Every year, we dive deep into the world of weddings to uncover the latest trends, powered by insights from thousands of Zola couples. This year, one takeaway is crystal clear: As much as we all love obsessing over, pinning, and discussing wedding trends (and let’s be honest, that’s why we’re all here!), many of them never make it down the aisle.

Here’s why: There is a contrast between the dreamy, aspirational images couples want to emulate, the trends they want to incorporate, and the reality of what their budget allows. Even with wedding budgets increasing and many couples saving for years or taking on extra jobs to afford their “dream day,” they simply can’t afford everything on their FYP. That, or when it comes down to it - they’d rather their wedding feel timeless than “of the moment.”

In fact, pragmatism may be just the trend that IS embraced by all couples. Couples are planning their weddings way before the proposal (because why not?), saying “yes” to having all of their loved ones attend over a microwedding (even if small, intimate vibes are apparently in), sticking with classic music choices, and even using AI-powered tools to save time and streamline planning.

This doesn’t mean 2025 weddings won’t be share-worthy or deeply personal. Today’s couples are striking a perfect balance between reinventing (or creating their own) traditions and embracing customs that stand the test of time—all while keeping their celebrations authentic and highly memorable. An interesting duality is emerging, as we see couples want to break from expectations of their parents and older generations to do it “their own way,” while wanting to conform to some of the same traditions that in their minds, define a wedding and a marriage.

With that, here are all of the unique ways—and yes, the trends—that Zola couples are planning their weddings for 2025.

Couples are getting a head start on planning – even before they get engaged

Practicality might not sound romantic, but it has become a big part of modern love stories. Many couples have lived together, and been together for 4–6 years or even longer, so they’re diving into the planning process head first. And they’re not just daydreaming: 100% of the couples we surveyed (yes, every single one) took at least one step toward the big day, from building vision boards to curating their dream registry, all before they’re “officially, officially” engaged.

What’s more, compared to 2024 couples, the number who took what we’d consider a serious step has more than doubled – touring or booking a venue, setting a wedding date, shopping for wedding attire, inviting their wedding party, or even sending out save-the-dates.

Even the ring itself isn’t always a surprise: 53% of couples shop for rings together, and 70% discuss the timing of their engagement in advance to make sure the moment is just right for both partners. Additionally, 8% of couples had a counterproposal, while another 8% said they wish they had counterproposed, highlighting a shift towards more collaborative and mutual engagement moments.

When it comes to choosing the big moment, Christmas is the most popular date to get engaged, followed by Christmas Eve, December 23 and New Year’s Eve. Maybe it’s the mistletoe or the holiday magic, but it could also be the plain efficiency and thoughtfulness of choosing a time when friends and family are already gathered to celebrate together.

The less social side of social media

Since we began writing this report, the amount of wedding-related content available to couples online has probably quadrupled. Social content brings incredible joy, value, and even relief to the often overwhelming wedding planning process. And of course, it’s an undeniable treasure trove of ideas from color and fashion inspo to DIY details. In fact, 91% of couples call social media an invaluable planning resource— spending more than an hour a day scrolling for ideas.

Beyond sparking ideas, social media does play a crucial role in the planning process itself: More than two-thirds (68%) of couples vet potential vendors—like venues, photographers, and makeup artists—by scrolling through their Instagram and TikTok accounts. It’s a great way of ensuring that vendors truly understand their vision and can bring it to life, which is the #1 reason why couples decide to pick a certain vendor.

But there’s a more complicated reality–a split between the inspiration and joy that comes from scrolling and the disappointment when Instagram just can’t quite align with reality. The gap between budgets and expectations fueled by social media has become the single biggest pain point for 2025 couples. 48% are struggling to find a balance between what they can realistically afford and the ”picture-perfect” weddings they see online.

While couples don’t aim for a deliberately “trendy” or “perfect-for-social-media” wedding (in fact, these words ranked at the very bottom when we asked how they want their wedding to be perceived), 21% of 2025 couples still plan to create social-specific content for their big day, valuing the immediacy and “realness” that Reels and Tiktoks of their wedding create.

