A Look Down the AisleA Look Down the Aisle

Whether scrolling TikTok, chatting with clients, or attending weddings yourself, you’ve likely been noticing some interesting trends taking place at the altar. 2024 has been quite a year for couples getting creative, whether they’re going big and bold or keeping festivities to a minimum. As this year comes to a close, let’s look back on wedding trends that have gained traction, and look forward to what is on the horizon for 2025.

Let’s talk numbers

According to The Knot’s 2024 Global Wedding Report, the global average marrying age ranges between 33–35 years old. Winter continues to be the most popular engagement season, and technology is playing an increasingly important role in weddings.

In our Special Events annual State of the Industry survey, 56% of respondents said that the average wedding budget of their clients has been in the $25-50K range.

Head to our State of the Industry report for a more in-depth review of the state of weddings.

Ceremony magic

Untraditional seating was spotted throughout 2024, like this circular ceremony by Penny Haas. Photo courtesy John Meyers Photography

Whether micro weddings or lavish destination weddings, ceremonies are increasingly being sandwiched between (at least) two extra days of activities. The day before is no longer limited to the rehearsal dinner; guests are invited for a casual pre-ceremony event to break the ice and amp up excitement. In some cases, the hype takes different forms; Sebastien Centner (Eatertainment Events & Catering) told Special Events, “pre-ceremony activities, such as welcome kits for out-of-town guests, are becoming more common.” The day after is popular for brunches and official goodbyes.

Yet even on the wedding day, formal dinners are sometimes replaced by cocktail receptions, and vibrant after parties keep everyone partying until the wee hours of the morning. That being said, not everyone wants to party hard—some couples are calling it an early night, or even holding ceremonies in the morning. Timelines are at the whim of the couple.

“The trend toward intimate, luxurious celebrations will continue, with many couples opting for smaller weddings followed by big parties months later,” says Jaclyn Watson (Jaclyn Watson Events).

Centner adds, “We also expect to see themed wedding weekends grow in popularity, turning weddings into immersive festival-like experiences.”

On top of these flourishes, there are other changes afoot: some couples are opting for private vow readings, and many are choosing a pre-ceremony look, doing away with the superstition of old traditions.

Increasingly, officiants are someone that know the couple well. “One of the more memorable things I have seen at weddings this year is family members or close family friends marrying the couple,” says Kelsey Strickland (Twickenham House and Hall). “The intentionality of this choice reflects the couple's values, and it is so refreshing to hear a first-hand account of their love for one another.”

Mixed heritage weddings are also continuing to stick. Melani Lust (Melani Lust Photography) notes, “I am excited to see more interfaith marriages. I recently photographed a Catholic church ceremony where the bride was Catholic and the groom was Jewish. The priest incorporated some Jewish traditions into the Catholic ceremony, including the breaking of the glass. A small note describing this Jewish ceremony custom was placed next to the bibles in the pews.”

Lastly, we’re seeing the continuation of scaled-back weddings. “Intimate micro-weddings were a major theme in 2024, with couples opting for weddings that focused more on the experience than the guest count, creating highly personalized events with fewer people,” notes Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography.

For the guests

Guest engagement was revamped in 2024, like with this audio guestbook. Photo courtesy Amy Kolo Photography

As traditions change and leave, couples are refocusing their priorities. “It seems like couples want less focus/attention on them and are focused more on the guest experience,” says Kevin Dennis (Fantasy Sound Event Services). “They're wanting to get to the party portion of the evening as early as possible!”

Julian Ribinik of Julian Ribinik Studios echoes this sentiment. “I think we will see more focus on the guests, less time spent on ‘wedding traditions’ but more investment in cultural traditions, more simplification and longer receptions to allow for more time to party and connect.”

One thing that has stayed in the back of some couples’ minds is keeping the wedding free from heated political division. Some couples carefully curate seating charts to avoid any divisive conversation, while others have opted for a “no politics” sign to avoid the discussions altogether, keeping the night light-hearted and focused on celebration.

Decorative touches

Wedding desserts saw all kinds of creativity in 2024. Photo courtesy Tracy Autem Photography

Whether simple or extravagant, sophisticated is in.

“This year has been all about refined elegance,” says Watson, “with simplicity leading the way—clean lines, natural palettes, and flowers that seamlessly complement the wedding’s surroundings.”

