When Vogue asked seven of the world’s top event planners what the biggest 2025 wedding trends will be, the answers weren’t all over the map. Instead, they were (quite literally) local: multiple planners said that more and more couples are opting for hometown weddings, whether it’s in the bride’s backyard or a nearby venue the groom’s family has gone to for generations – even if their budget allows them to throw a splashy international party.
The shift occurs just as destination weddings have reached a fever-pitch: after the pandemic, cooped-up couples were eager to throw an event abroad to celebrate themselves and the act of travel itself. Yet after three years of lengthy overnight flights, navigating language barriers, and the emotional disconnect of having a wedding in a beautiful yet often unsentimental venue, the pendulum has begun to swing the other way. (It is also out of respect for guests: destination weddings are typically a sizable financial and time commitment.)
On a smaller scale, more and more couples are choosing film photography over digital, drawn to its more nostalgic qualities. Alcohol, too, seems to be a high priority: 360-degree bars and pre-batched cocktails are gaining traction to ensure drinks flow quickly.
There are also some traditions, according to our experts, that are falling by the wayside, such as photo booths, which are seen to have hit a saturation point. Although perhaps the thing most out of style is following trends for trends’ sake, rather than because they personally speak to you. “The pressure to follow trends is thankfully fading. We are starting to see the industry lean more abstract in their design thinking and excited by what comes next,” says Melissa Sullivan of Studio Sully.
So without further ado, here are the 2025 wedding trends to consider – and what to avoid.
What’s In
Destination wedding weekends are still hot and happening, but we are seeing a resurgence of interest in planning “at home”. We love an opportunity to make our hosts’ home the perfect place to celebrate. Whether the setting is their private residence or a smattering of venues steeped with meaning, creating a wedding narrative around a place with significance tracing back to childhood provides inspiration and immediate storytelling. Planning a party at home can pack an equally exciting punch as a glamorous destination; it just often takes an outside perspective to breathe fresh air into something that seems so familiar. – Augusta Cole
Doing what feels genuinely authentic to you is very much in style. A recent couple of ours from NYC, celebrated their nuptials on their new upstate New York property. They decided to get married on their front porch, surrounded by loved ones because that’s what felt most “them.” – Melissa Sullivan, Studio Sully
The bar might be the heart of the party, but nothing kills the vibe quicker than a line. Ready-to-drink cocktails mean no waiting, no slowing down – just perfectly mixed drinks in hand, all night long. From the first toast to the last song, the party keeps moving, and the night never skips a beat. – Bronson van Wyck, Van Wyck & Van Wyck
Film is back – nostalgic, romantic, and a little unpredictable, like the best parties. It’s forgiving in all the right ways, softening edges and making everyone look their best when the lights are low and the dancing’s wild. And the wait for those photos is a moment of delayed gratification that feels almost ceremonial. – Bronson van Wyck
Calligraphy is the star of the paper suite. Illustrated and floral borders as well as contemporary typeface and tailored fonts will continue to have their place, but timeless and stately calligraphy is returning to the spotlight. Icons like Bernard Maisner with his artful gestures as well as Stephanie Fishwick with her many equally stunning styles have never gone out of style. However, allowing the calligraphy to do all of the talking on the main invitation is a return to tradition, but with hand-crafted flourish. – Augusta Cole
Fashion is stepping it up for weddings! From embroidered capes and dramatic trains to bold second (or third) looks, couples are making wardrobe choices that reflect their personality. This red-carpet-inspired trend is all about owning the moment and showing up in style. – Fallon Carter
From elegant backdrops to draped tabletops, fabric accents are making a big statement. Sagging and soft layers are being used to create cosy, intimate spaces that feel romantic and warm, no matter the venue size. – Fallon Carter
In 2025, there will be a rise in dramatic draping as couples move away from traditional wedding decor. Whether cascading from ceilings, framing walls, or creating soft, romantic backdrops, draping offers a versatile and visually striking alternative to conventional floral arrangements and other classic decor elements. Not only will this luxurious trend replace traditional pipe and drape, but we will also see unique styles of draping on chuppahs and even tabletops. – Jennifer Zabinski
Luxury train excursions through iconic European destinations are redefining intimate wedding weekends. Delight your guests with experiences that blend timeless elegance with breathtaking scenery. Imagine exchanging vows in a setting of unparalleled romance, dining under crystal chandeliers, and arriving by railcar to lunch in the Cotswolds or Tuscany. For couples craving a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, opulent train adventures are full steam ahead! – Lisa Vorce