Weddings Vibes and Venues

For the second year in a row, garden parties top the list for both vibe and venue—and it’s no surprise. They perfectly embody the top five words couples use to describe their wedding style: Classic, Modern, Rustic, Minimalist, and Whimsical. Those romantic Bridgerton vibes are still inspiring us—we’re clearly not ready to leave that moment behind.

And, along with the garden theme, Mother Nature is the ultimate wedding guest, as sustainability continues to trend upward. 17% of couples are thrifting or sustainably sourcing elements of their wedding look, while another 17% are focused on cutting down waste to make their celebration more eco-friendly.

Ranking second as the ideal wedding venue are rustic ranches, farms and barns, pointing to couples’ preferences for spaces that have character, charm, and ambiance built-in. In fact, having a built-in vibe is extremely important when it comes to choosing a venue - only 2% wanted to customize a totally blank space. Yes, a blank space means you can make your venue completely your own, but it also means you have exponentially more decisions to make. With decision fatigue being a VERY real thing for couples navigating wedding planning, many would prefer to pick cups and plates from the venue’s inventory vs. have more day-of details to account for (both on your to-do list and in your budget).

2025 Wedding Color Trends

While maximalism is still “trending” (we’re seeing accents of neon and bright colors tastefully incorporated into decor), 2025 couples widely prefer romantic hues and understated tones, reinforcing the timeless popularity of a nature-inspired and earthy aesthetic:

• Green, an obvious complement to garden parties, is still the most popular color for 2025 weddings, with sage ranking as the #1 shade to appear in palettes (second only to classic wedding white).
• Earth tones like terracotta, rust, mocha (hello, 2025 Pantone Color of the Year!) and burnt orange reflect a preference for rustic and casual vibes that align with fall becoming the most popular wedding season.
• A larger portion of couples are favoring pastels and soft shades like dusty blue, blush pink, lilac, and peach, bringing a dreamy and romantic feel to their celebrations.
• Others are embracing vibrant hues with color palettes inspired by wildflowers to create a playful and whimsical style.

Couples are not only thinking about color for wedding decor - we’re seeing more couples embrace color for their engagement rings with almost 10% of 2025 couples opting for colored gemstones.

One place where couples have set pretty clear color rules? Wedding attire.

• Wearing white: 95% of those surveyed agree that wearing white as a wedding guest is totally unacceptable.
• Seeing red: 74% concede that wearing red is fair-game and celebratory (as long as it is culturally appropriate) because the couple will always steal the spotlight.

Intimate Weddings, Big Guests Lists

We know that intimate weddings are definitely “in” for 2025. In fact, a small guest list was one of the most “in” trends as ranked by all 6,000+ couples surveyed. But in reality, most weddings are anything but tiny, and guest lists are not shrinking. Only 6% of weddings will have less than 50 people, and just 14% (including that 6%) will stay under 75. Most couples are still planning to celebrate with more than 100 or more than 150 guests.

One factor that’s contributing to larger guests lists is that most 2025 weddings are close to home—67% are local enough for the majority of guests to drive (compared to 32% that are destination weddings). After all, trimming a guest list—or hoping it trims itself with a few “no” RSVPs—is much easier when distances make attending a bit trickier.

So, what’s our conclusion? That 2025 couples want their wedding to FEEL intimate, while still having their closest friends and family in attendance. One way they’re doing this (while keeping their guest list large) is by incorporating personal touches and stacking their wedding weekend itinerary with opportunities to have 1:1 conversations with their guests, so they can spend quality time (and make guests feel special) without putting pressure on the wedding day.

While couples control the guest list (for the most part), they can’t always control how their guests act, which is a major source of tension:

• Uninvited +1s: 20% of couples who got married in 2024 told us that an extra +1 who was not on the original invite showed up at their wedding; but 82% of those surveyed agree that this is never okay.
• No-shows: 78% of 2024 couples said some yes RSVPs didn’t show up on the big day. While illness and travel delays were the usual culprits, in 30% of cases, the reason remains a mystery. (Pro tip: If you can’t make it, just send a quick note—trust us!)

