Behind the Scenes: Hitched Wedding Trends Report Styled Shoot

Weddings aren’t just a declaration of love - they’re also an opportunity to express your style as a couple, creating a unique experience for your loved ones to share on your special day.

As wedding celebrations have become more expressive in recent years, new wedding trends have emerged to inspire couples throughout their wedding planning journey.

Next year, unique ways to capture content on your big day will be at the forefront of 2025 wedding trends, along with cute and colourful ways to dress and style your wedding.

Go Behind the Scenes on the 2025 Wedding Trends Report Shoot

After hours of careful research, our expert team has whittled the list down to 10 key trends set to explode in 2025 that span wedding fashion, entertainment, photography and videography, catering, and flowers - then organised a styled shoot to bring those trends to life!

For a full breakdown of each trend, you can take a look at our Wedding Trends Report.

• Content Creators
• Colourful Wedding Flowers
• Mini Wedding Dresses
• Wedding Video
• Wedding Photo Apps
• Heart Shaped Wedding Cakes
• Floral Wedding Dresses
• Wedding Tuxedos
• Live Wedding Painters
• Micro Weddings

Explaining these trends is one thing, but demonstrating them is quite another. To help our couples get a true sense of what we expect to see during wedding season next year, we decided to bring these trends to life for an exclusive photoshoot.

We had the pleasure of shooting our predicted wedding trends at Botleys Mansion, a stunning venue nestled in the rural countryside of Surrey, yet just a stone’s throw from London.

Hitched Editor Zoe Burke explained: "Compiling the annual Hitched Wedding Trends Report is truly the highlight of my year! So it was amazing to round up some incredible Hitched vendors, head to a Hitched venue and see our trend forecast come to life."

From behind the scenes styling tips to seeing brand new vendors in action, keep reading to discover how you can integrate next year’s ultimate wedding trends into your big day.

The Venue: Old Money Aesthetics

• Venue - Botleys Mansion
• Couple - Estelle & Younes
• Groom's outfit - ASOS
• Model's dress - Watters
• Model's shoes - Charlotte Mills
• Model's veil - Debbie Carlisle

"I knew I wanted our shoot location to have a really luxe feel, and I love the old-money aesthetic of Botleys Mansion," Zoe explains. 

• Venue - Botleys Mansion
• Model - Georgie Mason-Mottram
• Dress - The Wedding Club
• Veil - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Dress - June Mini by WToo
• Shoes - Charlotte Mills
• Earrings - Love Rocks

"We knew our trends would be full of playful, brightly coloured details, so I wanted to show how this style can work with all kinds of venues, including a more traditional stately home type. It doesn't have to be bare brick and metal columns for a more kitsch and trend-led vibe.

"I felt like the juxtaposition of the grand surroundings and the more fun mini dresses and retro cakes made the details pop even more. Also, it's simply a spectacular location for pictures!"

• Venue - Botleys Mansion
• Dress - Watters
• Tuxedo - ASOS
• Veil - Debbie Carlisle
• Earrings - LoveRocks

The variety of spaces available at Botleys Mansion also made it an appealing choice for the shoot, as Zoe explains: "Botleys is an absolute treasure trove of spaces - from the incredible entrance space, to the large, glass-ceiling room at the back which is flooded with natural light and boasts an amazing staircase for an impressive entrance.

"I particularly like some of the smaller rooms at the venue - ideal for guests to take a breather in - as they have this really cool private members club vibe, which worked well with some of our more moody shots to highlight just how suave a wedding tuxedo can be."

Wedding Fashion: Flirty & Floral

• Dress (Left) - June Mini by Wtoo
• Dress (Right) - Bella dress by Charlotte Mills
• Veil (Left) - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Veil (Right) - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Sunglasses - Charlotte Mills
• Balloons - Bubblegum Balloons
• Confetti - Flutter Darlings
• Top hat - Stylist's own

Next year, wedding fashion is set to receive a stylish upgrade. For our styled shoot, we were fortunate enough to receive styling support from wedding expert Peta Hunt, along with flawless hair and makeup design from Sacha Lilly.

