Spotlight: Fashion Forecast

Experts reveal latest wedding day fashion trends for brides and grooms.
Written by
Laura Cross

As wedding season approaches, couples everywhere are dreaming up their perfect day, complete with showstopping fashion and personal touches. From bold statement pieces to timeless classics with a twist, the 2025 wedding fashion trends are all about individuality, creativity, and celebrating love in style. Here’s a look at the latest trends taking center stage this year.

For Brides: Effortless Elegance

Trish Allison Photography

Trish Allison Photography

Gone are the days of overly formal bridal looks. According to Melody Hall of Events by Melody, “More brides opting for a relaxed, natural vibe when it comes to their wedding day hair. Soft waves, texture curls, and loose, romantic styles are quickly becoming the go to alternatives to the traditional, polished updos. These hairstyles not only create a more effortless, fresh look, but they also help brides feel more comfortable and true to themselves on their big day."

When it comes to gowns, Emily Kaye of Emily Kaye Bridal highlights the resurgence of drop-waist basque dresses. “This style of bodice extends the waistline below the natural hip, creating a long fitted torso that often dips into a "V" or "U" shape. It will elongate your waistline and enhance your beautiful silhouette.” 

Convertible dresses are also having a moment. Sarah Trotter of Lasting Impressions Weddings shares, “Brides are adding detachable skirts or sleeves for the ceremony and removing them for the reception.” This trend strikes the perfect balance between traditional elegance and party-ready fun.

Vintage-inspired accessories are taking center state this year. Rachel Lahlum of Rachel Lahlum Photography notes, “What's old is new again! Retro details beautifully compliment minimalist and contemporary gowns, creating a perfect blend of old world charm, old money vibes, and modern sophistication. It's all about mixing eras to create a unique, fashion-forward statement."

For Grooms: Tailored Sophistication with a Twist

Alexis Channel Photography

Alexis Channel Photography

While brides experiment with convertible gowns and bold accessories, grooms are stepping up their fashion game too. Expect tailored suits in unique textures like velvet or jacquard, echoing the trend of opulent yet timeless fabrics. Adding a pop of color through accessories - such as ties, pocket squares, or boutonnières - brings a fresh, stylish touch to classic wedding looks.

Grooms are also embracing modern takes on classic styles, such as double-breasted jackets and slim-cut pants for a sleek silhouette. Statement footwear, including polished loafers in bold colors or patterned designs, is adding a touch of personality. Additionally, layering pieces like patterned vests or textured scarves are becoming popular choices for couples planning winter weddings, allowing grooms to show off their style while staying seasonally appropriate.

For those looking to switch things up, grooms are joining the trend of outfit changes, transitioning from formal suits for the ceremony to more relaxed, party-ready looks for the reception. Whether it's trading the blazer for a vest or opting for a casual jacket in a standout color, grooms are finding ways to add flair and versatility to their wedding day wardrobe.

For Bridesmaids: A Touch of Individuality

Weddings by Nato

Weddings by Nato

According to Allie Robyn of Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design, “3D floral application started to get popular at the end of last season. It’s the natural progression from the floral bridesmaid mismatch dress trend. I don’t think we will ever go back to all bridesmaids wearing the same dress, and I am so grateful for the added whimsy.” This trend adds a playful, textural dimension to wedding attire, allowing each bridesmaid to showcase their individual style while still feeling cohesive within the overall wedding design. 

Allie also shares, “Jacquard dresses are a timeless choice with bold patterns that catch the light beautifully. Whether you opt for a subtle, monotone style or something more colorful, they’re versatile and can seamlessly complement any wedding color scheme.”

Accessories: Bold, Unique, and Playful

Madison Delaney Photography

Madison Delaney Photography

For couples seeking something unique, jewelry and accessories are taking center stage this wedding season. Leanne Kolodziej of Jewelry by Johan explains, “The soft green colors and patterns of moss agate gems have made it a standout trend in the wedding jewelry world. Moss agate has a muted, diffused green color that pairs beautifully with silver, gold, and even pink hues, like the 2025 Pantone "Mocha Mousse" color of the year. Moss agate balances the bold statement of a non-diamond engagement stone with the subtlety of its green coloration for a look that's totally unique to every ring!

According to Michelle Dunlap of Michelle Dunlap Design, accessories like hair bows, pearl-inspired accents, and pretty hair gems are in high demand, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy. She also notes that “veils styled under the hair have been requested by more than 65% of our brides for 2025,” giving a modern twist to this timeless accessory. 

Red is also making a bold statement this year. Lauren Walden of Glass House highlights, “Red is a timeless color that is trending for the upcoming year. Bold jewelry pieces, lace gloves, or pops of red in your makeup can bring your timeless and elegant look to life.”

"Wedding day fashion is all about creativity and fun!" says Morgan Brady of Mintahoe Catering & Events. "Brides are loving statement bows for a touch of elegance. And to add flair, couples are incorporating playful dance floor props like hats and sunglasses, making their celebration uniquely memorable."

Bridal Makeup & Hair: Soft Glam Meets Drama

Vanessa Lee Photography

Vanessa Lee Photography

This year’s makeup trends balance natural beauty with a hint of drama. Michelle Dunlap of Michelle Dunlap Design shares, "Radiant, glowing skin paired with heavier blush application is in. Expect to see cohesive looks using a single color palette for the eyes, lips and cheeks - such as warm browns, soft terracottas, and muted mauves." Michelle also highlights the growing focus on natural beauty, describing it as “a fresh, ethereal look, using light-reflective highlighters, dewy finishes, and minimal coverage,” creating a luminous and effortlessly elegant appearance.

For hair, Michelle notes several top trends for 2025, including face-framing tendrils, cute bangs, and center parts for short hairstyles. High ponytails, power ponies, and high buns are popular for brides with medium-length hair, offering chic and versatile options. Additionally, high, messy twisted chignons with perfectly framed tendrils are becoming the go-to romantic hairstyle.

Setting the Scene: Chic Get-Ready Spaces & Color Coordination

Amber Bauer Photography

Amber Bauer Photography

Kailey Levin from Windows at Marquette emphasizes the importance of creating a chic get-ready space for the bridal party: “Fashion-forward get-ready spaces are the trend that sets the tone for your wedding day, offering a stylish and inviting atmosphere for you and your closest family and friends. Whether it’s a suite or a curated space designed to accommodate as many guests as you’d like, these spaces provide the perfect backdrop for bringing in your glam team and teeing off at TopGolf Swing suite. It's all about creating a fun, relaxing, and memorable experience that you’ll never forget."

Nicole Stettler of Cragun's Resort, Golf & Conference adds, “One trend that has always been around but is growing more popular is the color palette. A bride walks into our venue with her color palette, photos, and all the pieces on one page, making it easy for everyone involved to see her vision.”

The key to wedding day fashion is staying true to yourself. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or daring trends, your attire should make you feel confident and comfortable. By incorporating these latest styles, you’ll create a look that’s unforgettable - just like your love story.

Main Photo by Vanessa Lee Photography