As we approach 2025, weddings are evolving in exciting and distinctive ways, embracing vibrancy, intimacy, and immersive guest experiences. Here’s a look at the top trends expected to shape the 2025 wedding landscape!

Photographer: Lorin Kelly // Wedding Planner: JScot Reid

Second Lines Steal the Show

In 2025, we’re seeing second lines make their way beyond New Orleans, adding a parade-style celebration to weddings in all kinds of destinations. Couples and guests are dancing through the streets, led by a brass band or DJ, waving parasols and handkerchiefs—a joyful procession that blends tradition with interactive excitement. “Our band has gotten more requests for a second-line style horn accompaniment for the walk to the reception,” shares Morgan Levi of On the One.

Photographer: Maria Davis Photography // Planner: Koral and Ko. // Florals: Blooming Fern

Farewell to Monochrome: Hello, Sunset Verona

Monochrome weddings are giving way to vibrant color palettes, led by the color of the year named by Brides and Minted to be Sunset Verona—a warm mix of coral, rose, and apricot.

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings // Planning & Design: Taryn Stark Wyant with Dani Sabbag // Florals: Teresa Sena Designs

“What a treat for planners to be able to incorporate such a fresh, lively tone into our palettes!” says Taryn of Taryn Stark Wyant. No doubt couples will be infusing rich tones like these into their weddings and adding complementary shades to create a dynamic aesthetic.

Photo by Nakutis

Dwindling Guest Counts—More Budget for Elevated Experiences

With smaller guest lists, couples seem to be shifting their budgets from a huge, one-day celebration, toward luxury and personalization. The idea is quality over quantity. “Couples are opting for intimate gatherings that focus on meaningful experiences, either by themselves or with their closest family and friends,” explains Victoria Morris of Sophisticated Weddings Italy. These experiences include everything from “having their favorite cocktail ready by the time they walk into the wedding to full-on interactive live dance shows at the reception,” says photographer, Maricarmen Maffioli. 

With lower guest counts, Dana Arnold of Destinations with Dana is also seeing the increasing popularity of multi-day celebrations consisting of “spa treatments, historic and/or food tours, cooking classes, etc.” She adds that couples “want the travel to be worth it for their guests who are spending hundreds, taking time off work, etc.”

Planning: Nanzza Planners // Photography: Carito Photography // Venue: Casa Adela

Multiple Outfit Changes for the Bride

In 2025, brides are elevating their wedding day style with multiple outfit changes, from classic gowns to playful reception dresses and late-night party attire. Each look captures a different vibe, turning every moment into an opportunity to wow. Cindy Dessy of Dessy Group observes, “I’ve noticed more brides having multiple costume changes throughout the wedding day. I’m waiting for the same trend for bridesmaids/ the wedding party to take hold!”

Image courtesy of Canva

Content Creators Capture Every Moment

With social media at the forefront, couples are hiring content creators who specialize in short-form videos for instant sharing on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. “I think there is one thing we can all agree on that we will see continue to increase as we go into the next wedding season, content creators,” says Sarah of Fox & Fig Photography. “These fairly new vendors are certainly taking the wedding industry by storm! Couples love the instantaneous deliverables that creators can offer.”

Planning: OFFICIALÉ // Photography: Heather Pauline Photography // Botanicals and Produce Styling: Sahola Flowers

Going Beyond Florals: Creative Centerpieces

Couples are enhancing traditional floral arrangements with unexpected elements like fruits, lavish greenery, and a multitude of candles, bringing depth and creativity to their decor. “The emerging aesthetic transcends the minimalism-maximalism dichotomy, focusing instead on what we call ’emotional resonance,’” explains Deborah Kugler of OFFICIALÉ. “Think of sophisticated color palettes enriched by unexpected patterns, classic florals complemented by sculptural fruits, or ceremony structures reimagined through modern materials.”

Photography: L. Hewitt Photography // Planning: Aloha Bridal Connections // Venue: Kualoa Ranch

Small (or No) Wedding Parties

Large wedding parties are becoming less common in 2025, with many couples opting for no wedding party or a minimal one to reduce logistics and keep the focus on the celebration itself. Sarah says couples are turning to alternative ways for friends to participate in their day, “inviting friends to get ready with them.” Dana adds that she’s seen an increased desire of couples to “let them be part of the wedding guest experience.” 

Photographer: Lorin Kelly // Wedding Planner: JScot Reid // Venue: Hotel Del Coronado

Vanity Fair-Style Group Portraits

Goodbye, standard group photos; hello, editorial elegance. Couples are capturing timeless and sophisticated portraits reminiscent of Vanity Fair, with carefully posed guests against dramatic backdrops. “I’m very excited to see that Vanity Fair-style group portraits are finally gaining traction,” says photographer Sandra Armenteros. “These posed pictures give an elevated vibe to the wedding pictures gallery and look amazing in the final album.”

Photography: Jayce Keil // Venue: Hedsor House // Planning & Design: Britt Jones Co. // Florals: The Petaler Floral Co.

Welcome Parties Over Traditional Rehearsal Dinners

In place of traditional rehearsal dinners, more couples are opting for relaxed welcome parties that create a warm, inviting start to the celebration. From beach barbecues to rooftop gatherings, these events allow family and friends to connect in a casual atmosphere. “The popularity of alternative events, such as welcome parties instead of traditional rehearsal dinners, is set to grow,” explains Jayce Keil. “These gatherings focus on connection and celebration, often allowing for a larger guest list and a more casual atmosphere.”

Photo courtesy of Kayla Kollection

Soft, Ballet-Inspired Makeup

Bridal makeup in 2025 embraces a delicate, ballet-inspired look with soft pastel tones and an airy finish. Kayla Okpareke of Kayla Kollection explains, “This delicate makeup style is all about soft pinks, peaches, and lilacs on the eyes and cheeks, paired with a subtle shimmer that catches the light.” This gentle style enhances natural beauty and exudes an ethereal glow for brides.

From colorful palettes to intimate gatherings and luxurious details, 2025 weddings are embracing individuality and guest experience. Will you take on any of these trends for your destination wedding?

Featured image by Ximena Zermeno Photography