Weddings in 2025 are taking a bold, moody turn. I am seeing client mood boards and photographers’ work alive brimming with deep cherry reds, opulent velvet textures, and a shift towards dark romance. Soft pastels and airy aesthetics are fading, making way for rich hues, dramatic styling, and immersive atmospheres. Couples are no longer afraid to embrace a wedding that feels like a love story written in candlelight—intimate, passionate, and unforgettable. And I am here for it! Be still my little gothic heart!
This shift is more than a fleeting trend; it’s a movement towards weddings with depth, texture, and emotion. Think dark lush florals, velvet drapery that pools elegantly across candlelit tables, and fashion choices that echo a dark romance novel—lace gloves, pearl veils, and structured silhouettes. There’s a cinematic quality to it all, as if every detail belongs in a period drama filled with stolen glances and whispered vows.
If your vision leans towards the bold and evocative, now is the time to embrace it. Let’s explore how to weave these stunning trends into your wedding and create something truly unforgettable.
The Reign of Cherry Red
Cherry red is taking centre stage in the 2025 wedding scene, and it’s easy to understand why. This rich, bold hue exudes passion and romance, making it ideal for couples who want a dramatic and unforgettable celebration.
Why choose cherry red? It offers versatility, pairing beautifully with other deep tones like burgundy, purple, or black. It stands apart from the soft pastels that have long dominated weddings, offering a striking, modern alternative. Cherry red blends classic elegance with contemporary style, creating a wedding that feels both timeless and fresh.
You can introduce cherry red in many ways. A bouquet filled with dark red roses and dahlias immediately sets the tone. Brides can opt for a bold red lip, while grooms may wear a deep red suit for added style. In the reception, cherry red accents in table settings, wine glasses, or even the wedding cake create a cohesive theme.
This colour evokes warmth and intensity, creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Cherry red captures emotion and passion, making it the perfect choice for couples seeking a wedding full of romance and energy.
Velvet Everything in Every Season
Velvet is the texture of 2025, and for very good reason. I’m seeing a lot of velvet Prince Charlie jackets, tailored perfectly to go with Scottish grooms’ kilts, and I can’t help but drool over this combo! I consider myself a velvet connoisseur—a velvet aficionado, if you will. What’s even better? This trend is showing up in client mood boards for every season, including summer! Velvet is that versatile. It adds depth and richness to any wedding, taking it from simple to sensational. Velvet feels both elegant and timeless, yet has a modern sensibility that perfectly complements today’s wedding trends.
Why choose velvet? The fabric brings an undeniable sense of opulence and sophistication. Its rich texture catches the light in unique ways, creating a visual and tactile experience that is both comforting and striking. Velvet also pairs beautifully with dark, romantic colours like cherry red, deep purple, bottle green, or midnight blue, enhancing the mood of your wedding.
Incorporating velvet into your wedding design instantly upgrades the atmosphere. Velvet bridesmaid dresses add drama and depth, while velvet ribbons tied around bouquets or invitations provide a refined touch. Think of velvet table runners and rich, plush seating for your reception, inviting guests to relax in a space that feels both indulgent and intimate.
This tactile texture brings more than just visual appeal; it also contributes to a sense of warmth and luxury. Velvet invites people to feel the beauty of the wedding, making every moment more immersive and memorable.
Dark Florals & Moody Botanicals
Dark florals are redefining wedding aesthetics in 2025, bringing depth, drama, and a cinematic quality that feels both modern and timeless. Soft, pastel arrangements have dominated weddings for years, but couples are now leaning into richer, moodier palettes—deep burgundies, inky purples, and nearly black blooms that create an atmosphere of mystery and romance.
Why choose dark florals? They add instant sophistication and intrigue. Unlike light, airy arrangements, which evoke a sense of softness and tradition, moody florals create an immersive, almost storybook-like setting. They transform a space into something unforgettable—like a scene from a gothic novel or a painting from the Romantic era.
This aesthetic works beautifully across all seasons. In autumn and winter, dark florals enhance the natural richness of the landscape. In spring and summer, they create a striking contrast against bright, sunlit surroundings, making them feel even more dramatic. Paired with velvet textures, antique gold accents, or candlelit settings, they create a wedding atmosphere that feels intimate, cinematic, and deeply romantic.
Floral choices like black dahlias, deep red roses, and dark calla lilies offer striking visual impact. Cascading arrangements and wild, untamed bouquets feel natural yet intentional, evoking the kind of romance that lingers long after the last dance. If you want your wedding to feel like it belongs in a beautifully shot period film—moody, elegant, and unforgettable—dark florals are the perfect way to set the tone.
The Return of Dark Romance
Dark romance is making a bold comeback in 2025, bringing an air of mystery, passion, and cinematic elegance to weddings. It’s a shift away from light, airy aesthetics and a return to something richer—think candlelit ceremonies, dramatic florals, and fashion that feels timeless yet daring. This is for couples who want their wedding to feel like a beautifully written love story, filled with intensity and unforgettable moments.
If you’re drawn to this aesthetic, lean into it. Dark romance isn’t just about colour palettes—it’s about atmosphere. Deep reds, midnight blues, and black accents create a moody, intimate setting. Velvet textures, antique gold details, and cascading florals add layers of depth and drama. The right lighting—whether from candelabras, lanterns, or fairy lights—can transform a space into something out of a gothic novel or a period drama.
Fashion plays a key role in capturing this aesthetic. Brides can embrace lace, long sleeves, and statement veils, while grooms can opt for rich textures and deep-toned suits. Even small details—like handwritten vows sealed with wax or a dark, elegant wedding cake—can enhance the overall mood.
If this vision speaks to you, don’t hold back. A wedding should reflect who you are, and if your love story feels like it belongs in a grand, romantic film, then let that shine. Dark romance isn’t just a trend—it’s a statement, a feeling, and a celebration of love in its most passionate form.
Looking for more?
Check out these other amazing weddings form 2024!
Shannen & Katie – Glencoe
Lawrie & Ally – Isle of Kerrera
Rowen & Ottavia – Kilmartin Castle
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