25 years of wedding planning: trends we once loved, love now, and will always love
Weddings have always evolved with the times, from satin gowns and tiaras to personalised vows and backyard ceremonies. These days, celebrations take many forms. Some unfold in private gardens with a few close friends, while others are shared with the world in a perfectly edited Instagram Reel.
As we celebrate our 25th birthday here at Easy Weddings, let’s take a stroll down memory lane to discover wedding trends that we’ve loved in the last 25 years, the ones we’re loving right now, and timeless classics we think are here to stay.
2000s wedding trends
1. Chocolate fountains
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A symbol of early 2000s luxury, chocolate fountains made their way into countless weddings. Yes, chocolate-dipped strawberries and marshmallows are delicious, but they’re not the most practical party food. Weddings are already hectic enough; you don’t need extra drama at the dessert table, too.
2. Matching satin bridesmaid dresses
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Imagine a lineup of bridesmaids in identical satin gowns: strapless, ruched, and in vibrant shades like blue or fuchsia. While it certainly brought colour and cohesion to receptions, it often came at the expense of comfort or personal style.
3. Over-plucked brows and frosted eyeshadow
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Remember when early 2000s stars like Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton set beauty trends with their over-plucked brows and frosted eyeshadow? That ultra-thin arch and icy shimmer weren’t just for the red carpet: this classic Y2K look made its way to parties, offices, and weddings alike. With the Y2K revival trends going around, you might still spot some brides leaning into this aesthetic.
4. Chair sashes in every colour of the rainbow
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In the 2000s, chair sashes were the go-to decor item for adding a splash of colour and elegance to receptions. Fabrics like organza, satin, or sparkly tulle were often tied in elaborate bows and matched to the napkins. Today, we prefer a minimalist aesthetic, but back then, the louder the chair, the better.
5. The dove release
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Wedding ceremonies are often rich in symbolism, but nothing was more theatrical than releasing a pair of doves at the end of the ceremony. Romantic on paper, slightly unpredictable in practice. Perhaps there’s a good reason this trend didn’t survive into modern weddings.
6. CD/record wedding favours
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Remember the mixtape days? Before Spotify playlists existed, people would burn their favourite songs onto CDs. Some couples even handed out their wedding mix CDs as wedding souvenirs. It was a sweet and personal gesture… until laptops stopped having disc drives.
7. Tiaras and boob tube ball gowns
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The early 2000s were the era of real-life princesses. Think Cinderella meets nightclub chic. Some brides went all in with strapless satin ball gowns, crystal-studded tiaras, and cathedral-length veils for full fairy-tale drama.
8. Wedding toppers
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Mini bride and groom figurines perched atop multi-tiered cakes were once a wedding staple. These plastic figurines could easily be sweet, funny, or even mildly terrifying. These days, cakes are more personalised and simpler, but there’s a nostalgic charm that’s hard to ignore in those little plastic couples.
2025 wedding trends we love (but that might be cringey in 25 years)
9. Champagne towers
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There’s nothing more glamorous or dramatic than a cascade of champagne down a tower of glasses. But in 25 years, we might be laughing at how many weddings risked a glassware avalanche in the name of elegance.
10. “Till Death Do Us Party” neon signs
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Neon signs are quite retro and cheeky. But seeing the same phrases repeatedly can quickly get boring. “Till Death Do Us Party” has been spotted everywhere. Give it a few more years and we’ll be side-eyeing it the way we now cringe at the “Keep calm and …” posters.
11. TikTok transitions
@jill_lapine a moment for the dresses 💕🌸🕊️ #fyp #weddingtiktok #bride #wedding #bridesmaids #weddingtransition #weddingday
Wedding days are vibrant and energetic, and TikTok transitions capture that energy in such a cool way. From dress reveals to groomsmen dances, these hyper-curated clips are fun and addictive. But give it time… they might end up feeling as cringey as those slow-mo montages from the early 2010s.
12. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses
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Allowing your bridal party to express their individual style through different colour tones and necklines is a beautiful idea. When done well, it looks editorial. But when done poorly, it might just look like everyone was going to different weddings.
13. “Unplugged ceremony” signs
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We all need reminders to put down our phones and live in the moment. Asking wedding guests to do the same isn’t a bad idea. But in a world where even toddlers have smart devices, these polite signs may soon become ineffective anyway.
14. Basque waist dress
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Edgy yet romantic, the basque waist flatters the figure with its dramatic V-shaped drop. It’s bold and sculptural, but years from now, those pointy midsections might seem like a short-lived style detour.
15. Wedding scarf
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Not quite a veil, not quite a cape: a wedding scarf brings a flowing, 90s-inspired elegance to modern bridalwear. However, we may end up wondering why everyone wanted to accessorise with something that looked like a windy-day afterthought.
16. Fruit and veg instead of florals
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With the rise of earthy, sustainable wedding aesthetics, some couples are embracing fruit and vegetables as centrepieces. Think citrus, artichokes, or even pumpkins. Yes, they bring a rustic charm, but replacing your floral arrangements or centrepieces with a bunch of produce might be a little too much.
Trends that will stand the test of time
17. Inclusive wedding parties
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Gone are the days of rigid wedding traditions and gender roles. Today, couples are choosing the people who matter most to stand by them, regardless of gender or relationship. It’s heartfelt, authentic, and definitely here to stay.
18. Video guest book
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Having your guests write personal messages in a book is already sentimental, but capturing those stories on video? That takes it to another level. Wedding Chats offers a unique, interactive video guest book experience, turning candid moments and heartfelt messages into a beautifully curated keepsake.
19. Natural glam
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Soft, glowy makeup and relaxed hairstyles feel more natural and low-maintenance, which are perfect for brides who don’t want to look overdone. The natural glam aesthetic allows you to look like the best version of yourself without overdoing it, and it definitely won’t go out of style.
20. Minimalist aesthetic
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Clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle details bring an air of understated elegance to your celebration. Aside from its timeless appeal, a minimalist approach keeps the focus on what matters most: your love story.
21. Destination weddings
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With our destination wedding packages, you can celebrate your union in a breathtaking location of your choice at affordable costs. For example, our venue partner Silavadee Pool Spa Resort offers stunning beachfront settings in the beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand.
22. Candid photography
Candid photography captures the unscripted magic. Include this in your photography brief or hand around a camera amongst your guests, and you’ll treasure the photos for years to come.
23. Second looks
@brittany_hockley and @bxn__s92’s destination wedding: first look
@brittany_hockley and @bxn__s92’s destination wedding: second look
A second look offers both style and practicality. Switch from your ceremony outfit into something more relaxed for the reception or after-party. It’s your chance to show off another side of your style and dance the night away in comfort.
24. Multi-day celebrations
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While multi-day weddings are part of many cultural traditions, more couples are embracing the idea just for the fun of it. If your budget allows, why limit the celebration to just one day? This is an excellent idea, especially if you’re getting married out of town or overseas.
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