From Flowermoms to Friendmoons: Traditions & Trends That Pass the Vibe Check for the 2025/26 Wedding Season
- Elle
- Jul 15
- 15 min read
Wedding Moments We’re Tossing Petals at—and a Few We’re Launching Tomatoes Toward
You’re planning a wedding in the era of Pinterest fatigue, TikTok tears, and that one opinionated relative who thinks every part of your day needs to follow the rules of 1987. And while we respect the classics (yes, you can still toss a bouquet if you really want to), this new class of brides? You’re rewriting the rules—and we are so here for it.
At Ivory & Main, we’ve seen firsthand that the best weddings aren’t always the most expensive or extravagant—they’re the ones that feel unapologetically you. So here’s your hype-girl-approved list of our favorite new wedding traditions and trends—with a side of sass and some low-key genius ways to bring them to life with help from your favorite Long Island bridal boutique, evening wear stylists, and wedding gift shop. Between our Curvy Bridal Salon in Sayville & our Curvy Boutique in Port Jefferson, plus decades of experience, if it’s not our wheelhouse, we probably know the GPS location of a Preferred Vendor whose specializes in your vision.
Primping Ain’t Easy
Showing Grace & Gratitude During Glam!
The morning before you walk toward your future down that aisle is the culmination of a lot of planning and a ton of emotions. The calm before the beautiful storm. You’re not only getting ready in your bridal suite, you should be getting zen. It sounds inconsequential, but this is your last primp as a single lady. It's a time when your day ones remind you you’re that girl and all the reasons why they’re allowing the union. Kidding! But it's a great time to gush over your guy or girl and remind everyone that this will always be the crewust with a pretty cool plus one to the mix.
Some of our best kikis, emotional breakthroughs and bonding moments happen at the pre-game, eating on the floor of someone's room, in different stages of getting ready. Everyone truly comes together to hype a killer dress, or help the friend who can’t work a curling iron, or to sew a rogue button on the way out. It's one last morning of belly laughs, inside jokes, and borrowed mascara (until the next girls' trip). Before you enter your next chapter, it's important to honor the people who helped you get to this page. Beyond your regular satin jammies and champagne, recently, brides have become more intentional about meaningfully reconnecting while they glam.
For Your Tribe:
RECEIPTS! PROOF! TIMELINES! EVERYTHING
…That Proves Exactly Why your A1’s are your Day ones.
Prepare to laugh until you cry while presenting each of your bride tribe with the photographic evidence that solidifies your bond (through memories or blackmail). This photoswap idea ensures an uproarious trip down memory lane, reminders of how far you’ve come and all you've been through together
If you’ve been close for more than 5 minutes, chances are you have hilariously embarrassing pictures of you two in your middle school awkward phase, or during a work party when bump-its were in style (Jersey Shore had premiered and had a chokehold on the north east, leave us alone!) or trinket that immediately triggers a memory.
Grab your personalized & bridal-inspired wedding frames at the curvy boutique and send your gallery to a print shop (CVS, Michaels, and photo shops generally allow you to do this from an app. It’s low-lift, and you can even task someone outside of your bridal party to handle picture frames and gift bags.
Prosecco & Promises & Pearls of Wisdom
Before the Big “I Do”, Exchange Vows with Your Crew
This one’s for our sentimental girlies:
Think of this as a vow prenup. You and your people can share promises to one another
“I promise/vow to always let you vent to me during an argument…”
“I promise/vow to aim for annual girls' trips”
“I vow to still watch any Bravo reality shows with you, even if I have to wait for the DVR version with commercials.”
For the Mothers:
Note: Of course, Mothers don't have to be biological; they're anyone who’s shown up with love, wisdom, snacks, or the kind of comfort that only comes from someone who truly knows you. Whether she raised you, guided you, or simply loved you like her own, today is for her too.
Flower-Mamas for the Win!
It’s so obvious: A perfect way to create a united front amongst the in-laws is to task them together, of course. Whether it’s a speech or a special dance, there are ample opportunities to pay quick mama homage, and traditionally, dad gets to be on your arm as you make your debut. Much of these celebrations center around the relationships you've already built throughout your life, but this is about what you're building. You can give them a Type-A direction so they can commiserate about how simple weddings used to be in their day. Or let them talk about florals, dresses, and song choice on their own. You want joy? You want laughter? You want your mom and future MIL tossing petals down the aisle like the queens they are? Because same.
