2025 Wedding Trends: What’s in for the year ahead

From standout styling to unique guest experiences and sustainable celebrations that don’t compromise on style, the trends for 2025 are all about keeping things reflective of the couple themselves. So, whether you’re knee-deep in planning or just starting to dream, here’s the most exciting 2025 wedding trends coming in hot for the year ahead.

The top 2025 wedding trends we are loving

Slow, destination weddings

This is one wedding trend that we are hoping will become the new norm. Ditch the idea of a one-day whirlwind romance and instead enjoy a slow, destination wedding where the occasion feels unhurried and the happy high lasts an entire weekend (or more).

Think of it as a holiday-meets-wedding, where your closest friends and family can relax, connect, and celebrate with you in an incredible location. Whether it’s a private rural retreat, a tropical escape, or a picture-perfect vineyard, these extended celebrations take the pressure down and offer more time to enjoy quality conversations and organise some worthwhile pre and post wedding festivities (hello, recovery party). Still tossing up where you should get married? Read our article How to decide on the location of your wedding to help you make the final call.

Micro-weddings with big impact

The guest lists are staying small, but the vibes are huge. Couples are focusing on creating hyper-personalised experiences for their nearest and dearest, with luxe touches like bespoke cocktails, gourmet tasting menus, and heartfelt, interactive moments. Here's some inspo for stunning NSW wedding venues perfect for hosting a micro wedding.

Clustered grazing tables

Not an entirely new wedding trend (we called it in 2024) but one that we think will shine even brighter in 2025 is clustered grazing tables. Unlike traditional grazing stations where everything is jam-packed together on the same plate, each item on a clustered grazing table is grouped separately.

It’s a practical side-step, making it easier for caterers to replenish food stocks once they start to get low, while still providing the same easy access to food that made grazing stations such an appealing wedding trend in the first place.

This approach also does more than just organise the food; it transforms the grazing table into a styling feature in its own right. The clean, sophisticated look from a clustered grazing table elevates the entire setup (think a tower of cherries and an entire tray of thinly sliced prosciutto).

More meaningful gifts

When it comes to wedding gifts, cash is still king with the majority of couples preferring monetary contributions over physical gifts. What’s changing (or trending) is the way it’s given and received. Rather than handing over cold, hard cash, wedding guests are able to make a financial contribution to couples in a way that feels much more meaningful. Cue: digital wedding registries.

Online wedding registries like Gravy allow couples to clearly communicate what the funds will be used for (eg. honeymoon, home renovations, pet-insurance, future date nights etc.). A welcome side-effect is that guests are more inclined to give generously (statistically, 30% more) as they feel good knowing their money will be put directly toward something the couple really wants.

And for couples who want something money can’t buy (community, emotional support, trust) Gravy also allows couples to ask for gifts of time, skill and good will such as help moving house, babysitting, a gym buddy, a personalised Spotify playlist etc. It’s still gift giving but in a way that is less transactional and far more meaningful.

Cherry red

In 2025 more couples will be opening their hearts to colour. Cherry red will be a definite frontrunner, with couples incorporating a splash of this bold hue into their styling (think flowers, stationery, tablecloths and food).

Brides will also be adding a subtle touch of cherry red to their look with eye-catching accessories and bridal makeup looks that can be worn from start to finish, or as a fun way to transition their look from the ceremony to reception.

Ice sculptures

Cool (literally) and not something you see everyday, ice sculptures are making a big comeback. Whether it’s a statement sculpture, a functional ice luge for cocktails or an intricate centrepiece, these frozen works of art bring drama and elegance to any wedding. They’re also perfect for creating a ‘wow’ moment guests will talk about long after the party ends.

Edible styling

In 2025, fresh produce is pulling double duty—not just pleasing the palette but elevating the aesthetic of your day. Expect to see more stylists create visually stunning tablescapes using sculptural fruit and veg. Leafy greens, mountains of bright and juicy heirloom tomatoes and stone fruits piled high.

By-gone era-inspired wedding dresses

By-gone era-inspired wedding dresses evoke a sense of timeless romance and nostalgia, drawing design inspiration from the elegance of past decades. Whether it's intricate lace detailing, minimalist silhouettes or corsets, these dresses have storybook-like qualities while allowing for modern interpretations.

Perfect for brides seeking a look that's both unique and classic (or anyone with access to their Grandmother's wardrobe), these gowns often feature ornate embellishments, dramatic trains, and delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon. If you're still dress hunting, here's a pep talk you need to read before you hit the shops.

Sit-down ceremonies

Typically, seating at wedding ceremonies is only available to a select few - usually grandparents, immediate family and close friends. Wouldn’t it be nice to ditch the hierarchy and have everyone seated, comfortable and fully present throughout your wedding ceremony? Yes, even your wedding party.