The average cost of a wedding? More than last year

When it comes to planning a wedding, your love comes with a price tag (that continues to increase). The average cost for a 2025 wedding is projected to hit a high of $36,000, up from the average of $33,000 in 2024 and $29,000 in 2023. So, what are the main contributing factors for these costs?

• Larger guest lists: Weddings with between 50-75 guests cost on average $21,500, while weddings with between 150 - 200 guests cost on average $45,000.
• Location, location, location: Local vs. destination, big city vs. suburban/rural. The average local wedding costs $34,208, compared to $41,312 for a destination wedding. And when we zoom in on city-specific numbers, NYC takes the top spot as the most expensive place to get married, with an average cost of $65,000, with Washington D.C. not far behind at $52,000. There are, however, plenty of cities where couples can tie the knot for less than the national average such as Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Seattle, Cleveland, Orlando and Houston.
• Splurgeworthy wedding professionals: Couples are most willing to splurge on key elements including an incredible photographer to capture every memory, a stunning venue, and food and drinks that keep everyone celebrating all night long.

Is (going over) the budget worth it? Couples say yes

With the cost of weddings climbing every year since we started publishing our First Look Report (which, okay, has only been since 2022), we had to ask: Is it worth it? The answer: Absolutely.

In 2024, we reported that the average cost of a wedding was expected to be $33,000. This year, for the first time, we followed up with 1,500 of those newly married couples and found that 74% ended up going over their original expected budget.

Here’s the kicker: While 37% reported going over by less than $5,000, 20% exceeded their anticipated cost by $10,000. And when we asked if it was worth it, 95% of them said, “It absolutely was.”

Having a wedding is a deeply intentional choice, and it isn’t made lightly. 87% of couples contribute to their wedding costs (29% fully and 58% partially). Many have been saving for years before getting engaged, and they’ve already tackled major financial decisions together—43% have combined their finances, and 24% have purchased a home. After years together, they’re making an active choice to celebrate their love on their terms. Add in all that intentional saving, optimizing credit cards, and even side hustles (20% took on extra gigs to afford the day), it’s no wonder they’re willing to splurge a little on their ideal venue, food, flowers, and photos. They’re crafting a celebration that feels worth every penny.

So…who pays?

With even more events - from wedding welcome parties, after-parties, bach events, and goodbye brunches - on the agenda, more budget questions are popping up for both couples and their guests. Should the couple foot the bill for these additional events and expenses, or is it reasonable to ask guests to pitch in? When it costs couples on average $2,800 to host a welcome party, and attending a bach party sets most guests back more than $600, what rules apply?

We asked couples what they thought and got a wide range of opinions—proving there’s plenty of room for clarity on cost etiquette. Here’s what we learned:

• Wedding party attire: Opinions are split. 51% of couples think the wedding party should pay for their own outfits, while 33% believe the couple should cover the cost as a thank-you to their crew.
• Hair and makeup: 53% of couples feel it’s their responsibility to cover the cost, while 33% think the wedding party should handle it themselves.
• Pre- and post-wedding events: Nearly a third of respondents admitted they’re unsure about who should pick up the tab for things like welcome parties and goodbye brunches.
• Bach parties: There’s more agreement here. 79% say friends should pay their own way.
• Destination weddings: We also asked the 32% of couples opting for a destination wedding (6% of those being international) one of the top questions we hear from guests heading to far-away celebrations: Are guests expected to spend the same amount on a wedding gift if they’re also covering travel and accommodations? The answer is no. 79% of destination wedding couples expect their guests to spend less on the wedding gift than they normally would, fully appreciating the extra effort, and expense, it takes to celebrate with them.

Our conclusion? There’s a lot of gray area when it comes to who covers what, leaving the decision largely up to the couple. Our advice - set expectations with guests, and leave room for open and honest dialogue about what they can (or are not willing to) afford.

To tech or not to tech, that is the question

AI is officially making its mark on the wedding planning process, with 90% of couples open to using it to save time on tasks like managing their budget, finding inspiration, creating schedules, and even drafting thank-you cards. 23% of couples are already incorporating AI into their planning process, (a 5% increase from last year) and we predict it will grow as many couples are still in the early stages of planning.