In preparation for the shoot, we received some gorgeous designs from many sought after bridal designers such as Charlotte Mills, Unbridled, Watters, The Wedding Club, ASOS, Maids to Measure, Debbie Carlisle, Rebecca Andrews Bridal, Halo & Co, and Love Rocks.

"When we were deciding on the looks, I knew we needed lots of mini wedding dresses, as they're such a huge trend for 2025 and beyond," says Zoe.

"I've known Charlotte Mills ever since I started out in the industry, so it was a no-brainer to use some of her stunning - and affordable - bridal minis! I'm also obsessed with new bridal designers on the scene Unbridled, so was really keen to include one of their gorgeous puffball minis in our looks.

"I had to call in stuff from a few other favourites too, including Debbie Carlisle for dreamy celestial accessories and dainty birdcage veils, Rebecca Andrews Bridal for gorgeous bows, The Wedding Club for statement two-in-one dresses and Maids to Measure for contemporary and colourful bridesmaid fashion.

"If I'm being honest - seeing the fashion coming together was one of my favourite parts of this shoot. I got to live out all my Miranda Priestly fantasies - and when our stylist pulled out a top hat, I couldn't quite believe my luck, it was SO Parent Trap coded."

Keep reading to see how we styled their latest collections to showcase next year’s top wedding trends.

Floral Wedding Dresses 

• Dress - Bianca by Charlotte Mills
• Veil - Stylist's own
• Earrings - LoveRocks
• Balloons - Bubblegum Balloons

Prepare to see florals like you’ve never seen them before! In 2025, florals are going to be making their way into wedding dresses in a whole new way.

When you say “florals”, you might think of paisley or graphic prints. But in reality, florals will be incorporated into wedding dresses through structure, lace, and 3D design.

Here’s what our stylist Peta had to say about this upcoming floral trend: “The floral trend really makes a statement in this dress, as it combines with a sequin applique. It’s short and sassy, it’s perfect for a girl who likes to show off her figure.”

• Venue - Botleys Mansion
• Dress - June Mini by Wtoo
• Veil - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Shoes - Charlotte Mills
• Sunglasses - Charlotte Mills
• Balloons - Bubblegum Balloons
• Flowers - OMF Events
• Disco balls - Luxe Occasions

Editor Zoe shared: "We had a couple of floral dresses on the shoot - but they were a new take on the floral trend. I love the fun, textured 3D flowers on the Charlotte Mills dress, perfectly modelled by Georgie. It's ideal for a city hall wedding, or even for your hen do!

"The June mini by Wtoo, also modelled by Georgie, is a much more sultry, sexy take on the floral trend. Oversized floral beading catches your eye as it sparkles under the lights, and the short length and figure-hugging shape say 'I'm here to party!'"

Mini Wedding Dresses

• Venue - Botleys Mansion
• Dress - Bella dress by Charlotte Mills
• Veil - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Tuxedo - ASOS
• Top hat - Stylist's own
• Earrings - LoveRocks
• Champagne tower - The Luxe Occasion

In keeping with the previous style, you might have already guessed that mini wedding dresses are going to be all the rage in 2025.

From the sparkly, sequin design featured above to sleek and simple styles that every classic newlywed will love, this trend really has something for everyone.

Peta particularly enjoyed styling this particular look: “I am loving short dresses at the moment. They’re perfect as they work for the ceremony and the reception, which is especially good if you can’t afford the luxury of having two dresses.

“This Charlotte Mills dress goes perfectly with a matching sequin jacket to keep it playful, or a really classic veil for a more traditional look.”

• Wedding dress - Cora by Unbridled
• Shoes - Charlotte Mills
• Tuxedo - ASOS
• Groom's loafers - ASOS
• Hair bow - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Balloon arch - Bubblegum Balloons
• Flowers - OMF Events

It's no secret that Hitched Editor Zoe is obsessed with short wedding dresses: "I was so excited to be able to incorporate lots of minis into this shoot - and for a range of different price points too. You have the more affordable Charlotte Mills options - that still look super high end - to one of my new favourite up-and-coming bridal designers, Unbridled. 

