These are the wedding trends to avoid in 2017

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Every bride may want her wedding to be unique, but if you're following the same bridal blogs, websites, magazines and Pinterest boards as we do, chances are, you've all got more than a few things in common.

That said, it's not wrong to want your celebration to be a one-of-a-kind affair. The only difference here, is injecting yours and your husband's personalities, to make it a truly unique party.

Here, the things to avoid in 2017.

1. Casual, family-style dinners

It's not wrong to want to eat food that you're familiar with, but if your guests can be bothered to dress up to celebrate the occasion with you, surely you can do more than offer a platter of fried wings and fish and chips? Even if you're having a rustic, casual or informal wedding, jazz things up a little by dressing them up a little. For instance, mac and cheese can be made with a mix of gourmet cheese, and beef stew with kobe or wagyu. At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide what your menu's going to be, and whether your caterer or chef can cater to your requests.

2. Alternative table numbers

Unless you've spent your time travelling to several countries, or you've got meaningful hobbies you both enjoy, don't overstretch yourself by coming up with alternative names for your table numbers. One way to make it truly yours, is to find stylish ways to display them. Plus, what's the point if you, your bridesmaids (or the ones manning the reception table), and guests get confused on the way from the reception table to the table they're assigned at?

See also: adorable table numbers to be inspired by.

3. Old photo booth props

Photo booths are a great way to engage guests, and leave them (and yourselves) with lasting mementoes of your wedding night. But instead of using set props like the feather boa, glittery top hat and oversized sunglasses, consider making some of your own instead.

Alternatively, update the photo booth by considering a gif one that offers you video and print packages. See the five gif photo booths to check out here.

4. Rustic arrangements

Wedding trends are veering towards more classy, elegant affairs. Even if you're still big on a rustic, farm-style celebration, pep it up with a more modern update, such as including metallic hues into your colour palette, or unique blooms such as proteas. Also, if you're considering doing your own flowers or enlisting the help of friends and relatives, look at jazzing up your regular mason jars by having it spray painted in a metallic hue of your choice. The result: a more elegant affair guests will be impressed by.

See also: metallic wedding cakes we love.

5. Gender-specific wedding parties

If you used to worry about not having enough girlfriends or guy pals to even out your wedding party, you'll be glad to know that gender-specific parties are a thing of the past. Got brothers or close male friends? Have them stand up with you on your side of the aisle. The same rule applies for your husband. Call them whatever you will (we've heard variations like bridesman and groomsmaid), but the roles and responsibilities are still the same.

See also: how to pick the perfect people for your wedding party.

6. Flower crowns

Frankly, not everyone looks good in a flower crown. So why force it, if it isn't your style? There are other hair accessory options (and styles) for you to try, and they look as stylish and modern, if not more. 

Unconvinced? Here are the prettiest ways to wear flowers in your hair. If not, see these stylish accessories here, here and here.

7. Chalkboard signs

These are also another Pinterest favourite (and probably something that stems from the rustic wedding movement). I don't deny that chalkboard signs look pretty and are very useful, especially if you need to give directions to guests. But update the look with a brass, bronze, or clear mirror instead for a modern touch.

See also: fun and fabulous wedding DIY projects to try and 15 signs to have at your wedding.