New Year, New Trends: What’s in for 2025
With the start of the new year brings new experiences, new goals, new things to look forward to (shoutout all 2025 brides and grooms!), and, of course, new wedding trends. This year, weddings are all about adding an element of surprise, something unexpected to keep guests entertained and leave feeling like they weren’t at just any old wedding. Expect robust and upgraded experiences leaning into unique ideas that are still personal to the newlyweds-to-be. Here, we rounded up some of the top wedding trends to look forward to this year.
Surprises, Surprises
2025 has been dubbed the “year of surprises” when it comes to weddings. Expect the unexpected (!), like dramatic changes between the ceremony and reception (i.e. cutting off the bottom of your dress), nostalgic late-night snacks (Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, etc.), or even a surprise wedding disguised as an engagement party.
Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
Wedding planners and other industry professionals are seeing a move toward fruit and vegetable centerpieces instead of the traditional flowers, especially for outdoor or indoor farm-style weddings. Think heirloom tomato or pumpkin centerpieces (depending on the season) and mushroom bouquets. You can thank “Tomato Girl Summer” for this one!
Dress Codes
Now more than ever, guests are being expected to dress in a certain dress code—or even color—to establish a theme and overall vision for the big day. (Great for photos!) Guests may be asked to wear green, white-tie attire, or even all-white. When it comes to wedding parties, brides may ask their bridesmaids to stick to a general hue, but mix-and-match styles for a more personal look.
Wellness Cocktails
As more and more people ditch alcohol (especially during Dry January), many wedding parties are serving nonalcoholic or wellness cocktails in addition to or instead of the traditional alcoholic options. Think THC-laden beverages, dedicated mocktails, and more.
Outfit Changes on Outfit Changes
Typically brides will have one dress for the wedding and another more dance-friendly one to change into for the reception. But this year, you may see anywhere from three to four outfit changes throughout the whole day. Fashionistas are especially big on this trend, allowing them to have options for cocktail hour, the ceremony, reception, after party, and beyond.
Behind-the-Scenes Pics
Building on 2024’s trend of Polaroid or disposable camera shots taken by guests is this year’s trend of “paparazzi-style” candid photos. Think more behind-the-scenes and less posed. This allows the brides and grooms to really let loose and enjoy the day while giving them sweet memories to look back on for years to come.
The Year of Red
When it comes to colors, it’s promised to be a big year for red. Think red accessories, lip color, shoes, decor, bridesmaid dresses, and more. Hey, you know what they say, go bold or go home!
Immersive Events
Since the pandemic, people are more and more interested in experiences that allow them to get out and socialize. Wedding days are turning into wedding weekends complete with numerous events, from brunches and dinners to minigolfing and pickleball tournaments to pool parties.
Plan Your 2025 Wedding at Melrose Knitting Mill
Calling all 2025 brides and grooms! Still looking for the perfect venue for your big day? Our historic building perched high atop 309 N. Dawson Street in Downtown Raleigh offers a gorgeous space for hosting all your dear ones—plus it’s near a host of great destinations and hotels. We’d love to show you around the property! Book a tour now using the button below.