The Biggest Trends for Destination Weddings in 2025
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July 30, 2024
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Can you believe we’re almost already halfway into 2024?! If you’re a couple thinking about hosting a destination wedding, you’re most likely going to be setting a date for next year. So, as a certified destination wedding specialist, I thought I’d dust off my crystal ball and share my predictions for the sweetest trends we’re likely to see for 2025 destination weddings.
Some of these are total pivots, while others are more of a continuation of trends that have been catching steam for years. Either way, here’s what I think will be all over some of the most chic weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean in 2025—maybe even at your own!
1. Fireworks on the dance floor (but safely!).
Okay, you may have seen this feature before: as a couple swings their way around the dance floor, bold, silvery fireworks shoot up from the sidelines—talk about major drama! These are cold fountain fireworks, and I predict they’re going to remain big for resort destination weddings. They add such a fun element to the night, and the pictures captured of the big moment are phenomenal. Plus, they are totally safe! They’re called “cold fountain” fireworks because the sparks that fly out are not hot at all—so no one’s walking away from the dance floor with a burn injury!
2. A ceremony sans bridal party
This has been a thing for a few years now, and I don’t think it’ll slow down in 2025: When it comes to the destination wedding ceremony, many couples are choosing to stand alone at the altar, forgoing being flanked by their bridal party at either side.
Why? Well, for one, if you have a destination wedding, chances are you’ve got a gorgeous view behind you—and you don’t want a bridal party blocking it! For another, not having a bridal party could net you some cost savings, since you don’t have to spring for bridesmaid bouquets or groomsmen boutonnieres.
There’s one more reason why the “stand alone” ceremony is big at destination weddings in particular—they tend to be more intimate than traditional weddings. For especially small destination weddings, if a couple had they’re bridal party stand up with them, that would mean more than half the guests would be crowding around the altar!
Now this trend doesn’t mean you have to forgo a big bridal party altogether; some couples opt to have their bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle and then seat themselves in the first couple of rows.
3. Welcome bags are out. Experiences are in.
This one might be a little controversial, but I say it’s a smart move to skip the welcome bags—and I think more and more destination wedding couples will agree. It’s just not the best way to use your budget; it costs money (and a LOT of luggage space) to get the welcome bag goodies, and then many resorts charge $5-6 per bag to deliver them to your guests’ rooms. Honestly, your guests are not going to remember some little knick nacks with your name on them … and they’re likely to just “forget” them at the resort instead of packing them to bring home.
What your guests will remember? An unforgettable, only-in-this-destination experience. With the money you save on gift bags you can splurge on an extra-special surprise during your wedding reception that will get all your guests talking. For example, you could have water drummers entertain your guests with a special performance; every time they bang on their drums, illuminated water is flung through the air. Or to really get the party started, bring on the hora loca. “La Hora Loca” translates to “the crazy hour”—during your event, crazily costumed and masked entertainers come out, turn up the music, and dance their hearts out, getting everyone else out on the dance floor in the process. It’s got “carnival” vibes, and you really have to see it to believe how entertaining it is!
4. Having your own officiant
Sure you could have a resort representative or clergyperson fill the role, but more and more couples are asking friends or family to step in. Again, it goes back to the intimacy of a destination wedding—having a loved one who knows the couple well officiate the ceremony lends the ceremony a more personal, intimate feel. The couple will also have more freedom and control over how the ceremony unfolds, since you can collaborate more closely with the friend or family member officiating!
5. Boho with a twist.
I predict that “bohemian” decor will continue to be huge; the natural fibers and soothing neutrals are a perfect fit for a beach-y wedding. But I think we will start to see a twist on the boho theme with couples bringing in one big pop of color (think dusty pink, or even a bright pink for that more bold touch). Adding a pop of color makes your event just a bit more memorable, and it’s a subtle way to bring in some personalization—just choose your favorite hue!
6. Candles over flowers.
Of course, the bridal bouquet isn’t going anywhere … but I think we’ll see more candles and lanterns take the place of elaborate (and very pricy) floral centerpieces. Candles give a bit of a more relaxed, clean-lined vibe, in addition to the cost savings. Plus, you could potentially save even more by brining your own (LED) candles with you!
7. Tropical glam gets big.
What’s “tropical glam,” you ask? It’s a lush, glossy green jungle vibe … paired with disco balls. It’s Studio 54 meets Tarzan. It’s the next big thing. And it’s perfect for destination wedding events set in a more lush, garden-y setting. The palm trees are already adding in half the decor—you just have to bring the ‘70’s bling!
If I had to pick my FAVORITE trend though, it’s continuing to do what YOU want for your destination wedding! Forgo the traditional must do and checklist. The best kinds of destination weddings are the ones that are personalized and reflect you as the couple.
