The destination wedding ideas to inspire joyful travel!

Learn more about the top destination wedding trends of 2024 that are making their way to 2025: be ready!

Destination weddings never run out of style and there are celebrations that make it even more trendy among all the brides and grooms. And now that 2024 is coming to an end, we can definitely tell the trends that will also be there for 2025. So here you have the most popular picks of the year, when it comes to combining your destination wedding with celebratory travel.

Fashion Moments
Fashion Moments

Nowadays, celebratory travel is definitely shining, whether you wish to host your wedding abroad, experience the honeymoon overseas, or have aniversaries away that also require your passport. 

And, Portugal is definitely conquering its way to the podium as it is one of the most popular European destinations. 

Do you want to know why Portugal is one of the hottest destination wedding spots in Europe

As promised, let's dive into the trends that are making their way to the bridal world in 2025! 

Rita Rocha Photography
Rita Rocha Photography

Alternative welcome parties and activities with guests

Welcome parties are becoming a creative highlight of destination weddings, offering unique opportunities to bond before the big day. Instead of traditional cocktail receptions, couples opt for alternative activities that reflect the spirit of their chosen location.

Apart from that, since you and your closest people are spending some days away, there are also plenty of options to make the most of this time. You can think of personalized experiences, not only to break the ice but also to immerse the guests in the destination, making your destination wedding a true getaway for everyone. 

And we have just compiled some unforgettable activities for you to do before and after the wedding!

Cultural fusion and local immersion

Couples are embracing the ethos of “travel deeper” by infusing their weddings with local culture and traditions. Instead of sticking to familiar customs, they are adopting native rituals, and Portugal is also full of them.

Authenticity extends also to culinary choices, with local farm-to-table feasts, wine pairings from the magical Portuguese vineyards and interactive food stations. 

Ricardo Meira
Ricardo Meira

Sustainable celebrations

Eco-conscious weddings are trending as couples aim to minimize their environmental footprint. In 2024, venues that practice sustainability, such as solar-powered resorts or properties that use reclaimed materials, are in high demand. Plastic-free décor and locally sourced flowers are among the ways couples are giving back to their chosen destinations.

For travel, more couples are opting for close-to-home yet exotic destinations to cut down on long-haul flights, while encouraging guests to carpool or use green transportation options. 

Highlighting local artisans and talent 

This point goes hand-in-hand with the sustainability topic. And, nowadays, couples are increasingly incorporating local artisans into their destination weddings to celebrate the heritage of their chosen location.

This trend highlights authentic craftsmanship and provides meaningful connections to the destination. From handmade wedding favors like pottery, textiles, or artisanal candles to live performances by local musicians or dancers, these elements create a unique and culturally rich experience. 

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

High-tech personalization

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in weddings. Digital invitations, wedding apps with schedules and maps, and virtual reality sneak peeks of venues have streamlined the planning process. Some couples are live-streaming their ceremonies for guests unable to attend in person, making their celebrations more inclusive.

For entertainment, projection mapping and drones are being used to create dramatic displays, as well as 360 photobooths: a pure must in every wedding nowadays! 

Destination wedding mini-honeymoons 

Mini-honeymoons, or "mini-moons," are becoming a popular addition to destination weddings, allowing couples to savor a few intimate moments together before heading back to their routines or embarking on a full honeymoon later. 

Mini-moons offer the perfect balance of romance and relaxation after the whirlwind of wedding festivities, giving couples a chance to enjoy the magic of their chosen destination on their own.

Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

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