Whether you’ve been envisioning your dream day for years or you’re just starting to pull ideas together, these tips and trends will help you plan your special day …
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THE VIBE Classic-style weddings with a nod to nostalgia. Pairing simplicity with opulence.
ACCESSORIES No bridal look is complete without accessories. This year it’s all about chiff on, train-length neck scarfs, draped across the décolletage and shoulders, falling softly to the ground. Also, silk or tulle gloves.
NEW LENGTHS Since Sofia Richie-Grainge’s Chanel mini dress kicked off the trend, short wedding dresses have dominated the bridal world, and they’re going nowhere for 2025. Wear with a veil or hat.
NEW ARRIVAL Self-Portrait has landed at Kildare Village, destined to be a huge hit for off -the-rack-loving brides.
FLOWERS Impactful white and ivory flowers bring a grown-up elegance to a tablescape. Combine whites with buttery shades of yellow for a colour palette that feels both modern and refined.
CANDLELIGHT Nothing creates ambiance like an abundance of candles. While opting for varying heights of pillar candles is key, this year the taller the better.
TABLESCAPE How you dress the table is as important as the menu. Lean into the old-school restaurant aesthetic by incorporating silver and crystal elements like mix-and-match silver platters and crystal stemware on smart white linen.
MULTI-DAY EVENTS Extended celebrations: think welcome parties and post-wedding afternoon tea (to share the left over wedding cake).
PHOTOGRAPHY 35mm film photography and cinematic wedding films.
VINTAGE GOWNS Something old? The demand for vintage wedding dresses is ever increasing, hot on the heels of the trend for vintage gowns on the red carpet. Try Jenny Vander or Dirty Fabulous for vintage pieces and www.rebride.ie for pre-loved. Image; @lilahramzi
SHORT DRESSES If you’re looking to break with tradition and wear something different on your wedding day, a mini dress couldn’t be more perfect. Irish content creator Ciara O’Doherty wears Self-Portrait mini dress with Maison Michel hat with veil. Image; @ciaraodoherty and @anouska.lovestory
EMBELLISHED GOWNS If quiet luxury isn’t for you, extravagant finishing touches like crystals, pearls and delicate embroidery are the perfect choice for princess brides. Temperley Bridal gowns are hand-beaded with sequined embroidries on fine Italian “illusion” tulle. At Sharon Hoey, 6 Lower Merrion Street, Dublin 2. www.sharonhoey.com
EXTRA-TALL CANDLES Candles bring magic to any meal. The taller the better. Off-white hand-dipped and dyed 60cm dinner candles, €11.99 for two; www.unbound.ie. Image; @eyeswoon
WHIPPED BUTTER Butter is the latest ingredient that’s whipping chefs into a frenzy. Fluffy, whipped aerated butter mounds and butter moulds are everywhere right now. Image; @_leslegumes
Image; @maria___amaria
OLD-SCHOOL BANDS Live wedding entertainment: jazz is the perfect genre to set the mood (from Miles Davis to Gregory Porter). Image; @ashleighuynh
TABLESCAPE ELEVATORS Vintage silver (or chrome or pewter) trugs, platters, chargers and candlesticks will set the tone for 2025. Available to hire from @theparloureventhire.
RIBBONS ON CAKES Delicate satin ribbons cascading down intricate buttercream-piped, dome-shaped Lambeth cakes and extra-long “sheet” cakes (flat, rectangular) add a whimsical touch. Image; @maria___amaria
RETRO BOWLS Charming 1950s-style stainless steel stemmed dishes to serve individual portions of cheese or cake. Alternatively fill to the brim with fresh cherries or tangy Picholine olives as hors d’oeuvres. Image; @laloueme
DOODLE-STYLE STATIONERY Add your own personality with handwritten-style text and back-of-anapkin type doodles. Try www.pink moondesigns.ie.
INTIMATE CEREMONIES Without the pressure of a traditional Irish (extra-large) guest list, you can choose from a variety of very special venues. Start with The Merrion in Dublin. Wedding ceremony set-up in the Georgian Salon at The Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2. www.merrionhotel.com
JOIN US at The Wedding Salon. THE GLOSS and wedding planner extraordinaire Tara Fay will host an exclusive lunch at The Garden Room at The Merrion in Dublin to celebrate with brides, sisters and friends, bridesmaids, mothers and mothers of the bride on Sunday, March 23. Book your tickets now!