Securing Your Wedded Bliss

While the basics of a wedding haven’t changed much since the dawn of matrimony, the trends typically cycle in and out every year. We take a look at a few things that are “in” and “out” for 2025 and beyond. (Psst – remember it’s your wedding, so if you like it, do it!)

Documentary style photos – If you’re looking for a less-posed and more natural photo spread of your big day, editorial and documentary style photography is in, in, in. 

Specific dress codes – For some couples, slapping
‘cocktail,’ ‘formal’ or ‘black tie’ attire on the invitation just isn’t going to cut it. Some prefer bright colors only, or even a black and white theme. It makes for killer photos! 

Hired content creators– In the age where social media is also social currency, some couples are hiring content creators specifically for the day … in addition to photographers and videographers.

Sustainability– 2025 couples love helping the earth! Consider adopting sustainable practices at your wedding, like a paper-less celebration (nixing printed invites to programs), an outdoor wedding with nature as decor, or placing an emphasis on avoiding food waste.

Champagne towers– What was old is new again! Champagne towers have come back into style in a major way, creating the perfect photo opp for the couple and guests alike.

Out:

Garter tosses– While the garter toss has been around for centuries, most women are realizing it’s a bit, well, odd. If it makes you uncomfortable to throw an undergarment at your guests (which I’d assume it would), skip it! 

Bows – While bows have been incredibly popular over the last couple of years, it’s time to step away for a beat, whether those are on your head or on your dress. 

Traditional cake cuttings – Cake cuttings are taking a back seat to leave room for more party time and/or the serving of late night bites. (Burgers or grilled cheese to go, anyone?) 

Matchy-matchy bridesmaids dresses – Some still stand staunchly by this trend, but others say it needs to go. Consider asking your bridesmaids what type of dress best flatters their body and go from there, or choose several shades of the same color to break up the pattern. 

Sweetheart tables – The bride and groom have been standing up, away from their loved ones, the entire ceremony. It would only make sense that they wouldn’t want to be separated from them after. We’re seeing a rise in nixing the sweetheart tables and having the couple eat with the wedding party. 

Now we know wedding planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, but some tasks should definitely be tackled before others. We offer a few suggestions on the duties you should hop on as fast as possible, and the ones that can wait a bit.

Determine budget – This will set the tone for the rest of planning.

Book venue and caterer – These should be your biggest priorities; these vendors are booked up fast!

Insure everything – It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Determine guest list – This will be a major task; best to get it outta the way early. 

Confirm wardrobe – Make sure everyone knows what they’re wearing and that it’s ordered. Delivery times are getting longer and longer. 

Choose color palette – This will be integral to the rest of your thematic planning choices, especially florals.

Book other important vendors – Photographers, DJs, videographers, you name it.

Take engagement photos – What else are you gonna be posting on social media for the next year?!

Send save-the-dates – You can certainly do this later in the process if you wish, but be sure to send them out earlier if you plan on having a destination wedding or are inviting people from across the country.

Register for gifts – And watch them roll in!

Confirm the rehearsal dinner venue – Especially if it’s gonna be big.

Hire an officiant and ceremony musicians – They’ll certainly be a huge part of the day.

Order any rentals – Chairs, linens, flatware, get it done.

Book the honeymoon – And make sure you register for honeymoon donations on your registry!

Confirm transportation – Whether it’s an antique getaway car or a horse and carriage.

Purchase wedding bands – An excellent moment between you and your partner.

Confirm your wedding cake – And have a delicious time doing so! 

Do final catering tastings – Make sure everything is to your liking.

Order invitations – It’s getting real! 

Send invitations – This can be earlier, but 3 months out is probably the latest you should wait.

Brainstorm and plan out wedding favors – You want to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Write your vows – Have a glass of wine and listen to sappy music to get in the mood. 

Buy wedding party gifts – Make sure your crew knows you appreciate them.

Perfect your wedding playlist – We’ll see you on the dance floor. 

Get your marriage license – This one’s quite literally a must. 

Make your go bag – Pack up all the miscellaneous items you may need before, during and after your wedding.

Assemble your gift bags – And make sure they pop.

Pay your vendors in full – You don’t want any outstanding balances while honeymooning. 

Practice your vows – It’s not a W unless your spouse tears up!

Creating a wedding budget is tough, but sticking to it is even tougher. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study released this year, 56% of couples surveyed went over budget by an average of $7,900. That’s a pretty penny! 

While unexpected costs can often arise, there are a few ways to ensure you stick to your budget, or at least remain in a window that’s comfortable for you and your soon-to-be spouse. 

Have a firm cap on your budget from the beginning. That’s not to say you can’t be flexible if emergencies happen, but knowing your hard limits will help you in making the tough choices.

Have frank conversations with family members about their contributions. When speaking about money, it’s best to be up front. Make sure that if you’re getting financial help from friends or relatives, you know exactly how much they’re giving – and what strings come attached to it.

Don’t rush. Ever paid for expedited shipping? Things will ultimately be more expensive if you don’t give yourself enough time to prepare and order everything you need. 

Plan for the hidden fees. People don’t think about tips, taxes, marriage license fees and contingency plans/insurance. 

Cut down on guests. Does your mom’s best friend’s cousin really need to come to the wedding? If you trim down the guest list, things will look and feel more manageable. 

The old adage “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is a staple for brides as they prepare for the big day. But where did it come from? Well, the answer is easy: England! Originally, the Old English rhyme went like this: “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.” It was essentially a checklist of items for brides to incorporate into the wedding, all for good luck. Indeed, people believed that these items would bring great fortune and happy marriages while warding off the evil eye.

Something old: In modern times, the ‘something old’ can represent continuity and stability. Ideas for something old include family heirlooms, like broaches, as well as antique getaway cars or a vintage photo booth. 

Something new: This represents new beginnings and hope for the future. Something new ideas can include monogrammed napkins with your new initials, customized cufflinks or a signature scent. 

Something borrowed: Typically, borrowing something from a happy and healthy couple is meant to bring luck and good energy. Consider fabric from a relative’s old dress, a borrowed veil, or your mom’s jewelry. 

Something blue: While this used to help in warding off that evil eye, blue’s meanings in this context represent purity, fidelity and love – all excellent tenants for a strong marriage. Your something blue can be as simple or creative as you want, from blue shoes to blue earrings, floral arrangements, or even a signature cocktail!