what's trending for 2025 + 2026 couples

Close up detail of a diamond engagement ring on a hand against dark clothing and long brown hair.

1. Intimate wedding

  • Couples are choosing epic natural backdrops with small, intimate ceremonies. Including just your closest family and friends is such a great way to enjoy your day with less stress and more meaningful conversation.

2. Eco-Friendly Weddings

  • If you're a bride in 2025 you may be feeling the guilt of all the 'stuff' included in putting on a wedding. Couples may opt for biodegradable confetti, reusable décor, thrifted tableware, and locally sourced flowers to keep their wedding eco-conscious and chic. Want some ideas for this? Click HERE to read my blog post on realistic sustainable wedding choices for regular couples.

3. Mixed Media Coverage

  • Combining photography and videography with a cinematic storytelling approach is growing in demand. Behind-the-scenes clips and even Polaroids add depth to the memories. Shania Hirdler Photographer is a full package media team. This can be a huge benefit for couples  with a realistic wedding budget and a vision of a documentary style day.

4. Themed Reception Tables

  • Each table styled differently around themes like travel, hobbies, or shared memories of the couple, with unique centerpieces and place cards to match.

5. Custom Cocktail Bars

  • Bespoke drink stations featuring signature cocktails with personalized names, fun glassware, and sustainable garnishes like edible flowers.

6. Interactive Guest Experiences

  • From DIY cocktail stations to outdoor games and campfire gatherings, couples will love to make their weddings interactive and fun for their guests. Check out this pinterest board of all the fun ways I've seen couples do this on my PINTEREST.

7. Colorful Palettes & Unique Florals

  • Bright, bold colors paired with unconventional blooms like wildflowers or dried botanicals are making waves. These work beautifully for outdoor weddings in natural settings.


8. Live Music

  • Acoustic bands, solo guitarists, or even a small string quartet are preferred for creating a relaxed yet immersive atmosphere. Find a local musician for your cocktail hour to create the ultimate wedding vibe.

10.Personalization

  • Custom monograms or logos used throughout the wedding, from invitations and signage to cocktail napkins and dance floor decals.



A bridal couple walks hand in hand through a mountain meadow with evergreen trees and peaks in the background.

A wedding with Shania Hirdler Photography+Film

With 8 years of wedding experience, Shania and John are ready to capture each element of your wedding day through photo and video. Not only will we provide you an amazing film and gallery of your wedding day memories, we will also help you create the perfect timeline, keep your day running smoothly with minimal interference, and absolutely get down with you on the dance floor at the end of the night. Reach out today for your 2025-26 wedding date.