DESTINATION WEDDING STYLING TRENDS FOR 2025: CONTEMPORARY MAXIMALISM
- Sarah Thomas Events
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 22
As we step into the 2025 wedding season, a new wave of trends is emerging—bringing a fresh, modern approach to styling with a contemporary reinvention of classic design elements. Natural materials, seamless floral arrangements, and a focus on immersive guest experiences. Here’s what’s set to take center stage in 2025 destination wedding styling here in France and Italy.
A Contemporary Maximalist Take on Destination Wedding Aesthetics
The two words that define 2025 wedding styling? Contemporary Maximalism. While vintage details, such as lace, still make an appearance, they are being reimagined in a sleek, modern way. Expect to see stone, natural fabrics, and sculptural elements taking over tablescapes and wider décor installations. Travertine menus, oversized candles, delicate bows adorning everything from baguettes to candles to bars, and effortlessly elegant textures will bring an organic yet elevated feel to weddings this year.
Table designs are also being reimagined in exciting new ways, with serpentine and caterpillar-shaped dinnerscapes making a bold debut. Combine these innovative shapes with other 2025 trends, and you're onto a winner!
Color-wise, while some sources predict a rise in deep reds, I’m seeing a stronger preference for subtle, natural tones—especially in destination weddings where soft greens and earth-inspired palettes harmonize beautifully with the surroundings. Lush green linens, moss-infused tablescapes, and floral arrangements that appear to be growing right where they sit will create an organic yet refined ambiance. Darker shades are being requested sparingly, adding depth rather than being the focus.
And don’t mistake ‘contemporary’ for minimalist! While simplicity still has its place, as I mentioned above, 2025 is all about embracing maximalism. There’s a clear shift toward bold, statement-making décor that creates an immersive, luxurious atmosphere. Think layers of textures and intricate details that elevate every corner of the event. The focus is on creating dynamic, visually rich experiences, where every element—from floral arrangements to lighting and signage—adds to the overall narrative, making each space feel grand, vibrant, and unforgettable. Maximalism is here to stay, and it’s taking contemporary wedding design to new, exciting heights!
Organic Floral Designs
Florals in 2025 will be all about ethereal, feminine beauty with a natural edge. Think flowers seemingly sprouting from their setting—aisles lined with individually placed blooms, moss-based table arrangements that feel like they’re naturally flourishing out of the table linens, and installations that seamlessly blend into the landscape.
A particularly striking trend emerging is what I like to call "Floral Stratification"—the concept of keeping flower varieties and/or textures segregated rather than mixing them together. This modern approach allows for a more structured yet still organic aesthetic, whether through mono-varietal arrangements or cohesive textures that create visual impact. Here are some perfect examples of both:
Signage Steps Into the Spotlight
If 2024 was all about delicate details, 2025 is the year signage makes a statement. Couples are moving beyond standard acrylics and chalkboards in favor of fabric-based designs that add a sense of movement and artistry to their wedding spaces.
Picture cascading linen welcome signs tumbling from château windows, oversized bows framing bar menus, and lace placemats replacing traditional charger plates—a perfect blend of old-world romance and contemporary styling.
Drapery and textiles will play a starring role, bringing softness, depth, and a touch of drama to every setting. While these elements have been on the periphery in past seasons, 2025 is the year they take center stage—bold, elegant, and impossible to ignore.
Bows will also be big! I foresee them adorning every possible surface, and stationery will be a top spot for them to make an appearance! Be it as décor or as the starring role... here's some of my favorite inspo...
The Wedding as an Experience
Guest experience is no longer an afterthought—it’s the foundation of wedding design. Couples are prioritizing interactive elements, ensuring their weddings feel immersive and engaging rather than just visually beautiful.
One trend set to continue is the rise of food stations as the new cocktail hour entertainment. Instead of simple passed hors d’oeuvres, guests are welcomed into culinary experiences, whether that’s chef-attended carving stations, oyster bars, or mixology experiences that bring a dynamic touch to the reception, and one that should be styled to perfection!
Another experience-led feature making waves? Cigar bars and whisky lounges. What started as a niche addition has now become a staple for couples wanting to create a sophisticated, lounge-like atmosphere within their reception space. I'm super excited to be introducing our new Cigar Lounge this season. This was the one element within this post that was difficult to find good inspo images for. I think this will change over the coming 6 months as this trend really grows wings...
Personalization & Unique Details
Beyond décor, personalized storytelling is becoming a key part of wedding styling. Couples are embracing elements that reflect their journey, whether through custom illustrations on menus, handwritten notes at each place setting, or signature scents infused into candles and linens.
Interactive signage—like escort displays that double as keepsakes (think miniature potted herbs or personalized wine bottles) or interactive, personalized entertainment—adds an extra layer of detail. Meanwhile, custom embroidery on napkins or even wedding attire is turning sentimental touches into lasting heirlooms.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be an elegant yet immersive wedding season, where design meets experience. Couples are blending contemporary styling with timeless romance, favoring natural materials, fabric-based details, and interactive guest elements to craft a day that feels as beautiful as it does unforgettable.
Are you planning a wedding in 2025? Let’s bring these trends to life in a way that feels uniquely you.
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