Ask an expert: 5 wedding trends to watch for 2025

Can you believe we’re already well over halfway through the year? A perfect time to scan the horizon and spot some of the incoming wedding trends and ideas for 2025. We asked two industry insiders from the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast —  Justine Clarke and Perie Essex — about what’s shining bright in 2024 and beyond. 

About the experts:

Director of Events Management Justine Clarke and Wedding Executive Perie Essex are part of the fabulous wedding team at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast. The only five-star beachfront resort on the Gold Coast! They delight in helping couples bring their unique wedding dreams to life — continuing to build on the resort’s legacy of love spanning almost 40 years.

For more information www.marriott.com

#1. Minimal venue styling, memorable accents

Location, location, location. More than ever, couples seek wedding venues with a unique vibe and photo-ready spaces. This means you’ll only need minimal (read: carefully curated) styling to bring everything together. “We’re really seeing a demand for picturesque locations and venues that offer breathtaking backdrops and remarkable views as their focal point,” says Justine. “Luckily for us, being surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic ocean views means our couples don’t need to compromise on a budget to have a beautiful venue.”

When it comes to complementing these spaces with the perfect accent or aesthetic, Perie notes the trend towards two very different looks. “We’re seeing bold, colourful weddings featuring statement florals and brightly dressed guests. Then, the minimal-but-elegant weddings with lots of whites and Champagnes within the colour palette, and guests dressed more formally.” 

#2. Cost-of-living comes to the party

While cost-of-living crunches may have reshaped how couples plan and prioritise their wedding, Justine says demand remains strong for 2025 and beyond. The change-up can be found in the guest list. “The biggest wedding trend we’re seeing is the rise of elopements or intimate weddings. However, just because couples opt for smaller guest lists doesn’t mean ceremonies aren’t just as romantic! Many couples find smaller ceremonies allow for more meaningful connections with guests on their special day.” 

Another impact can be seen in longer engagements, as Perie explains. “Many couples are giving themselves enough time to save for their special day, instead of booking what we call ‘short-lead weddings’. We’re finding couples are starting their planning well in advance and therefore looking at weddings for 2025, 2026 and beyond.”  

#3. Sustainability & local love take centre stage

Exploring ways to make their wedding more sustainable is a key focus for many couples, reflected across catering choices, reusable decor, digital invitations, and seasonal blooms. “We’ve also seen an uptick in couples prioritising local-first when it comes to catering, emphasising fresh, seasonal ingredients,” says Justine. “Our catering offerings are made up of local suppliers, spanning produce, artisanal products, and alcoholic beverages. This approach supports local producers and reduces food miles and ensures high-quality, delicious meals for guests.”

#4. Cultural weddings on the rise

An increase in cultural weddings is something Justine flags for 2025, too. “A few cultures say 2025 is an auspicious year for marriage, and we’ve certainly seen that reflected in the volume of enquiries coming through,” she says. “The significant increase in cultural weddings has gone hand-in-hand with a broader movement towards personalisation and authenticity in wedding planning. Modern couples are eager to share their cultural identities with their loved ones, blending traditional elements with contemporary styles to create a one-of-a-kind celebration. Our Grand Ballroom (which can host up to 450) has options to extend onto the terrace to incorporate unique inclusions such as fire ceremonies.”

#5. Mini-moons & holiday weddings

You’ve landed on the perfect Queensland wedding location; why wouldn’t you stay and enjoy it? Perie says quality time with guests and holiday-wedding vibes are on the priority list. “There are many great options for pre-wedding parties and recovery events on the Gold Coast. We have plenty here at the resort, including our newly renovated Pearls Bar and Australia’s first floating beach club, La Luna Beach Club, which is right across the road. Another idea is to charter a luxury cruise from Marina Mirage and celebrate with friends and family on the beautiful Broadwater.” No surprise that newlyweds are also booking a few extra days (aka a mini-moon) to relax before their ‘official’ honeymoon. Love that!

See 5 reasons why you’ll love your wedding here! And then start planning your dream Gold Coast wedding at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast.