At one point or another we have all heard about, thought about or talked about wedding trends. Honestly, it’s a hot topic right now! Everything from social media to online magazines has a post about the newest and greatest wedding trends. Heck, even I’m guilty! So let’s talk about it some more. But not in the way you usually hear about it. I want to discuss the effect of talking about trends all the time.

Trends Can be Helpful

First, let’s go over whether or not the idea and discussion of trends is even helpful! I have a couple of thoughts on this. Let’s start with the good. Knowing what is trending can help you find inspiration for your own upcoming wedding (or your friend’s). Maybe you are browsing the internet and come across a published wedding that is raving all about the new trend of mix-matched bridesmaids dresses and it’s something you never considered before, but you love it. Boom! New idea for your bridal party. In this instance, talking about trends is helpful!

Another situation where trends may be helpful is when they help you avoid certain wedding-related headaches. For instance, one trend that I’ve seen pop up lately is the idea of skipping groom and groomsmen boutonnieres. The reason this is becoming more popular is a few reasons: one, no one ever knows how to pin them on properly except maybe the planner; and two, more often than not they end up falling off or leaning to the side. So it may actually save you both money and a headache by just skipping them altogether!

Trends Can be Harmful

Now for the not so helpful side. The constant highlight on what’s ‘trending’ can skew our own preferences. Maybe you love the idea of a big satin ballgown with a large bow on the back, but you’ve seen it so many times, you think it’s no longer unique and start to question whether you should wear that type of wedding dress. It’s also possible that you end up feeling more excited about something than you normally would simply because it’s a trend. For example, you never thought of buying a second dress for your reception, but you see it all over the magazines! Celebrities and published weddings featuring a surprise outfit change from the bride into a fun, little party dress. Now you feel like maybe that would be really cool! Do you feel that way because you actually like it? Or is it because you are seeing other people like it and therefore it must be something that you’ll also like?

Or on the flip side, maybe you have always pictured having a sparkler exit, but the word on the street is that it’s played out, not possible at all venues, and therefore its ‘trending out’. So now you are questioning if you should still have that sparkler exit or not. In both of these scenarios the idea of ‘trends’ is causing us to second-guess ourselves! And trust me, when you’re planning a wedding you have enough questions to answer, let alone having to re-think things you thought were already decided!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the moral of my story here is to simply do what you want. Don’t think to hard and long about what is or isn’t trending in weddings. If you love something, do it! If you don’t, then don’t do it just because it’s popular right now. You only get one shot at this. It’s supposed to be a celebration about you and your hubby finally tying the knot! Make it all about you and don’t think twice.

Be sure to check out the other posts in my Jots and Thoughts series for more ramblings from a wedding photographer!