The Wedding Trends to Watch for—and Skip—in 2025

When Vogue spoke with seven of the world’s top event planners about 2025 wedding trends, one theme stood out: the celebration of home and heritage. Many couples are shifting towards hometown weddings, choosing meaningful locations like family homes or cherished local venues over lavish international destinations. Even couples with extravagant budgets are opting for more intimate, localized celebrations, embracing a deeper connection to their roots.

This trend emerges as destination weddings, which reached a peak in popularity post-pandemic, begin to lose their luster. While international events allowed couples to indulge in the thrill of travel and luxury, the logistical and emotional challenges—lengthy flights, language barriers, and unfamiliar venues—are prompting a return to more personal, grounded celebrations. Respect for guests’ time and finances is also a key consideration, as destination weddings often require significant commitments.

Smaller-scale changes are also taking center stage, from a nostalgic embrace of film photography to innovations in bar service that keep drinks flowing seamlessly. At the same time, certain traditions, like welcome bags and photo booths, are falling out of favor. More than anything, planners emphasize that the trendiest weddings are those that feel uniquely authentic to the couple, reflecting their personal story and style.

Here’s a look at what’s in and what’s out for weddings in 2025:

What’s In

Hometown Weddings

Local weddings are making a strong comeback. Whether it’s hosting a ceremony in the bride’s backyard or at a venue steeped in family tradition, couples are leaning into spaces that tell a meaningful story. Event planners are helping transform these familiar settings into magical, fresh spaces that feel just as special as a destination event.

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

No one wants to spend the night waiting in line at the bar. Pre-batched, ready-to-drink cocktails are taking over as the go-to solution for quick and flawless drink service, ensuring the party keeps moving seamlessly from start to finish.

Film Photography

The charm of film photography is back, capturing weddings with a nostalgic, romantic touch. Its unpredictability adds a sense of authenticity, and the delayed gratification of waiting for film to be developed makes the final reveal feel even more special.

Late-Night Takeaway Boxes

Goodbye to traditional morning-after brunches—hello to takeaway boxes! These late-night treats offer guests a thoughtful way to end the night and start the next day, with options like bagels and cream cheese or decadent pastries.

Calligraphed Invitations

Classic calligraphy is returning to the forefront of wedding stationery, standing out as the main visual element on invitations. Timeless yet artistic, it creates a sophisticated first impression of the event.

Statement Fashion for Couples

Couples are embracing bold, fashion-forward choices for their wedding attire. From embroidered capes and dramatic trains to unique second or third looks, this trend is all about celebrating individuality and style.

Drapery as Décor

Dramatic draping is transforming wedding venues in 2025. From cascading backdrops to draped tabletops, fabric is being used to create intimate, romantic spaces that feel luxurious and inviting.

Train Weddings

Luxury train journeys through picturesque European destinations are redefining wedding weekends. With experiences like dining under chandeliers and scenic arrivals in Tuscany or the Cotswolds, these opulent celebrations are perfect for couples seeking unforgettable elegance.

Objects as Invitations

Practical yet stylish, objects are replacing traditional invitation suites. These keepsakes, such as salt-and-pepper shakers or custom accessories, not only set the tone for the event but also serve as memorable gifts for guests.

Private Vows

Couples are increasingly choosing to exchange vows privately before the ceremony. This intimate moment allows them to connect deeply without the pressure of an audience, creating a personal and meaningful experience.

Wedding Wellness Activities

Incorporating wellness into wedding weekends is a growing trend, with activities like tennis matches, pickleball tournaments, and guided hikes adding an active, health-conscious twist to the festivities.

Restaurant Weddings or Restaurant Catering

Couples are turning to beloved restaurants as venues or entrusting their catering needs to top culinary establishments. The focus is on providing a dining experience as memorable as the wedding itself.

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What’s Out

Welcome Bags

Once a staple of destination weddings, welcome bags are being phased out. Couples are now finding more creative and meaningful ways to greet their guests.

Photo Booths

After years of popularity, photo booths have reached their saturation point. Couples are exploring new ways to entertain guests and capture candid moments.

Trendy for Trend’s Sake

Perhaps the biggest shift for 2025 is the move away from trends that don’t resonate personally with the couple. Weddings are becoming more about authenticity and individuality than keeping up with the latest fads.

Whether you’re planning a wedding close to home or dreaming of an intimate celebration abroad, 2025 is all about creating events that feel deeply personal and memorable for both couples and their guests.