Podcast Summary: The Who What Wear Podcast – "WWW Weddings 2025: The Definitive Guide to This Year’s Bridal Fashion and Wedding Planning Trends"

Release Date: July 30, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "WWW Weddings 2025: The Definitive Guide to This Year’s Bridal Fashion and Wedding Planning Trends," Who What Wear's co-founder and Chief Content Officer, Hilary Kerr, hosts a comprehensive discussion on the latest trends in bridal fashion and wedding planning. Joining her are Kristen Nichols, Associate Director of Special Projects, and Anna Laplaca, Senior Fashion Editor. The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of weddings, blending timeless elegance with modern innovations.

Bridal Fashion Trends

Kristen Nichols opens the discussion by reflecting on the Spring 2026 Bridal Fashion Week in New York, highlighting key trends shaping the bridal industry this year.

• Timeless Elegance and Archival Looks: Kristen notes a significant return to classic styles, emphasizing "timeless pieces" and "unique, rare vintage" elements. She reminisces about last year's trends, mentioning the popularity of "drop waists" and "archival looks" that attracted brides seeking "unique, rare vintage pieces" (03:26).

• Chiffon Capes and Modern Accessories: There's a resurgence of "chiffon capes," which Kristen connects to broader fashion movements. She points out, “these chiffon capes... reinterpret in a very modern way" (05:12). This trend mirrors the ready-to-wear fashion industry's move towards "flowy movement" pieces.

• Grand Gowns and Voluminous Skirts: Kristen highlights the comeback of "grand gowns with voluminous skirts," drawing inspiration from 1980s glamour. She cites Anthony Vaccarello's runway shows as a prime example, stating, “they create a very impactful, maximalist moment that can also be very romantic” (05:39).

• 1950s and Mid-Century Inspirations: Many bridal designs this season channel 1950s and early 1960s aesthetics. Kristen references designers like Emelia Wickstead and Anne Bargery, who incorporate "lace sleeves and high turtlenecks" reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s iconic 1956 wedding gown (06:34).

Notable Quote:

“We're seeing a lot of looking back in fashion overall and in the bridal space specifically as well.” – Kristen Nichols (07:34)

Emerging and Established Bridal Designers

The discussion transitions to highlighting prominent and emerging bridal designers making waves in 2025.

• Established Designers: Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, and Danielle Frankel remain favorites among brides. Kristen emphasizes Frankel’s role in setting "directional bridal style" with her "editorial" and "avant-garde" designs (09:00).

• Newcomers to Watch: Kristen introduces Lean, Wiederhoeft, and Tanner Fletcher as up-and-coming brands carving out unique spaces in the bridal market. These designers are noted for their "beautiful, custom pieces" and "experimental directions” (09:00).

• Vintage and Archival Boutiques: Shops like Tab Vintage and Happy Isles are gaining traction, catering to brides seeking "unique and rare" vintage pieces. Kristen mentions that many brides are sourcing dresses for the entire wedding weekend from such boutiques (10:16).

Notable Quote:

“Danielle Frankel... continues to be the most coveted dress designer in the bridal space.” – Kristen Nichols (09:00)

Wedding Planning Trends

Anna Laplaca shifts focus to broader wedding planning trends, informed by conversations with top industry experts.

• Stationery Revival: There is a notable shift towards classic, luxurious wedding invitations inspired by the 1950s. Features include "thick, buttery ivory paper," "deep letterpress printing," and "wax seals," moving away from digital save-the-dates to more tangible, keepsake invites (19:57).

• Mood and Aesthetics: Weddings are adopting richer, moodier color palettes such as "oxidized copper," "French navy," "mossy green," and "oxblood." Floral arrangements are leaning towards "structural and contemporary" designs, including ikebana-inspired and sculptural flowers (20:09).

• Personalization: Planners emphasize individualized touches, from "monogrammed robes for guests" to "handwritten notes at each place setting." These personal elements enhance the guest experience and make the event more memorable (27:12).

Notable Quote:

“Personalization... is something that's so thought through that you might even want to keep it.” – Anna Laplaca (20:09)

Decor and Design Details

The episode delves into specific decor trends that are elevating wedding aesthetics.

• Draping: A universal trend, draping is used to create dramatic canopies or enhance tablescapes. Depending on the execution, draping can evoke "elegance and 1950s nostalgia" with "crisp pleating" and "ivory tones" (25:43).

• Personalized Elements: From custom embroidery on linens to curated guest experiences, personalization remains at the forefront. Examples include "embroidery on tea towels" and "personalized gifts" that add unique touches to the decor (26:07).

Notable Quote:

“Draping... can range from dramatic canopies to enhanced tablescapes.” – Anna Laplaca (25:43)

Food and Beverage Trends

Anna Laplaca explores the innovative trends in wedding catering and presentation.

• Food as Design: The presentation of food is becoming as important as the taste, inspired by fashion's emphasis on aesthetics. Trends include "oversized wedding carts," "grazing tables," and "structural floral arrangements" with food items (27:54).

• Collaborative Creations: Collaborations between fashion designers and food artists, such as Loewe and Lila Gohar, are creating unique culinary experiences that double as visual art (28:00).

Notable Quote:

“Food as design is probably one of the bigger ones that I'm noticing.” – Anna Laplaca (28:00)

Venue Choices and Destination Weddings

The conversation turns to the evolving preferences in wedding venues.

• Immersive Natural Settings: Couples are favoring venues that offer cinematic and immersive experiences, such as stone quarries in Menorca, vineyards in Tuscany, and mountainous regions like Montana and Jackson Hole (23:39).

• Intimate Residences: There’s a rising trend in hosting weddings at private villas or ranches, providing an intimate atmosphere while still offering grandeur and uniqueness (24:45).

• Personalization in Venues: Whether remote or home-based, venues are chosen for their ability to reflect the couple’s personality and create memorable experiences (25:33).

Notable Quote:

“Remote and rugged is the new romantic.” – Anna Laplaca (25:14)

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Kristen Nichols teases an upcoming episode featuring Anna Escalante, Who What Wear's Associate Features Editor, who will explore the hunt for the perfect plus-size wedding gown, emphasizing inclusivity in the bridal market.

Notable Quote:

“She’s going to be trying on dresses and boutiques and speaking to stylists and designers about inclusivity in the bridal market.” – Kristen Nichols (29:20)

Summary

This episode of The Who What Wear Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of the latest trends in bridal fashion and wedding planning for 2025. By blending classic inspirations with modern innovations, the bridal industry is embracing both nostalgia and forward-thinking designs. From timeless dresses and personalized wedding elements to immersive venue choices and food as design, couples are curating weddings that are both elegant and uniquely reflective of their personalities.

Key Takeaways:

• Bridal Fashion: A blend of timeless elegance with modern twists, including vintage-inspired gowns and grand, voluminous skirts.
• Wedding Planning: Emphasis on luxurious, personalized stationery and mood-rich aesthetics.
• Decor Trends: Dramatic draping and personalized decor elements enhance the romantic atmosphere.
• Culinary Innovations: Food presentation is becoming an art form, with collaborative and oversized displays.
• Venue Preferences: A mix of immersive natural settings and intimate, personalized residences cater to diverse couple preferences.

For listeners eager to stay ahead in the wedding and bridal fashion space, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable tips to create unforgettable wedding experiences.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided from the "WWW Weddings 2025" episode of The Who What Wear Podcast. For the full conversation, subscribe and listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform.