As years come and go, it’s always fun to keep up with destination wedding trends.
As a destination wedding photographer, I have seen many hints at upcoming trends for 2025 that I wanted to share with you, whether you’re another photographer or you’re planning your own destination wedding.
Let’s dive into the 2025 destination wedding trends you won’t want to miss!
2025 Destination Wedding Trends
Bold, Bold, and More Bold
As 2025 begins, we’re expecting to see a lot more bold colors. Even though Pantone chose Mocha as 2025’s color of the year, couples love bold color palettes, especially pops of red. Red’s fiery comeback is showing up in everything from wedding fashion to decor accents and even statement florals (more on that later).
Lean Into Themed Affairs
Couples are embracing hyper-curated experiences for 2025 destination weddings. These immersive events account for every detail, from attire to decor, to tell a full story for the couple. Themes could range from retro glam to celestial romance or even an aesthetic that pays homage to the destination’s local culture.
Focus on Eco-Friendliness
Today’s couples emphasize the importance of sustainability in weddings. They prioritize greener choices like invites made on recycled paper. Conscious investments like locally sourced florals and reusable decor elements are also made to minimize waste, leaving a positive impact after exchanging vows.
Drapery as Decor
Drapery, as decor, is starting to make waves, making venues feel very romantic. Different types of flowing fabric create dramatic backdrops for ceremonies or even receptions. You can even expect fun and unique ceiling installations. Be looking for chiffon or silk in vibrant colors to match the bold color palettes. I’ve even seen drapery grow in popularity on chairs and tablescapes.
Extra Wedding Weekend Events
Couples are turning their one-day celebration into multi-day events with welcome parties to kick off the weekend. This is a fun trend to take advantage of, with activities like group yoga or local tours on the table to make the event memorable. A farewell brunch is the perfect ending to the weekend.
Unique Table Seating Assignments
Gone are the days of traditional table assignments; couples are giving them their moment! Guests are showing up to fun, interactive seating charts like puzzles or map-inspired designs that double as entertainment.
Branded Wedding Experiences
This is one pretty exciting trend. Custom logos and branded suites with typography are making their way onto everything from invitations to menus at the wedding, tying every detail together with cohesive designs.
Expect to see customized cocktail menus (an old trend that’ll still be going strong), curated playlists, and overall approaches that feel extremely cohesive and “on-brand” for the couple. Today’s couples love their aesthetics, even if it is a destination event.
Unique Guest Books
Unique guest books are starting to take center stage, letting guests leave messages in creative ways for the couple. Vintage-style phones for recorded voice messages and video recording stations replace traditional pen-and-paper options, adding more modern twists.
For a destination wedding, try to make this trend come alive with creative Polaroid photo books or even postcards guests can leave messages on for the destination.
Wedding Videography on the Rise
Couples prioritize capturing their day’s energy in motion through wedding videography. They’ll focus on investing in video, including cinematic edits (almost like a movie) or even highlight reels to relive the day.
Fun Tablescapes
Many couples are starting to use more fun tables for their events, including snake-shaped wiggly ones. (Maybe this is a sign Reputation is the next Taylor’s Version?) Unique details like layered place settings and colorful florals help to add even more of a personality-packed touch.
Intentional Venues
Couples are choosing venues that reflect their values, paying close attention to where they invest their money. Carefully selected spots set the tone for the day and 2025 couples are very mindful and intentional with it.
Accessories That Make a Statement
Oversized earrings, fun-colored shoes, custom cufflinks, playful hats, and even personalized veils help to add a fun statement to wedding outfits in 2025. Plus, they’re pretty conversation-worthy, and guests will remember them for years to come.
New Traditions
While weddings over the years have always been rooted in tradition, 2025 couples are reshaping traditions by creating their own. They are getting creative by flipping timelines or having private gatherings with more intimate groups.
Candid Photography
There will always be a time and place for posed photography, but candid photography is a top wedding trend especially with destination weddings. These allow unfiltered moments to help tell the story of the day through wedding photo collections.
Handmade Details for Stationery
Stationery is becoming even more one-of-a-kind, with hand-torn paper edges and custom wax seals that feel meaningful. Details like this will show wedding attendees how much care is going into the event from the very beginning, creating a truly exceptional hospitality-driven experience, which is definitely on the rise in 2025.
Relaxed, Laid-Back Vibes
Laid-back vibes for the day are on the rise so couples and attendees can have a laid-back day. Think barefoot beach ceremonies, cozy lounge reception setups, and dress codes that are more about authenticity.
Aesthetic Cakes
Bold textures, over-the-top shapes, and more artistic details are making a comeback in aesthetic cakes. Dessert will make more of a visual statement like it used to.
All the Bows
You’ve probably started seeing bows everywhere in 2024, and now they’re starting to make their way into destination weddings in 2025. There will be oversized bow accents on everything from shoes to dresses, and may even appear on a tuxedo or two. Plus, they can be expected to be seen in decor like chair sashes or even napkin ties.
Vintage Wedding Outfits
Going off the topic of sustainability, vintage wedding outfits, and nostalgia are also coming back. Couples gravitate towards outfits with higher necklines and lace details from past eras, adding a unique vintage twist that feels quite sentimental.
Simple Wedding Hairstyles
Because weddings are becoming themed and bold, simple wedding hairstyles can be expected to take center stage. Minimalist looks like loose waves add a timeless touch, not taking away from the beauty of the destination wedding and adding to the laid-back atmosphere.
Gold and Silver Accents
Even though colors are going bolder, traditional gold and silver accents are starting to add a timeless touch. Metallic details can be incorporated into everything from wedding attire to table settings with silver candlesticks.
Wedding Content Creators
This one might be a hot take, but couples are starting to value wedding content creators in addition to photographers and videographers. That’s because they capture footage that couples can share instantly. Pro tip: if you do invest in a wedding content creator, be sure to let your photo/video team know so they can be aware ahead of time. I have worked with some incredible content creators over the past year, and even added Content Creation to my service offerings since I love it so much!
Post-Ceremony Outfit Changes
Couples will opt to get into more party-ready (or comfy!) outfits post-ceremony. Think bold two-piece sets or even matching sweats that still feel stylish but allow couples to easily bust a move on the dance floor without feeling restricted.
Culinary Displays
As I said, experience is on the rise, even with destination wedding trends. That includes culinary displays that feel like an experience, turning food into more of an interactive moment. Grazing tables with charcuterie and over-the-top fruit spreads help capture guests’ attention… plus, they’re edible.
Maximalist Florals
Lastly, maximalist florals with oversized arrangements help showcase the bold color palettes couples opt for. Expect to see some dramatic installations and even some unexpected floral combos that’ll make you do a double-take.
Now You Know My Predicted 2025 Trends for Destination Weddings!
2025 destination wedding trends are really all about embracing individuality and taking advantage of creating immersive experiences, which I’m 100% here for. Couples are redefining what celebrating love really looks like! As couples lean more into authenticity and innovation, 2025 destination weddings will be as extraordinary as the love they’re celebrating.
Are you still looking for a destination wedding photographer? Click here to learn more about my services and here to get in touch.
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