If you’re currently planning your wedding, these are the trends to look out for when deciding on entertainment, decor and style
Planning a wedding is hugely exciting but it’s also a lot of work and if you’re trawling through Pinterest, it can become more than a little overwhelming.
That’s why it’s good to take a step back and consider what you want from the day, while also considering what will make it enjoyable for your family and friends.
Trends come and go but it’s always fascinating to see what’s popular or new or making a comeback in any given year, in case it resonates with you and becomes that elevates your day to a new level.
For more bright ideas and beautiful photography inspiration, pick up the March|April issue of Irish Country Magazine, which has a dedicated wedding theme and is out now.
Speaking to Guides for Brides, wedding industry expert Nikita Thorne has shared her top predictions for the trends set to define 2025:
Less flowers, more foliage
According to Nikita, couples are moving away from flowers as the main focal point of decor due to factors like the cost of imported flowers and sustainability concerns.
“We are seeing more wild and whimsical floral arrangements that focus on foliage and not florals,” she siad. “An interesting trend that we expect to see a big growth in is fruits and vegetables integrated into floral displays and tablescapes, for example, lemons, tomatoes and olives, adding colour and shape, and giving a vibe of Tuscany.”
Intimate venues
If this trend continues, the days of having a huge wedding could be numbered.
“We’ve seen a dip in interest in hotel wedding venues (down 41.5% in searches year on year), with couples looking for more privacy through exclusive use wedding venues where onsite accommodation is only available to their wedding guests.”
Immersive experiences
Couples are keen to keep their guests entertained throughout the day to combat fatigue between the various stages of the wedding.
“More experiential and performative elements are being used to make the event feel immersive. For example, ‘ring for champagne’ stations or interactive ‘take a shot and find your spot’ seating plans.”
Sober-curious weddings
For any guests who don’t drink alcohol, weddings are set to become a lot more inclusive.
“While we aren’t expecting to see a huge number of completely dry weddings, more couples and wedding guests are becoming sober-curious or not drinking alcohol at all anymore. We anticipate that we will see more creative mocktails and experiential drinks for wedding guests who aren’t drinking.”
Monochrome bridesmaid dresses
“More brides are picking monochrome bridesmaid dresses, like black, for a bold and matching look. It makes the day feel fresh and stands out from traditional colours. Monochrome is simple, stylish, and timeless, letting the couple and details take the spotlight. It’s also easy to customise with different styles to fit any wedding theme.”
Having a second dress
Brides are becoming more aware that comfort is key to having a great night once the formalities of the wedding day have concluded.
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen more brides change into a second dress after the first dance so they can party comfortably and still look stylish. This lets them switch from a formal gown to something more relaxed and fun, without losing elegance.”
Content creators
Photographers and videographers will always play a big role in weddings but younger couples want more innovative ways to capture their big day.
“Content creators help couples capture and share their special day in unique and engaging ways. Content creators are making an impact by delivering photos and videos with a very quick turnaround, often within 24 hours. With their expertise in social media trends and digital platforms, they deliver beautifully curated, Instagram-worthy shots, capturing candid moments and unique angles.”
Sustainable weddings
More and more, we’re coming to realise that memorable weddings don’t have to cost the earth.
“Sustainability is becoming a notable shift in weddings as more couples prioritise eco-friendly and environmentally conscious choices for their special day. Couples are increasingly choosing sustainable venues, sourcing locally-grown flowers, and opting for eco-conscious decor, such as recycled materials and biodegradable options. This shift towards sustainability not only aligns with a more mindful approach to celebrating love but also creates a more meaningful, lasting impact on the planet.”
