The 2025 Wedding Trends That Will Be All Over Your FYP

Every year, The Knot Editors comb through new wedding trends as a team. A rather fun aspect of our jobs, a collective meeting of the minds takes place as each team member notes what they're experiencing firsthand, what event professionals are creating, and, of course, what's currently sticking with couples. As we've noticed the continued focus on hyper-personalization, especially among a generation that cares about authenticity, 2025 wedding trends have blossomed to become even more robust and bespoke than ever before. This seasoned editor can, as a matter of fact, confidently say that weddings are now in their surprise era.

Often, weddings may feel redundant to guests and attendees, especially if they are accustomed to the same ideas and experiences… until the next big concept comes along. Yet couples are approaching wedding trends for 2025 differently. Ranging from upgraded experiences and the latest catering concepts (cakes, included), both to-be-weds and their vendor teams are keeping weddings fresh by leaning into inventive and experiential ideas that will make guests respond with delight. So welcome to 2025: Where surprises will keep just about everyone on their toes.

1. The Year of Surprises

Kapsule Co.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a surprise is defined as "an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing." This is arguably and consistently in line with 2025 wedding trends. Examples include the unexpected, such as instrumental playlists from your favorite TV shows and movies (think: Bridgerton, Wicked and more). The year of surprises can also include leaning into dramatic changes between the ceremony and reception, like cutting off the bottom of your dress or chopping off your locks. An enduring surprise for loved ones, serving a nostalgic late-night snack (examples include Taco Bell, McDonald's fries and Auntie Anne's pretzels), or a crowd-pleasing wedding food trend like mozzarella pulling, are all very much "in" for 2025.

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Arguably, however, there is no greater surprise than throwing a surprise wedding. Under the guise of throwing an engagement party, some couples are letting their loved ones in on the secret… the day of. There's nothing like pushing the timeline up ever so slightly. (The exception is your team of vendors—we argue they should, at least, be in on the confidential planning.)

2. Aesthetic Dress Codes

Lisa Poggi

So you've recently received a mood board for a white-tie wedding with a hyper-specific aesthetic dress code (examples include "gold gilded white-tie gala" or "white-tie optional greens and blacks"). Well, you aren't alone. Guests have become part of the wedding decor and an enhancement to wedding day photography through their attire choices for the day. On invitations and wedding websites, couples are requesting guests lean into certain colors and themes to supplement their overall aesthetic vision.

Wedding parties too. Redundant silhouettes and colors are being ditched for not only mix-and-match bridesmaid looks that create an overall aesthetic. "This trend not only makes for stunning photos but also allows each person to feel comfortable and authentic," says Akeshi Akinseye, global planner and founder of Kesh Events. Like detailing your plans on the wedding website, a mood board is *also* advised.

3. Mind Your Greens

Twah Dougherty Photography

Maybe your parents had a point, after all. Fruit and vegetable decor, and wellness cocktails, are among the latest wedding trends. Between heirloom tomato centerpieces, mushroom bouquets and cabbage aisle markers, the two speak to the rise of farm-to-table menus and couples' interests in farm weddings and local produce. They also speak to broader aesthetic interests, like tomato-girl summer and the rise of cake vignettes (more on that below).

There's an additional component to the greens: seasonal mocktails. "Many receptions now feature dedicated mocktail bars, where guests can enjoy a curated menu of creative, alcohol-free beverages," says Akinseye. "These bars are often set up with fresh ingredients, artisanal mixers, and garnishes, making the mocktail experience feel just as indulgent as the main bar… Just like cocktails, these drinks are crafted with seasonal ingredients and designed to align with the wedding's theme. From refreshing, citrusy spritzers in the summer to warming spiced drinks in the fall, these beverages enhance the overall aesthetic and guest experience."

4. The Branded Wedding

Callie Biggerstaff Photography

For multiday wedding weekends, it isn't only the couple taking center stage–it's their wedding as a branded experience. Custom crests, monograms, newsletter font and typography-style stationery are just a few ways trendy couples are giving tailored, visual cues to guests. The branded wedding typically begins with the save-the-date and carries throughout the wedding website, invitations, and, even, seating charts. The color palette and logos all speak to a tightly-branded experience that signals exclusivity and hyper-personalization.

For an even more immersive experience, some couples are adding personal touchpoints like custom fragrances, gifting suites and crafting stations. The branding continues to how the couple chooses to dress for each prewedding event. "Couples are choosing coordinated, often themed outfits for their welcome parties and rehearsal dinners," says Akinseye. "Think beach-chic for a coastal wedding or Hollywood glam for a black-tie affair. These looks set the tone for the weekend and add to the storytelling element." Creating a memorable touchpoint for guests.

