More and more bridal couples are looking to cut their spending. Whether it’s purchasing affordable wedding dresses on SHEIN or throwing an intimate ceremony for friends and family, “cheap” is the new word on the wedding streets.
The latest wedding trends seem to reflect this as brides and grooms-to-be look to splurge on items and memories that are closest to their hearts (like a honeymoon for instance), and it’s all thanks to our post-pandemic world.
So, just what are these wedding trends?
The bar revamped:
Alcohol can add quite a hefty sum to your wedding budget and appears modern bridal couples are unwilling to pay the price. They’re opting out of offering guests a bar tab but are choosing to switch this with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Winter weddings are a whole lot cosier as hot beverage stations are available throughout the event. From spiced rooibos to non-alcoholic sparkling wines, bridal are looking to switch things up in the best way possible.
The intimate wedding
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic is the trend of the intimate wedding. Brides and grooms are ditching the big wedding day affair in favour of smoothing smaller.
After all, this is a time to connect with loved ones and celebrate something loving and special. The guest list has gotten smaller and so have the locations, and this bodes well for couples looking to keep things simple and affordable.
Stepping outside the box
Tradition has been thrown out the window when it comes to wedding attire. Gone are the days of brides walking down the aisle in a white or wedding dress as more trends looking towards colour. Think untraditional colours such as black, red, pink – anything the bride fancies. Cosplay outfits are also fast becoming a “thing” for couples looking to indulge their adventures selves.
Supporting small businesses
Many small businesses suffered under the intense lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led many individuals, including brides and grooms, to favour small business owners – a trend we hope will continue.
Aspiring home cooks and food vendors getting on their feet are now the go-to as the new wedding trend looks to skip “traditional” wedding vendors in favour of small businesses.
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We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as…
If you’ve had waking nightmares about sneezing our way down the aisle, then don’t worry! While flowers smell and look beautiful, for some, pollen allergies will force you to look at nature’s beauty with an evil eye.
Whether you’re thinking about your allergy-prone guests or you’re a pollen-sensitive bride or groom, there’s good news! There is a range of mesmerising wedding florals that are the perfect addition to any wedding, enabling you to breathe.
Here are five hypoallergenic wedding florals to add to your bridal bouquet or wedding ceremony:
Peonies
The queen of all the wedding flowers. You’ll be happy to know that peonies are not only the perfect addition to your ‘big day’ but it’s also hypoallergenic. Add them to your centrepieces or make them the star of the show when it comes to your bouquet, no matter what, you won’t be stuffed up while booging the night away.
Cacti, Succulents and Airplants
Succulents are having a bit of a moment right now. Not only are they allergy-friendly, but they’re affordable and quite easy to look after. Sage green, dusty blue and pale pink are all beautiful neutral colours for bridal couples searching for an understated look to add to their already fabulous wedding!
Hydrangeas
Did you know that hydrangeas are a pollen-sensitive individual’s best friend? Their sticky pollen ensures that it’s not released into the air, and is a perfect addition to an allergy sensitive’s wedding. Gorgeous and understated, hydrangeas can offer an elegant and flowy look, filling up quite a bit of space in the process.
Roses
Ah, the rose. This famous flower has often been associated with love, so you’ll be happy to know that roses are the perfect choice for those with pollen allergies. Along with adding an enchanting smell to your wedding, roses offer a look that’s classic, a wonderful addition to your wedding florals and bouquet.
Orchids
There’s something mesmerising about orchids. Along with being an incredibly elegant and beautiful flower, it’s also allergy-friendly, available in a plethora of colours and sizes, and is great for those tropical-themed weddings.
ALSO SEE: Flower Availability by Season and Locality: Plan Your Wedding Blooms Wisely
Flower Availability by Season and Locality: Plan Your Wedding Blooms Wisely
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Similar to coconut water and good skin, tradition and weddings go hand-in-hand, and there’s nothing more traditional than forking out thousands for a jaw-dropping engagement ring. We’ve been…
Who wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle with their furriest four-legged friend by their side? Clad in the cutest black and white tuxedo, and sporting the wettest of all the noses, having your fur baby is surely a dream, not always practical.
However, don’t fear fur parents, we’ve thought of some creative ways you can include your bestie in your big day without (hopefully) causing a cat-astrophe.
Get ready with them …
Grab your wedding gown and snap a few adorable pics with them before the ceremony.
We all need a furry ring bearer or flower up
Flower girls are cute, but have you ever seen a dog walk down the aisle carrying a ring!
Who wouldn’t want a little anxiety-relieving support at the altar
Wedding day jitters got you tongue-tied … ease your nerves or add a little warmth to the ceremony by having your pet nearby.
Make them the star of your wedding cake
Who doesn’t want to wow guests with the cutest wedding topper ever … a great way to include any pet is to include them on your wedding cake.
Add them to the post-wedding ceremony walk
Once the vows are said and done, take a walk with your pup or pups!
Signature wedding/pet cocktail anyone?
Have your resident mixologist whip up a drink as sweet or spicy as your best friend!
But don’t forget to add them to the bar menu!
Make sure your guests know just who the inspiration for the signature drinks is by adding your fur baby to the menu!
Make it uber-romantic by including them in your first dance
They may just stop you from stepping on your new husband/wife’s toes! Also, it’s a super adorable way to include them in your wedding.
