If you’re curious about what the key wedding trends will be for 2025 and beyond, then look no further. Our annual UK Wedding Report provides unparalleled insights into the ever-changing landscape of weddings. Based on feedback from almost 7,000 couples married or engaged in 2025, the report sheds light on the evolving preferences and trends that shape today’s weddings. Read on to get the low-down on the biggest trends for the year ahead.

As average wedding spend continues to rise year on year, and as Gen Z move to dominate the wedding landscape, we’re seeing plenty of new wedding trends emerge, and 2025 promises to be a year full of fresh, exciting shifts. From getting creative with budgets to redefining traditional norms, here are the 13 key wedding trends you need to know about this year.

We also spoke to wedding experts, Stacey Ferguson-Czersovski, founder of The Venue Experts, and from Artemis Venue Services, CEO Stuart Owens and Group Head of Marketing, Beth Wright, to get their thoughts and observations on what’s popular with today’s couples, and why.

1. Gen Z shaping the future of weddings

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34% of engaged couples are now Gen Z, and they’re undoubtedly making their mark on the wedding industry. Known for their tech-savvy and social-media-driven lives, this generation is leaning into more sustainable, tech-free and highly personalised, true-to-themselves celebrations. They’re also redefining how venues and suppliers connect with couples, setting fresh expectations for rapid-fire, app-based communication and outreach.

Commenting on the influence of Gen Z couples, Stuart explains: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for the wedding industry, with Gen Z couples redefining how we celebrate love. Their expectations are pushing us as professionals to be more creative, more tailored, and more innovative than ever.”

Stacey adds: “If you’re not meeting Gen Z where they are, you’re already behind. This generation is reshaping how venues need to market themselves. They’re digital-first but demand real, authentic experiences. We’re seeing a massive shift toward virtual tours and self-guided discovery before couples ever reach out.”

2. Tech-free celebrations

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Yet interestingly, couples who are digital natives (which means Gen Z above all) are 50% more likely to want an unplugged ceremony. Phones dominate their everyday lives, but not necessarily their wedding day, with the result that 1 in 3 are consciously choosing for their ceremony to be tech-free. Gen Z are also slightly more traditional overall in their approach to their big day.

Reflecting on this trend, Stacey comments: “Screens off, love on. I love that 1 in 3 couples want an unplugged ceremony. The rise of tech-free weddings is a contradiction… Gen Z lives online, yet they want their big day to be fully in the moment. I’ve spoken to couples asking venues to create phone-free zones or even collect devices before the ceremony. The takeaway? Venues with scenic backdrops, intimate settings or jaw-dropping architecture should lean into this trend to position themselves as a place for truly immersive, distraction-free celebrations.”

Beth adds: “Gen Z couples are redefining tradition on their own terms, choosing authenticity over convention. They want real, meaningful experiences – where their wedding day is fully immersed in the moment, free from the distractions of the outside world. This shift towards unplugged ceremonies reflects a deeper trend: taking traditions and reshaping them to fit modern values. It also mirrors the rise of ‘dark social,’ where private, intimate moments hold more weight than public performances. Weddings are becoming less about broad social sharing and more about creating personal, lasting memories.”

3. Natural and traditional photography

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While candid, natural photography remains a firm favourite, we’re also seeing a rise in a more traditional photography style, especially among Gen Z couples. They’re looking for timeless, authentic images that tell the true story of their day, creating lasting memories that focus on emotional moments rather than posed perfection. By contrast, a photojournalistic style is ranked 6th with Gen Z couples, despite being 4th most popular amongst older couples.

Reflecting upon this trend, while Beth acknowledges that the traditional photography style is returning, she notes that the more candid, documentary style isn’t going anywhere: “Wedding photography is evolving, becoming more creative and storytelling-driven than ever. While timeless, traditional photography is making a comeback, we’re also seeing a rise in the candid, unscripted documentary-style imagery – and let’s not forget the power of videography. Couples want their wedding captured as an unfolding story, and a beautiful trend we’ve seen is couples playing videos of their journey together (through photos) during the celebration, adding more memories to their day. Drone footage is also set to soar in popularity this year, making those traditional wedding shots even more cinematic.”

