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This past year has definitely turned the wedding industry upside down, and the trends that will be in and out for 2021 will reflect the changes event planners have had to make during these unpredictable times. We’ve already covered what will be popular next year, so now we asked some top wedding pros to share what they think will be out in the new year. Here are seven to avoid when planning your 2021 vows.
1. Buffets
The traditional buffet is the least COVID safe way to feed your guests, explains Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime. "If you are doing a buffet it’s best to call your guests up by table to avoid people standing close together on line. In addition, the buffet should have someone serving so there’s only one person touching the serving piece."
2. Large Weddings
In most states large gatherings are prohibited. Even if you can have a big wedding where you live, your guests may not feel comfortable being with that many people. "I think it’s going to take some time before people are comfortable being with a big group of people that they don’t know indoors," says Imberman.
3. Assigned Seating
Couples will be choosing to host more casual weddings. "Instead of the fancy assigned seating, I think we'll see more couples deciding to let guests choose their spot at the table," says Brianna Parks of Brianna Parks Photography.
4. Bouquet Toss
Maybe if you stand six feet apart, you’ll still have a chance! But until things are back to normal, you might not find too many guests eager to catch the bouquet, predicts Madeline Fraser of Gemist.
5. Donut Wall
Food that is out in the open and multiple people can handle will be out next year. "While this was a cute trend, 2021 will hopefully offer something less predictable," notes Fraser.
6. Balloon Decor
"While some are able to pull this decor off in an elegant way, balloon wedding decor often comes out looking like the couple got married at someone’s birthday party," explains Marie Kubin of Rent My Wedding. "This is one of those trends that is best left to Pinterest and not for real weddings."
7. Favors
Couples will shy away from anything wasteful or harmful to the environment, including fireworks, confetti, single-use plastic, single-use decor, etc., notes Maddie Mae of Adventure Instead.
