In fact, according to The Knot, the five most popular engagement days fall within this proposal season: Christmas Day is the most popular day to propose, followed by December 24. New Year’s Day, January 1, is also included in the list, as is December 22 and February 14 (Valentine’s Day). Additional anecdotes from Zola confirm that December reigned as the most popular month to get engaged due to “feelings of thankfulness and love in the winter months.”

With the influx of engagements, there will soon be lots of 2025 and 2026 weddings! To prep for all these upcoming nuptials, we have expert insights from Kobi Cummings, co-owner, art director and certified wedding planner at The Valley Venues, to shed some light on upcoming trends.

Photo Credit: Hannah Lillian Photography

Wedding Themes and Styles for 2025

You’ll see a big resurgence of vintage! Cummings states, “What we were talking about now is not just documentary photography but how this idea is blending into videography. I find it really interesting because it’s not just documentary style, which is often like 30-millimeter film. We’re also continuing to see couples leaving disposable cameras on reception tables so guests can capture more moments from the wedding. Plus, more people are renting antique furniture and decor pieces!”

For floral arrangements, the 80s are back! Per Cummings, you’ll see cascading bouquets come back into trend, but in a more elegant way. “Also, to save money and be eco-friendly, faux florals are coming back as well. Since the quality of faux florals has gotten so much better, couples who want to save more can opt for those instead of fresh flowers with equally as beautiful outcomes. In terms of sustainability, not throwing away $3,000 worth of flowers at the end of the day is way better, way better,” shares Cummings. We love that you can also repurpose them.

2025 Trends in Wedding Venues or Locations

More venues are now offering wedding weekends! The idea behind it is that instead of spending hours with your loved ones, you could spend a bit more to get a full two days to celebrate. Cummings notes, “The value is that you have a wedding weekend getaway versus a very long day where you arrive at 6 a.m. and then you’re cleaning until midnight or 1 a.m. I have seen clients who don’t do the wedding weekends and see their parents not making it to the after-party because they start cleaning.”

She notes that couples often extend the wedding weekend invite to the bridal party, too, “Some venues can accommodate 30-40 people and can really give the feeling of a private estate wedding, renting a whole property to feel like a getaway weekend for all.”

Photo Credit:

2025 Trends in Wedding Attire
The vintage trend continues here, too. Cummings is seeing the following:

Grooms: More pocket florals instead of a boutonniere and statement accessories, such as custom-made cufflinks, engraved watches, and heirloom pieces.

• Brides: A lot of bows, neck scarves and dainty little lacy gloves.
• Couples: Custom or bold shoes for the ceremony or reactions are a new twist on the popular “second look” trend. Examples include custom white Converse with lace details, embroidered wedding date or bright and blinged-out heels.
• Bridal Party: Mismatched will continue to be a trend with a mixture of different textures and colors for dresses and mixing various accessories like bow ties and ties.

Entertainment or Interactive Guest Experience Trends in 2025:
Live paintings have been a huge trend these past couple of years and are not going anywhere! Cummings states, “Something new that we’re seeing includes live painting guest portraits. Instead of painting one oil painting of the couple, each guest has their own customized portrait for a wedding favor! Other new interactive elements I’ve seen are real tattoo artists at the reception or even a custom temporary tattoo bar.”

Where live music has always been a mainstay, Cummings is now seeing more three-piece musician bands, whether it’s a string quartet or a jazz trio.

Photo Credit: Alex Kelly Photography

Technology Tools for 2025:

Technology is making weddings more interactive than ever! With the rise in photo-sharing apps, guests can upload their photos into the Cloud, and everyone can view each other’s pictures.

“We’ve also seen more couples hire day-of content creators to specifically make social media content to capture memories through the guest’s eyes,” says Cummings.

Additionally, for those couples who prefer to do the planning themselves without hiring a wedding planner, there’s a trend toward online services that make the process easier! One example is Our Day, which has a unique platform that matches vendors with couples through a request for proposal (RFP) process inputting their budget, theme and special requests.

With these 2025 wedding trends noted, you’re ready for the upcoming proposal season. Happy planning!