"I first saw them at London Bridal Week this year and I was blown away, so using their gorgeous Cora dress for our ceremony pictures was such a thrill."

Wedding Tuxedos: Sharp & Suave

• Tuxedo & shirt - ASOS

Tuxedos are back, and we couldn’t be happier about it! From classic 007 tuxedos in a traditional black or grey, to a bright pop of crimson velvet, 2025 is going to be the year of the tuxedo.

We love this style from ASOS as it adds a playful edge to a pretty traditional look, as well as providing a splash of colour.

When it comes to the wedding tuxedo trend, Peta thinks it's a timeless choice: “I have always been a big fan of the tuxedo. It’s particularly good for autumn as it’s a velvet tuxedo with satin down the side, and it’s a real bargain.

“Bowties are always trendy, and I love a wing collar shirt as I think it’s quite elegant.”

• Tuxedo & shirt - ASOS
• Champagne tower - The Luxe Occasion
• Balloons - Bubblegum Balloons

"The beauty of the tuxedo," explains Zoe, "is that they look amazing when they're pristine and styled up, but they also look just as good - in fact, maybe even a little better? - when they're a bit more undone too. You still have the formality of the suit, but the undone bow tie just adds such a cool vibe to the look. The tie tied around the head could NEVER."

Capturing the Content

• Live Content Creator - Wedding Storyteller Co.
• Balloons - Bubblegum Balloons
• Photographer - Peach Portman Photography

Thanks to the rise of social media, there are so many exciting and innovative ways to capture content on your special day, and 2025 is set to welcome entirely new categories of vendors.

Of course, nothing will replace the value of having a skilled wedding photographer present to capture the irreplaceable pictures that you’ll cherish for years to come. We were lucky enough to have Peach Portman Photography on hand to capture our content throughout the day.

When reflecting on the styled shoot, Peach shared, "it was a fantastic experience to pull together all the trends we are seeing coming up and give brides and grooms the info all in one place.

"The Hitched team are in touch with so many superb wedding suppliers it made being on this shoot a dream. Every supplier really knows their stuff and produces outstanding work.

"It was a real privilege to be able to shoot all these talented creators", she explains.

"I love the multi-use wedding dresses that change from full wedding gown to mini dress. This really take into account how big an evening change has come and the mini dress is really in its era now. I also adore the brightly decorated ornate wedding cakes that seem almost a throwback to the 80's."

But as an extra addition, these wedding content trends are joining the party to provide you with an entirely new way to remember and celebrate your marriage.

"I love watching the ways to capture wedding content evolve," says Hitched Editor Zoe.

"In our 2024 Wedding Trends Report, we saw the rise of the of film wedding photography, and this year it's been video and content creators that have grown in demand.

"It's not surprising that more couples are looking for ways to capture details of their wedding, so we wanted to channel this when documenting our shoot. I hired Peach Portman Photography, a long-standing Hitched vendor, as I've used her work with real couples in previous Hitched content, including our Trends Reports.

"She has quite a striking, unusual style which I felt really suited our out-there vibe. I also hired The Wedding Storyteller Co, run by Paula, has I've worked with her on Hitched for a while now and am fascinated by the content she creates.

"Then finally - because this shoot was coordinated by a bunch of millennials - we had to have a few Polaroid cameras on set! Our Instax Minis were perfect for vendor photos and added an extra level of depth to our wedding set up."

Content Creators

• Live Content Creator - Wedding Storyteller Co.
• Balloons - Bubblegum Balloons

“What is a wedding content creator?”, we hear you ask. Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like!

With more and more couples concerned with creating the perfect viral videos for their social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels from their big day, it’s far easier to hand that task over to someone else.

To see this service in action, we invited Paula from Wedding Storyteller Co. to come along and show us how it's done. We also asked her why she thinks wedding content creators are increasing in popularity, so here's what she had to say. 

