Every couple has their own tastes, but when it comes to planning a wedding, most are after an elegant affair.But according to etiquette expert Laura Windsor, many popular wedding elements have the opposite effect.Speaking to the Daily Mail, Windsor, who has been dubbed the 'Queen of Etiquette', said: 'True elegance is timeless. 'It is understated rather than attention-seeking, real rather than artificial, and the goal is to create a memorable experience rather than chasing trends.'While every couple should celebrate in a way that reflects their personalities, some wedding fashions can quickly diminish their elegance.'If you're planning your special day, the expert has revealed the details to skip if looking for sophisticated nuptials. 'Queen of Etiquette' Laura Windsor has revealed the wedding features couples should avoid if they want a classy event (stock image)Doughnut towersCouples who want to stand out from the crowd might opt for a doughnut tower in place of the wedding cake – a trend that has gained popularity in recent years. But according to Laura, when it comes to the cake, stick to tradition.Laura: 'Doughnuts and elegance are not natural friends. Sugary, sticky and oversized treats rarely convey sophistication.'No matter how artistically arranged, a tower of doughnuts is unlikely to achieve the same refinement as a beautifully presented wedding cake or other display.'FireworksEnding the night with a bang might sound like the perfect conclusion to the wedding – but if you want to keep it classy, go big or go home, says Laura.Laura: 'A spectacular firework display can be a lovely addition to an evening wedding. However, there is a significant difference between a carefully choreographed display and a handful of uninspired fireworks you would use in your garden.'If you are going to do it, do it properly. You will need to splash out and end the display with an impressive bang.'Matching bridal party pyjamasIt's hard to see a wedding on Instagram that doesn't include matching pyjamas for the bridal party in the lead-up to the vows these days. According to Laura, though, there's simply no need.Laura: 'This may be very trendy but it seems a little performative. Elegance is subtle and about living in the moment not creating content for Instagram.'Photo booths with plastic propsTaking pictures is a must, and photo booths can be the perfect way to do so. However, they can easily edge onto the tackier side of things, says Laura, especially with garish props.Laura: 'Anything cheap, plastic or obviously fake tends to undermine an elegant atmosphere and photo booths rarely produce timeless photographs.'A beautifully designed photo area for social media or hiring a professional photographer will always feel more elegant.'Fake flowersIf you're doing flowers, get them fresh, Laura says – because fake versions can easily spoil a wedding's aesthetic.Laura: 'Artificial flowers may look convincing from a distance, but on close inspection will look uninspiring and spoil the overall aesthetic. Real flowers bring fragrance and natural beauty that can't be replicated. Authenticity is the essence of elegance.'Colour themesA colour theme can be a fun choice, but Laura warned couples that bright and bold isn't the best route.Laura: 'A colour scheme can do wonders, but the choice of colour is important. Soft neutrals, muted tones and understated palettes generally feel more elegant than bright colours that can overwhelm a setting and lose that subtle feel.'Themed weddingsGiving a wedding a theme might seem like a special way to honour something close to the couple, but according to Laura, it can neglect the guests.Laura: 'Themes based on films or television series such as Harry Potter or Doctor Who can be great fun, but simplicity is key. 'Keep your celebrations simple, subtlety is the essence of elegance. Leave costume parties for Halloween or other occasions. Most people prefer to come as themselves.'The garter tossIf you want a sophisticated wedding, avoid the garter toss, where the groom removes the bride's garter and throws it to a crowd of unmarried guests, at all costs, Laura said.Laura: 'Rather than a garter toss, why not just follow traditional elegance – and that includes a touch of modesty and decorum by throwing your bouquet? The garter toss can feel unnecessarily attention-seeking.'Including pets in the ceremonyIncluding your furry friend in the wedding might seem like the right thing to do, but consider the type of pet you have, says Laura.Laura: 'This depends entirely on the pet and the level of involvement. Yappy pets should be kept at bay, especially during the ceremony.'It is very distracting and keeps the focus away from the couple. If you must reserve a table for pets, make sure they are far away from the main celebrations and take them for a long walk beforehand.'Wearing sunglassesWearing sunglasses at the wedding, whether on the dance floor or - if you're Venezuela Fury - down the aisle, has become a common choice. But Laura says it's far from polite.Laura: 'Eyes are the windows to the soul. While sunglasses may be practical outdoors, they should be removed during important moments and conversations.'When you are speaking to someone, eye contact is fundamental. Although it may be nice to see your own reflection in someone else's glasses, you never quite know if the person is listening to you or looking around to see if there are more interesting people to talk to.'Wedding trainersComfort is an important aspect of every outfit, even for one's wedding. But when it comes to finding shoes, look past trainers, the expert said.Laura: 'Unless you are counting on running away at the most crucial moment of the ceremony, ditch the trainers and reserve them for the gym or jogging.'