20 Outdated Wedding Trends You Should Avoid in 2025

As wedding trends evolve, some styles and ideas are falling out of favor as couples look for more personal and unique ways to celebrate their big day. Here are a few wedding trends to say goodbye to in 2025:

1. Over-the-Top Social Media Focus

• Why It's Out: The obsession with Instagram-perfect weddings and the pressure to document every moment for social media is losing its appeal. Couples are shifting toward more intimate and meaningful celebrations without focusing on the social media spectacle.

• What's In: Weddings focused on personal experiences, authentic moments, and meaningful connections rather than curated feeds.

2. Overly Staged "Candid" Photos

• Why It’s Out: The obsession with "perfect" candid shots has led to a lot of forced, awkward moments, where couples and guests aren't allowed to just enjoy themselves.

• What's In: Natural, genuine moments captured without the pressure for every shot to be “Instagrammable.” Real emotions and unfiltered joy should be celebrated.

  

3. Massive Bridal Parties

• Why It’s Out: Having a long line of bridesmaids and groomsmen is not only logistically challenging but can make the day feel less personal and more like a production. Now it is less about the bride and groom and more about the spectacle.

• What's In: Smaller (3-4), more intimate bridal parties (or no bridal party at all) to focus on close relationships rather than filling out the ceremony with a large entourage.

  

4. Tacky, Overdone Themed Weddings

• Why It’s Out: While creative themes can be fun, the over-the-top,  “Alice in Wonderland” or “Neon Theme” weddings have started to feel tired and dated.

• What's In: A more refined, understated aesthetic—weddings that are unique to the couple but without the need for an elaborate, kitschy theme. The emphasis is on TACKY. Themed Weddings can be really beautiful and fun if done right.

5. Over-Exaggerated Wedding Dress Trends (Like 10-Foot Trains and Veils & Overly

Dramatic Gowns

• Why It’s Out: While elaborate wedding dresses can be beautiful, dresses that are unnecessarily extravagant or difficult to walk in can detract from the meaning of the day and make the bride's comfort a distant second.

• What's In: Elegant and comfortable designs that make the bride feel like herself—whether that’s a sleek, modern gown, a boho-inspired dress, or something fun and chic.

  

6. Overly Long Wedding Schedules (And the 8-Hour Reception)

• Why It’s Out: The pressure to have an extended wedding day, often lasting from morning till midnight, can be exhausting for everyone involved.

• What's In: A shorter, more relaxed schedule that focuses on quality time with guests and celebrating the couple without dragging out every single event.

7. The "BrideZilla" Complex

• Why It’s Out: The idea of the bride being overly demanding, controlling, or treating the wedding day like a personal show has become a stereotype that's no longer desirable or necessary.

• What's In: A collaborative and inclusive approach to planning, where the couple works together to create a day that reflects their love, and brides (and grooms) are encouraged to stay calm and have fun. Something always happens that is outside the planned schedule: a vendor is late, wind has created chaos or your darling little flower girl has tossed all your petals in the lake. All you can do is plan well and roll with the punches. It will still be a beautiful day if you remain calm.

8. Unnecessary Formalities (Like the Garter Toss, Bouquet Toss)

• Why It’s Out: While these traditions can be charming, in this modern day they are starting to feel awkward or outdated, especially in today’s more casual, personalized weddings.

• What's In: The freedom to forgo these traditions entirely, or to replace them with something that’s more meaningful or engaging for guests (like a fun group activity, a shared toast, or a dance party).

 9. Over-Customized or Over-Personalized Decor

• Why It’s Out: When every single element of the wedding (from napkins to name cards to every inch of the venue) is heavily personalized or branded, it can come off as overwhelming and disjointed, rather than cohesive and elegant.

• What's In: Meaningful personal touches in moderation—thoughtful details that reflect the couple's personalities without dominating the entire wedding aesthetic. We want personalization but not outrageously done.

10. Strict, Rigid Dress Codes

• Why It’s Out: When couples enforce overly rigid dress codes, especially ones that make guests feel uncomfortable or forced to wear something that’s not their style, it can create unnecessary tension.