Stacey adds: “The move back to classic, storytelling-style photography is fascinating. Couples want real, raw and emotional moments, not overly staged, hyper-filtered images. The demand for “Pinterest-perfect” wedding albums is declining in favour of timeless and nostalgic imagery. When we’re out capturing content for our venues, we embrace the real moments – the already-cut cake, the confetti-covered dancefloor, the imperfect but beautiful candid shots. Venues should showcase these authentic moments in their marketing.”

4. Return to faith-based ceremonies

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Linked to traditional approaches, the annual rise in ceremonies at reception venues is ending. Gen Z couples are actually 59% more likely to have a religious ceremony, with over 1 in 5 having ceremonies at a place of worship in 2024. Expect to see more faith-based elements in 2025 and beyond, as Gen Z couples (who are widely recognised as being more faith-orientated and spiritual) are more likely to incorporate spiritual practices into their celebrations.

Reflecting on this perhaps unexpected trend, Stacey adds: “[This is] one of the most surprising stats for me. Tradition is making a comeback – but on Gen Z’s terms. While we often assume they’re moving away from tradition, they’re actually redefining it. I’m seeing couples incorporate meaningful faith-based elements such as hand-fasting, unity candles and multi-faith ceremonies. Venues that offer flexible ceremony spaces or have on-site chapels will have a big advantage. We’ve always seen above-average religious ceremonies at our venues with on-site churches, but in 2025, this trend is growing stronger than ever.”

Beth adds: “Albeit surprising at first, Gen Z’s return to faith-based ceremonies makes perfect sense – they crave simplicity, authenticity, and a deeper sense of responsibility in their lives. Marriage and family are trusted traditions, offering a meaningful foundation to celebrate their love and life. At the same time, we’re seeing more couples personalise their vows than ever, putting their own stamp on tradition while honouring its significance. It’s a beautiful blend of old and new, where weddings feel both deeply personal and profoundly rooted in heritage.”

5. Sustainability and sentimentality at the forefront

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As eco-consciousness continues to rise, sustainability is no longer an afterthought; it’s a key part of the planning process, with 74% of couples using second-hand or vintage elements in their wedding, above all for their decor. This isn’t just for eco reasons, but also sentimental ones. In fact, 59% of couples do so for family/sentimental reasons, the most popular of all given.

Beth recognises the importance of this trend towards earth-friendly weddings: “As venue owners and suppliers, we must embrace this trend, finding ways to support couples in their sustainable choices. Whether it’s collaborating with ethical suppliers, incorporating vintage elements, or improving our own carbon footprint, we all have a role to play in making weddings not just beautiful, but responsible. The industry is evolving, and it’s on us to rise to the challenge.”

6. Shaking it up with wedding traditions

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As couples opt for more modern or non-traditional ceremonies, we’re seeing a shift in how weddings are celebrated, with some wedding traditions going strong and others falling out of favour. The couple first dance, wedding speeches and personalised vows are still thriving, as are more personal and spiritual elements like hand-fasting ceremonies. Meanwhile, more couples are saying goodbye to rituals like the bouquet toss, garter toss and the father-daughter dance.

Stacey agrees that today’s forward-thinking couples are rewritting wedding traditions, and with great enthusiasm, exhorts: “Rules? What rules? Let them cut the cake whenever they like! The bouquet toss and garter toss are nearly extinct, and now we’re seeing a shift in how and when the cake is cut. The single-tiered cake trend has gone viral on social media, forcing cake suppliers to pivot after decades of traditional multi-tiered designs. Meanwhile, the timing of cake-cutting is changing: many couples are now cutting the cake during the drinks reception so that cake replaces canapés. Venues need to highlight their flexibility and offer creative alternatives to outdated traditions.”