74% of couples are cool with AI crafting wedding toasts and speeches–just as long as the heartfelt and emotional words come from the couples (or guests) themselves. The one big way couples are divided on AI? Writing their wedding vows. When it comes to this emotionally-involved aspect of the wedding planning process 51% of couples are okay with it, and 49% of couples are not. We’ll let 2026 couples break this tie.

What’s in and what’s out for 2025

Every year, we ask couples what they’d consider “in” and “out” for weddings to get a pulse on what is gaining and dropping in popularity. The results are below, but let us caveat: trends are always in the eye of the beholder. So even if something lands on the “out” list, that doesn’t mean it’s passé or unacceptable. It’s up to each individual couple to decide what’s right for them!

What’s In:

• Unique venues: Even if gardens and barns are popular choices, every couple wants their venue to feel personal, authentic, and a little unconventional.
• Film photography: Nostalgia is having a major moment. This is an exciting way that couples are expressing themselves, and we can’t wait to see what specific styles of film photography pop up in 2025.
• Phone-free unplugged ceremonies: Put away the devices - aisle selfies are solidly out. Couples want their guests to stay focused and let the pros capture their moments.
• Extra-special wedding nail art: Nail art eye candy is taking over everyone’s feeds, and couples are using nail art as a way to show off their wedding style (peep pearl-embellishments and pops of bright color).
• Exchanging vows in private: Yes, couples want to party with their guests. But they also deeply cherish the special moment of exchanging vows, and want that moment to be intimate.
• Pearls & lace: Couples are remixing these timeless, classic materials - you’ll see modern takes on everything from dresses and veils, to nails.
• Outfit changes: Couples are expressing their individuality and creating MORE memorable moments by switching up their attire, sometimes multiple times during the event(s).
• Extra first look moments: 56% of couples have a first look with their partner, but 41% are adding a second first look with other loved ones. From parents and friends to children, couples savor special moments of calm.
• Classic music: The top song that gets 2025 couples moving is Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” And, when it comes to first dances, couples are all about romance: Elvis Presley’s “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” held the top spot last year, and we’re betting it’ll be hard to dethrone in 2025.
• Signature cocktails (and mocktails): 54% of couples will have these on the menu, and we love to see that having an alcohol-free wedding no longer means guests will have limited options.
• Secular weddings: 32% of couples are choosing religion-free ceremonies in 2025, up from 28% last year. That doesn’t mean that couples aren’t sharing their values, though - couples are incorporating their values into everything from their vows to their choice of vendor.
• Friend/family officiants: 61% of couples are asking loved ones to officiate their weddings, marking the third year in a row that this is “in” (and gaining in popularity).

What’s Out:

• Over-the-top lavish celebrations: Because we value our money and can’t all afford to get married like a celebrity, even if we love to read about their weddings.
• Bow embellishments: A bold runway statement, but 63% of couples still said, “No, thanks.”
• Champagne towers: A great photo opp, but 2025 couples would rather drink (then waste) their bubbles.
• Neon signs: What used to be a major source of customization (and photo moment) is going out of vogue as couples find other ways to personalize their nuptials.
• Wedding hashtags: Similar to neon signs, couples are finding alternative ways to show off their personality. That said, we will always love a creative wedding hashtag!
• Bouquet toss: We’re seeing more couples choosing to preserve their bouquet vs. tossing it.

A House – And Survey – Divided:

• Required dress code for wedding guests: Some love the ease of knowing what to wear, but not everyone loves the limitation. Either way, make sure your dress code is clear and not ambiguous (that is a Team-Z definitive “out.”)
• Drop-waist gowns: We know drop waist gowns were all over Bridal Fashion Week, but many couples find this trend to be inaccessible.
• Elaborate wedding exits: Social-worthy, for sure, but with 30% of couples planning a wedding after-party, not everyone sees it as a must.
• Traditional wedding cake over other desserts: One thing is clear, sweet treats are in style. From cake (or cakes) to creative dessert tables, couples love closing the meal with something yummy.
• Colorful maximalist vibe: Joyful and bold for some, but others think less is more.
• Hiring a wedding content creator: With 21% capturing social-specific content, the decision to hire a wedding content creator vs. DIY depends on priorities and budget.

