By Elizabeth Wulfhorst
Couples getting married today have a mountain of decisions to make before the big day. Even if they choose to have a relatively intimate affair, brides- and grooms-to-be still want to celebrate starting their lives together in style. From fashion to flowers to food, the decision-making to-do list can seem endless. Here are some trends growing in popularity that may appeal to you enough to quickly lighten the load.
Scale It Down or Throw It Back
Two style trends seem to be competing for attention this year. Many couples have gone the minimalist route, scaling down everything related to the wedding: smaller bridal parties, shorter dresses, diminutive bouquets and lighter noshes.
“The trends for wedding cakes have been simple tiered cakes with fresh flowers,” said Denise Kelleher, owner and creator at Cups & Cakes in Rumson.
While simple is sensational, for some, period pieces have all the pizazz.
“The other trend we are seeing is retro ideas from the ’70s,” Kelleher said, “with lots of scalloping and fancy trims and toppers.” She recently recreated a wedding cake for a 40th-anniversary party using the couple’s original cake topper.
No matter your style, the buzzwords seem “fun” and “fresh.”
“Funfetti cake” is a popular option, said Kelleher, and “fresh whipped cream and fresh strawberries have been popular fillings.”
Shaking Up the Ceremony
Although many couples still prefer traditional religious weddings in a house of worship, others opt for more customizable ceremonies tailored to the bride and groom’s unique history. The ceremony may incorporate stories about how the couple met, their childhoods and their favorite pastimes. Flexibility about the ceremony location and options for inclusivity and cultural diversity are priorities for many modern couples.
Those who don’t want to be married in a religious ceremony can opt to have a friend or family member marry them (remember on “Friends” when Joey officiated for Monica and Chandler and Phoebe and Mike?). For free – or sometimes a nominal fee – anyone over 18 can get ordained online at sites like The Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries or Open Ministries, among others, usually in as little as a day.
Picture Perfect Possibilities
For years, couples have been opting for more relaxed wedding photos. Instead of traditional poses (think ’80s prom pictures), they favor something a little less rehearsed. Candid photography and a photojournalistic approach are popular requests for modern couples, but an even more adventurous photo style is emerging. As drone photography becomes more common, aerial photos and video are being used to add a unique approach to wedding documentation.
And don’t be surprised if you see the photographer or their assistant capturing everything on the latest iPhone or Google Pixel. Many wedding photographers now offer or work with social media managers who will provide Instagram- and TikTok-ready posts following – or even during – the big day.
‘We Like to Move It, Move It’
Speaking of social media, not everyone has the time or skillset to learn a viral choreographed dance number, but couples are still choosing to learn the basics for that moment when all eyes are on them on the dance floor. Dance lessons are a fun way to connect with your partner in the run-up to the wedding and there are a few options for learning the basic steps, including local dance studios and YouTube videos. The Monmouth County Park System is even ready to help you get your groove on with its Wedding Dance Workshop, a two-hour session Feb. 26 at Tatum Park in Middletown that will get you “ready to dance more than the traditional sway on your wedding day!” If you’ve been contemplating taking private or group dance lessons, this is a relatively inexpensive ($88 per couple) and beginner-friendly way to learn the basic steps of two social dancing styles from an experienced instructor. Visit monmouthcountyparks.com for more information.
Consider These Options
Two more trends that might interest a future bride or groom involve color and time.
From bold and vibrant floral and linen displays to wardrobe choices, gone are the days when a bride must wear white and muted colors reigned. Brides are wearing everything from pastels and prints to silver and even black if the mood strikes. Wedding party attire is equally vibrant, with many opting to let their attendants mix and match styles and colors in a range of hues.
If color is going big, so is the length of the celebration. Some people don’t want the magic of the wedding to last one day, so they opt for an entire wedding weekend, with activities the day before the wedding – think wine tastings, tours or even hikes and fitness workouts – multiple afterparties and a brunch the following day. Hitched.co.uk, the wedding planning site, said searches for weekend wedding venues have risen by 50% in the past year.
Whether you go big or small, posed or candid, flamboyant or understated, the bottom line is: The choice is yours. Enjoy!
The article originally appeared in the February 13 – 19, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
