An experienced wedding planner in the Minneapolis area says burlap is out of style and that long-standing traditions such as the dollar dance and the garter toss are fading as couples reimagine celebrations for 2026. Robin 'Birdie' Yarusso, 43, of Lakeville, has spent 25 years planning more than 100 weddings, giving her a front-row view of trends as social media reshapes the bridal world. She spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about what accessories and activities are fading from the big day.
Burlap decorations for rustic looks—table runners, placemats, chair decor—are done, she said. 'Burlap is done. Please please let it go,' Yarusso told the Daily Mail. She noted that traditions such as the 'dollar dance' and the garter toss are becoming less common, with many couples opting for more modern ways to celebrate.
The planner said she’s seeing an uptick in solo weddings, where the couple celebrates their 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.'
She also opened up about the most annoying questions guests can ask on the day. '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 said. 'She's busy. There are so many ways to figure it out without stressing her out.'
Yarusso criticized late arrivals as well, noting that walking into the ceremony late can distract the ceremony and others in attendance: 'Walking into the ceremony late is distracting, [especially] while you find your seat,' she stated.
Beyond trend shifts, she warned couples about common financial mistakes. 'Going into debt to plan a day [is not worth it],' she warned. 'That adds layers to the stress and builds contempt in the relationship.' The biggest money waster, she said, is 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.'
Looking ahead to 2026, Birdie said the rise of solo weddings reflects a broader shift toward intimate, experience-focused celebrations in stunning locations. While the trend may be polarizing, she views it as a natural response to changing expectations and the pressures of planning, budgeting, and coordinating large guest lists in today’s social-media-informed landscape.