Give back
While your pup is privilege to have you shower them with love and treats, not all animals are that lucky. Skip the traditional wedding favour and pay it forward by adding a little donation option or box for your guests to add a little sunshine to an animal’s life.
Photobooth props!
Show guests a good time by incorporating your pet into your big day with a few hilarious or adorable photo booth props!
ALSO SEE: Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations
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Having your ring engraved is an excellent way to personalise your engagement ring. It allows couples to write sweet messages of devotion to one another, and keep it close to their hearts.
But what do you inscribe on such an important piece of jewellery? Considering you will (hopefully) wear your ring forever, you’ll want something meaningful to look back on.
You don’t have that much space on a ring, so a shorter phrase is ideal. Here are some cute words to have permanently written on your ring.
Dates and symbols
- Your wedding date
- The date you met
- Your initials
- Co-ordinates to where you first met
Words and phrases
- I Love You
- Always and forever
- Until eternity
- Never to part
- Perfect fit
- Finders keepers
- Je t’aime
- Better together
- Till death
- I do
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Buying vs. Hiring Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Costs & Considerations
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You’ve found your dream dress but it doesn’t sit quite the way you were expecting. While most brides spend hours dreaming about the perfect gown that they’ll walk…
Your Perfect Wedding Soundtrack: Curated Playlists for Every Moment
Music is the heartbeat of a wedding. It underscores the emotion, uplifts the spirits, and creates memories that linger long after the last dance. Crafting the perfect playlist can feel overwhelming — so here’s your guide to building beautiful, meaningful, and trend-savvy wedding music playlists for 2025.
1. Prelude & Ceremony: Setting the Intimate Tone
The ceremony is one of the most poignant parts of your wedding day and your music should reflect that tenderness and significance.
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Walking down the aisle: Think soft, emotional ballads or instrumental covers. Classics like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri or orchestral versions of “River Flows in You” create a timeless atmosphere.
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Unity, changing of the vows, or special moments: Use laid-back indie love songs or acoustic covers. Leon Bridges’ “Beyond” is especially popular for 2025 first dances and more intimate moments.
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Recessional: Celebrate walking out as a married couple with something joyful — Bella Dia Events suggests “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons or “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.
2. First Dance: Your Story in Song
The first dance is a deeply personal moment that captures the spirit of your union. Here are some trending favorites for 2025, plus timeless choices:
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Trending in 2025: Taylor Swift’s “Lover” (First Dance Remix) keeps climbing in popularity. Leon Bridges’ “Beyond” is another soulful pick to consider.
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Timeless romance: Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”, John Legend’s “All of Me”, and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” remain beloved first dance options.
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Unexpected but meaningful: Indie or lesser-known songs, such as “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band, give your moment a personal touch while feeling deeply romantic.
3. Cocktail Hour & Dinner: Background Vibes
During the cocktail hour or dinner, the music should enhance the ambiance without overpowering conversation.
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Opt for mellow but uplifting songs, think acoustic, soulful, or light pop. Wedding planners encourage including instrumental versions of love songs.
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Blend in some modern favorites: 2025 couples are increasingly choosing a mix of genres (pop, R&B, country) to reflect their story.
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If you have live musicians (string trio, band, etc.), provide them with a list of songs or genres you love, and allow them some creative freedom.
4. Reception & Dance Floor: Let the Party Begin
This is where your guests will cut loose. Your playlist should build energy, peak, and then gradually wind down.
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High-energy hits: According to DJ reports, genre-blending is hot, remixed classics, viral tracks, and up-tempo pop are all in play.
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Must-have dance floor bangers: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” is trending, and Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” offers a singalong moment.
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Crowd favorites: Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” remains incredibly popular, appearing on many wedding playlists.
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Group dance classics: Never underestimate “Cha Cha Slide,” “Cupid Shuffle,” or more modern dance anthems — these keep the dance floor packed and the energy high.
5. Cultural & Personal Touches: Make It Yours
More and more couples in 2025 are weaving in their cultural heritage or personal favorites into their wedding music.
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Live fusion performances: Many couples hire bands that mix genre and tradition, for example, a violinist playing over an Afrobeat or Latin beat.
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Personal favorites: Whether it’s a meaningful indie song, a regional classic, or a childhood anthem — let your playlists reflect your unique story.
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Do-not-play list: It’s just as important to tell your DJ or band what not to play. (One couple’s “do not play” list included breakup songs, or tracks with explicit lyrics.)
6. Pro Tips for Playlist Planning
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Build in arcs: Start calm, build intensity, then wind down. This sonic journey mirrors the flow of your day. Reddit
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Mix “must-plays” and surprise gems: Have your DJ or band mix your favorite sentimental tracks with a few crowd-pleasing anthems.
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Use streaming playlists as reference: Browse Spotify or Apple Music wedding‑playlist templates to get inspiration — then tweak them to reflect you.
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Practice your entrance and first dance timing: Know your songs’ exact beats so your dance moments, like your ceremony walk or first dance, match your vision.
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Update your playlists: Trends shift. Songs that are gaining traction in 2025 include new remixes, viral hits, and throwback rhythms.
Your wedding day deserves a soundtrack that feels uniquely yours — one that captures every emotion, every laugh, and every tear. By thoughtfully curating playlists for your ceremony, first dance, and reception, you’ll create a seamless musical journey that reflects your love story and delights your guests. Use these ideas as a starting point, but don’t forget to sprinkle in your own favorite songs, because at the end of the day, the best playlist is the one that sounds like you.
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