How AI, customisation, and sustainability are defining weddings in 2025

Unending guest lists, predictable menus and ostentatious displays have given way to intimate, curated experiences—think menus that tell a story, ceremonies that honour heritage through a contemporary lens, and fashion that serves as a canvas for sartorial self-expression. Weddings are no longer set on cookie-cutter templates, and industry experts share exactly how they will take shape this year.

Signature soirées

Bidding adieu to cosseting (or controlling) family-led decision making, the modern couple is at the helm of planning today, crafting a day that’s infused with their personalities in every detail. Hyper-personalised elements have found a rather prominent space in current weddings, and they foster a sense of connection and community. “Custom elements like framed pictures, embossed napkins, personalised menus and engraved candles are becoming increasingly popular,” says Vikaas Gutgutia, founder and managing director, Ferns N Petals.

Thematic events are also enjoying the spotlight. Themes like ‘Midnight in Paris’ and ‘In the Mood for Love’ have emerged as full-scale design narratives, evolving from mere cinematic references. “Concept-driven functions are making a comeback—from tennis-inspired settings to recreating the charm of Varanasi and Vrindavan,” adds luxury wedding designer Devika Narain.

Also, with the advent of intimate yet theatrically grand weddings, the demand for bespoke experiences has soared. “We’ve seen a surge in wedding content creators, who capture the magic through stunning videos and photos,” says Megha Attri, founder of Delhi-based The Mooncloud Events.

Décor delights

This year, weddings will likely see an increased confluence of crafts and creativity, transforming celebrations into immersive cultural fests. Décor and cuisine, the two essentials of event design, will serve as dynamic bridges that merge traditions, with off-beat floral décor taking center stage. Sustainability, too, will be a defining theme, with couples moving away from floral foam and embracing jute-laden arrangements. “While flower walls, floral chandeliers and suspended installations create striking maximal statements, floral arches, cascading blooms and intricate centerpieces serve as the minimal counterpart,” says Gutgutia.

Culinary crafts

Remember videos of golgappas being served in shot glasses, dal makhni fondue, and gulab jamun cheesecake? It’s all a product of food styling—a creative discipline that transforms plating into an art form. “Food presentation and immersive dining concepts are the next big thing,” believes Narain. “The sprawling 100ft buffet has given way to smaller, custom, specialised menus, with popular chefs being flown down for just one evening.”

Modernised, fusion menus have emerged as mediums of storytelling, with ingredient provenance and histories of dishes adding depth to the dining experience for guests. Today, a multicultural wedding spread is more than a feast—it’s a narrative. “By reflecting the couple’s heritage, these weddings don’t just showcase culture; they invite everyone to live and breathe it,” adds Vedika Mohan, creative director at The Wedding Design Company.

Next-gen trendsetters

Gen Z is rewriting the wedding playbook. Prioritising exotism over grandeur, they are ditching the Pinterest moodboards for fun, game-centric celebrations. The starting point lies in collaborating closely with planners to ensure their vision is realised at every turn. Inclusivity is non-negotiable to create lasting impressions— from guest experiences to vendor choices, it forms the backbone of the operations. Think eco-friendly keepsakes, edible tablescapes, DIY perfume bars, or custom bangle stations.

“Gen Z isn’t just following trends; they’re setting them—curating weddings that are heartfelt, intentional and a true reflection of their values,” Mohan adds. “These couples are opting for gender-neutral rituals, sustainable décor with upcycled elements, as well as themes that reflect their unique journeys—whether inspired by travel, shared passions or personal milestones.”

The arrival of AI

While AI might have swiftly reshaped art and culture, its foray into the wedding industry is a slower yet inevitable part of evolution. The human touch remains irreplaceable, but AI helps expedite planning by streamlining complex logistics and enhancing the essence of weddings. Intuitive AI chatbots, for instance, can manage RSVPs and offer real-time recommendations, bringing efficiency without compromising on personalisation. Couples are also leveraging technology to reshape the digital wedding landscape. There are personalised wedding websites, AI-powered photo booths, live-streamed ceremonies, AI-driven décor simulations, augmented reality invitations and multisensory forms of entertainment.

Venues—the decider

Choosing the venue is the quintessential starting point of wedding planning. The collective consensus on this front is that the location should not only reflect the couple’s essence but also offer a rare, off-beat experience. While resources and accessibility lay the groundwork, the final decision is dictated by what truly excites the couple. “It’s about curating a space that feels like theirs, a place where their love story can unfold naturally,” says Mohan. “For us, choosing the perfect destination begins with understanding the heart of the couple. Are they drawn to cultural richness, or do they crave something fresh and adventurous?”

Planning a wedding closer to home is bound to be immersed in culture and tradition, also winning on accessibility, eliminating visa complications and long-haul logistical hurdles. An international wedding, on the other hand, offers an indulgent escape. From Italy emerging as a sensory feast to East Asia taking the lead as an accessible, budget-friendly choice, the allure of a destination wedding, however, lies only in comprehensive, all-inclusive packages. “Destination weddings are being seen as family holidays, especially for pre-wedding celebrations that are increasing the focus on novel experiences and boutique hotels,” says Narain.

This article first appeared in the print edition of Brides Today, January-March 2025. 

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