PHOTO: Bambino International
As you plan your special day, one of the biggest style decisions you’ll make early on is whether to opt for a trendy, timeless, or somewhere in between look.
From fashion to florals, this choice influences just about everything. And while the options are endless (and a little overwhelming!), it all comes down to what feels the most authentic to you as a couple.
No matter where you land on the style spectrum, we’re here to help you navigate the possibilities. Whether you’re team trendy, team timeless, or a mix of both, your wedding should be a reflection of your story!
First: How Do We Define Trendy?
PHOTO: Lilac Studios
Trendy weddings often lean into the “wow” factor. They’re bold, fresh, and inspired by current fashion, pop culture, social media, or what’s dominating your Pinterest feed.
Carmen Hinebaugh, Owner & Lead Planner at Evermore Occasions, shares, “A trendy wedding pulls from what’s current in design, fashion, and even photography style. For example, in 2025, we’re seeing lambeth cakes, sport-centered welcome parties, bold patterned linens, bows on everything, and a lot of yellow. It’s expressive and meant to reflect what’s exciting right now.”
The beauty of going trendy? You’re not afraid to break the rules and try something new. If you want your wedding to be a fun reflection of this season in your life, leaning into trends can be an exciting route to take.
Second: How Do We Define Timeless?
PHOTO: Bambino International
Timeless weddings, on the other hand, are rooted in classic elegance. These are the weddings you’ll look back on 20 years from now and still love every detail.
“A timeless wedding style focuses on elegance and classic beauty that will never feel outdated,” notes Alex McClard, Owner & Lead Planner at Vision in White Events. “This style often includes neutral or soft color palettes, traditional attire (such as a classic white gown and a black tuxedo), timeless floral arrangements (like roses and peonies), and elegant, understated decor with luxurious touches (such as candlelight, crystal chandeliers, and fine linens).”
Those drawn to traditions, vintage elements, or who simply want something that will feel chic regardless of the decade, will likely want to lean into the timeless. Just remember: timeless doesn’t mean boring—it means intentional.
Consider Your Personal Style
PHOTO: Melani Lust Photography
When deciding between trendy and timeless, a good starting point is your own everyday style. Your choices can be a huge clue when it comes to designing a wedding that feels like you and your partner.
Melani Lust, Owner & Photographer at Melani Lust Photography, emphasizes, “A couple’s personal style will set the tone for the style of the day, as well as the photography. I always ask to see my couple’s Pinterest and their attire choices well in advance of the wedding, as these clothing selections give great insight into their vision for the day.”
And if you and your partner have different aesthetics? That’s normal! Use your individual styles as a jumping-off point for blending your vision together. After all, your wedding day should be a reflection of both of you.
Ask The Important Questions
PHOTO: Leah Black Photography
It’s easy to get caught up in what looks good on Instagram, but step back and ask yourself a few big-picture questions before locking in your wedding aesthetic.
“Just ask yourself this question. What would I like to see 20 years from now? What are some things that I might regret doing? No matter what one chooses years from now, everyone will know based on the photos what era they were in. Just choose what feels the most like you, and if that means going with the trend, that’s perfectly fine,” advises Leslie Frazier, Owner of Leslie DeAnn Photography.
Sometimes, just pausing to reflect on your “why” can give you clarity. Those answers will help steer you toward a design that feels aligned with your vision, not just the trends of the moment.
Look At Other Areas Of Your Life
PHOTO: Leah Black Photography
Still stuck? Take a peek at other areas of your life for inspiration. Often, your favorite places and things are a reflection of your deeper style, and they can help inform what you’ll love on your wedding day.
Andrea Smith, Owner of SoiréeSmith, says, “When I assess the design for our clients, I look at both their personal fashion and home style (be it aspirational or current home). If I see fashion choices that are of the moment, or they are following interior designers who lean more adventurous, then I know that including things that are hot at the moment in their design is going to be appealing to them.”
If you’ve filled your space with clean lines and neutral tones, a timeless wedding might feel more aligned. If your home is full of quirky art, bold textures, and fun colors, a trend-forward wedding could make your heart sing. You might be surprised how much clarity comes from simply looking around at the life you’ve already built together!
Mesh Them Together
PHOTO: Lilac Studios
Here’s the best part: you don’t actually have to choose between trendy and timeless. In fact, some of the most beautiful weddings blend the two.
“You don’t have to pick one,” reminds Craig Peterman, Owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Do both, just in the right places. Keep the bones of your day simple, then add some trendy details in the florals, signage, or music.”
There’s no rulebook here, so feel free to mix and match until you’ve built something that feels just right.
Gina Jokilehto, Owner & Creative Director at Shi Shi Events, agrees, sharing, “If it doesn’t speak to you, skip it. Trends come and go, your authentic style is yours forever. Make choices you can say ‘that’s so us’ when you look back on your wedding day.”
Choosing between trendy and timeless doesn’t have to be a black-and-white decision. The magic often lies in the in-between, where your personal style, shared memories, and vision for the future come together. Whether you go bold, classic, or somewhere in the middle, the most meaningful weddings are the ones that feel like you!
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a wedding PR agency that helps the talented pros behind the scenes get featured and recognized. A longtime industry expert and total royal wedding enthusiast, Meghan Ely is passionate about celebrating the creativity that brings wedding days to life.