Wedding planners share 6 trends that are in, and 6 that are out this spring

Wedding planner Jennifer Bennour, owner of Fête du Jour Events, told Insider that dessert bars are trending this wedding season.

"Couples are keeping the cake for the photos, but are adding an aesthetically pleasing dessert bar with an array of sweets," said Bennour.

If you're looking for some inspiration, consider offering your favorite childhood treat or the dessert you ordered on your first date with your spouse-to-be.

"Bud vases feel organic and you can customize them for each table," said Bennour.

Bud vases work well when arranged down the center of a rectangular table, but you can make them work on round furniture by using different heights and adding accent candles.

"Bands can be expensive, but for a few hundred dollars you can hire a string duo that will make the moment special," said Bennour.

Bennour suggests expanding beyond the classics for your set list. Many couples are opting for instrumental versions of modern pop songs or film scores.

Wedding and event planner Cathleen Holloway of Holloway Events told Insider that face painting is a fun trend for receptions this season.

"Face painting sounds cheesy, but you'll be floored by who gets into it and how creative it becomes," said Holloway.

Hire a professional face painter or simply set up a painting station and let your guests decorate themselves.

Forget all-white tablescapes and neutral decor because Bennour said using bold, vivid hues is a rising wedding trend.

"Whether it's with a colored water goblet, a bold linen, or brightly colored flowers, couples are now using wow-factor colors," said Bennour.

Crimson, cobalt blue, and even hot pink are popping up in spring wedding designs.

With some COVID-19-related travel restrictions easing, destination weddings are seeing a spike in popularity.

"After two or more years of being trapped at home, couples are ready to travel and celebrate big," said Holloway.

If you're planning a destination celebration this spring, consider using a wedding website to give your guests current information about the event and any local restrictions.

"Couples are mixing up their table centerpieces and ditching the uniform floral arrangements," said Bennour.

Consider using a different type of floral arrangement on each table, or skip the flowers entirely and try edible fruit centerpieces or unique art pieces.

Buffets are usually an affordable option for a wedding dinner service, but the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the price of buffet-style dining.

"Due to the extra cleaning required, buffets are now nearly the same price as a sit-down dinner," said Bennour. "Many couples are just opting for plated instead."

Opting for cupcakes rather than a traditional wedding cake, as well as offering free beer and wine rather than a full open bar, can reduce food costs.

Customized neon signs have been a wedding trend for several years, but this lighting fad is fading.

"I love a good neon sign, but this trend is coming to an end in 2022," said Holloway. "Couples are choosing more original lighting."

Edison or colored bulbs and even tiki torches are trendy lighting choices this wedding season.

"We all love a good spritz or a French 75, but claiming a cocktail as your own is a little passé this year," said Holloway.

Instead of a one-of-a-kind cocktail, serve a signature dessert or give guests a flight of your favorite local beers.

"We're not seeing as many light and pale shades this season," said Bennour. "The muted tones with gold or silver accents are being phased out this spring."

Add saturated colors to your celebration with vivid cloth napkins, bright floral arrangements, or eye-catching colorful lighting.

According to Bennour, couples were swooning for an opening drone shot on the social media teaser video of their nuptials back in pre-pandemic times.

"Now, couples are prioritizing booking an amazing photographer, knowing they would only watch a wedding video a few times," Bennour told Insider.

Nixing a videographer from your must-have list can leave room in your budget to extend your photographer's hours or even hire a second photographer for key moments.