After you diva-out at your VIP Bridal Appointment, share that glow with your girls! Our Port Jefferson location caters to your supporting cast.
Whether they’re in matching florals, rocking heels and statement glasses, or giggling the whole way down—we style them to shine. At Ivory & Main, we dress moms for every role—but when they become part of the procession? We make sure their look says, “Yes, I gave birth to the bride, and yes, I’m fabulous.”
Glammed-up Grannies
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Nana in satin blush robes sipping prosecco with the bridal party. Make her your flower girl. Make her your maid of honor. Let her give a toast. She’s earned the spotlight—and we bet she does a roller set that can rival your hair team that day.
An adorable way to make her really feel like one of the girlies is to include her in the getting-ready photos. Gift your made-up meemaw the same robes/jammies your other girlies will be in.
We carry an array of getting-ready-goodies from customized robes to chic slippers or include Gram in your glam, and while she sips champs from our adorable tumblers as we toast to your village.
Rewriting your Reveals
Group First Looks
The fervor of anticipation, along with all the beautiful craziness of your wedding day, sometimes makes it hard for anyone outside of those who dressed you to appreciate all those painstaking details.
… But you know half of the accounting department at work has been obsessing over the pearl patterns on your custom sleeves for as long as you dreamed them up (over a particularly long working lunch).
…Or maybe you’re worried social media has inflated your expectations for a reaction that you’re very loving but very introverted hubby-to-be just isn't equipped to give.
..Perhaps a favorite Aunt couldn't make any of your fittings, but you want to have a special moment with her.
For any reason you want to have a private moment with a group or individual, consider several different categorized group first-looks. Share them on your vendor timelines and/or with your photographer for their shot lists.
Sentimentality on the Sly
Another trend we love is those little details couples do just for one another. That could look like consulting with our alterations team to sew your newly minted name inside of a layer or into your lace. Grooms have been surprising brides with pictures inside the lining of his jacket or maybe a love note inscribed or lyrics to your song. For a day that celebrates your love but caters to guests, this is a beautiful moment to remind the two of you of the actual reason for this big party: the love that exists between you both in the quiet moments.
Walkdowns, Reimagined
Your dad’s not walking you? Cool. Your mentor? Both your moms? Just your fabulous self in heels and confidence? Even better.
At Ivory & Main, we’re not just here to zip your gown—we’re here to support your moment. Whether it’s a dramatic cape, detachable train, or walking solo in a satin stunner, we’ll make sure your outfit walks as boldly as you do.
First Look & Ceremony Merge
More couples are blending the first look and ceremony into one cohesive moment—starting with a private reveal, then walking into the ceremony space together, already centered and grounded.
Some couples plan on entering together as equals, feeling that handoffs and arrival hierarchy are a little outdated for their wedding day. They can opt for a slow walk-in together, others have a pre-vow “moment” before walking into the space arm in arm.
We love the idea that one couple had when they wanted to involve their audience. After our queens shared their first looks with one another, the band Queen’s “Somebody to Love” began as our two brides did three rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide which order they would walk down the aisle.
Surname Surprise
Speaking of Rock, Paper, Scissors…for those really bucking tradition, use any two-out-of-three games your guests can watch (Tic-Tac-Toe, etc), and break into the game right before your officiant does the “I now pronounce you, for the first time ever..” bit..Then surprise your guests with the last name you’re taking!
*Tip, if you’re keen on this idea, we suggest that you let your guests know on your invites, registry, or wedding website, so you don’t receive a plethora of personalized gifts with a last name you’re not using as a couple.
Altars, Aisles & All New Vibes:
The New Rules of “I Do” (spoiler alert, there are none!)
In the past, the best seating alternatives we could find were signs indicating guests should “Pick a Seat, Not a Side”. But not anymore. Today’s brides are flipping the script, tossing the rulebook like a bouquet, and creating ceremonies that feel just as personal as the party afterward. From circular seating and candlelit vow exchanges to surprise ceremonies and statement-making backdrops, couples are curating intentional, emotional, and totally main-character-worthy moments that reflect who they actually are. These aren’t just “I dos”—they’re hell yes, this is us.
