How to Decide on a Wedding Theme: Trendy vs. Timeless

There’s this funny thing about planning a wedding.You start out dreaming about your day—and suddenly you’re knee-deep in TikTok trends, Pinterest boards from five years ago, and Aunt Linda’s “helpful” advice about how she did it back in ’87.

(Spoiler alert: You probably don’t want teal satin chair sashes.)

So how do you cut through the noise and pick a wedding theme that actually feels like you? Should you ride the wave of 2025 wedding themes, or stick with something that’s going to feel just as beautiful on your 50th anniversary?

Let’s talk about it.

How to Decide on a Wedding Theme for Your 2025 & 2026 Wedding

Trendy Wedding Themes: All the Fun, None of the Regret? (Maybe.)

Trendy wedding themes are like that adorable impulse buy you snag at Target. In the moment—pure joy. Five years later… maybe a little “what was I thinking?”

Pros of going trendy:

• Fun and Fresh: 2025 wedding themes are seriously gorgeous. (Think: bold color palettes, editorial-style florals, and even disco balls making a comeback—yes, really.)

• Personal Expression: Trends often reflect the culture of now, and if that vibe speaks to your relationship, it can feel incredibly personal.

• Incredible Guest Experience: Let’s be honest, people love something new and different. A trendy wedding can feel like the party everyone talks about for years.

  
  

Cons to consider:

• Short Shelf Life: Trends, by definition, don’t last. (Looking at you, mason jars and burlap runners circa 2012.)

• Potential for Future Cringe: What feels “so us” today might not feel the same when you’re showing your grandkids your wedding film—especially if you’re dreaming of something timeless and classic.

  
  

I filmed a wedding at Royal Palms in Phoenix, AZ last year that leaned hard into a current trend—think modern coastal grandma meets desert chic. It was stunning. But what made it work was that it still felt like them—not like a copy-paste from Pinterest.

Bottom line: Trends aren’t bad. They just need to feel like an extension of your story—not someone else’s highlight reel.

Timeless Wedding Themes: Classic for a Reason

Now, let’s talk timeless.You know those old black-and-white wedding photos?Decades later, they're still chic. They're still cool. They still feel.

Choosing a timeless wedding theme means leaning into design choices that are elegant, simple, and largely trend-proof. It's like investing in a really good leather jacket—it only gets better with age.

Why you might love timeless:

• Enduring Beauty: Your wedding film will still look fresh and heartfelt 30 years from now.

• Focused on Emotion: When you strip away “what’s hot,” what’s left is you, your love, and the people you care about.

• Easier Planning: Fewer moving parts, less overthinking. (Trust me—your sanity will thank you.)

  
  

One couple I filmed at Royal Palms in Phoenix, AZ chose an understated, timeless palette: soft neutrals, minimalistic florals, classic tuxedos. Watching their final film feels like stepping into a memory that could belong to any era, and it hits differently—in the best way.

The only con?

If you're someone who lives for boldness and experimentation, a super classic approach might feel a little too buttoned-up.

So, Trendy or Timeless? Here’s How to Decide on a Wedding Theme:

You don’t have to pick just one side. (You’re allowed to mix it up—I promise.)But here’s a framework to help you land somewhere that feels true to you:

1. Start With Your Story. What do you want your day to feel like? Playful? Romantic? Sophisticated? Nostalgic? Let the emotion lead, not the latest Pinterest board.

2. Look at Your Long-Term Vision. When you imagine watching your wedding film 10, 20, 50 years from now—what do you want to see? What details still feel “so you” in that future?

3. Choose One or Two Trendy Elements. Love a hot trend? Embrace it—but intentionally. Maybe you go bold with florals but keep your wardrobe and ceremony space classic. (It’s the same strategy I use as an Arizona wedding videographer—capture the trend without letting it be the whole story.)

4. Consider Your Venue. Your setting sets the tone. A venue like Royal Palms in Phoenix, AZ practically begs for an elegant, Old World theme with a desert twist. Let the location inspire your design choices.

5. Stay True to You. This isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about telling your story in a way that feels completely, unapologetically yours.

Aspect	Trendy	Timeless
Color Palette	Bold, unexpected	Soft, classic
Florals	Statement pieces, wild arrangements	Refined, elegant bouquets
Fashion	Statement gowns, playful suits	Classic silhouettes, tuxedos
Decor	Editorial setups, neon signs	Romantic lighting, elegant tables
Music	Funky playlists, mashups	Live musicians, classic vocals

Your Wedding Theme Should Feel Like Home

Trends can be inspiring. Timeless can be stunning. But the most important thing? It has to feel like you. And that is why knowing how to decide on a wedding theme is crucial!

Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, modern 2025 wedding theme or planning something your grandchildren will swoon over, your wedding isn’t about trends or traditions. It’s about you two—your story, your style, your moment.

And if you’re looking for an Arizona wedding videographer who’s just as invested in preserving that realness and beauty—you know where to find me.

(Seriously, let’s make something that feels like home.)