A wedding planner with over two decades of experience has shared the popular trends that she believes are going out of style… and the ones that will surge in 2026.

Over the course of her 25 years in the wedding industry, Robin ‘Birdie’ Yarusso, 43, from Lakeville, Minneapolis, has helped plan over 100 nuptials and has practically seen it all. 

Having a front row seat to so many weddings has given her inside knowledge into what’s gaining popularity right now and what seems to be fading when it comes to trends in the bridal world.

Thanks to social media, what’s in and what’s out is constantly changing, and Birdie has revealed exclusively with the Daily Mail which formerly-popular wedding accessories and activities are now fading.

First thing? Using burlap to decorate your wedding venue.

For years, many people used the material as table runners, placemats, or chair decor, with the fabric helping create a rustic look.

‘Burlap is done. Please please let it go,’ said the expert. 

Birdie also claimed that traditions like the ‘dollar dance’ – where guests give a cash donation to get a dance with the bride or groom – and the garter toss are becoming less and less.

‘Thank goodness we are seeing the dollar dance and garter toss become rare. Not a fan of either of these,’ she stated.

As for what she thinks will be the next big thing, she revealed that she’s been seeing an uptick in ‘solo weddings’ as of late. 

What does that entail? It’s when a couple celebrates their new union without any guests present. 

‘Just the couple – in a breathtaking location with no detail missed,’ she explained. 

‘I’m taking full makeup, full gown, private musician, photographer, private chef… just a wedding without the guests. It’s so beautiful.’

Birdie also opened up to the Daily Mail about the most annoying thing guests can do… and it’s something many people are guilty of.

When attending a wedding, it’s natural to have questions about logistics. 

Maybe you’re wondering where you should park, or what the food options may be… But according to expert Robin ‘Birdie’ Yarusso, you better keep those questions to yourself.

‘Texting the bride the day of over little stuff like “where do we park again?” [is the most annoying thing a wedding guest can do],’ she dished.

‘She’s busy. There are so many ways to figure it out without stressing her out.’

In addition, she slammed people who turn up late to the nuptials, pointing out that it often interrupts the event and distracts others guests.

‘Walking into the ceremony late is distracting, [especially] while you find your seat,’ she stated.

The wedding planner also shared the ‘biggest mistake’ that couples make when it comes to preparing for their nuptials: spending too much money.

While weddings aren’t cheap, she stressed the importance of planning a wedding that’s in your budget. 

‘Going into debt to plan a day [is not worth it],’ she dished. ‘That adds layers to the stress and builds contempt in the relationship.’

The biggest money waster according to the expert? Party favors. 

‘Please stop buying favors,’ she stressed. ‘I make sure venues are cleaned out at the end of the night and 99 percent of the favors are left behind. Every time.’