Bring on the gifts

With weddings becoming more expensive and couples investing significant sums themselves, it’s no surprise that practicality is shaping gift selection. While the percentage of couples adding at least one cash fund to their registry remains steady at 87%, we’re seeing a slight uptick in funds specifically for wedding costs, as well as major newlywed priorities like purchasing a home, renovating, and even paying down debts. It’s a reflection of how modern couples are thoughtfully planning for their future, celebrating their big day, and balancing multiple financial priorities.

Let’s not forget the honeymoon fund—still the #1 cash fund. That’s no surprise, considering 96% of 2024 couples took a honeymoon, with 74% traveling outside of the U.S.

And, here’s a major discrepancy that surprised even us: While 70% of couples say they’d rather receive a cash gift over anything else, only 54% of guests say they prefer to give a cash gift when attending a wedding. And even though 87% of couples add at least one cash fund to their Zola registry, a whopping 95% of couples wish it felt more acceptable to ask for a cash gift.

Clearly, while many couples are embracing cash funds, there’s still work to be done to normalize giving and receiving cash gifts. So, let us shout it from the rooftops—it’s completely, 100% okay (and normal) to ask for and give cash gifts!

Reimagining the rules

As much as modern couples want to do things their own way, there’s still a deep appreciation for traditions passed down through generations. There's a gray area between the idea that couples are completely moving away from the weddings of the past and the reality of how they’re choosing to celebrate their marriage and step into newlywed life. And sometimes, it’s okay to live in the gray—not everything has to shift all at once (or ever). Many traditions are beautiful, purposeful things that add meaning to the celebration and the marriage.

Here are some traditions couples aren’t ready to move away from—or are still thoughtfully navigating:

• Handwritten thank-you cards: Despite the rise of digital tools and AI technology, 54% of couples think it should be less acceptable to send a digital thank you card and would prefer a handwritten one. When it comes to expressing gratitude, a personal touch still means a lot.
• Changing your last name: 66% of women who are marrying men are planning to change their last name, with 12% unsure and 6% blending names. When asked why, 76% of those who were planning to change their name stated it was simply because “I want to.” Another 57% said it feels like a celebration of their marriage. 20% however admitted that “It’s just what you do.” Only 16% said they’re definitely not planning to change their name.
• The engagement ring: While the way couples shop for rings has shifted—most now shop together—and ring styles are evolving, 98% of couples still believe the ring is a valuable tradition. In fact, 96% of couples said they do have an engagement ring, proving that this symbol of commitment remains timeless. Most of those who do not have a ring said they simply cannot afford it at this time.

With that said, there are a few expectations that couples would like to shatter (or at least, not be beholden to or pressured by):

• Expectation for the bride’s family to pay: When asked what they’d like to change about the wedding journey, 31% of couples said they want to move away from the old-fashioned expectation that the bride’s family should foot the entire bill. This tradition doesn’t reflect reality for most: Only 30% of weddings with a bride follow this model, while 63% of couples receive financial support from both families, showing that a more balanced approach is becoming the new norm.
• One partner does all the planning: While 85% of couples lean on their partner as their wedding planning rock, the reality is that one person often takes on the bulk of the work. Among women marrying men, 81% report that their male partner has spent zero, barely any, or noticeably less time planning. For LGBTQ+ couples, the gap is smaller but still present, with 68% reporting that one partner shoulders more of the workload. Notably, 97% of couples think it should be more acceptable for both partners to have an equal say in the wedding vision—a shift we’re all rooting for.
• Declining an invite: Weddings are magical, but they’re also expensive—not just to throw, but to attend, travel to, and especially to be a part of. Our survey found that 91% of couples wish it felt more acceptable to decline a wedding invite. Similarly, 90% want it to be easier to say no to a pre-wedding event like a shower or bach party, and 75% would like it to feel less awkward to decline an invitation to join the wedding party.

As we look ahead to 2025, one thing remains crystal clear: Modern couples are still dreaming big, but planning in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. They’re striking the perfect balance between personal touches and practical decisions, making choices that reflect the priorities—and budget realities—that matter most to them.

So here’s to celebrating love on your terms—because that will always be what’s truly “in.”