Weddings are undergoing a beautiful transformation. While style, luxury, and celebration remain at the heart of every big day, couples are reimagining what a wedding truly looks and feels like—focusing less on perfection and more on personal meaning, authentic connection, and time well spent with loved ones. This year’s top trends reflect a shift toward storytelling, nostalgia, intimacy, and experience. Here’s a look at what’s defining weddings this year:
1. Captured Stories: A Shift Toward Candid Moments
The classic posed wedding photo isn’t going anywhere—but it’s definitely making room for a more candid, emotionally-rich vibe. Today’s couples want wedding albums that feel like time capsules of joy, chaos, and love—not staged perfection.
“Documentary style photography and videography will become more prevalent in 2025. We seem to be seeing fewer formal bridal party photos and more candid shots with movement.” – Kelly McKinney, Social Catering Sales Manager at Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, ON)
Think motion, emotion, and spontaneity: the groom wiping away a tear, the flower girl mid-twirl, or guests laughing on the dance floor. Couples are opting for candid shots that showcase the energy of the day, not just the image of it. Photo booths are a popular rentable feature, disposable cameras are back in style, and even Polaroid guest books are making a comeback. A “old-timey” feel in photos is gaining popularity, consisting of photo grain and a warm, nostalgic tint.
photography credit: Renrose Photography
2. Save the Weekend: Weddings Become Multi-Day Experiences
Why celebrate for a day when you can make a weekend of it? In a trend that’s becoming a staple, couples are embracing the wedding weekend—a full itinerary of events that let guests slow down, settle in, and truly savor the moment.
“There is a trend toward the full wedding weekend experience, with events the night before, the night of, an after-party, and a brunch. All the planning, effort, and hard work that go into organizing a wedding are no longer just for a six-hour event. Extending the celebration and spending more time with family and friends you don’t see every day have made the wedding weekend so meaningful and memorable for couples!” – Joe Volpe, Co-Founder & CEO at Cescaphe – The Bellevue’s Events Partner (Philadelphia, PA)
From welcome cocktails and pre-wedding dinners to post-reception afterparties and farewell brunches, a wedding weekend is all about togetherness. It’s especially thoughtful for guests traveling in, allowing everyone to bond, relax, and be part of the bigger experience. Plus, it gives couples more opportunities to express themselves—from curated welcome gifts and themed décor to outfit changes and diverse activities that reflect their personalities.
photo credit: Vanessa Venable Photography
3. Old is New Again: A Revival of Vintage Charm
Fashion and design are taking a nostalgic turn in 2025 as vintage aesthetics are coming back with a fresh perspective. Couples are integrating their weddings with elements of the past—think antique lace gowns, corset bodices, drop waists, bow details, and retro-inspired cakes—while keeping the overall look refined and contemporary.
Classic and elegant black-and-white weddings remain popular and timeless, while pearls are also anticipated to be a favorite.” – Joe Volpe, Co-Founder & CEO at Cescaphe – The Bellevue’s Events Partner (Philadelphia, PA)
Vintage inspiration is having a major moment. The magic lies in mixing these timeless details with modern minimalism, creating a sense of familiarity.
photo credit: Bela Freire Photography
4. Personal, Homey, and Intimate Vibes
Weddings are becoming more grounded, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Many couples are choosing to host celebrations that feel like an intimate gathering—often opting for smaller guest lists, familiar venues, and meaningful cultural details that connect them to their roots. Some are returning to their hometowns to be close to family.
“We notice many clients are either eloping or having smaller weddings abroad, but then having larger celebrations with all of their friends and family close to home.” – Sydney Forman Eadie, Director of Events at Bar Lab Hospitality (LilliStar, Mesiba) (New York, NY)
Many are embracing local traditions and infusing the day with cultural heritage, creating a celebration that feels as unique as their relationship. And in 2025, weddings that feel intimate, intentional, and home-oriented are the ones guests remember most.
photo credit: Micahla Vaughn Photography
featured image: Diana Cecilia Photography
