21 Modern Wedding Trends People Think Are Tacky, Weird, Or Straight-Up Embarrassing

A while back, Redditor u/UndergroundJen asked the internet, "Wedding trends you hate, and why?" People shared the wedding trends they'd love to stop seeing, and whew, it's controversial. Here's what they had to say:

1."'Rustic weddings' seriously frustrate me. Don't get me wrong; sometimes it's entirely appropriate because a couple genuinely loves to be outdoors or grew up in the rustic countryside or something. I get that. But I also see people being like, 'Oh, we're getting burlap and mason jars for decorations!' when I know they've never touched a mason jar in their entire life before planning a wedding."

"The whole mason jar craze annoys me the most. I don't understand the obsession with them! I use mason jars for one thing and one thing only — CANNING. That's what they're for. Urgh!"

jessimoo

Wedding table centerpiece with white hydrangeas, roses in a burlap-wrapped jar, table number 14 card, and fairy-lit candles
Chantalrouthier / Getty Images / iStockphoto

2."I HATE weddings with a theme or one color scheme. I've been to so many purple weddings I will scream if I go to another one. Also, why do you even need a theme (i.e., Hollywood glam, beach, casino, etc.)???"

"I think incorporating colors/decorations that give off a vibe is fine, but I do not need to go to a nautical-themed wedding again."

None

3."I'm not a fan of huge bridal parties (over five bridesmaids and over five groomsmen?). Possibly, it's just because I can't even imagine who I would ask to get to those numbers. I would end up having bridesmaids with whom I am not that close. I want my bridal party to essentially be my second-family type friends."

doublegloved

4."I hate the use of photo booths and props. Just not my style. I also HATE interactive DJs. I went to a wedding where the DJ put on a wig and danced to a song from Grease...by himself. Not my cup of tea."

jgonz85

A couple in a wedding photo booth wearing playful oversized glasses, she in a lace bridal gown and he in a white tuxedo with a boutonniere
Amriphoto / Getty Images

5."I hate the 'Pinterest-vomited-all-over-my-big-day' type of weddings. Bracelet for the mother-in-law that says, 'Thank you for raising the man of my dreams' AND thumbprint guest book trees AND mason jars AND mustaches everywhere AND burlap AND macarons AND 'Hey, Uncle Jason, here comes your girl' sign carriers AND AND AND. Any one or three of these things in combination would be fine, but try to inject a little more of your personality and a little less of every Pinterest wedding trend ever."

"Also, mish-mesh nerd weddings. If you're going to do a video game theme, a Harry Potter theme, a Doctor-Who theme, etc., that's fine — but to just vomit every single fandom you've ever thought of into one wedding...It's just messy."

Kristine6475

6."OK, I think this will make people mad because it seems everyone is doing it, but I don't like unity candles. We've already got rings, vows, dances, songs, Bible/poem readings, etc., all about unity and love. Why must there be more ceremony symbolic of being unified?"

"It's a new thing. I don't think most of our parent's generation did it, but now it's suddenly practically a mandatory part of a wedding. Why?"

hannnnnnnnnnah

7."I dislike monograms/initials/wedding dates ANYTHING. Haven't you visited a thrift store and seen a billion champagne flutes with engraved intertwined wedding bands? Yea. Enough said."

ldeponte

"Bridesmaids gifts that say 'bridesmaid' on them (who would ever use it after the wedding?) Party favors with the couple's initials and wedding date (beer cozies, engraved stemware, etc). I don't want anybody else's initials on my housewares!"

bummedoutbride

Several small candles in glass holders with "M+A" labels are surrounded by purple flowers, creating a romantic wedding decor setting
Tati M / Getty Images

8."Including a dog in a wedding. It can be done, but my dog would be completely scared if she was surrounded by tons of alcohol-fueled strangers, loud music, and a highly emotional atmosphere."

bummedoutbride

9."Tiaras. They scream 'late 90's/early aughts wedding princess' and seem so trashy."

"Also, is the 'money dance' trend still a thing? Cause stop that nonsense right this minute. Actually, you can add cake smashing and dress wrecking to the 'STOP NO' list, too. "

Brandy_Alexander

10."I hate when the bridal party/bride/groom wear Converse, but the rest of their wedding is formal. If you're having a formal wedding, do it all the way. Informal weddings are fine, too. Just not converse at a formal wedding!"

cutelittlehero

Bride sitting outdoors wearing a lace wedding dress and sneakers, adjusting shoes while sitting on a stone path amid greenery
Chabybucko / Getty Images

11."I'm personally over the trend of people naming their reception tables. I'm a bit burned out on naming them after places the couple has traveled, movies they've seen, etc. What killed the whole idea for me was a couple who named their tables after their pets...some of which were deceased."

Well__ThisIsAwkward

12."This is more regarding bachelorette parties, but I hate the hashtag #lastflingbeforethering. I mean, I don't know about you all, but I expect to hang out with my ladies post-marriage."

just_another_classic

13."Fake flowers. I understand there is a budget, but nothing looks worse than fake flowers!! Either use something that's not trying to be real flowers (book paper or just no flowers!), pick your flowers, or go to a farmers market and buy the real thing. You're still spending money on fake, so why not just have fewer fresh flowers?"

"I'm a floral fanatic, so I know this opinion may not go over well. I just love flowers. And yes, they die, but they make me happy!"

ldeponte

Floral wedding arch with roses and greenery inside a venue, decorated with hanging heart ornaments, suggesting a romantic setting
Rebeca Mello / Getty Images

14."Vases with marble rocks and floating candles. This has been done to death!!!"

ldeponte

15."Signs that rhyme: 'Love is sweet, take a treat.' 'Here's your glass for the night; write your name so it stays in sight, and fill it with whatever tastes right.' 'Choose a seat, not a side; we're all family once the knot is tied.'"

"It's like a demented Dr. Suess is planning weddings now."

SkylineDrive

16."I noped right out of the bouquet/garter toss. I think it's kinda tacky."

Go_Bias

"Following all 'traditional' wedding reception activities. I hate the idea of a first dance, the garter toss (cringe!), and catching the bouquet. I just don't need to do all of that to have a great time."

ldeponte

A bride in a lace wedding dress is tossing her bouquet; guests in formal wear cheer and capture the moment on their phones
Anchiy / Getty Images

17."When bridesmaids and groomsmen match like it's prom."

PsychTest

18."I'm afraid to post here, but since it seems to be a safe space, i'm just going to say it. TOMS SHOES. It's your wedding, and you want to wear cheap looking shoes? Even a nice pair of plain flats would look better."

ldeponte

19."Anything written on chalkboard."

PsychTest

Framed chalkboard sign reads "Eat, Drink, and Be Married."
Kevin Trimmer / Getty Images

20."Invitations that are too busy. I will be a little miffed if you send me something with seven to eight pieces. It's a wedding invitation, not a puzzle (unless you really like puzzles and that's your theme or something). Also, NOT having a wedding website. Today, really?"

false_parallax

And finally...

21."Succulents. If you don't have them in your house, don't give them as favors or use them as decor. It's just trying too hard."

false_parallax

Potted succulent wedding favors wrapped in clear plastic with ribbon bows on a wooden table
Giacomo Augugliaro / Getty Images

Yikes. Do you agree or disagree with these? What are some other wedding trends you hate? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.