Here’s a curated list of fresh, modern wedding ceremony trends that are redefining how couples say “I do”—with more personality, intimacy, and intentionality than ever. These trends are all about making meaning, not just following tradition—and they pair beautifully with fashion-forward styling and next-level ceremony settings.
Top New Wedding Ceremony Trends for 2025 (and Beyond)
The Ceremony Seating Edit
Say goodbye to the single-file aisle. It’s all about creating a scene, not a school assembly. Guests now surround the couple, creating an immersive, intimate experience —and the photos are unreal.
Lounge-style seating (sofas, vintage chairs)
Picnic-style rugs and floor cushions
Scattered benches facing various angles
Orchestra style semicircle
Have your top model moment with runway seating
full or semi-circle, where everyone gets a front-row view
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Couples are bringing the vows home—literally. Backyard chapels, front porch ceremonies, and indoor living room lounges turned vow venues are trending big. Cozy, personal, and deeply sentimental
Surprise Ceremonies
Couples are inviting guests to an “engagement party” or “rehearsal dinner” only to surprise them with the real ceremony. It’s low-pressure, high-impact, and very fun.
Flipping that Timeline for Sunset or After-Dark “I Dos”
This wedding season, some couples are going for the cocktail hour before the ceremony. Greet your guests, enjoy the music and munchies, then unveil for the ceremony and reception! Hello, multiple looks that make sense!
Evening ceremonies with candlelight, lanterns, twinkly lights, or moody spotlights are having a moment. Dramatic lighting = peak romance and incredible photos.
Micro Guest Circles, Mega Meaning
The VIP guest list for ceremonies keeps shrinking—with couples choosing only their closest people for the ceremony itself, followed by a larger crowd at the reception. Think 20 guests at the vows, 200 at the party. This could be done over one day or over several!
Spoken Word, Storytelling & Shared Vows
Couples are ditching formal vows for more personal storytelling or even shared vow exchanges with lines like “Today, I promise…” said back and forth. Some even have loved ones or children included in the script.
Statement Ceremony Installations
Floral meadows, sculptural backdrops, suspended arches, or mirrored altars—the ceremony backdrop is now a moment of art direction. Think immersive scene-setting, not just something to stand in front of.
Guests in the Ceremony
Some couples are involving guests directly:
Group ring warming
Passing a family heirloom
Everyone standing for a final group blessing.
It turns the audience into active participants.
Bilingual, Blended & Multicultural Ceremonies
Rather than splitting elements by tradition, couples are blending languages, cultural rites, and rituals into a single flow that reflects who they are together. It’s inclusive, powerful, and completely personal.
Top New Wedding Reception Trends for 2025 (and Beyond)
Ditching the Dishes for Honeymoon Fund
Gone are the days when you’d go from your parents' homes to your marital home with a stick and bundle. It's more likely that you’ve either lived on your own or together and amassed some items you’d traditionally receive as wedding/shower gifts that you already love.
Or maybe the over-stimulation of planning is making a vacation a must.
Sure, you can still enjoy registering (the power in that scan gun is unmatched) for the fun stuff or the necessities, but plenty of new couples are opting to register for a honeymoon fund, so people can just add money toward a specific goal or even different excursions/spa packages on your honeymoon!
Audio Guestbooks: Old School Voicemail, But Make It Chic
Swap the paper guestbook for a vintage phone where guests leave voicemail-style messages. It’s sweet, hilarious, and replayable forever.
Choose retro phones, a phone booth, display signs, and fun extras in our shop to make this station pop. And yes, someone will say something mildly inappropriate—you’ll thank them later.
Live Painting & Sketch Artists
Imagine a live artist painting your ceremony as it unfolds or sketching guests during cocktail hour. Suddenly, you’re not just making memories—you’re making art. Choose the genre you love, oil paintings, cartoonists, street art, pop art..
Check the social media of artists whose style matches what you’re looking for on your wedding day or beyond. Maybe you want to commission sketches of your fittings with us or any individual moment of your wedding era, so it’s gallery-ready before the bouquet toss.
Tables with Love Story Titles or Ice Breakers
Forget Table 7. Let’s sit at “First Kiss by the Coat Check” or “Met on Bumble Twice.”