Beth shares this sentiment, and agrees that timings are changing: “Couples aren’t just following trends or traditions; they’re shaping them to reflect their own love story. It’s no longer about what’s expected, but about what feels meaningful. Maybe the father-daughter dance is fading, but what about the rise of the mother-daughter dance or even couples sharing a first dance with their own child or children? We as industry professionals must give couples the freedom to create experiences that honour their own sense of tradition. Here’s to the next generation of wedding traditions – authentic, personal and truly unforgettable.”

7. Rustic themes reign supreme

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Gen Z couples are driving an uplift in rustic-style weddings, continuing the wedding trend from 2024. They’re combining rustic vibes with other wedding themes, in particular, traditional, modern and vintage, listing rustic alongside each of these themes twice as regularly as non-Gen Z couples. This likely ties in with Gen Z’s love of nostalgia and authenticity.

Reflecting on the comeback of rustic, Stacey thoughtfully tells us that: “Rustic isn’t going anywhere, but it is evolving. The modern rustic aesthetic is about mixing raw, natural elements with polished elegance. Think barns with chandeliers, wooden tables with luxe floral installations and cosy firepits paired with craft cocktails. We work with a huge variety of venues, but barns remain a firm favourite with today’s couples. The venues thriving in this space are those that balance rustic charm with modern luxury rather than going full country-boho.”

8. Shades of green making a comeback

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Following on from 2024, shades of green are making a huge comeback in 2025, with hues like sage (chosen by 12% of all couples), forest green (7% of couples) and emerald green (7% of coupels) dominating this year’s colour palettes. These calming, nature-inspired tones continue to bring a fresh vibe to the wedding scene and pair perfectly with organic, rustic themes. White is the second most popular wedding colour, and one that pairs fabulously with green tones.

Beth loves to see shades of green making a comeback, but reminds us that it’s not the only wedding colour that’s in this year: “It’s fascinating to see shades of green reigning supreme in 2025 weddings. This deep connection with nature reflects not just a couple’s aesthetic but also their desire for a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. From sage to emerald, these tones bring a fresh, organic feel to celebrations. We’re also excited to see how this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, starts to make its mark – its warm, earthy richness could pair beautifully with these natural hues, adding even more depth to wedding palettes.”

9. Budget creativity is the new black

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Gone are the days of simply cutting costs: 2025 couples are getting creative to get what they want. Whether it’s opting for unique venues, hosting weddings on off-peak days, or creatively repurposing decor, today’s couples are finding innovative ways to stretch their budgets and make compromises while still making their day feel lavish and personal. Restaurant and pub venues in particular are a top choice for couples at the lower end of the budget scale.

Stacey explains: “Couples are spending smart, not spending less. This isn’t about cutting costs, it’s about prioritising what truly matters. Couples are ditching unnecessary extras and investing in what’s important to them. Venues that offer flexible packages, weekday discounts and budget-stretching options will thrive. One question we always ask couples is: “What is most important to you both (apart from the ‘I dos,’ of course)? Are you foodies, huge music fans, all about the party, or is it the aesthetics?” Understanding these priorities allows venues to tailor their offering in a way that resonates with each couple.”

Beth loves to see couples getting creative with their budget: “Couples in 2025 are savvier than ever! They are choosing to spend their precious wedding budget on the areas that matter most to them – whether that’s a standout venue, a carefully curated guest experience, an incredible gourmet wedding breakfast, or the personalised touches that make their day unforgettable. Smaller weddings are on the rise, and when couples opt for a more intimate celebration, they’re ensuring every detail is extraordinary. Personalisation remains at the heart of it all, making each wedding a unique reflection of the couple’s style and values.”

10. Midweek weddings are a new norm

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Tied very closely to budget creativity, midweek weddings are on the rise. This is driven by financial flexibility and the desire for more affordable yet just as special celebrations. Now, only 14% of couples say they want specifically a Saturday for their wedding. And so, most are happy to be a lot more flexible than was traditionally the case. Gen Z couples are a driving force in this, with over one in three Gen Z couples choosing to marry between Monday and Thursday. In part, this is due to the predominance of working from home: a midweek wedding no longer means three days off work for guests. And so, the significance of a weekend is less than it was before, when schedules couldn’t be as flexible.