"Couples are really embracing wedding content creators", explains Paula, "as they want those real, authentic moments, and they want them quickly!

"It’s becoming so popular because couples today are looking for something more personal and real. They don’t just want posed, polished shots; they want to see all the candid, spontaneous moments that happen throughout the day – the laughter, the little interactions, and all the fun behind the scenes.

"Content creators can capture that in a way that feels less formal but just as meaningful.

"It’s not all about social media either. Couples are after memories they can cherish for themselves, and not everything a content creator captures is for sharing online."

So, whilst your photographer can be busy capturing the perfect shot to frame on the mantelpiece, your content creator will make sure that you have the material to make a highlight reel of your special that’s #weddinggoals.

Wedding Video

Once wrongly considered an optional extra, the wedding video is making a comeback in a big way in 2025.

The tradition of making a wedding video to play for your friends and family every year on your anniversary has had a makeover, and at Hitched we believe that we’ll see a whole lot more of it in 2025.

"It was really important to me that we had lots of video content from our shoot," says Zoe. "Peach Portman Photography took care of the photography and videography, and Paula was on hand to capture lots of details on mobile too. It just really helps to bring the day to life. 

Wedding Photo Apps

In ode to the disposable camera, wedding photo apps are entering the game as a more sustainable alternative that allows guests to capture and share their own content from the big day.

Our WedShoots app is a popular choice for wedding parties, and it’s a great way to keep guests entertained on their table, bond with other guests, and capture memorable moments that the couple will love looking back on at a later date.

"We did have our Polaroids at the shoot," Zoe explained, "but the film is expensive, and I don't think I'd trust tipsy guests with my lovely pastel pink Instax. So a wedding photo app is a great alternative."

Flowers: Bright & Bold

• Dress - Fancy by Aire Barcelona/The Wedding Club
• Groomswear - ASOS
• Flowers - OMF Events
• Confetti - Flutter Darlings

Trends may come and go, but in the world of weddings, flowers are always in style! But in 2025, there will probably be one type of bouquet taking pride of place at the most stylish weddings.

"When it came to choosing who would do the florals for our shoot, I immediately thought of Sola from OMF Events," explains Zoe.

"I've used images of Sola's gorgeous work in lots of content over my years at Hitched, so the chance to work with her in person was too good of an opportunity to pass up. 

"I gave her the brief of bright, clashing colours - oranges, reds and pinks - and what she created went far beyond what I could have imagined. It set off our decor perfectly."

Colourful Wedding Decor & Details

• Florals - OMF Events
• Table Decor - The Luxe Occasion
• Stationery - Autumn Rose Paper Co

Soft pastels are taking a well-deserved break in 2025. Instead, vibrant and colourful flowers are going to be taking the wedding world by storm.

From centrepieces and bouquets to buttonholes and wedding favours, zingy shades of purple, pink, yellow, and red will be gracing the aisle in a brilliant clash of colour.

In this particular bouquet, roses and anthurium are arranged with orchids to create a unique combination that varies in size and structure, as well as contrasting colour.

We had the pleasure of featuring flowers from OMF Events for our styled shoot. Here's what owner Sola had to say about this particular trend: "After challenging times like the pandemic, I noticed many couples are opting for vibrant and cheerful colors to reflect a sense of hope, joy, and celebration.

"Bright and bold blooms evoke a sense of joy and optimism, making them a perfect choice for weddings as couples seek to convey a celebratory atmosphere on their special day.

"These vibrant flowers not only add visual impact but also enhance the overall mood of the event, reflecting the love and excitement shared by the couple and their guests."

When it came to the decor, Zoe had a particular look in mind: "To go with our bold and bright florals, I knew I wanted a really bright tablescape. I browse wedding decor vendors on Hitched to find ones who have created clashing tablescapes, and discovered The Luxe Occasion.

"The deal was basically done when they told me they had a massive stash of disco balls! My brief was 'colourful and chaotic', and what was delivered simply blew me away. It was bright, it was bold, it popped but it still looked so cohesive and stylish.

