caution that trends will continue to evolve, they emphasize that thoughtful planning and clear priorities can help couples create memorable weddings that endure beyond the moment.