2024 Wedding Trends That You’ll Want To Recreate For Your Own Wedding Day

Looking back on 2024, we see how incredible of a year it has been for us as a wedding photography and videography team. From intimate elopements on the sand dunes of Indiana Dunes National Park to Airbnb weddings in Alaska, every wedding was uniquely beautiful. 

It’s been such a gift to document all the creativity and personality woven into each couple’s wedding day. There have been fun twists on tradition as well as meaningful new trends, and we’re here to honor both kinds. As we step into 2025, we’re reflecting on the trends that stood out to us and offering ideas on how you can incorporate them into your own wedding day. 

Favorite Wedding Trends From 2024

1. Colorful Vintage Glassware

Mismatched vintage goblets and glasses are still so classy and add a pop of personality to wedding tablescapes. Not only do they bring elegance and charm, but they are also a subtle way to tie in your wedding colors. Whether you're hosting a classy backyard celebration in the Chicago suburbs or a boho-inspired California beach wedding, colorful vintage glassware adds the perfect decor touch.

How to Make It Yours: Work with your rental company or visit local thrift stores to curate a collection that matches your wedding aesthetic. BONUS: These glasses double as great photo props for toasts!

2. Alternative Guest Activities for Glass Clinking

There are plenty of other ways to engage your guests if you want to ditch the tradition of glass clinking (to get the bride and groom to kiss). 

How to Make It Yours: Choose an activity that reflects your personality as a couple. For example, if you’re avid golfers, have your guests sink a hole in one, or if you enjoy puzzles and games, have your guests participate in a trivia game about your love story.

3. Private Parent Dances During First Looks

First looks with parents are always emotional, and carving out time for a private dance immediately afterward is such a wonderful idea. 

How to Make It Yours: Schedule a few quiet minutes with your mom or dad after the first look. It’s a special way to honor them and take advantage of the 5-10 minutes it takes to create lasting memories.

4. Practical Guestbooks

Traditional guestbooks are taking a backseat to more practical, everyday keepsakes such as custom cornhole boards, Jenga blocks, or signed pieces of artwork. More and more couples are opting for items that they can display in their homes or use regularly on a weekly basis.

How to Make It Yours: Think about your lifestyle and how you’d like to incorporate your guestbook into your home. Are you fans of game nights? Opt for a deck of cards. Love the outdoors? Have guests sign wooden paddles as a nod to your passion for kayaking.

5. Private Picnics for the Bride and Groom

Some of the sweetest moments on a wedding day are the quietest ones—especially after the first look. Scheduling a private picnic lets couples breathe, snack, and soak in the day before the whirlwind truly begins.

How to Make It Yours: Work with your planner or photographer to arrange a cozy setup with your favorite foods, a cozy blanket, and maybe even a mini champagne toast. Not only do private picnics offer a moment of calm before the whirlwind of the day, but they also make for dreamy photos.

6. Pajama Party Wedding Receptions

We absolutely LOVED this trend! Encouraging guests to swap formalwear for cozy pajamas creates such a relaxed and playful vibe for the reception. Imagine everyone on the dance floor in matching PJs or onesies! This trend is especially perfect for laid-back Airbnb weddings or as a wedding afterparty theme.

How to Make It Yours: Provide a pajama dress code for your wedding reception, and consider gifting custom PJs to your wedding party for an extra special touch. Last year, one of our couples had a relaxed pajama reception sipping champagne with all of their guests at their Airbnb wedding in Fairbanks, Alaska. 

7. Two Pairs of Wedding Shoes

Brides, we get it—you want to show off those stunning heels! But comfort is key, and we highly encourage you to throw a second pair of shoes in your bag. Sneakers or flip flops for brides, and comfy loafers or sneakers for grooms, are much more comfortable to dance in.

How to Make It Yours: Coordinate your second pair of shoes with your wedding colors or theme. Personalized sneakers / sandals are extra special!

8. Oversized Wedding Dress Bows

Whether tied at the back, on the shoulders, or as detachable accessories, oversized bows made a big impact on bridal fashion in 2024— adding dramatic flair to wedding dresses. 

How to Make It Yours: If you love this look but don’t want it to overpower your dress, consider a detachable bow that you can remove for the reception. This is exactly what this bride did at her summer Texas wedding at Deep In The Heart Farms. 

9. Unique Guest Seating Cards

Seating cards have become standout wedding decor pieces, with couples using everything from handwritten notes to mugs or potted plants. These creative touches often doubled as keepsakes for guests, making them both practical and sentimental.

How to Make It Yours: Design your guest place cards to reflect your wedding theme while also giving guests something to remember the day.

10. Live Bands at Receptions

Live music can transform wedding receptions into unforgettable parties with incredible energy. Whether it’s a jazz quartet, a country band, or an acoustic group, we highly recommend having live performers!

How to Make It Yours: Choose a band that reflects your music taste and ask the band members to play your favorite songs.