The Wedding Trends That Are Officially Trending This Year

      I’ve been married for over 10 years, and while I wouldn’t alter a thing about my wedding day, I continuously observe the changing landscape of wedding trends. In a different scenario, I could see myself as a wedding planner—after all, “Father of the Bride” and “My Best Friend's Wedding” are my go-to comfort films for good reason! There’s an undeniable magic in the way weddings unite people, despite the shifts in trends. And indeed, weddings have evolved, and I believe, for the better. After a few years of reimagining traditions and how to celebrate, couples in 2025 are focusing on creating more personal and meaningful weddings than ever before. Forget about generic ceremonies and predictable festivities—this year is centered around designing a celebration that genuinely mirrors the couple's unique narrative and style. From extended festivities to eye-catching fashion choices, the primary theme is clear: abandon the rules and make it your own. "People prioritize value over cost, seeking the best event for their preferences," says Jessie Westwood, director and founder of Studio Sorores. "It’s about crafting an authentic celebration centered on the genuine experience of the guests rather than extravagant statements or weddings tailored for social media." It's not merely about looking good in photos, although that’s an added perk—it’s essential that everyone leaves feeling part of something extraordinary.

      Even the fashion realm is experiencing a rewriting of the "rules." Brides are moving away from rigid dress codes and welcoming multiple outfit changes, ranging from grand gowns to dazzling afterparty dresses. "The ‘big gown’ is making a comeback, particularly with heavier fabrics like satin—more structured and less lace, allowing for greater experimentation with wedding attire overall. Couples still prefer multiple looks, especially for destination weddings with several events," shares Chenai Bukutu, owner and lead planner of ByChenai Events. It’s all about juxtaposing classic elegance with a personal touch—because it is indeed possible to have both.

      Regarding guest experience, the focus is on striking a balance between comfort and style. Destination weddings remain immensely popular, yet they are being reimagined as multi-day events where guests can relax, celebrate, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Even at-home weddings are getting an upgrade, featuring glamorous décor that adds a special touch to familiar venues. Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, co-founders of The Own Studio, observe, "The trend of spanning weddings over several days is now commonplace. Whether a weekend series of events or a week-long celebration, couples enjoy curating different experiences for their guests to enjoy together—like welcome dinners, rehearsal parties, or day-long activities." In summary, weddings in 2025 are as varied and unique as the couples organizing them. Be it a destination retreat or a cozy garden gathering, the aim is to make the day authentically memorable, creating fond memories for years to come. Up next, I’ll outline the key trends set to influence weddings in 2025—trends that, much like your relationship, are built to endure. You’ll definitely want to take notes.

      **2025's Most Significant Wedding Trends**

      1. **Nonconformist Celebrations**

      Weddings in 2025 are breaking away from tradition, with couples opting for celebrations that feel personal, meaningful, and experiential rather than formulaic. The modern wedding is no longer just a structured event but a chance to express individuality and forge lasting memories. A major shift we’re witnessing is the move toward multi-day celebrations instead of a single, formal event. "It's quite rare for couples to have a one-day wedding nowadays," shares Westwood. "Typically, we have at least a welcome party and a recovery gathering over three days, often more!" This trend underscores a desire to spend quality time with guests, transforming the wedding into a holistic experience.

      The venue choices are changing too, with outdoor and unconventional locations gaining traction. Westwood mentions, "We’ll see more outdoor and unusual ceremony sites as couples seek to separate their legal ceremony from more personal vows at destinations of their choosing worldwide. Flower displays are becoming larger and more stunning, employing soft garden-like styles that create a wow factor along the aisle."

      Personalization is still a central theme, especially in selecting who officiates the ceremony. "There’s a consistent shift away from traditional ceremonies to those led by celebrants, friends, and family," says Bukutu. "Personalization is essential, with vows written to reflect the couple's love story, including audience participation through rituals like ring warmings, where guests pass the rings to offer their well wishes."

      Destination weddings continue to be enticing, now more multifaceted. Kaye and Williams explain, "Elopements are increasing, but not in the traditional sense. They're elaborate destination experiences with increasingly unusual venues." Locations like South Africa and rural Portugal are becoming more popular, providing unique backdrops while blending the wedding with a holiday vibe. Home-based weddings are on the rise