This look is often deemed the “Nancy Myers aesthetic”: inspired by the interior designs of Nancy Myers’ movie sets (Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, It’s Complicated), this vibe is charming, cozy, and elegant, with neutral tones and coastal flair, and we expect to see more of it in 2025.

Bold colors provide an interesting touch, draping is in, and bows are everywhere—on candlesticks, linens, walls, even the wedding party themselves (more on that in a bit). We’re also seeing fruit and vegetables stealing the spotlight as part of the décor; think pearl-encrusted pears set upon each plate, or a centerpiece spilling with artichokes, lemons, even carrots.

When it comes to tents and other outdoor “rooms,” extravagant glass structures have taken the spotlight. “There has been a trend in tented weddings toward those having clear tops with black trim,” says Lust. “This is starting to become the norm, and I'm seeing more black trim on tents, and I rarely see sailcloth tents now. I think this trend will continue to build in 2025.”

Looking forward, Lust says, “We will also see the continuation of the circular wedding arch, which is shaped in a pure circle, with every point on its circumference equidistant from the center.”

Florals have made a splash, too. “Florals took center stage, with extravagant installations, floral arches, and even floating flower arrangements making bold statements,” says Centner.

Joan Wyndrum (Blooms by the Box) foresees a mix of tradition and trend for the foreseeable future. “It's safe to say that traditional floral trends will continue for many years to come. Rising costs of living may also lead couples to choose smaller, more budget-friendly floral arrangements with loose, organic shapes, incorporating a mix of different flowers, textures, and shapes,” she observes. “There are no rigid structures—just letting the flowers' natural curves and personality shine through! Look out for flowers being used in surprising ways, such as in infused floral cocktails, ice displays, and whimsical florals in hairpieces.”

Strickland sees other floral options on the rise, too. “I hope that fun floral arrangements will remain for 2024, but it seems people are opting for fake flowers and candle-heavy receptions.”

Wedding wardrobes

Bold pops of color are in! Photo courtesy Rosy and Shaun Photography

This year, overarching trends in matrimonial garb hovered around bold yet simple touches. “The bridal space is getting creative, with plenty of bold designs that push the envelope,” Vogue noted of the looks from the 2024 New York Bridal Fashion Week.

2024 has been the year of floral touches, elegant bows, long and intricate veils (a holdover from Kourtney Kardashian’s iconic Dolce & Gabbana wedding veil in 2022, perhaps?), even bold pops of color (and in many cases, entirely black dresses). Wedding gowns feature unique structural elements, like dramatic skirts and Basque waists, or gowns are being swapped for pants. Suits are a chance to make a bold statement. Multiple outfit changes are also becoming a staple. And as for hair, it seems simple, flowing curls and elegant ponytails tied with a bow are becoming the preferred style.

Wedding fashion is on the path of intentional, expressive looks for all wedding party members. In fact, according to Zola’s 2024 Wedding Trends report, 5.99% of those surveyed said that wearing non-traditional or unexpected attire was a way to make the wedding feel more personal to who the couple is.

Dinner & drinks

2025 will see more creative food stations. Shown here: Miniature Chicken Tacos and Tequila Cart by Occasions Caterers. Photo courtesy Elisabetta Marzetti

We can’t talk about wedding trends without touching on changing catering preferences.

The Zola report noted that 42.6% of survey respondents were most willing to splurge on an open bar, while 28.54% splurged on catering. In fact, the report found that couples used catering as a way to personalize the event, looking for a caterer who is willing to accommodate dietary preferences and needs. Likewise, The Knot reported that “a significant portion of the cost per person is allocated to expenses like catering and beverages.”

Beverages are always an important part of the wedding reception, and in recent years, zero-proof cocktails are making their way onto menus in an attempt to provide something for everybody. Alcohol pairings for each course of the dinner are also gaining popularity as the dining experience becomes an elevated moment.

As far as the revered wedding cake goes, vintage styles may stick around for a moment but not for long. Ribinik shares, “The traditional, old-school ‘80s cakes are making their way back in. Most memorable, we had a bride from Texas who had a St. Regis wedding in New York ... who ordered a huge, very traditionally shaped cake from Ladurée.”

“In 2025, it seems like large-tiered cakes will be back in style,” says Strickland. “These will also take the place of passed desserts because cakes of this size will feed the entire guest count, if not more.”