Is your wedding venue going to have a fire pit? That’s exciting! No matter what time of year it is, from a starry summer night to a chilly winter afternoon, a fire pit can be a fun addition to your outdoor seating area. Here are some tips to help you use this aspect of your venue to the fullest! Give guests a cozy place to hang out, chat, and toast marshmallows. Most importantly, stay safe. Here’s how…

Do: Know the Restrictions

Several days before your big day, check with the local fire department or town government to see if there are any fire restrictions in place. Check again on the actual day of your wedding, as this may have changed. If the area is dry and winds are high, there could be a ban in place, which means you can’t have open flames. Get the details from people who are in the know, and play by the rules.

Do: Test it Before-Hand

Test out the fire pit yourself, to make sure you know how to light it. Or, delegate this task to the person who will be in charge of it during the party. The point is to know how to use it, instead of assuming that it’s simple. It might not be! Some fire pits have “on” buttons that are located in building interiors, or the pit could have a quirk that you need to figure out before hand (press the red button twice instead of once, and it lights!).

Do: Offer Cozy Extras and Treats!

The fire pit likely has benches or chairs around it, but instead of leaving it at that, why not add a little luxury? Put cushions on the chairs, and a stack of blankets for guests to wrap up in. Even if you already have a rockin’ dessert table inside your reception venue, consider putting s’more ingredients out, as well as some marshmallow roasting sticks.

Don’t: Rely on a Fire Pit for Providing Warmth

A fire pit provides a cozy, fun ambiance, but unless guests are within a few feet of the flames they’re likely not going to feel significant warmth from it. If you have a big group gathered around, people will likely hang back a bit to make room for everyone. Don’t assume that guests will be crowded close to the fire, feeling toasty! Instead, if it’s very cold out, give guests other ways to get warm — like the blankets, mentioned above.

Don’t: Leave it Unattended

Fire should never be left unattended. Make sure someone is in charge of shutting down the fire pit at the end of the night. This could be done with a button, if you’re using a gas-fed fire. Or, if the fire is fueled by wood, someone will have to ensure that the wood is sufficiently cooled, and that the fire is completely out. Delegate this task to a responsible friend or family member — preferably someone who won’t be drinking!

If your venue has a fire pit, use it! This can add an inviting, warm, friendly vibe to your reception. Did these tips make you excited about having some flickering flames at your reception? Leave a comment below.

You may not be into following conventions when it comes to your wedding, and that great! Your day is all about celebrating the love and union between you and your partner, and that can be done in many unique ways. It won’t follow a set formula or structure.

However, when it comes to wedding speeches and toasts, you do have to plan ahead! People need advanced notice if they’re going to pick up a mic and engage in public speaking. Planning a timeline for the toasts will also help you make sure that you get to have those juicy, heart-warming moments that are going to stick with you, and your guests, for years to come.

Ready to do some planning? This guide will help you get crystal clear about the speeches and toasts that will be offered up on your big day.

Who Will Take the Mic?

First things first: Who is going to speak at your wedding? We suggest a list of three to five people, including the host, the parents, the maid of honor, and the best man. By “host”, we mean you or your partner should at some point speak up and thank guests for celebrating with you. “Parents” could be one of the bride’s parents, one of the groom’s parents, or both. Of course, you know who your maid of honor and best man are.

Other Options

Who else might take the mic? Other options include the bride or groom’s siblings, close friends, family members, or co-workers. Your situation is unique. Do you work at a fire station? Invite your Captain or Chief to speak. Raised by your grandfather? Ask him to say a few words. On a spiritual path? Maybe you want your yoga mentor to take the mic. Follow your heart, and consider the people in your life that are closest to you.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that you want to limit this to about five people, so that your guests don’t begin to feel restless when yet another person takes the mic. Once you have your list of five people, tell them well in advance (at least a month ahead of time!) that you’d be honored if they would speak at your wedding. This will give them plenty of time to collect the thoughts and stories that they want to share on your big day.

What Should the Toasts Include?

Wedding toasts and speeches have a few different purposes, and the purpose depends on who is giving the speech. Here’s a quick breakdown about what each speech should include. This is just a guideline! Be true to yourself, and spend some time envisioning the way you want these speeches to unfold.

Host’s Speech

At the beginning of your reception, you or your partner should take the microphone and thank guests for being there with you. This can be short and sweet. The purpose is the express gratitude and create a feeling of community. Both bride and groom can stand together, while one (usually the groom, but it’s up to you!) speak and simply offer thanks. This is a great time to say that you hope your guests enjoy the party and the great food.

