Wedding trends evolve each year, and 2025 is bringing some exciting shifts in how couples celebrate their big day. We researched insights from top wedding sources like Brides.com, Vogue.com, Zola.com, and TheKnot.com and selected the trends we believe will be the most impactful this year. Many of these have already made their way into weddings at The Grand 1401 in late 2024, and we can’t wait to see them continue!
- Hometown Weddings Over Destination Weddings
According to Vogue.com, couples are moving away from destination weddings and embracing hometown celebrations. Creating a wedding narrative around a place with deep personal significance, such as childhood memories or family traditions, allows for an authentic and meaningful event. At The Grand 1401, we love seeing couples celebrate in Fresno, bringing together friends and family in a space that feels like home.
- Dramatic Draping as Decor
Vogue.com highlights that fabric accents are making a huge statement in 2025. Draping adds elegance and movement to a space, offering a visually striking alternative to conventional floral arrangements. Both of our ballrooms provide high ceilings and expansive layouts that make draping a perfect choice for enhancing the venue’s aesthetic.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Decor
Brides.com predicts that in 2025, couples will maximize every inch of their venue, using both floors and ceilings to tell their design story. The Grand 1401’s soaring ceilings in both ballrooms provide an ideal backdrop for luxurious chandeliers, cascading florals, and immersive lighting designs.
- Serpentine Tables
TheKnot.com notes that serpentine tables are becoming a favorite choice for spring and summer weddings, especially for intimate receptions. We saw this trend emerge in late 2024, and we’d love to see it continue, particularly in the Grand Ballroom, where these uniquely shaped tables can be arranged beautifully around our elegant pillars.
- Private Vows
According to Zola and Vogue, more couples are opting to exchange vows in private before their ceremony. Whether it’s a quiet moment in our outdoor space or a secluded corner of the venue, this intimate trend allows couples to connect before the festivities begin. We saw this recently when one of our brides did their wedding ceremony at Warnors Theater, it was so beautiful!
- 360-Degree Bars
A 360-degree bar creates a fun, social atmosphere where guests can mingle from all angles. This trend has already become popular at events at The Grand 1401, so much so that we have a round bar similar to a 360 setup! This design keeps the energy lively and encourages guest interaction throughout the night.
- Unique Venues with Built-In Charm
According to Zola.com, couples are gravitating toward venues with character and charm rather than blank spaces that require extensive customization. Only 2% of Zola’s surveyed couples wanted a fully customizable blank canvas. The Grand 1401, with its historic elegance and timeless architecture, naturally fits this trend, offering a setting full of charm, sophistication, and personality.
- Wedding Color Trends
Zola.com predicts that 2025 wedding colors will include green, earth tones, pastels, and soft shades like dusty blue and blush pink, along with vibrant hues inspired by wildflowers. Our venue’s neutral color palette makes it the perfect backdrop for any of these trending shades. Whether couples go for a soft and romantic look or something bold and colorful, The Grand 1401 is the perfect setting.
- Intimate Weddings with Big Guest Lists
According to Zola, most 2025 weddings will be closer to home, with couples wanting their weddings to feel intimate while still including their closest friends and family. This trend balances the warmth of a smaller gathering with the excitement of a larger celebration, and our versatile venue spaces cater beautifully to both.
- Splurgeworthy Wedding Professionals
According to Zola.com, couples are most willing to splurge on key elements, including a stunning venue, an incredible photographer, planners, coordinators and top-tier food and drinks. Investing in these professionals ensures a seamless, memorable experience, and at The Grand 1401, we love working with talented vendors who bring each couple’s vision to life.
Bringing It All Together
While many wedding trends come and go, the ones we’re seeing for 2025 align perfectly with what The Grand 1401 offers. From elegant draping and high-impact decor to intimate hometown weddings and charming venue aesthetics, these trends enhance what makes our space so special.
Featured Photographers: Kapptured Photography, Jessica Cameron Photography
References:
https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2025
https://www.vogue.com/article/wedding-trends-2025
https://www.brides.com/wedding-trends-2025-8754072
https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-decor-trends