Christopher James Hall

Breaking Wedding Traditions: What Couples Are Doing Differently in 2025

Weddings in 2025 are all about personalisation and flexibility. Couples are ditching rigid traditions, opting for inclusive wedding squads, personalised vows, unique ceremonies, and alternative desserts. The first dance and formal speeches are being replaced with fun, meaningful moments. The key trend? Making the day authentic and unforgettable—whether that means following tradition, reinventing it, or skipping it altogether!

Gone are the days when weddings followed a strict set of rules! In 2025, couples are shaking things up and redefining traditions to create weddings that truly reflect who they are. Whether it’s swapping out the classic bridal party structure, ditching the expected first dance, or crafting a completely unique ceremony, modern weddings are all about personalisation. And the best part? There’s no wedding police telling you what you have to do—just what feels right for you and your partner!

So, if you’re planning your big day and wondering whether you really need to toss a bouquet, cut a towering cake, or awkwardly slow dance in front of everyone you know—this is for you. Let’s dive into the traditions that are getting a refresh and the new ones couples are embracing with open arms.

Popular Traditions That Are Changing

Bridal Party Roles Are Getting a Makeover

Say goodbye to the strict bridesmaid and groomsman format. Couples are throwing out the rulebook and opting for “wedding squads” that are gender-neutral, inclusive, and completely personalised. Some are choosing a “best person” instead of a best man or maid of honour, while others are skipping the formal bridal party altogether. And let’s not forget the adorable trend of including pets in the lineup—because who doesn’t want their dog trotting down the aisle in a tiny tuxedo?

Speeches Are Becoming More Inclusive (and Entertaining!)

Gone are the days when speeches were just for the father of the bride, best man, and groom. Now, everyone’s getting a chance to grab the mic! Mothers, siblings, best friends—even duos who team up to tell hilarious and heartfelt stories about the couple. Some weddings are even going for an open-mic style approach, where guests can step up and share their favourite memories. And if public speaking isn’t your thing? Some couples are opting for pre-recorded video messages, allowing loved ones from afar to be part of the celebration.

The First Dance Isn’t a Must

Not every couple wants to shuffle awkwardly in front of their guests while being recorded from 15 different angles. So, many are replacing the traditional first dance with something more them—whether it’s a choreographed routine, a fun group dance with their wedding party, or even a live performance from a local musician. Some couples are skipping the dance floor entirely and opting for a karaoke session or a fun game night vibe instead!

New Traditions Couples Are Embracing

Personalised Vows That Feel Real

Forget the cookie-cutter “for better or worse” script—2025 is all about vows that are deeply personal, funny, and straight from the heart. Couples are crafting promises that reflect their unique relationship, whether that means vowing to always share the last slice of pizza or never steal the duvet in winter. Some are even framing their vows as keepsakes or turning them into a piece of artwork to display in their home!

Unique and Non-Traditional Ceremonies

Traditional ceremonies are great, but for couples who want something more meaningful to them, the options are endless. Handfasting, unity candle lighting, tree planting—there are so many creative ways to make the ceremony feel personal. Some couples are even walking down the aisle together, choosing unconventional entrance songs, or involving their guests in the vows, asking them to pledge their support to the marriage in a fun, interactive way.

Ditching the Big Cake Moment

Not everyone dreams of cutting into a massive, multi-tiered cake. In 2025, couples are getting creative with their dessert options—doughnut walls, cupcake towers, ice cream carts, or even a dessert bar with a mix of their favourite treats. Some are ditching the cutting moment altogether, opting instead to have a sweet station where guests can grab whatever dessert speaks to them. Who says weddings have to have cake, anyway?

Should You Follow or Break Tradition?

Here’s the deal—there’s no right or wrong way to plan a wedding. If you love the idea of a classic wedding structure, go for it! But if certain traditions don’t resonate with you, don’t be afraid to ditch them. Your wedding should be about you, not what’s expected.

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

  • What traditions actually mean something to you? If it feels forced, skip it!
  • What makes you feel comfortable? Hate the idea of a first dance? Replace it with something fun!
  • How do you want your wedding to feel? Relaxed? A massive party? Sentimental? Let that guide your choices.
  • What memories do you want to create? Think about what will feel most special years down the road.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, weddings in 2025 are all about embracing what makes you happy. Whether that means sticking to timeless traditions, putting a modern twist on them, or throwing out the rulebook entirely, the choice is yours. The best weddings are the ones that feel authentic, fun, and personal—so don’t be afraid to mix things up and make it your day, your way!

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Christopher James Hall.

Award-Winning Photographer | Founder of CJHF | Photography Mentor

Christopher James Hall is an award-winning wedding, portrait, and headshot photographer, as well as the founder of CJHF, a foundation dedicated to raising awareness of social challenges through photography.

His journey into photography began in 2015 after overcoming two years of homelessness. Through passion and determination, he built a successful career in wedding, portrait, and headshot photography, capturing meaningful moments and helping individuals present their best selves. His expertise and creative vision have earned him recognition in the industry.

Alongside his professional photography, Christopher runs CJHF, using photography to shed light on social issues and empower marginalised individuals. His exhibitions and projects give a platform to unheard voices, using real stories and imagery to inspire change.

Christopher is also a dedicated photography mentor, offering guidance and training to help photographers refine their skills and build their own careers.

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