When I started shooting weddings, I created a couple of styled shoots aimed at attracting my dream clients; namely relaxed, bohemian, creatives - determined to marry their soul mates in individual style. As a nature lover, I lived in hope that my nature photos might help manifest clients who love the great outdoors and would elect to elope/tie the knot in nature's church - a wooded glade or a cliff top. I also hoped that my clients might be musos and that music would be front and centre of their big day.
So far, so good I would say. Amongst my couples, I've photographed drum and bass DJ's, a blue haired bride, a Christmas bride in a starry gown, a beautiful sunflower themed wedding featuring a split screen camper van and a woodland micro wedding where the wedding party were enclosed in a protective heart created from shells prior to the most magical handfasting ceremony. Whilst I generally dislike the word "trends" (it suggests a sheep mentality) in my experience, it does seem that slowly but surely, couples are breaking with tradition for tradition's sake and opting to do things their way. A cursory glance at Vogue's wedding trends for 2025 seems to be mirroring my own client wish list.
Here are a few that spring to mind.
Micro Weddings
Micro weddings are, in short, smaller, more intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. From a photographer's perspective, this is an excellent number. There's no need for a second photographer, improved interaction and rapport with the guests and more time to nail those details shots. My last and forthcoming weddings slot beautifully into this category.
Sustainable
Many couples are being increasingly mindful of their environmental impact and giving careful thought to how they can make subtle tweaks to the hype around their weddings. For my own wedding, my husband and I created and printed our own bespoke invitations. Over coffee with clients recently, they told me their genius idea of creating a web page containing all of the relevant information for guests. The groom-to-be has also been busy creating macrame roses for the table decorations...and I can't remember the last wedding I attended that didn't include natural confetti.
Nature Inspired Venues
The vast majority of my clients for 2025 intend to exchange their vows in the open air; in fields, on farms, in a magical woodland setting and a coastal clifftop, which leads me onto the next trend...
Destination Weddings
Destination weddings often seem to be aspirational and the domain of the rich and famous. However, the destination weddings I'm referring to are more meaningful, as in the agreed location holds a special place in the couples' hearts. Remember my Autumn post, Rocks & Rollers? Well this year, I have a booking somewhere on that very coastline. Coincidence or what? Pray with me to the weather gods! The area is special to both myself and my clients, who are both Pisces and find peace by the sea.
Documentary Photography
Documentary photography is essentially photography that doesn't require you to pose for the camera, "say cheese" or any of that nonsense. Instead, the photographer is hired to take more of a journalistic approach and capture the emotions of the day. That said, I always ask clients to make a list of any group shots they would like, but am pretty relaxed in my approach and encourage them to grab me if a particular shot occurs to them on the day.
Bold Colours.
Enough said. Although...I have noticed my clients embracing sage green. Are we all turning to nature more in these troubled times?
If you're reading this as prospective clients, let me know your plans! How are you expressing your individuality and what do you want from your photographer?
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