The 2025 Wedding Trend Report: What’s In, What’s Out, and What’s Worth Obsessing Over

In 2025, weddings are getting a stylish reset. The nostalgic charm of the '90s is making a comeback, dramatic fabrics are stealing the show, and individuality is reigning supreme. But it's also time to bid farewell to some long-standing staples—goodbye photo booths, uniform bridal parties, and over-the-top themed weddings.

Here’s a look at what’s in (and what’s out) for summer wedding trends this year.

Hello: The 90s Basque Waistline

One of the most buzzed-about fashion comebacks this year is the basque waistline. A staple of '90s bridal fashion, this angular waistline dips into a V or U shape at the front, creating a romantic and flattering silhouette that elongates the torso. Paired with corset-style bodices or voluminous skirts, this detail has re-emerged on bridal runways and in designer collections.

Designers like Danielle Frankel and Monique Lhuillier are reimagining the basque waist with modern fabrics and unexpected cuts, offering a nod to nostalgia without looking dated. For brides who want a timeless silhouette with a vintage twist, this trend is a dream come true.

Goodbye: Photo Booths

It’s official—photo booths have lost their sparkle. While they once offered a fun way for guests to capture silly moments, they’ve now become a bit… expected. Instead, couples are investing in professional content creators to capture behind-the-scenes moments, Instagram reels, and candid videos.

The emphasis now is on quality over kitsch. Personalized guest photo stations or Polaroid walls with hand-written notes are replacing the old-school curtain-and-props setup. It’s all about capturing the moment with authenticity and artistry.

Hello: Dramatic Drapery Decor

Forget florals as the only focal point—2025 is the summer of fabric-forward decor. Think flowing chiffon suspended from ceilings, sheer panels creating ethereal backdrops, and billowing drapes transforming open-air tents into dreamlike spaces.

This shift toward soft, sculptural fabric is as functional as it is beautiful. Drapery can soften harsh lines, create intimacy in larger spaces, and even offer relief from the summer sun. Whether it’s ceiling swags in a barn venue or translucent curtains fluttering in a coastal breeze, fabric adds dimension and drama to wedding settings like never before.

Goodbye: Themed Weddings

We’ve been saying adieu to this trend for a few years now, and 2025 makes it official: themed weddings have left the building. Masquerade balls, Gatsby nights, on-the-nose beachy decor—it was fun while it lasted, but themed weddings are officially over. In 2025, the focus has shifted toward vibes rather than overt themes. Couples are now choosing atmospheres like “Italian countryside elegance” or “minimalist beachside romance” rather than costume-centric concepts.

The new rule? Cohesion without caricature. A well-curated aesthetic—whether rustic, modern, or boho—speaks louder than a themed gimmick. The result is a timeless feel that won’t look cringe-inducing in 20 years’ time.

Hello: Mismatched and Rewearable Bridesmaid Looks

Say hello to individuality in the bridal party. The matchy-matchy bridesmaid trend has been on its way out for a few years, but this summer, it’s completely gone. Instead, brides are encouraging their bridesmaids to not just wear different dresses in varying hues, but silhouettes and even prints—united by a general color palette or fabric texture.

It’s a move toward inclusivity and sustainability. Bridesmaids are more likely to wear a dress they actually like again, and bridal parties look modern and editorial in photos. Designers like Reformation, Jenny Yoo, and Amsale are offering mix-and-match collections to make coordination easy but effortless.

Goodbye: Budget Buster Bachelorette Weekends

The average bachelorette weekend once cost you on average $1,300—and, we’re finally over it. There’s no reason to put added stress on your bridesmaids who are already shelling out that same amount just to be in your wedding. Instead, opting for ye old Girl’s Night Out or staying local is becoming more and more popular for an already maxed out bridal party.

Hello: Maximalist Cakes

Minimalist, naked cakes had their moment, but now it's time for showstoppers. Summer weddings this year are embracing large-scale, multi-tiered cakes adorned with hand-painted details, edible florals, metallic leafing, and even 3D elements like sugar sculptures or textured frosting.

Cake artists are taking inspiration from fashion, fine art, and architecture. These cakes aren’t just dessert—they’re installations. Expect to see cakes that match the wedding gown's lace pattern or draw from the reception's color scheme.

Goodbye: Dessert Tables

Cupcake towers and candy buffets are taking a back seat. While once considered quirky and fun, dessert tables now feel cluttered and overly Pinterest-y. Couples are instead opting for one standout dessert moment—like that dramatic cake—or investing in a single indulgent experience, such as a gelato cart, churro station, or table-side affogato service.

It’s about quality over quantity, and embracing experiences that feel curated rather than chaotic.

Hello: Nontraditional Ceremony Spaces

This summer, the trend is breaking away from formal ceremony spaces and embracing the unusual and unexpected. Think forest clearings, mountaintop vistas, rooftop gardens, or the couple’s own backyard. More and more couples are seeking out meaningful, personalized locations rather than booking standard venues.

With this shift comes a greater emphasis on guest experience and storytelling. Nontraditional spaces allow couples to craft ceremonies that feel more intimate, authentic, and connected to their love story.

Goodbye: Traditional Aisle Walks

Rather than walking down a linear aisle, couples in 2025 are reimagining the ceremony layout altogether. Think circular seating arrangements where guests surround the couple, or immersive spaces where the ceremony unfolds among the guests rather than in front of them. This setup removes the concept of a "grand entrance" and instead creates a sense of community, equality, and intimacy. It shifts the wedding from performance to presence.

Couples are even opting to start the ceremony already in place, greeting guests as they arrive, or beginning with a storytelling moment before any formal vows. But, let’s be honest: every bride needs that grand entrance, so we’re not totally sure about this trend yet. 

Hello: Live Painters

Step aside, instant prints and iPhone snapshots—live wedding painters are becoming one of the most sought-after features at summer weddings this year. These talented artists set up their easels on-site and paint in real time, capturing a meaningful moment from the ceremony or reception as it unfolds. Whether it’s the first kiss, the couple’s entrance, or a romantic first dance, the finished painting becomes a cherished, one-of-a-kind keepsake.

More than just a final product, the process itself is part of the entertainment. Guests love watching the artwork take shape throughout the evening, and the presence of a live painter adds a touch of elegance and creativity to the celebration.

In 2025, couples are gravitating toward personalized, experiential elements—and a live painter perfectly fits the bill. It’s art, storytelling, and memory-making all in one beautiful brushstroke.

Ultimately, It’s Up To You.

What matters most on this day is about way more than aesthetics and details like whether or not your cake has extra flair.

As with every season, 2025’s summer wedding trends reflect the evolving values of modern couples: authenticity, personalization, and intentionality. From fashion to food, décor to dynamics, this year is all about celebrating love in a way that feels true to you—not what’s been done a hundred times before.

So whether you're embracing the comeback of the basque waist or ditching the tired tradition of matching dresses, remember: the best trend is the one that resonates with your story. Say hello to fresh ideas and heartfelt experiences—and goodbye to the one-size-fits-all wedding playbook.