Every year, wedding trends evolve, reflecting shifting styles, priorities, and cultural influences. As we head into 2025, we’re seeing couples move toward more intentional, design-forward choices that prioritize experience, aesthetics, and authenticity. From bold color palettes to restaurant-inspired receptions, this year’s weddings are all about personal expression and elevated experiences.

If you’re new around here, we’re Well-Dressed Events—New Jersey’s go-to team for stylish, high-end weddings, parties, and events. We work with bold, modern couples who want celebrations that feel effortlessly elevated and deeply personal. Our expertise? Bringing creative visions to life with innovative design, seamless planning, and a fresh perspective on what makes an event unforgettable.

Naturally, as new trends emerge, some long-standing traditions (and overdone Pinterest favorites) start to fade. So, what’s in for 2025? And what are we more than ready to leave behind? Let’s get into it.

The Trends We’re Saying YES To in 2025: 

Film and Film-Style Photography

Wedding photography is shifting away from overly posed, hyper-edited images in favor of an organic, storytelling approach. Film and film-inspired photography is taking over, with couples embracing a nostalgic, editorial aesthetic.

Expect to see:

• Candid, storytelling-focused images capturing raw emotion.
• Intentional imperfections like slight blur, motion, or grain for a vintage feel.
• Warm, muted tones that mimic old-school film.
• Less focus on stiff poses, more emphasis on in-the-moment reactions.

How to Find a Photographer Who Shoots in This Style: When looking for your wedding photographer, search for keywords like:

• Fine Art Wedding Photography
• Film-Inspired Wedding Photography
• Hybrid Wedding Photographer
• Soft & Romantic Wedding Photography
• Light & Airy, Editorial Wedding Photography

If you want wedding photos that feel timeless, natural, and beautifully imperfect, film-style photography is the way to go.

Restaurant and Restaurant-Inspired Weddings

Forget the traditional ballroom setup—couples are taking a cue from intimate dining experiences and opting for restaurant buyouts or designing their receptions to feel more like a stylish, chef-driven dinner party.

Trends within this trend:

• Buying out restaurants and lounges to create an immersive, high-end dining experience.
• Restaurant-style seating in blank spaces, featuring long tables and cozy banquettes for a more communal feel.
• Sit-down dinners and family-style meals replacing traditional buffet spreads.
• Elevated, chef-driven menus with unique, creative cuisine over standard wedding fare.

If food is a major priority for you and your guests, a restaurant-inspired wedding might be your dream scenario.

360-Degree Bars and Large Communal Bars

Bars are no longer an afterthought—they’re a major design moment. Couples in 2025 are all about gathering and connection, and nothing brings people together quite like a beautifully designed, 360-degree bar at the center of the party.

Why we love this trend:

• A large, circular bar acts as both a design statement and a natural gathering place.
• It minimizes long lines, keeping guests engaged and the energy flowing.
• It visually anchors the reception space and adds a touch of sophistication.

If your wedding vibe is all about creating community and fostering connection, this is the upgrade your reception needs.

Hot Pink & Red Color Palettes

Muted neutrals? They’re taking a back seat. 2025 is bringing vibrant, saturated color back to weddings, and we’re seeing hot pink and red take center stage.

Why these colors work:

• They make a bold, confident statement while still feeling romantic.
• There are stunning, sculptural florals available in these shades that add texture and dimension.
• They photograph beautifully and create high-impact visuals.

If you’re ready to ditch the beige and blush, this is your year!

Unique, Personalized Dress Codes

Guests love a theme, and 2025 weddings are leaning into it. Instead of the standard “black tie optional,” couples are embracing creative, personality-driven dress codes like:

• “Funky Formal” (think bold prints, cool textures, and playful accessories)
• “Summer Chic” (elegant but breezy, perfect for outdoor celebrations)
• “Garden Party Glam” (florals, flowy fabrics, and vintage-inspired details)

Giving guests a fun and unique dress code makes for even better photos and a more cohesive aesthetic.

Vintage & Over-the-Top Getting Ready Outfits

The getting-ready photos are getting a glow-up! And we’re obsessed with this one. In 2025, it’s not just about matching robes anymore—we’re seeing:

• Vintage-inspired silk and lace ensembles.
• Statement accessories like feather-trimmed pajamas and pearl-studded slippers.
• Mini morning-of boudoir-like sessions focused on classic, elegant styling.

If you want a bridal prep session that feels as glamorous as the rest of your wedding, invest in a stunning getting-ready outfit (and don’t forget the matching photoshoot!).

Maximalism & Textured Decor

Minimalism is officially out. This year, weddings are all about:

• Layered textures, from velvet table runners to intricate floral arrangements.
• Bold patterns, sculptural elements, and rich color palettes.
• More is more: luxe fabrics, metallic accents, and lots of visual interest.

If you love design-forward weddings that feel lush, immersive, and over-the-top in the best way, this trend is for you.

The Trends We’re Saying Goodbye To in 2025

Hotel Welcome Bags

Most guests either leave them behind or toss half of the contents. Instead we suggest personalized hotel key jackets with all the wedding weekend info. A thoughtful on-theme touch for your guest’s welcome!

Boutonnieres

Let’s be real they’re usually annihilated by cocktail hour. Instead, try:

• Chic pocket squares that match the wedding color palette.
• Stylish lapel pins for a subtle, modern alternative.

Guest Books & Guest Book Activities

People rarely go back and read them, so why not opt for a more interactive experience? Instead, try:

• A creative, experiential seating chart that doubles as a keepsake.
• A memory wall where guests can pin polaroids and notes.

Traditional Photo Booths

Clunky, outdated, and often ignored. Instead, couples are opting for experiences that feel fresh, interactive, and truly memorable. Some of our favorite swaps:

• Live entertainment like fashion sketch artists who create custom take-home portraits.
• Permanent jewelry stations, where guests can get custom-fitted bracelets or necklaces—a chic, lasting keepsake from the day. Many jewelry brands offer curated packages, letting couples choose the types of pieces that fit their style and budget.
• A focus on the essentials—great food, amazing drinks, and a smooth, stress-free experience that keeps guests engaged without unnecessary extras.

To Put A Bow On It!

Weddings in 2025 are all about making intentional, stylish choices that elevate the experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s embracing a bold color palette, transforming the bar into a statement piece, or ditching outdated traditions, couples are prioritizing personal expression and guest enjoyment like never before. And at Well-Dressed Events, we’re here for it. We love helping our couples break the mold, embrace fresh ideas, and create celebrations that feel uniquely them—while keeping everything seamless, stress-free, and impeccably executed.

So, which of these trends are you embracing for your big day? And which ones are you so glad to leave behind?