Wedding Trends to Watch: What We Expect to See from Our 2025 Brides
Written by: Gracie Gillis
The wedding industry is constantly evolving, and this year promises to bring a fresh wave of exciting ideas, vibrant color schemes, and classic, natural glam. As couples look for ways to make their weddings reflect their unique styles and visions, we’re seeing a shift toward creativity and individuality. Whether you're planning your own wedding or simply love following wedding trends, here’s a rundown of what to expect in 2025.
1. Pantone’s Color of the Year: “Mocha Mousse”
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse, is a warm, soft brown that combines the richness of chocolate with a light, creamy undertone. This elegant and versatile shade will dominate weddings, providing a sophisticated alternative to the typical neutral palette. Mocha Mousse pairs beautifully with both vibrant tones and muted shades, making it a go-to choice for floral arrangements, table settings, and even wedding invitations. Whether used as an accent or as the primary color, this hue brings warmth, depth, and an air of understated luxury.
2. Bridal Makeup Trends: Radiant, Natural, and Glowy
In 2025, bridal makeup will be all about glowing, radiant skin and a more personalized approach to beauty. While the classic bridal look of soft, natural glam will always have a place, expect to see more brides embracing bold elements in their makeup looks. Here's a breakdown of the top trends:
Glass Skin Glow: Brides will lean into luminous, dewy skin that looks fresh and rejuvenated. Expect glowy foundations, brighter highlighter placement to enhance cheekbones and brow bones, and the use of illuminating primers that give the skin an almost "wet" finish. It's all about achieving that "glass skin" effect—dewy, smooth, and youthful.
No-Makeup Makeup: Think soft, neutral eyeshadows, simple eyeliner, and natural lashes. While dramatic eye makeup was once the go-to, brides in 2025 are opting for minimalism with their eye looks. It’s all about accentuating the natural beauty of the eyes and adding a pop that photographs well without overdoing it. Soft smudged eyeliner, a light wash of shimmering eyeshadow, and defined brows will be popular choices for a natural, yet polished look.
3. Non-Traditional Venues
In 2025, unconventional wedding venues will continue to be a top choice. Revamped warehouses or industrial settings, botanical gardens, art galleries, and even museums will be the backdrop for many couples’ celebrations. These unique venues allow for creativity in design, making it possible to craft a wedding experience that feels truly one-of-a-kind. Think industrial lofts, mountain-top ceremonies, or a rustic barn, where couples can design every detail to fit their personalities.
4. Interactive Guest Experience
Couples are moving beyond the traditional reception experience and are opting for more engaging, interactive elements. Whether it’s live art stations, disposable cameras to capture the night from the guests’ perspective, or even games like cornhole, 2025 weddings will prioritize fun and connection over simply attending and watching. This trend elevates the overall experience for both guests and the newly-weds, making the celebration more memorable for everyone.
5. Vibrant, Bold Florals
Floral designs are becoming bolder and more imaginative in 2025. While classic whites and greenery will always have a place, expect to see more dramatic, vibrant blooms. Think rich purples, fiery reds, and deep oranges in stunning arrangements that break the mold. Even the more subtle pastels have drastically grown in popularity for those who want a more subtle pop of color! We will see large, cascading floral installations - like arches or suspended bouquets - used to make a statement and create a dramatic visual impact; as well as smaller incorporations, like orchids, birds of paradise, and even citrus elements to create a stunning visual on a more minimal scale. With bold arrangements and vibrant colors, weddings in 2025 will be filled with color, creativity, and flair.
6. Wedding After Parties > Morning-After Brunches
In 2025, the wedding after party trend is set to eclipse the traditional morning-after farewell brunch. After the ceremony and reception, many couples are opting to host a fun, lively after party to keep the celebration going. Whether it’s a private late-night gathering at a nearby bar or a continuation of the dance floor action with a DJ and snacks, after parties allow the couple and their guests to unwind and party in a more informal setting. This shift represents a departure from the early-morning, often subdued brunches of the past, and gives couples the freedom to let loose and offer their guests a chance to relax and continue the festivities in a more relaxed environment. The after party trend is all about enjoying the night to the fullest—whether that’s with neon lights, a themed venue, or simply more time to celebrate with friends and family.
7. Wedding Day Content Creators
As social media continues to play a pivotal role in wedding culture, wedding day content creators are becoming an essential part of the celebration. Whether it's a dedicated Instagram or TikTok creator hired to capture candid moments, or a professional photographer and videographer offering behind-the-scenes "real-time" updates, the focus is now on live and authentic content. Couples are looking for ways to document and share their wedding in a way that feels less staged and more in-the-moment. This trend creates a more engaging, interactive experience for both those in attendance and those following along virtually, amplifying the excitement and joy of the big day.
8. Color Scheme Dress Codes for Wedding Guests
One of the most exciting trends gaining traction in 2024 and set to carry over into 2025 is the use of color scheme dress codes for wedding guests. This trend, which began in early 2024, has quickly grown in popularity and shows no sign of slowing down. Couples are now specifying particular color palettes for guests to follow, creating a cohesive and visually striking look for the entire wedding. For example, a couple may ask guests to wear pastel shades, jewel tones, or even coordinate with the wedding's main color theme (such as the Pantone Color of the Year discussed above, Mocha Mousse). This trend helps unify the aesthetic of the wedding and ensures that the guests' outfits complement the overall décor. It's also a great way to ensure everyone feels part of the celebration while still allowing personal style to shine through within the given color guidelines.
9. Elevated Cocktail Hours
Couples are thinking outside the box when it comes to their wedding bars. In 2025, expect to see elevated cocktail hours that offer a full sensory experience. Mixology stations, custom drink menus, and interactive elements—like guests crafting their own cocktails—will be all the rage. Couples will also be leaning into craft beverages, with signature cocktails tailored to their personal tastes. Whether it’s a whiskey tasting station or a champagne cart, the bar will be a central hub of excitement and creativity.
10. Bridal Hair Trends: Effortless and Elegant
When it comes to bridal hair in 2025, the key is effortless elegance. While traditional updos like chignons and French twists remain popular, more brides are embracing softer, more natural styles that feel lived-in but still polished. Here are the top bridal hair trends to expect in 2025:
Loose Waves and Curls: Soft, beachy waves or loose curls are taking over as a more relaxed option for glam waves. These styles give off a carefree vibe, perfect for brides who want to feel comfortable while still looking chic.
Chic Ponytails and Buns: These styles offer sleek, modern alternatives to traditional updos and are all about clean lines, minimalism, and elegance. Whether it's a high, smooth ponytail or a sleek, sculpted bun, these hairstyles offer versatility and are perfect for brides looking to make a statement with modern flair on their big day.
Modern French Twists: This style offers elegance, while still remaining a softer, less structured updo. There are so many different styles and touches that can add a unique spin for a more fun, playful look or a more classy, sophisticated look.
As we look ahead to weddings in 2025, it’s clear that personalization, creativity, and unique experiences will be the driving forces behind the trends. Whether you’re planning a wedding of your own or just dreaming about your ideal celebration, these trends offer a glimpse into the future of wedding design and planning. What trend are you most excited about?
Photos from @karabrookephoto