This 2025 wedding trend pairs nicely with the concept of slow weddings, where traditions that don’t add to the overall guest experience are often cast aside. Having all your guests seated during your ceremony ensures that everyone has a clear view of the wedding ceremony and can watch on feeling relaxed and comfortable.

Sustainability

We love when a wedding trend supports the greater good and in 2025 the demand for Rococo-inspired everything and vintage silhouettes (in particular drop waist wedding dresses and Basque bodices) means second-hand items will be hot property for anyone planning a wedding in 2025.

A general growing awareness about weddings and their environmental impact will also give rise to this wedding trend, with couples sourcing locally-grown flowers and repurposed decor, and using edible food installations to create visual impact. Couples will also look to use digital wedding invitations and invest in quality pieces that become keepsakes such as custom napkins or tablecloths.

Elevated bakery icons/cakes as art

While some couples are ditching the tradition of cake cutting altogether, others are going in the opposite direction and making their cake a prominent feature at their wedding.

Exquisitely crafted and very Insta-worthy, cake makers everywhere are making edible works of art that are as exciting to look at as they are to eat. Think giant-sized mille-feuille, kitsch cakes, sky high croquembouche and everything in between. As long as it makes you stop and stare, it’s on trend for weddings in 2025.

Quality over quantity

For some couples, this trend means a smaller, more intentional gathering that allows for more budget allocation to elevate the experience. Think better food, more elaborate décor, or an unforgettable honeymoon. For others, it simply means being selective about certain elements such as food and beverage (say, choosing an oyster bar over a wedding cake), or focusing their floral budget on creating a single floral masterpiece versus having small bouquets scattered throughout.

Statement outfits and accessories

When it comes to wedding fashion in 2025, being subtle and shy is out while being big and bold is in. For women, we anticipate seeing multiple outfit changes and statement accessories including hats, neck scarves, embroidered capes and gloves. For men this red-carpet inspired wedding trend will translate to customised suits in different styles and textures, bold second looks and any accessories that speaks to their personality. This is the wedding season for fashion-loving folks who don’t do things in halves.

Wedding content creators

Not to be confused with wedding videographers, content creators appeal to couples who want (almost) instant access to candid, behind-the-scenes style footage of their wedding day.

The content is captured on an iPhone and the style of video they create is more suited to social media, with the focus being on capturing real-time content for Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms. It’s a great way to capture every moment of your wedding in an informal and fun way. If you want to know more about wedding content creators read this.

On the hunt for some talented content creators? Check out Altar Socials, By Your Side Socials, Contented by Rose and Capture The Vows.

Immersive experiences for guests

From cocktail stations to live cooking displays, providing guests with a theatrical and customised experience is a growing wedding trend that warrants a huge amount of hype. Not only do interactive elements create a memorable experience for wedding guests, it’s another way for couples to express their personalities and add to the overall vibe of the day.

Boujee buffets

Okay, hear us out. When we mention the word ‘buffet’ we’re not talking about the all-you-can-eat buffets that existed before food safety was taken seriously. This version is far more sophisticated, flavourful and visually appealing. The only similarity is that it’s (usually) still self-serve.

Boujee buffets are not unlike clustered grazing tables except that it’s main-meal dishes that are on offer. A shared feast but where people can help themselves to seconds (or thirds or fourths).

Dramatic draping and table cloths

A show-stopping design element that adds elegance and grandeur to weddings, dramatic draping is one trend to watch. Whether it’s cascading fabric from ceiling beams, soft swags framing an altar or flowing curtains accentuating a reception space, draping creates a sense of romance and sophistication to any wedding.

In-line with this trend is flowing, eye-catching table cloths. No longer just a functional piece of furniture tables now take centre stage as a styling feature in their own right. Whether it’s a cake table, signing table, champagne tower or grazing station, expect to see tables dressed to impress.

Rococo revival

Ornate details are making a grand comeback with the Rococo revival trend. Inspired by the 18th century, this style is all about intricate patterns, gilded accents, and a sense of opulence. Think luxurious floral arrangements, vintage-inspired furniture, and wedding gowns with dramatic ruffles or embroidery. Perfect for couples wanting to infuse a sense of romance and grandeur into their big day.

Portrait photo backdrops

Photo booths are fun but if you want an alternative and more refined way to capture candid and playful images of your wedding guests, portrait photo backdrops are about to hit big. We’re seeing all kinds of fun backdrop installations from clever wedding stylists and companies like Offset Portraits.

Slow weddings Dias de Vino Y Roas, Mrs White Photos, Alex Marks Photography // Ice scultpure Jack Henry, Maddy Rotman // Cherry red D. Picard // Sit down ceremonies Dias de Vino Y Roas, Norman & Blake, Ripple Weddings // Draping Jack Henry Photo