Your table can then include ice breaker questions that reference the table name, “Worst Bumble Date?” or “Funniest First Kiss?” or “Craziest Dating Story (insert bride/groom's name) ever shared with you?
Source signage or recommend stationers who can turn your inside jokes into elegant décor. Add matching gift tags or photo table frames.
Perfume Bars & Flower Stations
Who doesn’t want to make their own tiny perfume or mini bouquet while sipping bubbly? These interactive stations are crowd-pleasers and double as take-home favors
Tip: It's the pretty little extras—mini bottles, dried florals, custom signage—that take your DIY setup from cute to magazine-worthy.
Mini Vogue-Style Portrait Corners
Sure, photo booths are fun, but we never know what to do with the props. You can only wave around “happy wife, happy life” signs for so many pictures. In our aesthetic-obsessed era, bring in a glam backdrop, soft lighting, and a hype-photographer, and suddenly your guests feel like supermodels. This can also double as your voicemail/audio guest book station, hello, money saver!
From second-look gowns to statement accessories and detachable pieces, we help you build a photo-worthy outfit that stands out—even in a room full of sparkle.
Film
Obsessed with the paparazzi candids or nostalgia of those 90s-era guest interviews on camcorder? This is for you. If you're not sure of which medium you prefer and don’t want to break the bank even more, think about hiring a film videographer for specific parts of your day. More and more weddings are including a photographer who strictly uses film for their candids or a specific time (getting ready) in addition to a main photographer/videographer covering the day.
Staggered Toasts
We’re leaving 40-minute speeches before dinner in the dust. We’re spacing toasts throughout the night, between courses, dances, or even dessert.
Pro tip: Let us help you plan your outfit changes accordingly. A new look for the reception toast? Yes, please. We have fringe, feathers, and glitz at the ready.
The Love Roast
Let your funniest friends take the mic for a PG-rated “love roast” that gives all the vibes of the best wedding speeches with none of the tears–ok, maybe some.
Also, did someone say outfit change? This is the perfect time to slide into jumpsuits, linen suits, leisure suits, glittery minis, and sassy second dresses. Nothing says “I can take a joke and still look fabulous” like a reception outfit change that turns heads.
Last Dance Alone
After everyone leaves, you and your partner sneak back onto the floor for one final, private dance. Cue the waterworks.
Our tip? Have something cozy to change into for this moment. Whether it’s a silk slip, feather-trimmed lounge set, or just bare feet and your dress—our stylists can help you end your night in true main-character fashion.
Letters for Future Anniversaries
Similar to advice cards, but without the prompts. This is the opportunity for guests to give you their free-form and tried-and-true sage advice. Ask guests to write letters for you to open on your 1st, 5th, or 10th anniversary. It’s sweet, a little chaotic, and surprisingly emotional.
The Friendmoon/Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Trips/Vow Crew Vacation
We love love love a themed bachelorette trip with all the campy accouterments that come with it. But if you're wanting the wedding party to connect before the day of (meeting for the first time, sometime in the back of a limo can be awkward), or maybe most of the wedding party is coupled up or friends already.
Think of a trip before or after the wedding to ensure everyone you’ve haven't already become one of those couples who use “we” as their permanent singular pronoun.
Don’t worry, Ivory & Main will still carry it all, from matching outfits to airport looks to girls’ getaway accessories. We’re here to outfit you for every leg of your bridal journey—including the wine-sipping, spa-chilling mini-retreat with your ride-or-dies.
Signed, Sealed, Deliberate
We love that people have only the best wishes & earnest advice for you, but one can only read “never go to bed angry” so many times before your mind begins to wander off dreaming of those gilded charging plates or chandelier arches you could have gotten had you not opted for this expensive book of blank pages, the shape of long island, book of blank pages.
It can be hard to garner real advice, funny anecdotes, or lessons learned on the spot while signing the guestbook, and there could also be a line of people waiting to do the same. Guests generally want to jot down a few kind words and return to the party.
So we love the idea of prompt cards you can place at tables or in a section of their own (maybe it’s a cocktail hour activity). These questions open up dialogue regardless of marital status or generation gap & let your guests choose which they want to offer. You can create your own cards based on what's significant to your relationship, or get inspo from some of our favorite wedding wisdom questions:
Sentimental & Sweet
What do you hope they always remember about today?