• What's In: A more flexible approach to dress codes, where guests are encouraged to dress comfortably but still respect the vibe of the wedding. Think: “cocktail attire,” “boho casual,” or “dressy but comfortable."

11. Overtly Pompous Wedding Speeches

• Why It’s Out: Long, drawn-out speeches that drone on about the couple's history can make guests feel uncomfortable and bored.

• What's In: Short and sweet speeches that feel more heartfelt and spontaneous, with more focus on funny anecdotes or touching moments that bring people together rather than a scripted monologue.

12. Weddings That Feel Like a Status Symbol

• Why It’s Out: Some couples feel pressured to throw a lavish wedding because it's seen as a status symbol. This can detract from the true meaning of the day and create financial strain or unnecessary competition.

• What's In: Weddings that focus on love and community, where the emphasis is on creating meaningful memories and celebrating a couple’s unique relationship. This will create truly special and lasting memories for everyone in attendance.

13. Excessive Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

• Why it's Out: The uniform "one-size-fits-all" bridesmaid look is being replaced by more individualized styles, allowing bridesmaids to wear dresses that suit their body types and personal tastes.

• What's In: Mix-and-match bridesmaid outfits that allow for more freedom of expression while still maintaining a cohesive color scheme or theme.

  

14. Matching "Everything" (Decor, Favors, etc.)

• Why it's Out: A perfectly coordinated wedding down to the smallest detail, including matching favors, decor, and everything in between, is being swapped for more eclectic, personal touches.

• What's In: Weddings that embrace a more relaxed, personalized style where decor, favors, and elements reflect the couple’s personalities, interests, or love story, without feeling forced to match everything.

15. Overly Formal or Stiff Ceremonies

• Why It's Out: Weddings are becoming more relaxed, with couples wanting to make their ceremonies more personal, warm, and inclusive.

• What's In: Informal ceremonies with meaningful, non-traditional vows, personalized rituals, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Less emphasis on strict formalities and more focus on the couple’s unique love story.

16. Luxe Destination Weddings for Large Groups

• Why It's Out: The extravagant, all-inclusive destination wedding with a large guest list is starting to feel less desirable due to the growing emphasis on intimate experiences.

• What's In: More intimate destination weddings with close family and friends, or even micro-weddings at meaningful locations that don’t necessarily require everyone to travel.

  

17. Over-Scripted Wedding Vows

• Why It's Out: While traditional vows still have a place, many couples are opting for more personal and heartfelt vows that reflect their unique relationship.

• What's In: Couples writing their own vows, often with a bit of humor and personality, or including a partner's favorite quotes, books, or song lyrics.

18. "Perfect" Floral Arrangements

• Why It's Out: Perfectly symmetrical and pristine floral arrangements are being replaced with looser, more natural-looking blooms that create a more organic, rustic feel.

• What's In: Wildflower-inspired arrangements, greenery-heavy designs, and seasonal florals that reflect the local environment or color palette.

19. Formal Reception Dinners with Multiple Courses

• Why It's Out: The traditional multi-course formal sit-down dinner with an elaborate menu is being swapped for a more relaxed, interactive dining experience.

• What's In: Food stations, cocktail receptions, food trucks, or buffet-style meals that encourage mingling and a more laid-back atmosphere.

20. Large Impersonal Weddings

• Why It’s Out: Weddings that don’t feel like the couple’s wedding are going out because they feel staged and impersonal.   It feels like a party rather than a wedding celebration.

• What’s In: More personalized wedding that truly reflects the couple’s style or interests. It feels like you are truly celebrating the couple and their great moments.

  
  

These trends are losing their appeal as couples seek weddings that feel more authentic, personal, and enjoyable for everyone involved, without the pressure to conform to outdated norms or over-the-top expectations.  Couples are looking for a more meaningful, unforgettable experience. Instead of it being about the event, it is more about the couple and the people who love them. So basically, you be you, whatever that looks like. Make the day about your beginnings and all the love and support around you and it will be the best day ever!