Parent’s Speech

Your parents have a unique perspective on your partnership. If you invite either one of your parents, or your partner’s parents to speak, expect that they’re going to tell a story about one of you in your younger years. Get ready for some laughs! Stories about little kids are always cute (and maybe a little bit embarrassing). The parent might also welcome their new son or daughter into the family. This sentimental speech will get those fuzzy, warm,  feel-good emotions flowing in the crowds.  Expect a few tears!

Best Man and Maid of Honor Toasts

What is the Best Man’s speech all about? The Best Man should introduce himself, and then launch into a few stories about the groom. As the groom’s best friend, the best man can share his excitement about the union. Is the groom happier than ever? Does he light up when he see’s his bride? Does the future look bright? The Maid of Honor’s Speech will be similar. After introducing herself, she will share stories about the bride, speak about the union, and then share some hopes for the future.

Where Should Toasts be Given?

One of the things you want to think about ahead of time is where the toasts will be given. A great place for this is close to the place where the bride and groom are seated. Whether you’ve picked an indoor or outdoor venue, this is usually a focal point of the venue, which is perfect.

At some point in many of the speeches, the speaker will want to address the happy couple directly, so being close to the head table is good. At the rehearsal dinner, or another point before the speech will be given, pull the speaker aside and show them where you would like them to stand. You should also show them where the mic will be, and tell them when they are expected to speak.

What’s a Good Timeline for the Speeches?

Now that you have an idea about who will be speaking at your wedding, and what those speeches will entail, it’s time to put together a timeline. This doesn’t have to be rigid — as in “at 5:15 exactly”. Instead, you want to think about benchmark moments during the reception. Here’s what we mean:

Kick Things Off — Soon After the Ceremony

The first benchmark moment is at the very beginning of the reception. The ceremony is over. Perhaps the guests have moved over to the reception venue, and the first glasses of champagne are being passed around. Within the first half hour of the reception, as the party is just getting started, the host should take the mic and set the tone for the reception.

Cocktail Hour Toasts

Another possible benchmark moment is once everyone has a drink in hand. This can be an ideal time for a speech! For example, the father of the bride might ask everyone to raise a glass to the happy couple.

Once Dinner is Served

Everyone is happier and more content with a plate of food in front of them! Take advantage of the fact that your guests are seated, and ready to be attentive listeners (as they butter roles or nibble salad!). You’ll notice a definite lull in conversation once guests start tucking into the grub, which means it’s the perfect time to the Best Man or Maid of Honor the microphone — and the floor.

Did this guide help you wrap your head around your wedding speeches? Hopefully you’re starting to get an idea about who you want to speak at your wedding, and how you want the speeches and toasts to flow. It’s important to have a schedule in mind! Over the next few days, keep thinking about the details until you feel really clear. If you’d like, you can share your ideas and thoughts in the comments section, below! We’d love to hear from you.

We interviewed Deno Taglioli, producer of Elevation and creator of Emerald City Band, to know more about this amazing band see what they have up their sleeve.

Can you tell me what prompted you to start Elevation? What’s the story behind its birth?

Emerald City and its 13-member band have been at the forefront of the high energy, party scene for over 3 decades. In 2018, the community asked us to create a smaller band that still can bring that high energy, fun, interaction, and quality that the Emerald City bands are famous for, so now please welcome, Elevation.

How is it any different from the other bands?

Our clients love the fact we now have a 6-piece band that offers size and pricing flexibility while not sacrificing the quality & energy the Emerald City bands are famous for. Uniquely, Elevation also gives our clients the modular advantage of being able to add extra singers and horns if needed.

Who is the perfect client that you think will enjoy hiring Elevation?

I think anyone who’s looking for a band that’s versatile, interactive, fun that can play a wide range of party songs from Sinatra to Ed Sheeran to Earth, Wind, and Fire will have a blast with this band.

How much in advance does a customer need to book?

We are now booking the rest of 2019, 2020 and beyond. As long as we have availability for your date, we can make it happen quickly.

Where do you see Elevation in 5 years?

In 5 years, we fully expect that Elevation will become the first choice in the smaller band, high impact world of party band entertainment.

There you have it! Everything you need to know about Elevation and their continuing legacy of EC Bands’ top-notch party music. You can also check out this promo video and watch a sneak peek of their amazing live performance. If you have any inquiries, or simply want to book them right away for your upcoming wedding, visit their website and be part of Emerald City tradition.