"I actually loved our decor so much that I've made the picture above my desktop background on my laptop. I'm not sure if that's an okay thing to admit or not!"

Celebrant Ceremony

• Celebrant - Your Celebrant Vicky
• Dress - Charlotte Mills
• Groomswear - ASOS
• Balloon arch - Bubblegum Balloons

Introducing a celebrant to your wedding ceremony is a wonderful way to put a twist on the traditional - and we couldn't resist inviting Your Celebrant Vicky to act as our chosen celebrant for our styled shoot. 

"I was browsing Hitched looking for a celebrant that would fit our wedding aesthetic when I found Vicky," Zoe explains. "I could tell from her images her vibe was exactly what she wanted.

"She brought so much energy and even more laughs to our ceremony - and even though it wasn't a real ceremony, she created these really believable moments, which I think are perfectly captured in the content."

• Celebrant - Your Celebrant Vicky
• Dress - Unbridled
• Hair Accessory - Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Groomswear - ASOS
• Balloon arch - Bubblegum Balloons

Not only did Vicky's sugar pink suit perfectly fit in with our creative brief, she also demonstrated how celebrants can inject a new lease of life on your classic wedding vows. After watching her interact with the couple and making them feel at ease, we have no doubt that wedding celebrants will be a recurring feature throughout 2025 celebrations.

Celebrants are growing in popularity thanks to their ability to allow couples more freedom with their wedding plans. For couples who aren't particularly religious or inclined to have a traditional wedding, the idea of tailoring their vows, ceremony and order of service can be very appealing. 

Plus, with a celebrant like Vicky, the crowd are guaranteed to be hanging on every word! 

Heart Shaped Cakes

• Cake - Flour & Fold
• Decor - The Luxe Occasion
• Florals - OMF Events
• Menu cards - Charlotte Wakefield Stationery
• Disco stationery - Autumn Rose Paper Co

Another big trend for 2025 is the heart shaped wedding cake. "I'm a more is more kind of girl," Zoe explains, "so naturally I am obsessed with this trend.

"It's SO extra and it's the perfect evolution of the Lambeth wedding cake trend we've seen grow in popularity in recent years. 

"Whilst looking into wedding cake makers on Hitched, I found so many cool variations on the trend, so I was really pleased to work with Jess from Flour & Fold, who made two beautiful (and may I say, delicious - when she says her cakes taste like romance, she is not lying) cakes for us, and Becky from Hartt Cakes who provided such a unique and more rustic take on the trend - ideal for those who might not want to go too OTT."

• Cake - Hartt Cakes
• Decor - The Luxe Occasion
• Flowers - OMF Events
• Sunglasses - Charlotte Mills
• Confetti - Flutter Darlings

"What I really loved about this trend is that there are actually a few ways to reference it. The Flour & Fold cake is perfect for a retro wedding, and the Hartt Cakes cake is ideal for a more rustic day, but I've also seen more traditional tiered wedding cakes in a heart shape for those who want a more classic feel. It's so versatile!"

2024 has been the year of dinky, demure accessories, with heart shaped cut outs and oversized bows ruling the runway.

Now, those trends have finally made their way onto wedding cakes, and they’ve never looked better!

In 2025, our wedding experts predict that heart shaped cakes will become the most in-demand design, with most couples opting for this ruffled, frilly finish achieved with buttercream icing and decorative silk bows.

• Cake - Flour & Fold Cakes
• Dress - Charlotte Mills
• Earrings - LoveRocks
• Veil - Stylist's own

We were fortunate enough to receive wedding cakes from Flour & Fold and Hartt Cakes to help us style the wedding cake trends we predict will boom in 2025.

We asked Jessica from Flour & Fold why she thinks heart shaped wedding cakes are seeing a surge in demand at the moment, and here's what she had to say. 

"I think the evolution of circular to heart shaped cakes reinforces the playful element of love into a couples wedding day.

"I'm seeing a trend for couples opting for more classic timeless designs, with a touch of frilly nostalgia! The retro, speakeasy vibe is going strong for 2025, with couples wanting a strong cake cutting photos."

