By Kineta Booker
With any new year we have a fresh canvas and when you work in the wedding industry it’s always a good idea to consider what the latest trends might be for the coming year. Here are 10 ideas likely to shape the wedding industry, reflecting evolving preferences, cultural shifts, and innovative ideas for the upcoming year and beyond. These trends highlight how couples are seeking to make their weddings more personalised, meaningful, and reflective of contemporary values.
Micro Weddings: Less Is More
While large weddings have always been the norm, 2025 is expected to see a continued rise in micro weddings, typically involving a guest list of 30-50 people. Couples are opting for more intimate celebrations with close family and friends, allowing them to focus on quality over quantity. These weddings often feature bespoke details, such as custom décor, personalised vows, and exclusive venues that wouldn’t be possible with a larger guest list. The shift towards micro weddings is driven by a desire for authenticity, cost-efficiency, and the opportunity to create meaningful connections with a select group of loved ones.
Wedding Weekends
In response to the desire for longer, more relaxed celebrations, wedding weekends are gaining traction. Instead of a single-day event, couples are now planning multi-day celebrations that span an entire weekend. This could include a welcome party the night before, the wedding ceremony and reception the next day, and a farewell brunch to close the festivities. Wedding venues that offer accommodation and ample space for different events are increasingly popular, and couples are looking to make their weddings a more immersive experience, turning it into a mini holiday for their guests.
Non-Traditional Wedding Attire
Wedding fashion is evolving, with more couples choosing to break away from traditional attire. While the classic white wedding dress and suit remain popular, 2025 will see an increase in personalised, non-traditional choices. Brides may choose to wear coloured dresses – think pastel shades, metallic tones, or bold prints – while grooms and non-binary couples might opt for tailored suits in unconventional fabrics, cuts, or vibrant colours. Even wedding attire that’s more casual – such as jumpsuits, shorts, or bohemian styles – is becoming increasingly acceptable as the “rules” of wedding fashion become more relaxed and flexible.
Virtual Guest Participation
The trend of virtual wedding attendance will continue into 2025, particularly as technology continues to improve. With more couples having family and friends spread across the globe, live streaming, video calls, and virtual reality experiences will allow loved ones who can't physically attend the wedding to still be part of the celebration. For example, 360-degree video streaming and drone footage can create immersive experiences, while virtual platforms can offer a live "front row" view for guests. This trend is particularly appealing for those hosting destination weddings or micro weddings, making it easier for everyone to join the occasion, regardless of location.
Customised, Sustainable Wedding Favours
Eco-consciousness is becoming a significant part of modern weddings, and in 2025, couples will look for more sustainable wedding favours that align with their values. This could include favours that are handmade, locally sourced, or even experiences (such as tickets to local attractions or donations made in guests' names). Rather than giving out items that are often discarded, couples will choose sustainable gifts such as potted plants, edible favours (like local honey or organic jams), or seed packets that encourage guests to create something lasting in honour of the day.
DIY and Handmade Wedding Décor
In 2025, DIY wedding décor will continue to thrive as couples look to infuse their wedding day with personal touches and creativity. From handmade centrepieces to unique signage, couples are moving away from mass-produced decorations and opting for bespoke, crafted elements. This could involve repurposing old furniture, using recycled materials for table settings, or creating hand-crafted favours and invitations. Wedding planners and celebrants may work with couples to design one-of-a-kind décor that tells their story and incorporates elements that reflect their personality and journey as a couple.
Wellness and Mindfulness Weddings
As mental health and wellness take centre stage in modern life, expect to see a rise in wellness-focused weddings in 2025. Couples may choose to incorporate mindfulness practices into their ceremonies, such as guided meditation, breathing exercises, or even yoga sessions before or after the wedding. This trend may also include "detox" wedding packages, where couples and their guests can unwind with spa treatments, wellness breaks, and healthy, organic food options. The focus will be on relaxation and presence, ensuring the celebration is not just an event but a rejuvenating experience.
Interactive Food and Drink Stations
Gone are the days of a traditional sit-down dinner for every guest. In 2025, interactive food and drink stations will continue to grow in popularity, allowing guests to engage with the food and drink in a fun and personalised way. From build-your-own taco bars to cocktail stations where guests can customise their drinks, these options offer a more social and interactive experience. Wedding receptions might also feature gourmet food trucks or artisanal pop-up stalls offering everything from freshly made pizzas to handmade doughnuts, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for guests to mingle.
Intentionally Small Venues with Big Impact
Couples are increasingly choosing smaller, unique venues that make a statement, rather than opting for large, traditional wedding venues. This trend involves intimate, often quirky spaces that are rich in character, such as art galleries, museums, botanical gardens, historic buildings, or even private homes. In 2025, expect to see couples seeking out venues that are deeply personal and meaningful, where they can create a memorable experience for their small group of guests. This also aligns with the desire for a more relaxed and authentic wedding celebration, where the location becomes part of the experience rather than just a backdrop.
Multi-Day or Progressive Weddings
Taking the concept of a wedding weekend further, progressive weddings are gaining ground, where each day of the event builds on the previous one. For example, a couple might host a rehearsal dinner with a certain theme, followed by a wedding ceremony on the next day, and finish with a recovery brunch or a themed after-party. The multi-day celebration could incorporate different styles or cultural practices, turning the entire wedding into a week of activities, celebrations, and bonding. This trend is particularly attractive to couples who want to offer guests a more diverse, relaxed wedding experience that lasts beyond a single day.
