A New Twist on Trends — The Barn at Reynolda Village

Typically at this time of year, we would take advantage of the plethora of information available about the hottest, newest, latest, trendiest trends for weddings in the New Year! If you follow any of the wedding bloggers or resource webpages you know that there is no shortage of information and opinions about wedding trends. They are fun to peruse and read about.

However, as I set out this year to cull through the trends and provide our own “top five” or “top ten” list, I was actually taken aback and found myself asking the question:

Has it all gone a bit too far?

Here are the items that made me think that way. A quick disclaimer before I share them:

I am not against any single one of these and if it’s your thing and you love them, go for it! This article is not a judgement of the actual items, it’s more a reflection on wedding day priorities.

With that said, here are examples of real, honest-to-God published 2024 wedding trends that had me scratching my head:

· Permanent jewelry stations as favors

· Secret cocktail menus that require a password

· Laser show exits

· A day-after recovery lounge with IV drips

· Live tattoo artists giving guests tattoos

Whatever happened to simple trend alerts like “pastels are really in this year” or “Grandmas make great flower girls”?

At the risk of seeming old-fashioned and out-of-touch, I’d like to take a step back and suggest that a few other wedding day moments step forward and reclaim some of the focus and energy that has been devoted to new trends. Doing so will create a little extra magic for your celebration."

Private Vows

What if the words of promise and devotion that you proclaim to each other happen away from everyone, ahead of your ceremony? Combined with a first look moment, this is an especially nice option for introverts or those who tend to be highly emotional and worry about the distraction of speaking in front of dozens of people. Private vows allow for an intimate and extremely personal experience for just the two of you. Your officiant can lead the ‘til death do us part’ portion at the ceremony after letting guests know that private vows were already exchanged.

Your Music

Whether you hire a fabulous DJ that came recommended by friends or a wedding band that will have everyone on their feet, spend some time curating your playlist. Have an in-depth conversation about your favorite and most sentimental songs and make sure they are timed on the playlist so that you hear them! Did you meet at a Justin Timberlake concert? Then make sure your hear Can’t Stop the Feeling as you and your new spouse enter the reception. Was a certain song playing during the proposal? It might be nice to hear that when you’re seated at your sweetheart table, having your first meal as a married couple!

The Menu

Speaking of your first meal together – how about making your reception menu something really special? Choose foods that connect to the two of you! This doesn’t mean it has to be high-end! However a menu that relates to YOUR story will be enjoyed by guests and talked about for years to come. One black-tie wedding had a hot-dog station and a crab cake station! Weird combo right? Except the bride was from Maryland and the groom was from Chicago and there was adorable signage at the stations that said so. Very memorable and who doesn’t love a good hot dog?

Last Dance

Bubbles, cold sparklers, bird seed, pom-poms all make for a festive departure for the two of you at the end of the night. Yet there’s an opportunity for magic just before that too! Your last dance of the night. Months of planning and preparation has gone into this amazing day that was just for the two of you, to rejoice in your new chapter in life as a married couple. Slow it all down…. Look around… take it all in! Choose a special song, clear the dance floor and as you hold each other, you will be reminded of what brought you to this moment in the first place.

Trends come and trends go but the memories from your wedding day are your treasures to keep and revisit for decades to come! With some careful thought and reflection, you will know exactly what’s most important to you about that day and we wish you all good wishes and joy in bringing it together!

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Russell Photography.

For more information on how your wedding day can happen in historic Reynolda,

visit our website, Instagram and Pinterest pages, or email us at tabatha@reynoldabarn.com.

And give us a ring at 336.758.BARN!