Weddings are evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of personal touches, bold aesthetics, and a return to timeless romance. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, staying ahead of the trends can help you create a wedding that feels both current and uniquely yours. If you’re tying the knot in Des Moines or anywhere in the Midwest, these trends will inspire you to craft an unforgettable day.

1. Intimate Weddings with Grand Details

The shift toward smaller, more intentional weddings continues in 2025. Couples are opting for guest lists of 50-100 people, allowing them to allocate more of their budget toward high-end details like elaborate floral arrangements, gourmet catering, and custom experiences. In the Midwest, barn venues and historic estates are being transformed into luxurious spaces that feel both cozy and elegant. Intimate may be eloping for some. Don’t know the difference between an elopement and intimate wedding, check out one of our recent posts to learn more.

2. Weekday Weddings Gain Popularity

Weekend weddings have long been the norm, but with venues booking up quickly, weekday weddings are becoming an attractive option. Not only do weekday weddings offer cost savings, but they also provide more flexibility in choosing your dream venue and vendors.

3. Documentary-Style Photography

Gone are the days of stiff, overly posed wedding photos. In 2025, couples are embracing a documentary-style approach, where photographers capture raw, unscripted moments throughout the day. Photographers are leaning into natural light and movement-based shots, ensuring that every laugh, tear, and stolen glance is preserved authentically.

4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Weddings

Sustainability continues to be a priority for 2025 weddings. Couples are opting for digital invitations, locally sourced florals, and farm-to-table menus to reduce their environmental impact. Renting vintage decor and repurposing ceremony florals for the reception are popular ways to maintain an eco-conscious celebration without sacrificing style.

5. Bold Color Palettes Take Center Stage

While neutral tones have dominated wedding aesthetics in recent years, 2025 is all about bold, vibrant color schemes. Think deep jewel tones, rich terracottas, and unexpected color combinations. Couples are incorporating these hues into everything from table settings to bridesmaid dresses, creating visually stunning celebrations that feel warm and inviting. Check out one of our latest weddings that had us dreaming in COLOR.

6. Unplugged Ceremonies and Tech-Savvy Receptions

More couples are encouraging guests to put their phones away during the ceremony, allowing everyone to be fully present. Meanwhile, receptions are embracing technology with interactive photo booths, live-streaming for distant loved ones, and even AI-generated wedding videos that compile candid moments throughout the night.

7. Non-Traditional Wedding Attire

2025 is the year of breaking tradition when it comes to wedding attire. Brides are opting for colorful gowns, statement veils, and modern jumpsuits, while grooms are embracing bold suit colors and relaxed fits. Midwest couples, in particular, are incorporating elements like cowboy boots, vintage hats, and heirloom jewelry to add personality to their looks.

9. Interactive Food and Drink Experiences

Forget the standard buffet — 2025 weddings are all about interactive dining experiences. Couples are leaning into trends like build-your-own taco bars, craft cocktail stations, and late-night comfort food trucks featuring local favorites like cheese curds and BBQ sliders. This approach makes the dining experience fun and memorable for guests.

9. Nostalgic Wedding Themes

From 70s-inspired disco balls to 90s throwback playlists, nostalgia is playing a big role in 2025 weddings. Couples are incorporating sentimental details like family heirlooms, retro-style photo booths, and handwritten vows to create celebrations that feel both timeless and personal.

Final Thoughts

The wedding trends of 2025 are all about making your big day feel like you. Whether you’re embracing bold colors, planning a weekday wedding, or choosing a documentary-style photographer, Iowa offers plenty of inspiration to create a wedding that’s modern yet deeply personal.

For couples in Des Moines and beyond, working with a photographer who understands these trends ensures your wedding is beautifully captured, reflecting both the latest styles and the heartfelt moments that make your day unforgettable.