Weddings in 2025 aren’t playing it safe. Couples are tossing out cookie-cutter plans and rethinking every part of the celebration. From AI-planned timelines to moody color palettes, here’s what people are doing—and what they’re leaving behind.
The Price Tag: It’s High
Most couples are spending around $36,000 on their wedding this year. That’s up from $33,000 last year. And guess what? 74% of them end up over budget. Twenty percent go more than $10,000 past what they planned. Despite the cost, 95% say it’s still worth it. Priorities.
Honeymoons are taking up a chunk too. Add it all together and many couples are dropping $44,000 or more.
Weekends used to rule, but now 21% of weddings are on Fridays or Thursdays. Saturday still holds the top spot, but weekday weddings are creeping up, mostly to save on venue and vendor fees.
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People Aren’t Inviting Everybody Anymore
Nobody’s inviting their sixth cousins this year. 15% of weddings now qualify as micro weddings—under 50 people. But Zola says only 6% stick to that size. So there’s some conflict there.
25% are doing destination weddings. But more are keeping it “local” by booking spots that feel far away without the travel nightmare. Think botanical gardens, vineyards, urban rooftops—places that look expensive but don’t require flights.
Rings, Nails, and All Things Hands
Hands are getting a lot of attention in 2025. From sculptural manicures to stacked rings, the focus is on the details that show up in close-ups. Pear-shaped stones, east-west settings, and mixed metals are in the mix. Engagements are getting less cookie-cutter, and the demand for a unique wedding ring has gone up, especially among couples skipping traditional solitaire styles.
People are pairing twisted bands with colored stones or engraving lyrics along the inside. Clear acrylic nails are dropped in favor of 3D accents that match the ring vibe. Coordinated sets now include ring boxes and photo props too.
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Not Your Grandma’s Bouquet
Flowers are extra this year. Statement ceiling florals are showing up at receptions. Bouquets are smaller but more styled—think carefully chosen blooms like anemones and garden roses. Florals are also being used as part of the venue décor instead of centerpieces. Couples want photos with flowers above, around, and behind them.
Verona Sunset, a bold burnt orange, is showing up on linens, menus, and suits. Jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, ruby—are more common than blush and beige palettes now. Nobody’s scared of color anymore.
Food That Does More Than Fill Plates
The food isn’t just about eating anymore. Some couples are setting up “make-your-own” stations. Think build-your-own charcuterie boards and pasta made while you watch. There’s more live cooking, less plated meals.
Themed after-parties are having a moment too. People are ending ceremonies with Friday-night-style parties. Speakeasy vibes or late-night breakfast bars are replacing traditional receptions. 25% of weddings are reported to include post-wedding themed hangouts.
Content Creators Are Now Vendors
Wedding photographers are still booked solid, but now couples are also adding short-form content creators to the team. 35% of weddings have someone filming TikToks or making same-day reels. These aren’t family friends—they’re pros being paid to shoot for social media. Disposable cameras are popular again too, as a counterweight to polished productions.
And yes, this is why 48% of people say they’re stressed about expectations coming from Instagram and Pinterest. Perfection isn’t cheap.
Green, But Not in the Background
Half of weddings claim to use eco-friendly touches. Instead of paper invites, couples send links. Instead of wasteful flowers, they buy from local farms or rent installations. Some are choosing places powered by solar or skipping red meat on the menu. But let’s be real, not all of this is about saving the planet—it’s also about saving cash.
AI Is Writing Toasts Now
Some couples are using AI to write speeches. Others are asking it to plan the whole event. Input your budget and number of guests, and it kicks out a schedule. Around 60% of wedding planners use tech tools to manage events. It’s faster, and less prone to human error when it comes to managing schedules or recommending vendors.
20% of couples allow remote guests to tune in. They’re streaming the vows and the party. Some are using VR to show people what’s happening “in the room.” But there’s pushback too. Some folks think it removes the feeling, especially for intimate moments.
Registries That Don’t Include Toasters
Registries have changed. People are asking for football tickets, airline miles, and gift cards for home projects. The average engagement ring spend is $6,000, with many skipping traditional diamonds for colored stones or vintage settings.
The Things Everyone’s Talking About
Couples want weddings that feel personal. They’re integrating traditions and mixing cultures. Jewish hora dances next to South Indian sangeets. No matchy-matchy bridal parties here—each one does their own thing, as long as it vibes.
Live bands are back. 40% of receptions include them now. The vibe is less DJ booth, more full-on concert.
One Last Thing
Here’s what experts keep repeating: couples aren’t looking for Pinterest copies. They’re trying to create something that matters to them, looks good in photos, and doesn’t break the bank—too much, anyway.