We’re seeing a lot more personalization, too—custom flavors, cake toppers, even cultural elements all play a part in making cakes that represent the couple as individuals. Be on the lookout, too, for dome-shaped cakes, textured icing, and metallic elements. Plus: a plethora of extra, surprising desserts to win over the guests with a sweet tooth.

Centner says, “We see minimalist cake designs or deconstructed ‘cake tables’ gaining popularity, offering individual treats instead of a traditional multi-tiered cake.”

When it comes to food, a few noticeable trends have been established this past year: late night snacks, farm-to-table dinners, plant-based menus, street food, sushi bars, and post-wedding brunches. “I predict we’ll see even more interactive elements, like live food stations and entertainment, keeping guests engaged throughout the event,” says Watson. In fact, according to Brides, we can expect to see more activities like “blending your own wine, making pastries that double as favors, catching and grilling your fish filet for dinner, or learning about local foods through tastings.”

As we’ve seen in events the past couple years, dining is an experience, a chance to bring guests into the moment and leave lasting memories.

Let us entertain you

More and more weddings are relying on over-the-top entertainment to impress guests. Watson has observed the return of silent discos, and Penny Haas (Penny Haas, LLC) recalls, “I liked interactive wedding vendors this year. Vendors like live painters were great. It was another conversation starter, a wow factor (which I love!), and the first piece of art for the couple.”

Music playlists are hyper-personalized, and 3D immersive music soundscapes give guests a chance to sink into the moment. Of course, the aforementioned after-parties are the top way couples are hyping up guests, creating a more relaxed scene for the night owls (often the couple’s inner circle) to let loose and celebrate.

In the case of luxury spectacles, The New York Times reported on a couple that turned their wedding into a private music festival, hiring A-list artists including the Isley Brothers, Davido, Quavo, and Moneybagg Yo. For some couples, nothing is too much when it comes to creating a unique and memorable wedding.

Visionary venues

Black-trimmed clear tents are having a moment. Photo courtesy Melani Lust Photography

Traditional ballrooms are still popular, but unique wedding venues are gaining traction. Watson predicts we’ll “see a rise in destination weddings in unexpected locations.” As couples look to make a statement and create a personalized experience, the venue itself offers a way to impress guests by offering a one-of-a-kind setting for the celebration.

Regardless of how unique or traditional, according to the Zola report, the top three priorities that couples look for in a venue are the ambiance/vibe of the location (57.34%), being in line with their budget (55.81%), and having an outdoor space (31.83%).

On top of that, many couples are choosing wedding dates based on the availability of their preferred venue or vendors (33.72%).

The Special Events State of the Industry survey found that hotels, private homes/estates, restaurants, open areas like fields and parks, and museums/art galleries/cultural centers are the top five most popular venue types.

Picture-perfect

According to the Zola survey, 54.76% of respondents prioritized photography as the element of the wedding they were most willing to splurge on, making it the top spend above having an open bar and the venue itself.

Wedding photos are no longer a stiff, posed affair. Couples want their special day captured creatively—on the rise is candid, documentary-style film photography. “Photographers are getting inspired by magazine-styled shoots, fashion, cinema, bringing abstract vibes and bold colors into their work,” says an article from BrideLifeStyle Wedding & Lifestyle Media. “Couples are looking for photographers who can add that avant-garde flair, making their wedding portraits pop in a way that’s totally refreshing.”

Some couples are even hiring wedding content creators to take charge of documenting the day for socials. “As social media continues to rise, people will hire creators to make content for them. These would be reels, posts, TikToks, and more,” says Strickland. “I experienced my first time with a content creator this September, and it was so fun. I am really excited to get her media back because, as a wedding professional, it is one less thing on my plate to create.” In the social media influencer era, couples want the photography to tell the story of their love and to be shared with everyone they know.

Hi-tech nuptials

This setup at a wedding venue crawl featured video mapping projected onto the walls and floors for added flair. Event by VT Group. Photo courtesy Ambient Sky

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in weddings—not just the ceremony, but in every aspect before, during, and after.

“In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the reliance on online resources and advancements in technology to support wedding planning around the world,” noted the report from The Knot. “Many couples utilize technology from start to finish—whether that means watching videos or turning to social media for wedding inspiration, connecting with vendors via video conferencing or using AI to help plan.”

Tech doesn’t just help couples; event pros are amping up the incorporation of recent technology in both the business and events side of things.

