Chalkboard Signs, Donut Walls and More—7 Wedding Trends We’re Saying Goodbye to in 2022

Whether you’re newly engaged or planning yourpost-Covid wedding, there’s a fair chance that you’re already developing a stress rash from all of the decision-making. Is a monogrammed dance floorreallynecessary? And are donut walls still a thing? Spoiler: The answers to both questions is absolutely not. So read on for seven wedding trends you’re better off skipping what you should do instead.

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Getty Images / Etsy

1. OUT: CHALKBOARD SIGNS

IN: MIRRORED BAROQUE SIGNS

Sorry,boho brides—it looks like the rustic chalkboard sign has run its course (if you care about trends, that is—if not, just make sure not to get chalk dust on the groom’s black suit). Instead, try replacing them with elegant,vintage-inspired accentsand baroque mirrors that ooze old Hollywood glamour. Customize it with scripted decals (like the one above), or use it as a glamorous guestbook where everyone can leave a note (that you can later repurpose as a sentimental decor piece).

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Unsplash/@flowersliving/Instagram

2. OUT: MASON JAR CENTERPIECES

IN: CANDELABRA VIGNETTES

While mason jars will always hold a place in our sweet Southern hearts, we’re officially ditching them for a more formal, elegant look. Metallic candelabras and moody candle arrangements are the romantic centerpiece we’re coveting in 2022. Go with tall, three-candle holders (think: Lumiere fromBeauty and the Beast) with cascading florals beneath to draw some visual interest. The final look should be somewhere betweenGreat Gatsbyglamour and五十深浅的灰色seduction.

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Etsy /露丝事件租赁房子s

3. OUT: MONOGRAMMED DANCE FLOORS

IN: BLACK AND WHITE CHECKERED FLOORS

A wedding would be incomplete without a few customizations, but the days of monogrammingeverything—including an emblem on the dance floor—seem to be behind us. What to do instead?Black and white checkered floorsare making a huge comeback in design, and brides are taking the trend to the dance floor for a seriously sophisticated look. And if you feel a checker-covered floor is overkill, you can try placing a fewblack and white floor tilesin a corridor or entryway for an understated yet upscale accent.

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Getty Images/Etsy

4. OUT: DONUT WALLS

IN: GRAVITY-DEFYING CAKES

Yes, donut walls were ‘such a cute idea’ when you pinned them in 2015—but like most Pinterest fads, what’schiceventually becomescheugy. That said, nobody said we couldn’t lean into whimsy. And for 2022, couples are all about gravity-defying cakes that wow guests with an optical illusion: a floating tier. It’s the best tasting magic we’ve seen in a while.

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Davids Bridal/Jenny Yoo

5. OUT: SPAGHETTI STRAP CORSETS

IN: SQUARE NECKLINES

You can still get away with flaunting your shoulders on the big day, but spaghetti strap corsets and billowy tulle bottoms are being replaced with modern takes on more traditional styles. This year’s Bridal Fashion Week emphasized square necklines with classic-meets-contemporary silhouettes—frompuff sleeve mini’sandlace, open-back mermaid shapestofitted ballgowns with illusion side cutouts. And ICYMI, this is a direct response to theBridgerton-influenced ‘regencycore’ craze, which seems to be *the*wedding trendof 2022.

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Getty Images/@palacepartyrental/Instagram

6. OUT: TWINKLY LIGHTS

IN: HANGING FLORALS AND CHANDELIERS

Don’t get us wrong: We love apatiolined with festive, sparklingstring lights. But after two years of cancelled weddings, we’re seeing people going even brighter and bigger with lights. “We are seeing endless requests for large, ceiling installations of florals or opulent chandeliers to hang above the heads of dining and dancing guests,”writesJacquelyn Aleece, founder of theWedding Plan & Co. And if you’re not ready to give up the string lights entirely, you can compromise by wrapping them in a floral installation for a maximum, elevated-boho effect.

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Getty Images/Getty Images

7. OUT: WEDDING FAVORS

IN: FILM PHOTO THANK-YOU NOTES

Nostalgic photography is making a comeback—think grainy soft focus or bright flash bulb moments—and many couples are choosing to include disposable cameras (remember them from back in the day?) on tables for guests to document their nights. Then, in lieu of wedding favors, they’ll develop film photos from the cameras and send them out to guests with a handwritten thank-you note. It’s clever, personalized and money well spent.



JET SET

Sydney Meister

Assistant Editor

Sydney Meister is PureWow's Assistant Editor, covering everything from interior design and dating trends (helloo, rizz) to relationship advice, weddings, real estate, parenting...
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