Big fat weddings, but make them cool—here are the wedding themes set to take over this year

If there’s one thing about weddings, it’s that they’re getting bigger, bolder, and way more personal. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter celebrations—today, it's all about weddings that feel like an extension of who you are. Whether it’s an intimate affair drenched in old-world charm or a full-blown festival-style wedding, themes are playing a major role in setting the vibe. So, if you’re planning to tie the knot this year, here are some of the coolest wedding themes to consider:

Bridgerton core with an Indian twist

If you’ve ever dreamt of a wedding straight out of a period drama, this theme is for you. Think grand palaces, pastel hues, pearl embellishments, and a setting that feels like a scene from a royal love story. Inspired by Bridgerton but infused with Indian heritage, this theme blends vintage European romance with desi opulence. Picture embroidered anarkalis and sherwanis with intricate zardozi work, candlelit courtyards, floral arches reminiscent of an English garden, and high-tea-inspired mehndi ceremonies with delicate china and dainty desserts. The baraat could arrive in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, and classical music or a live sitar performance could set the tone for an ethereal evening. It’s all about old-world charm with just the right touch of Bollywood drama.

Tech-savvy, AI-integrated weddings

Weddings in 2025 are getting a serious futuristic upgrade, and tech is playing a major role in making them bigger, smarter, and more seamless. From AI-powered wedding planning that takes the stress out of coordination to hologram invitations that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie, the future of weddings is here. Imagine an AI-generated love story video that plays during the sangeet, personalised chatbot RSVP systems that handle guest queries, and drone photography capturing every moment from jaw-dropping angles. Virtual reality (VR) experiences could let distant relatives attend the wedding as if they were right there, while digital guestbooks and interactive seating charts make everything feel effortlessly smooth. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, personalisation, and cutting-edge coolness.

Retro Bollywood glam

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a classic Bollywood film, this is your chance. Inspired by the glitz and charm of the ‘70s and ‘80s, this theme brings back the magic of old-school cinema with a wedding that feels straight out of a Yash Chopra classic. Think shimmering sarees, sequinned lehengas, and velvet bandhgalas, paired with oversized sunglasses and bouffant hairstyles. The décor? Vintage Hindi movie posters, disco balls, neon signage, and rich, jewel-toned drapes. Guests could walk down a red carpet to enter the venue, where a live retro band or a vinyl DJ spins golden-era Bollywood hits. Picture a mehndi with cabaret-inspired performances, a sangeet that feels like a filmi dance-off, and a reception that channels pure Sholay-meets-Karz energy. It’s nostalgia, glamour, and drama—all rolled into one epic celebration.

Destination, but offbeat

Santorini and Tuscany have had their moment—2025 is all about finding hidden gems that feel untouched, exclusive, and full of character. Instead of the usual five-star resorts, couples are looking for places that offer something different, something with a story. Imagine exchanging vows in a Rajasthani desert camp, with fairy lights strung between the dunes and folk musicians setting the mood. Or a vineyard wedding in Nashik, where guests sip local wine as the sun dips behind the hills. A cosy Himachali town could be perfect for a mountain wedding—think wooden cottages, bonfire-lit evenings, and crisp mountain air. And if it’s a beach wedding you want, why not skip Goa for the quieter, unspoilt shores of Gokarna or the Andamans? It’s about creating a wedding that feels personal, immersive, and anything but predictable.

Eco-luxe celebrations

Sustainable weddings are getting a serious upgrade—no more jute bags and token plant giveaways. In 2025, it’s about being eco-conscious without compromising on style. Think carbon-neutral venues, farm-to-table menus with locally sourced ingredients, and décor made from upcycled materials that still look every bit as luxurious. Wedding invites are going digital, florals are being swapped for potted plants that guests can take home, and even outfits are being repurposed or rented to cut down on waste. Some couples are choosing intimate, low-impact celebrations, while others are going big but offsetting their carbon footprint by planting trees or donating to sustainability initiatives. It’s a wedding that looks good, feels good, and actually does good.

Festival-style weddings

Think Coachella, but with a shaadi twist. A wedding that feels more like a non-stop celebration than a formal affair—spread over multiple days, with live music, food trucks, and a dancefloor that never empties. Glow-in-the-dark mehndi nights, personalised wristbands instead of invites, and boho-chic décor set the tone for a wedding that’s all about energy and fun. Instead of a sit-down dinner, imagine grazing tables and cocktail stations, with guests moving between different themed zones—maybe a retro Bollywood corner, a silent disco, or a bonfire-lit sangeet. There’s no rigid schedule, no stiff formalities—just good vibes, great music, and a wedding that feels more like the best weekend of your life.

Lead image credit: Rahul Preet/ Instagram
 

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