I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.

Advertisement
I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.
Many of these trends look pretty in pictures but are more complicated to execute. ASphotowed/Getty Images
  • I'm a wedding planner, so I've seen how some popular, Pinterest-inspired trends can go awry.
  • Having floating candles down the aisle and Champagne glasses for a toast can create a mess.
  • Long, dramatic veils can easily snag on the carpet or furniture.
Advertisement

As a wedding planner who has worked for years in all different facets of the industry, I can tell you that some popular trends aren't always as picture-perfect as they seem.

Read on for 10 popular ideas that are more complicated than they look, plus what you need to know before attempting them.

It's easy to knock over floating candles placed down the aisle

Only a handful of my clients have featured floating candles - candles placed in a glass of water - down their aisle, but I've still learned my lesson.

Many couples are drawn to the soft and romantic ambiance of candlelight, but if you're going to try this trend at your ceremony, I highly recommend keeping a broom and towel on hand.

Guests often knock one of the candles over moments before the processional, leaving glass and water everywhere.

Advertisement

I'd suggest decorating the ceremony space with something a little more forgiving, like flowers, and save the candles for the reception.

Serving Champagne at the ceremony can lead to broken glass

I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.
Guests may knock over the Champagne flutes when they stand. Juan Nel/Shuttershock

Serving Champagne to guests as they arrive may feel like a sophisticated choice, but it's also the perfect way to end up with tons of broken glass and maybe even a few cuts.

Typically, guests set their glasses down on the ground mid-ceremony once they finish their drink. Then, in the excitement of the recessional, when everyone is standing, clapping, and cheering, they forget about the cups at their feet.

As soon as the ceremony ends and guests start to shuffle out, Champagne flutes are knocked over left and right, and your rows of chairs quickly become a maze of broken glass.

Advertisement

Neon signs can be an eyesore if not properly planned

Custom neon signs at weddings have become wildly popular since they're chic, make the perfect photo backdrop, and can be reused in your home after. However, there are a few things you need to plan out in advance.

Make sure wherever you plan on hanging your neon sign is near an outlet, though I always advise that couples pack an extra extension cord to be safe. If it's a focal point at your reception, you'll also want to think about how to hide or disguise the wires, especially for photos.

You also need to consider how you're going to hang it. The best material is usually fishing wire since it blends really easily and can hold a good amount of weight.

Lastly, consider ordering a sign that comes with a remote to adjust the brightness since sometimes the neon color can be too much and will get blown out in photos.

Photo booths can ruin your grand exit if not closed down early enough

I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.
Photos booths have become increasingly popular. CL-Medien/Shuttershock

Advertisement

With the rise of social media and personalized hashtags, photo booths have definitely gained popularity at wedding receptions, but I cannot tell you how many times I've tried to usher guests out of the line to get them ready for the grand exit.

I recommend starting the photo booth during the cocktail hour, keeping it open throughout the reception, and having the operator start to break it down 30 minutes prior to the exit.

Wood-laser cutouts are easy to break

I see this trend all over Pinterest and Etsy. Wood-laser cutouts are used a lot for things, like table numbers, signs, and place cards.

Although they're a fun alternative to paper, wood cutouts are extremely breakable.

Luckily, it is almost always a clean break and an easy fix - just make sure to keep some super glue on hand.

Advertisement

You should invest in an outer envelop for invitation liners

I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.
Envelop liners can add a personal touch to wedding invitations. MDS PHOTO/Shuttershock

Envelope liners are a great way to add fun colors, patterns, or even a venue sketch to your invites, but I would strongly recommend including an outer envelope as well.

If you're going the extra mile to have the envelope liner in your invitation suite, you'll want guests to see it, but without a second envelope, most liners get ripped or overlooked.

Long veils can easily snag on the furniture or carpet

I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.
Make sure to measure the width of your veil compared to that of the aisle. alexander_dyachenko/Shuttershock

Veils are a great addition any wedding look, and I've seen a recent increase in intricate designs using sequins, appliques (ornamental overlays of fabric), and pearls, among other materials.

Advertisement

But before choosing the veil of your dreams, take your aisle into consideration.

You first need to consider the width of your veil versus that of the aisle and if you would be able to rearrange the seating to make room if needed.

Additionally, if you're getting married in a venue with a carpeted floor, consider how your veil will move - beading or sequins can easily snag on the material. I've seen one too many brides begin their walk down the aisle, only to have the accessory catch on a pew or the floor and rip off.

There's typically not more than hairspray and a few well-placed bobby pins holding a veil in, so it doesn't take much to displace it.

Some attendees may not understand how to sign alternative guest books

An increasing number of clients have opted for more personal or interactive guest books, like Jenga blocks, puzzle pieces, wine corks, and wood signs.

Advertisement

Although alternative guest books are fun, sometimes guests, especially older ones, may not know what they're supposed to be signing.

One easy way to make it clear is to have your wedding party sign it earlier in the day while they're getting ready, which will serve as a clear example for the other guests.

Magnetic boutonnieres can be dangerous for people who wear pacemakers

I'm a wedding planner. Here are 10 popular trends you're probably doing wrong.
Make sure to ask your attendees if they wear a pacemaker. Michaela Warthen/Shuttershock

If you have ever watched ABC's "The Bachelorette" and wondered how she pins the rose boutonnieres onto the men so quickly, it's because of magnets.

Magnetic boutonnieres make the "pinning" process much easier, but you'll need to ask if any of the people wearing them use a pacemaker before placing your order.

Advertisement

The magnets in the boutonniere could affect their pacemaker and cause an impromptu hospital visit.

Private last dances require some extra coordination to get guests out in time

I love that private last dances have become a trend - when the couple stays behind in the reception for one final dance to soak it all in while their guests line up outside for the grand exit.

If you're planning on a private last dance at your wedding, you'll need to allot enough time in your schedule for guests to clear the room, typically about 10 minutes.

There's always a handful of attendees who like to linger, need to put their shoes back on, or go to the bathroom, among other things.

To help speed the process along, you can flicker or turn on all of the lights in the reception (just make sure to turn them back off for the dance).

Advertisement

You can also have the band or DJ make continuous announcements for attendees to head toward the door and have your wedding planner or party hand out the chosen exit item. Once guests have the sparkler or flower petals in their hands, they're more likely to line up.

{{}}