What’s one moment in their relationship that showed you it’s real love?
What’s your favorite memory of them together?
What’s the best piece of marriage advice you’ve ever heard—or ignored?
What’s your wish for their 1st, 10th, and 50th anniversaries? (A cute idea is to aim these for couples who have already reached these respective milestone anniversaries)
Describe what makes them a great team in 3 words.
When did you first realize they were it for each other?
Funny, Playful, Group-Chat Energy
What’s your pettiest relationship hill to die on? (Fold towels your way. Always.)
What’s your unsolicited marriage advice from someone barely qualified to give it?
What’s the best excuse to get out of a fight fast? (Wrong answers welcome.)
What’s one thing they should always keep stocked at home for a happy marriage?
If love were a reality show, what role would each of them play?
Predict their first disagreement as newlyweds—and how they’ll make up.
Write their first joint holiday card. Include a brag, a complaint, and one weird hobby they’ve adopted.
Time Capsule or “Open When..”
Open this on your first big argument. (Here’s why you’ll survive it.)
Read this on your first anniversary and remember…
Read this before your first family vacation. (Here’s how to survive TSA and each other.)
Open this after your first kid—whether it’s a dog, human, or plant.
Don’t open this until your fifth anniversary (or if you run out of wine)
*Tip: Increase anniversary milestones until you max at a couple who have hit that mark (i.e. your grandparents/advice for being married for 50 years)
Trends We’re Leaving on Read (And the Nuvo-Traditions Replacing Them on our Guestlists)
Some traditions are aging like wine. Others aged like a forgotten shrimp cocktail. Here’s what we’re breaking up with—and the better, smarter, cooler trends taking their place.
One-and-Done Dresses
That gown you wear once and never again? We’re over it.
Try this instead: Bridal separates, jumpsuits, detachable elements, or a second look you’ll rewear on your honeymoon. Ivory & Main has options designed to stretch your budget and your bridal era.
Plastic Favors That Collect Dust
Tiny trinkets that hit the trash? Let’s skip it.
Try this instead: Mini soy candles, personalized ornaments, locally made soaps—our curated gift shop is filled with thoughtful favors guests will actually take home.
Want to ditch the favors all together?
Try this instead: Donating to a charity important to you, like the American Heart Association, will usually supply you with small branded items like pins or bumper stickers. These work great for an exit station with signage indicating you've donated there in lieu of favors
Craft Store Décor Overload
Overspending on single-use signage and faux florals? Pass.
Try this instead: Borrow from friends, rent from local vendors, or thrift your way to editorial-level setups. We’ll even point you toward our favorite Long Island decor pros.
Paper Waste Galore
Programs, menus, place cards, and RSVPs—all printed, all tossed.
Try this instead: A digital invite, a gorgeous QR menu, and one high-impact print item like a welcome sign or seating chart, using recycled or seeded paper.
Dresses the Bridal Party Will Never Wear Again
We’ve all been there.
Try this instead: Let our team help your girls—and moms—find rewearable eveningwear they’ll love. No more fake smiles in awkward satin. Just confident, coordinated, camera-ready looks.
If you’re aiming for sustainability, at least one of these swaps can help your wedding lean toward earth-consciousness. So, don’t stress if you can’t find biodegradable straws for your guests that won’t melt in their drinks. And look out for Ivory & Main’s Guide to a Sustainable Wedding!
Emerging Vibes to Watch
Maximalist ceremony fashion (veil changes, gloves, sculptural accessories)
Disco ball altars & mirrored aisle runners
Personal ceremony programs styled like zines or love letters
Live ambient music or instrumental covers of deep-cut favorites
Aisle reflections—using mirrored risers, water, or glossy floors for drama
Final Word from Your Curvy Godmothers
The modern wedding isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about creating moments you’ll actually remember—and trends that make sense for you. Whether you’re having flower moms, planning a friendmoon, or just skipping things that don’t feel like you, we support it fully.
At Ivory & Main, we’re not just here to zip your dress or sell you a sparkly robe. We’re here to celebrate what makes your love story yours—loudly, proudly, and with impeccable style. Come visit us. We’ll be the ones holding a steamer, a mimosa, and cheering you on like the main character you are.
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