Nostalgic Weddings Trends On the Rise in 2025

Photo Credit: Shopruche.com

Weddings in 2025 are full of feeling — and more than just the romantic kind. Couples are leaning into nostalgia, turning vintage vibes into something fresh, fun and unforgettable. Whether it's wearing a dress that feels like your mom’s or dancing under disco balls like it's prom night, this year’s trends are all about heart and history. These 14 nostalgic wedding trends are making a serious comeback.

1. Camcorders and Film Photography

Forget drone shots and overproduced edits. Couples are falling in love with old-school camcorder-style footage and classic film photography. The grainier, dreamy quality makes everything feel a little more magical and way more authentic. Want to feel like you're starring in your own family video? Hand a camcorder to a friend and press record.

2. Cinematic Photography

With black-and-white shots, moody lighting and romantic close-ups, wedding photography is going cinematic again and it’s absolutely dreamy. Think less staged and more storytelling. These are more than pictures — they’re frames from your very own love story, styled like an old Hollywood romance.

3. Gold-Painted Furniture

Gold-painted furniture is stepping back into the spotlight, and it’s giving weddings a vintage glow-up. Distressed gold finishes, curved legs and carved details look like they’ve lived through generations of love stories. Whether it’s a statement table for your cake or a lounge corner with antique chairs, these pieces bring a timeless charm that feels elegant and a little magical.

4. 90’s Dress Silhouettes

Brides in 2025 are embracing the minimalist elegance of the 1990s. Relaxed silhouettes, clean lines and glossy fabrics like satin are making a major comeback. Effortless, fashion-forward edge — from slip dresses to sleek halters — defined '90s style. As weddings evolve into more personalized celebrations, it’s no wonder nostalgia is playing a bigger role.

5. Disco Balls

Photo Credit: Jamie Smith Photography

Let’s be real — nothing gets a party going like a disco ball. Couples are bringing them back in a big way, hanging them over dance floors, cake tables and even ceremony spaces. They’re sparkly and fun, and they tap into that retro glam energy that makes everyone want to get up and boogie.

6. Natural Glam Makeup

The era of heavy makeup has passed and natural glam is back in style. This year's beauty trends focus on enhancing your natural beauty, making you look more luminous and timeless. Picture soft, glowing makeup that allows your skin to shine, complemented by floral hair accessories and natural textures.

7. Vintage Getaway Cars

Photo Credit: Jensen Sutta Photography

Driving off into the sunset just got a nostalgic twist. Vintage getaway cars — from shiny Jaguars to powder-blue convertibles — are turning wedding exits into unforgettable moments. It’s less about transportation and more about style and story. With the right song on the stereo and the breeze in your hair, your ride becomes part of the romance. These cars whisk you off while carrying the aesthetic and emotion of your wedding day fairytale.

8. Birdcage Veils

If you’re looking for a bridal accessory with character, consider the birdcage veils making a return. These short, face-framing veils add the right mix of vintage flair and modern edge. Think Audrey Hepburn meets downtown cool — timeless, a little playful and full of charm. With delicate netting, lace accents or pearl embellishments, birdcage veils evoke old-school elegance without feeling overdone. They’re perfect for brides who want something unique, romantic and classic.

9. Vintage Engagement Rings

If you thought engagement rings had to be modern-cut diamonds, think again. Today’s soon-to-be weds are shaking things up with vintage shapes, colored gemstones and rings with personal meaning. Imagine styles from the Victorian era featuring detailed filigree, heart designs and stones, like garnet or amethyst. It’s less about big bling and more about telling your love story your way.

10. Art Deco Floral Arrangements

In a nod to the 1920s and 1930s, floral arrangements with sculptural, geometric lines and bold patterns are back and stealing the spotlight. Imagine calla lilies with striking curves, bold dahlias, surprising anthuriums or even artistic paper flowers. These floral designs set the mood and bring personality to every arrangement.

11. Gothic Glamour

Gothic wedding vibes are becoming more popular. To create an enchanting atmosphere, you can use decor elements like lace table settings, candlesticks or dried flowers. Whimsical gothic fashion adds an enchanted forest feel. Its deep, rich color schemes are especially perfect for fall and winter weddings, bringing all the romance with a mysterious edge.

12. Vinyl Records

Spotify playlists may be convenient, but vinyl is where the magic lives. Couples are swapping digital soundtracks for record players, curating custom wedding albums and spinning classics that set a nostalgic tone. The soft crackle between songs, the tactile experience of flipping a record — it all adds an intimate, vintage charm to receptions.

13. Piped Buttercream Cakes

Fondant is taking a backseat. In 2025, wedding cakes are leaning into nostalgia with classic buttercream frosting and piped detailing that feels straight out of a childhood celebration. Expect shell borders, rosettes and even cherries on top — a full-circle moment that recalls retro bakery cakes from the '80s.

14. Candid Photography

Staged portraits are fading into the background. Instead, couples want the mess, the movement and the magic of the moment. Candid wedding photography holds a 40.3% market share, making it the top choice for couples. It captures blurry dance floor shots, teary-eyed glances and spontaneous laughter. It’s a return to storytelling, with images that feel like snapshots from a memory instead of a magazine.

A Vintage Vision for Modern Love

Couples are saying “I do” to nostalgic wedding outfits, decor, themes, cakes and aesthetics in 2025. From vintage-inspired glam to candid moments caught on camera, it's all about celebrating your love in a way that feels joyful and free. So, dust off those disco balls, cue up the vinyl and get ready to party like it's your favorite decade. After all, your wedding should be the ultimate expression of your unique vibe.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.