Interactive Entertainment

• Live Illustrator - Ever After Illustrations

Magicians and clowns will always have a special place in our hearts, but in 2025, we’re going to see some incredibly creative new ways to entertain your guests on your wedding day.
After all, entertainment doesn’t just have to be something that guests can watch and enjoy. It can also double up as a service that provides an important keepsake for the memorable occasion.

On the topic of important keepsakes, let us introduce you to the live wedding painter! If you aren’t exactly sure what a live wedding painter is, don’t worry - we have a whole article explaining that question here.

"I've been aware of the growing trend of having an illustrator at your wedding for a while now," Zoe shares, "and I honestly think it's such a wonderful idea. It's so mesmerising to watch, and it provides all your guests with something so special - you know this is a favour that won't be left behind at the end of the night.

"I was delighted Claire was able to join us for our shoot as her style and her talent is second to none. I found myself sneaking off to watch her work whenever I had a few spare seconds. I could not believe how rapidly she was able to produce such beautiful, personalised pieces of art."

• Live Illustrator - Ever After Illustrations
• Groomswear - ASOS
• Wedding dress - Fabila by Aire Barcelona at The Wedding Club
• Wedding accessories - Debbie Carlisle

During our trends shoot, we had the pleasure of hosting Claire from Ever After Illustrations to see her work her magic. Here's what she had to say about the current boom in demand for live wedding painters. 

"Live wedding painting and illustration are growing in popularity because they offer something truly unique and personal.

"In a world where photos are everywhere, couples are looking for special ways to capture the essence of their day in a way that feels intimate and artistic. Live illustrations not only create a beautiful keepsake, but they also add an interactive element for guests, who love watching a piece of art come to life.

"It’s a memorable experience that goes beyond traditional guest entertainment and favours, offering something timeless, personal and custom-made for the couple and their loved ones."

Not only is it remarkable to watch, but it also doubles as a totally one-of-a-kind wedding favour!

Chic Stationery

• Decor - The Luxe Occasion
• Florals - OMF Events
• Stationery - Autumn Rose Paper Co

We had two amazing stationery suppliers provide beautiful wedding stationery for our shoot. "I was conscious we were going for a big and bold wedding aesthetic, and Autumn Rose Paper Co was perfect for that," says Zoe.

"However, I wanted to show a more delicate side to this too, which is where Charlotte Wakefield Stationery came in. We had one side of the table decorated with clashing, retro stationery, and the other with softer, pastel styles and it worked so well."

• Decor - The Luxe Occasion
• Florals - OMF Events
• Stationery - Charlotte Wakeford Stationery

It's not just your tablescape that you need to think about when it comes to stationery either - we had gorgeous vow books from Charlotte Wakeford for our ceremony pictures, and bright and beautiful banners from Autumn Rose Paper Co dotted around to add even more depth to the decor. 

• Decor - The Luxe Occasion
• Florals - OMF Events
• Banners - Autumn Rose Paper Co

"I think you need to think really carefully about your stationery," advises Zoe. "It's one of the first wedding decisions you make, as you send out save the dates so far in advance these days, but if you want a really cohesive look, you should think about how what you're sending out at that point will tie in to what's going to be on the table on the day."

We’d like to give a special mention to all of the talented vendors who helped us bring these trends to life:

• Botleys Mansion 
• Peta Hunt 
• Sacha Lilly Hair & Makeup
• The Wedding Storyteller Co
• Peach Portman Photography
• Flour & Fold
• OMF Events
• Luxe Occasion
• Hartt Cakes
• Your Celebrant Vicky
• Ever After Illustrations
• Autumn Rose Paper Co
• Charlotte Wakeford Stationery
• Charlotte Mills
• The Wedding Club
• Unbridled
• ASOS
• Maids to Measure
• Rewritten Bridesmaids
• Debbie Carlisle
• Rebecca Andrews Bridal
• Perla (Halo & Co)
• Love Rocks

See our full Wedding Trends Report for 2025 here.