Beth agrees that weekday weddings are here to stay: “Weekday weddings have become the norm, with couples and their guests embracing the flexibility they offer. Midweek weddings also open the door to long weekends and multi-day celebrations – and who doesn’t love those? For venues, showcasing your availability and pricing is now crucial. As Bridebook have shared, 59% of couples won’t even reach out if they can’t see clear pricing – this is no longer a negotiable. By offering transparent and seasonal pricing, venues can provide couples with the flexibility they need to make that all important wedding date (and day) decision.”

Stacey enthuses: “Monday weddings? Yes, really. With one in three Gen Z couples choosing weekday weddings, venues that offer clear midweek pricing and availability tools will win. One tool I love for venues is an availability calendar that clearly shows weekday vs. weekend pricing. Giving couples price transparency and control allows them to see the savings for themselves. Midweek weddings exploded in 2021 due to the post-pandemic rush, and now, couples have embraced the flexibility, realising that a Tuesday wedding at their dream venue is the same as a Saturday wedding but significantly cheaper.”

11. AI in wedding planning

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AI is no longer just a buzzword – it’s set to become a game-changer in wedding planning. Around 26% of couples are already planning to use AI tools for everything from writing drafts of speeches, vows, thank you notes and invitation drafts (the most popular use of AI) to creating music playlists and getting advice on specific wedding topics. This trend reflects a broader shift towards technology to simplify and streamline the often-overwhelming planning process.

Reflecting upon this trend, Stacey comments: “AI isn’t replacing wedding planning – it’s making it easier. Couples are already using AI for speeches, vows and even seating plans. Venues that embrace automation tools to enhance the customer experience will have an edge. The key is balance: Automate the predictable, but humanise the exceptional. AI can handle the logistics, data and routine queries, but the magic of this industry is in the human connections and personal touch.”

Beth and her team are excited to see where AI might lead: “We’re incredibly excited about the role AI is playing in revolutionising wedding planning. It’s an innovative time for the industry, and AI is already enhancing the experience in remarkable ways – think wedding venue decor designs through AI tools, VR venue tours and even AI-generated wedding dress inspiration. The possibilities are endless! But while technology is making things easier, we must remember that people still buy from people. Weddings are ultimately an emotional, deeply personal experience between two people in love, and that’s something AI will never replace.”

12. Cake flavours by generation

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Vanilla remains the top choice of cake flavour across all generations, but we’re seeing clear differences between Gen Z and non-Gen Z couples around chocolate, lemon, red velvet, strawberry and fruit cake. Gen Z couples favour chocolate and red velvet, while non-Gen Z prefer classic lemon, strawberry and fruit cake.

13. Staycation nation

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While overseas destinations remain a popular choice for honeymooners (with Europe ever a firm favourite, chosen by 26% of today’s couples), a growing number of couples are opting for staycations right here in the UK. 14% of couples are choosing to stay in the UK, embracing the beauty and variety of Great Britain. Cost certainly comes into play here, with the average UK honeymoon costing only £1,804, vs the average for honeymoons generally at £4,608.

The bottom line on 2025 wedding trends

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The wedding landscape in 2025 is all about embracing creativity, flexibility, sustainability and meaningful traditions, with Gen Z leading the charge in reclaiming or rewriting the rules. As couples continue to prioritise authenticity and personalisation, the trends we see emerging this year reflect a deep desire for unique, thoughtful celebrations that reflect individual values. The only question left is: which trends will you be following? We’d love to know!

Article Credits:

With a huge thanks to the following fabulous wedding experts, for their expert commentary on and insights into all the top wedding trends of 2025.

Sophia is a passionate writer and editor and expert on all things wedding content related, with a First Class degree from the University of Oxford. She frequently shares her wedding advice and tips with leading UK publications on behalf of Bridebook.com, including Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe and Porter Magazine.

Last updated: 4th Mar 2025