Every wedding generation looks back at their photos with a mix of nostalgia and horror. Today’s Pinterest-perfect trends will be tomorrow’s cautionary tales, and honestly, some of these current obsessions are already showing their age.
1. Pampas Grass Everywhere
Remember when baby’s breath was the villain of wedding florals? Well, pampas grass is having its moment now, and boy, is it having a moment. This feathery, beige-toned grass has invaded everything from ceremony backdrops to centerpieces to bridal bouquets.
The problem isn’t pampas grass itself—it’s beautiful in the right setting. The issue is that it’s become the new “safe” choice, showing up at beach weddings, barn weddings, and even formal ballroom affairs where it looks completely out of place.
The Oversaturation Problem
Scroll through any wedding hashtag on Instagram, and you’ll see the same wispy, neutral arrangements repeated ad nauseam. Couples are choosing pampas grass not because it speaks to them, but because it photographs well and feels trendy.
Five years from now, you’ll spot a pampas grass wedding photo from a mile away, just like we can instantly identify those 1980s weddings with their massive shoulder pads and frosted hair.
The trend has become so ubiquitous that it’s lost any sense of personal style or intentionality.
2. Naked Cakes with Dripping Everything
The “naked cake” trend started as a refreshing alternative to perfectly smooth fondant creations. Then someone discovered dripping chocolate, caramel, or colored ganache, and things got out of hand fast.
Now we’re seeing cakes that look like they survived a food fight. Multiple drips in different colors, flowers stuck haphazardly into barely-there frosting, and textures that prioritize Instagram drama over actual taste or elegance.
When Rustic Becomes Messy
The original naked cake was charming because of its understated, homemade appeal. But the current iterations often look unfinished rather than intentionally rustic, especially when combined with aggressive dripping techniques.
Bakers are pushing the envelope so hard that many of these cakes photograph beautifully but are nightmares to serve. The structural integrity gets compromised, and guests end up with a plate of crumbled cake and hardened drip sauce.
3. Neon Signs with Cheesy Sayings
LED neon signs have become the go-to backdrop for modern weddings, and the sayings are getting more cringe-worthy by the day. “Better Together,” “Love is All You Need,” and “Happily Ever After” are just the beginning of this particular rabbit hole.
The worst part? These signs often cost more than traditional floral arrangements but add zero personality to your wedding. They’re the decorative equivalent of Live, Laugh, Love wall art—generic feel-good phrases that could apply to literally any couple.
The Cookie-Cutter Romance Problem
Couples think they’re adding a modern, personalized touch, but they’re actually doing the opposite. When every wedding has the same neon sign with slightly different wording, none of them feel special or unique.
The harsh lighting also creates photo challenges, often washing out everything else in the frame or creating unflattering shadows on faces. Professional photographers are already getting tired of working around these glowing distractions.
4. Maximalist Balloon Installations
Balloons have evolved from simple party decorations to elaborate architectural installations, and it’s getting ridiculous. We’re talking balloon walls, balloon ceilings, balloon arches that require engineering degrees to construct.
These installations often cost thousands of dollars and take up enormous amounts of space. They’re also incredibly wasteful and environmentally problematic, though couples rarely consider the aftermath when they’re caught up in the visual impact.
The Impermanence Factor
Unlike flowers, which at least biodegrade gracefully, these balloon creations look dated the moment they start deflating. And they will deflate—usually during your reception, creating a sad, saggy backdrop for your evening photos.
The maintenance required is also insane. Balloon artists often need to arrive hours before your ceremony and make adjustments throughout the day. You’re essentially hiring a full-time balloon babysitter for your wedding.
The Space Invasion Issue
These installations are space hogs that often interfere with your actual celebration. Guests can’t move freely, servers struggle to navigate around them, and they frequently block sightlines during important moments.
The photos might look impressive on social media, but your actual wedding experience suffers when half your venue is occupied by inflated latex.
5. Desert-Themed Everything (Regardless of Location)
Succulents, terracotta, macrame, and dusty rose color palettes have taken over weddings from Maine to Florida. Couples are creating artificial desert vibes in decidedly non-desert locations, and it’s starting to feel forced.
This trend gained momentum during the pandemic when many couples pivoted to outdoor celebrations. But now it’s being applied everywhere, including indoor venues where the aesthetic makes no sense whatsoever.
The Geographic Disconnect
There’s something jarring about a full desert theme in a lush garden setting or historic ballroom. The disconnect between your chosen aesthetic and your actual environment creates a sense of artificiality that undermines the whole vibe.
Succulents also aren’t the low-maintenance darlings people think they are. They require specific care and often look wilted or stressed by the end of a long wedding day, especially in humid climates where they don’t naturally thrive.
The Authenticity Question
The most successful weddings feel authentic to the couple and their surroundings. When you’re forcing a desert aesthetic because it’s trendy rather than because it reflects your style or location, guests can sense the disconnect.
Regional wedding styles exist for good reasons—they work with local climates, venues, and cultural traditions. Fighting against these natural elements rarely produces the effortless elegance couples are hoping to achieve.
Moving Beyond the Trends
The weddings that stand the test of time aren’t the ones that perfectly captured a moment in Pinterest history. They’re the celebrations that felt authentic to the couple, appropriate to the setting, and focused on the experience rather than the aesthetic.
Your wedding photos should make you smile because they capture genuine moments and reflect your actual personalities.
If you’re choosing elements primarily because they’re trending now, there’s a good chance you’ll regret those choices when the trend cycle moves on.