5. Next-Level Photo & Video Experiences

Weddings by Nato

Our team carefully sifts through hundreds of Real Wedding submissions each year. We also spend a healthy amount of time scrolling on #WedTok, all fodder for the ways wedding photography and videography are evolving. A play on the flash wave and the blurred action photo trend that we've seen in recent years, paparazzi-style photos are the current iteration of documentary-style photography. Hotchkiss agrees. "I am seeing more behind-the-scenes shots and less of the perfectly posed images we've been seeing for years," she says. (She would know after nearly 25 years in the business.)

Of course, videography and photography businesses have also driven much innovation. As modern couples continue to focus on aesthetics (notable Gen Z wedding trends include the likes of Old Money, Vintage and even Mob Wife styles), couples are employing imagery and videography businesses to capture the essence of the event. Hence, why, we've seen the rise of static slow pan videos featuring entire wedding parties. One member of The Knot best described this wedding trend as "inspired by NFL Game Day."

6. Tailored Welcomes & Immersive Events

Alternative Standards

Like branded creative touches, the hospitality experience often involves warm welcome parties and immersive events throughout the wedding weekend. "Guests are welcomed with curated touches from the moment they arrive, like personalized welcome bags, thoughtful dinners and parties, and curated activities throughout the weekend," says Akinseye.

Speaking of which, activities are a post-pandemic trend that has only grown with more involvement over the years. "People want to hang with friends [and loved ones] for the weekend," says Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events. "So we've seen more activities, like pickleball tournaments, mini races (3K over 5K runs), scavenger hunts, golf tournaments, board games, and more." Our team has seen beach and pool parties, farewell sails and much more. Lately, couples are even opting to integrate games into their nuptials, a wedding reception trend to watch. Examples include light-hearted wagers over whether the bride will have an outfit change, or if the band will play Ed Sheeran. "Weddings are evolving into more interactive, personalized celebrations," says Greg Stahl, founder of the app, Betting on the Wedding. "Couples want to give their guests an experience and have them feel involved beyond just attending."

7. The Full Suite… of Wedding Attire

Lisa Poggi

It used to be a quick bustle; now, it's at least two outfit changes per wedding, if not three. While seemingly excessive to some, the stylish or multicultural set of couples often say this is yet another way to convey their heritage or personal fashion choices throughout the wedding. Statement accessories included. "The reception dress is becoming a staple, with many brides opting for shorter, more playful styles to allow for easier movement during the dancing portion of the evening," confirms Akinseye. "Matching or coordinating jewelry is [another] beautiful trend. For example, the bride and groom might both wear pieces with pearls, or one might wear a family heirloom while the other incorporates a new piece inspired by it."

For those who want to tell an immersive story through their fashion, current wedding trends signal one emerging sector of the business: the rise of bridal stylists. "Stylists are having a huge moment," says Hotchkiss. "More of our couples are leaning on stylists to help them curate looks for the weekend. And custom dresses to jewelry… even Pantone color-dyed shoes."

8. Cake Meadows & Vignettes

Grant Daniels Photography

A confection for the senses? Enter cake vignettes. Just like everything else with weddings, cakes have evolved with time. From its naked phase (no judgment there) to its heart-shaped vintage-inspired era, we've noticed the latest craze is yet another design-centric way to "dress up" the cutting portion of the evening.

Our team has certainly noticed the growing popularity of cake meadows as one of the top wedding trends. As one can imagine, the term refers to a cake surrounded by cascading flowers, fruits, and decor touches. Think sweets surrounded by a garden of flowers or fruits and veggies. Auburn and marigold leaves are well-suited touches when considering fall 2025 wedding trends. Peonies and hydrangea create an ebullient experience for late spring and summer wedding trends. Some couples are even adding scented candles of jasmine or rose to add to the fragrant experience.

9. Serpentine Tablescapes

Sarah Lord Photo

Imagine a long banquet table with a playful twist. Yes, you've noticed one of the hottest wedding trends of the year. While the logistics for these winding tables require extra effort, especially for rentals, the serpentine tablescape is a favorite for to-be-weds considering spring or summer 2025 wedding trends for more intimate-sized receptions. This design concept is especially effective in natural settings, whether it be a lush meadow or an arid desert landscape, and typically softens the austerity of traditional banquet tables by adding curvature. IRL, a successful serpentine tablescape will make each loved one gasp and immediately reach for their phones.