“AI will play a larger role in design and other elements, sparking even more creativity,” notes Watson.

Centner agrees. “AI-powered photo booths will become more popular, offering personalized images on the spot.” Every part of the wedding day will continue to see technology take hold in new ways. “Elopement celebrations with virtual guest streams will likely rise, allowing couples to combine adventure with technology.” Another use? “Stationery is also shifting toward digital RSVPs and augmented-reality invitations.”

Technology can offer an elevated guest experience. “Tech-driven entertainment such as drone shows, interactive art installations, and virtual reality booths give you memories for a lifetime!” says an article from wedding destination company Destify.

In the past few years, various forms of fun and flashy technology have been integrated throughout the wedding experience in the form of audio guest books and even holograms—and this will only keep getting more creative as event pros learn how to use the latest tech. Anything to stay on the cutting edge!

Circle of life & love

Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a shift that has found roots in the past few years, producing real changes. “These smaller weddings allow couples to focus on the details, creating thoughtful moments that leave lasting impressions. Eco-conscious weddings have also made a strong impact, with couples opting for sustainable florals, reusable décor, and zero-waste catering,” says Centner. “Sustainable wedding gowns and rentals will become the norm, reflecting a broader shift toward eco-conscious living.”

Couples increasingly want to work with vendors who are mindful of their footprint and actively create sustainable experiences.

Traditions leaving the group chat

Wedding dresses are becoming more expressive, with fun and flashy elements like this fringed dress. Event by Jaclyn Watson Events. Photo courtesy Caroline Moretz Photography

Now more than ever, couples are personalizing their wedding to fit who they are, and that often means leaving behind longstanding traditions. Parent dances, parents walking their progeny down the aisle, garter and bouquet tosses, and long speeches are among some of the most ditched traditions as of late.

Ceremonious cake cuttings are out, too. “The traditional cake-cutting moment has taken a back seat as couples embrace creative alternatives to put their own spin on wedding cakes. We see silent cake cuttings or skipping cake altogether, with inspired dessert stations serving late-night food, such as waffle sundaes, pastries, espresso martinis, and espresso cappuccino bars,” says Wyndam.

“2024 is going to continue to see couples planning weddings that fit their vision for their celebration, forgoing traditions, norms, and expectations that don't align with their priorities,” Mara Mazdzer (WIPA, Fuse Weddings) predicted for Special Events in 2023. This prediction was accurate, and 2024 saw immense creativity as couples cultivated their own traditions that felt authentic to them.

Peterson notes: “I have personally seen a decline in traditional, formal wedding structures like assigned seating and formal sit-down dinners. A more casual, free-flowing event that will allow for mingling and more relaxed vibes throughout the day.” Couples are opting for warm and inviting celebrations that keep guests engaged, rather than lose guests over stale rituals of the past.

As couples recraft their traditions and rituals, personalization and authenticity reign supreme.

2024 in context

Couples are on a mission to make a memorable experience that expresses their personalities and tells their story.

“Social media has turned life into a game of showing off and keeping up/beating their friend's weddings. Everyone is committed to having the best wedding and they want their guests to show off on socials on their behalf,” says Dennis.

In a post-pandemic world, couples are choosing the elements that matter to them, while working what they have—no matter the size of their budget.

“Current wedding trends reflect broader social, cultural, and economic shifts. Couples are focusing on creating experiences that feel authentic to their personal stories, moving away from rigid traditions,” notes Centner. “Culturally, sustainability and inclusivity are at the forefront, with couples making conscious choices about décor, catering, and guest experiences.”

Watson agrees. “Right now, personalization and sustainability are trending because couples want their day to feel unique and reflect their values,” she says. “With the economic landscape changing, many are prioritizing experiences over material things, focusing on creating memorable moments with loved ones.”

As we enter 2025, prepare for celebrations to let the couple shine and connect with their guests for as long as they can. And as couples practice their authenticity and individuality, practice yours, too: incorporate trends that resonate with you and leave the ones that don’t. As couples leave room for more organic experiences, event pros can offer truly creative and meaningful services that set them apart and showcase their brand.

At the end of the day, love, connection, and enjoyable memories are what make a lasting impression—on the couple, on their guests, and certainly on your event business.

Note: This article was originally published in our Winter 2024 Issue of Special Events Magazine.