What's in for weddings in 2025? Uniqueness, experiences, technology
Whether you're planning a wedding or just love to see how trends are changing, one thing is clear: 2025 weddings are all about creating a celebration that's unique and personal.
According to recent wedding industry reports, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now around $30,000, with guest lists shrinking but experiences getting bigger.
Experts say couples are choosing quality over quantity, at least partly due to national events.
'I've continually seen just minimalism and not having so much built in,' said Ashley Jackson, CEO and founder of Timeless Dream Events. 'That's probably because of uncertainty.'
More couples are opting for destination weddings, immersive experiences and unique entertainment.
'They're not so worried about 'what am I doing?' or 'what am I getting out of this day?' ' said Ashley, 'but 'what is my guest getting out of this day? Because they might be coming from afar. I want them to enjoy the day and that will make me happy.'
'Of course, the day is about the bride and the groom, don't get me wrong. But they also want their loved ones to enjoy their time, so they might be cultivating a weekend experience because their guests might be coming from out of state.'
Technology is also playing an increasingly large role. More couples are live-streaming their ceremonies for guests who can't attend, or using AI to assist with the planning. Wedding photographers are even incorporating drones into their toolbox.
'They're wanting involvement from the whole picture of everyone,' said Timeless Dream Events co-coordinator Louise Jackson. 'I think it's important that they do that so that everyone feels touched by that evening.'
And when it comes to fashion, it's not just about the white dress anymore. Colorful wedding gowns, mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses, and even second outfits for the reception are becoming more popular.
'Maybe having less florals and more candles or not doing so many grand installs from the ceilings,' said Ashley.
Of course, even with ChatGPT and other AI options available, it helps to have things organized by the wedding planner.
New data shows the job market for wedding planners is expected to grow by more than 7 percent over the next 10 years, with revenue in the wedding planning industry projected to grow to about $1.7 billion.
For Ashley, the journey to founding Timeless Dream Events began the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic when she found herself reflecting on her purpose. With a natural talent for planning and a deep desire to help others, she turned to a business coach and soon realized that her gift was in bringing people together.
'My dad, who is no longer with us, always pushed me to chase my dreams,' said Ashley. 'Dreams are timeless, endless. So that's where Timeless Dream Events was born.'
Working with her mother Mama J, Ashley tries to bring warmth, care and a personal connection to the wedding of every couple they work with.
'I just want to provide an experience for my couples,' said Ashley. 'I want them to be able to feel good about themselves because that way the whole day is just going to go smooth.'
That personal touch has left an impression on countless couples across the Miami Valley and beyond.
One of their most memorable weddings was a vibrant fusion of Indian and American traditions, with two ceremonies unfolding in a single day.'It was amazing because even though I might not have understood what was happening the whole time, you just felt the love,' said Ashley.
As Women's History Month unfolds, Ashley hopes to inspire other women to pursue their passions fearlessly.
'Believe in yourself, get up on your feet and go chase your dreams,' she says.
Her mother agrees.
'Never give up and always seek encouragement,' said Mama J.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
42 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
OpenAI Launches Cheapest ChatGPT Plan in India
OpenAI has rolled out the cheapest offering of its ChatGPT chatbot to date, with an India-only subscription plan as the company seeks to drive user growth in the world's most populous country. The low-cost plan, called ChatGPT Go, aims to provide wider access to the chatbot's advanced features at 399 rupees a month, equivalent to $4.57, the startup said Tuesday.
Business Insider
an hour ago
- Business Insider
Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) Makes Analysts Sweat Ahead of $2.4B Foot Locker Deal
Shares in retailer Dick's Sporting Goods' (DKS) edged higher today despite a leading analyst declaring there were too many 'unknowns' ahead of its $2.4 billion Foot Locker (FL) deal to justify a Buy rating. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. TD Cowen analyst John Kernan kept a Hold rating on the stock, despite hiking its price target from $205 to $231. Running Risks Kernan said the Hold rating was 'based off unknown risks associated with the Foot Locker business.' This is in reference to the $24 a share offer made for Foot Locker in May this year. It was, at that point, an 86% premium to the stock's last closing price. The DKS share price initially suffered post-announcement, but has bounced back since – see below. That dip was mostly down to wariness over the health of the Foot Locker business. It has struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic shut down its stores or forced them to operate at reduced capacity. Prior to news of the acquisition, FL stock had lost about 40% of its value this year and was down nearly 50% over the past five years. Other analysts have previously warned that running an athletic specialty retailer that focuses on fashion lifestyle consumers, and operates smaller stores, many of which are in malls or in urban street locations, is not within the 'core competencies' of Dick's Sporting Goods. The deal is not only making investors sweat. Senator Elizabeth Warren has recently called on the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to consider blocking the deal, writing in a letter to the agencies that the merger could cut jobs, raise prices and reduce competition. Deal Drivers However, Kernan is, despite his uncertainty, relatively optimistic. He said that one driver for the deal, which is expected to close in the second half of this year, is that sportswear giant Nike (NKE) has a vested interest in seeing the deal work. 'The cost and procurement synergies total $100 million to $125 million and investors seem to be warming to these figures in our conversations. Headcount reductions and store rationalization are also likely,' Kernan said. Kernan added that if Foot Locker can return to a 4% to 5% EBIT margin, Dick's has a path to meaningful earnings per share, see below, and free cash flow growth. Indeed, he sees Dick's posting EPS of $16.47 in 2027 versus the consensus of $16.26. For full year 2026, he said Dick's should see a 3% lift in same-store sales. Is DKS a Good Stock to Buy Now? On TipRanks, DKS has a Moderate Buy consensus based on 8 Buy and 10 Hold ratings. Its highest price target is $247. DKS stock's consensus price target is $216.57, implying a 3.3% downside.
The Verge
2 hours ago
- The Verge
CheapGPT.
Posted Aug 19, 2025 at 6:48 AM UTC The budget ChatGPT Go plan sits between free access and the Plus Plan which costs ₹1,999 (about $23) per month. 'We are working to expand access to Go for additional countries and regions,' says OpenAI. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Thomas Ricker Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Thomas Ricker Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All AI Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All OpenAI