Invitations are the first major style statement one sends their guests of the festivities to come. A new trend we are loving is sending gifts or objects, in lieu of the house invitation cards that will often get discarded. It both serves as an item your guests actually want to keep and use, and is an opportunity to really instill the theme or vibe you are envisioning. We just commissioned a martini-and-aspirin salt-and-pepper-shaker duo with the couple’s date and initials for a very retro 1960s-inspired wedding – guests were blown away by the dedication to the theme and world we began to pull them into before they arrived. – Melissa Sullivan
Couples are embracing the intimacy of sharing their vows privately before the ceremony. It’s a meaningful way to connect and take in the moment without an audience, allowing for a deeply personal exchange. – Fallon Carter
A trend we have been seeing a lot for 2025 is wellness activities over the weekend– lots of tennis matches, pickleball tournaments, organised hikes, and relay races. – Stefanie Cove
Luxury weddings are taking cues from the restaurant world, often incorporating menus from exclusive restaurants and partnering with celebrity chefs for elevated dining experiences. Floor plans now mimic chic restaurant layouts with banquettes, showpiece bars, and intimate table arrangements. Some couples are even booking buyouts at sought-after restaurants, where snagging a reservation is seemingly impossible. – Jennifer Zabinski, JZ Events
360-degree bars! Our clients are loving four-sided bars whether round, rectangular, or square. They create a fun atmosphere for guests to hang out during cocktails and late at night – and it’s even better if they have a whimsical canopy over them with stripes. – Stefanie Cove, Cove & Co.
Old-fashioned cakes are not new, but they are getting wilder! Colonnades are in again, as are open-format designs which we foresee becoming more popular (hopefully fountain cakes, too?) – Melissa Sullivan
Experiential escort card seating displays like a ticket booth or a display of an unusual object specific to the theme. A word of caution: make sure logistics are considered and that these activations are well-staffed. They are only fun if the direction is made clear and lines are limited! – Melissa Sullivan
What’s Out
Seemingly random destinations. Ensuring your wedding weekend is wildly memorable and completely unique is a fair priority for any couple, but clients are starting to draw the line when it comes to planning in places without any personal connection. – Augusta Cole
Black tie might be timeless, but weddings are embracing a new era of style. From vintage pieces and bold patterns to a fun mix of formal and casual, couples are creating attire storyboards to set the vibe – inviting guests to craft their own look that fits right into the narrative. – Lisa Vorce
From bridesmaid dresses to tablescapes, “matchy-matchy” is out. The look now? Texture, layers, and the perfectly imperfect. Think mixed prints, mismatched china, and tables that look artful, not straight out of a catalogue. People with the best taste know: effortless is the ultimate flex. – Bronson van Wyck
I am happy to say that we are definitely not seeing boutonnieres right now – more pocket squares for the gentlemen! Personally I love this trend, as boutonnieres feel a bit dated and never look good by the end of the evening. – Stefanie Cove
Hyper-monochrome or all-white weddings are out. By no means will a classic white tablecloth ever go out of style, but the organic all-white drapey look seems to have taken the wedding world by storm this year. With our clients, we are seeing a desire to experiment more with colour play, whether that be unexpected pastel combinations through a whimsical lens or going unapologetically graphic with your big-picture choices like flooring. – Melissa Sullivan
Couples are increasingly moving away from traditional photo booths, opting instead for more sophisticated and unique ways to capture memories of their guests. We’re seeing a growing trend of portrait photography setups and illustrators who create custom renditions of guests, offering a fresh and artistic twist on event photography. – Jennifer Zabinski
Couples are becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of their celebrations, taking care to minimise waste and reduce the amount of unnecessary items that end up in the trash at the end of the night. There is a noticeable shift away from plastic props, glow sticks and other [trinkets]. This thoughtful approach reflects a universal commitment to the planet in this generation of brides and grooms. – Jennifer Zabinski
Themed weddings with literal interpretations are being replaced by timeless, elegant designs. Couples are focusing on artistry, mood, and ambiance – crafting a wedding that feels sophisticated and will stand the test of time in photos, rather than sticking to a rigid theme. – Fallon Carter
First dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss – sure, they’re traditions, but they don’t need to feel like chores. Couples are finding ways to make the night flow effortlessly, where the vibe dictates the schedule – not the other way around. – Bronson van Wyck