10. Layers of Texture

Emily Loeppke

Do you know when you walk into West Elm and the bedding layers create an aesthetically pleasing story? (Imagine velvet shams with cotton duvets and silk pillowcases.) The same applies to new wedding trends. "Our 2025 clients are asking for more colors and layers of textures," says Hotchkiss, the author of Gorgeous Gatherings. "We see couples mixing all textures, including leather, linen, corduroy, velvet, jute, and even fur. This includes a real juxtaposition of the traditionally clean lines to mixed fabrics and patterns with an emphasis on pops of color."

"This creates textural harmony," says Akinseye. The same concept applies to wedding attire, as well. "Using textures as a point of connection is on the rise," she adds. "Think: satin gowns paired with velvet tuxedos, or lace and linen combinations that create a beautifully layered aesthetic."

11. Time Period-Coded Aesthetics & Draping

Brandon Kidd Photography

Draping as a wedding decor trend is having a moment along with flooded candles and dimly-lit reception decor. Some couples are relying on draping for backdrops, others are using the gauzy concept to mask other parts of a venue. If anything, it's giving Great Expectations as a 2025 wedding trend.

"Fabric-draped ceiling treatments are making a comeback," says Akinseye. "The effect adds an element of luxury and intimacy to venue spaces. Expect to see statement backdrops that serve as focal points for the ceremony or reception, combined with all-candle decor for a warm, romantic glow." Only it won't require a visit or call to Miss Havisham.

12. The Repositioning of Wedding Parties

Years ago, this editor learned a valuable lesson after wearing a chiffon bridesmaid dress with 5-inch heels in front of, say, 200 guests in a church. After standing for an hour, let's just say some regrets were had. But as we've seen with Gen Z, sneakers are the new stiletto and sitting is superior to standing.

The repositioning of wedding parties (with some couples shirking them altogether) has been a growing trend as an offshoot of the pandemic. For those who still want their besties to participate in the ceremony, the format is being upended in other ways. Couples are now asking their 'maids and 'men to switch sides so that their best friends can share their expressions, laughter, tears and more. Others are asking their wedding parties to simply, well, sit down or be seated with other guests for a less formal "wedding party" experience.

13. Unexpected Reds

Logan Cole Photography

After several editors raised the notion of the viral "unexpected red theory" seeping into 2025 wedding trends, two points became apparent to our team:
1. An immediate Google deep-dive of "Unexpected Reds" was a must-do.
2. Juicy reds and corals, across wedding decor and attire (think accessories, shoes, even lip color), will be the latest wedding trend and color to be leveraged to elevate nuptials across the US.

And now that you've seen this, you likely can't unsee it… You'll want to implement the red theory into your wedding design.

14. AI Adoption While Planning

A declaration of the most leveraged 2025 wedding planning trend? The adoption of AI to help engaged couples with the planning experience. If you don't believe us though, we came with receipts.

According to The Knot Worldwide 2025 Wedding Trends to Watch Report, the rise of artificial intelligence for engaged couples has increased with 20% of couples now utilizing AI-driven wedding planning tools to help with communication, etiquette and inspiration. The number of AI users has doubled year over year (from one in 10 to one in five), with both vendors and couples using it to their benefit. (In fact, we'll let you in on a secret: Even The Knot Style Quiz is powered by AI to help couples refine their wedding themes.)

15. All About the Sentiment

Forged in the North

While tech continues to play its gargantuan role in 2025 wedding planning trends, leaning into the actual feelings surrounding weddings is something it can't replicate. That's up to the couple. To-be-weds who've lost a loved one are even opting to incorporate voicemails of late friends or relatives to remark, from afar, in speeches and toasts.

Among wedding guest trends, leaning into the sentiment can frame a heartwarming reminder of why they're at the wedding in the first place. With more people craving connection, especially at weddings, creative ideas like handwritten or personal escort notes for loved ones and bespoke wedding favors are just a few ways couples can provide a sentimental touchpoint that honors and inspires. Some couples are also finding creative ways to bring guests into their love story (like a cheeky Venn diagram).

How We've Spotted the 2025 Wedding Trends

Congrats, you've now digested new wedding trends and inspiration from our team. But what exactly qualifies us as experts? We've mentioned this before, but it's within our scope as editors of The Knot to observe industry shifts, be informed about the data, follow our instincts when we see patterns, and keep our pulse on new wedding trends. That way, our team is creating and serving up content that feels relevant, benefiting both couples and guests. Additionally, the editors often attend industry events like Bridal Fashion Week and conferences to refine and define the latest. There and elsewhere, we'll turn to top planners and vendors (the experts who are creating and running weddings) to review and share current trends across wedding design, catering, entertainment, and far more.

As for current wedding trends? "2025 will be all about enhancing the guest journey," Akinseye concludes. "Think luxurious, immersive touches that create unforgettable moments and lasting memories."