A wedding is where you can truly let your creativity shine and celebrate with loved ones. If you're hosting your wedding at Chapman Hill, a stunning 17-acre venue near Jefferson, Georgia, you’ll want to stay ahead of the latest trends to create a memorable experience.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 20 wedding trends predicted to be big in 2025. From unique decor ideas to interactive experiences, these trends will ensure your wedding stands out!
1. Sustainable Weddings
More couples are making environmentally conscious decisions when planning their wedding. Opt for eco-friendly weddings by using biodegradable or recycled materials for decor, favors, or even choosing an event venue like Chapman Hill that embraces sustainable practices.
photo - @adampacephotography | florals -@jldesignsweddings | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
2. Interactive Food Stations
Rather than the traditional sit-down dinner, couples are opting for interactive food stations, allowing guests to customize their meals or try different cuisines. This trend creates a fun, social atmosphere at the reception.
photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | floral - designhouseofflowers | catering - @sugarandspice_cafe
3. Live Entertainment
Elevate your reception with live music or unique entertainment acts. A band, DJ, or even live performers can make the night unforgettable.
photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | entertainment - @The Retreat, Sam Hill entertainment @samhillentertainment
4. Non-Traditional Seating Arrangements
Break away from the traditional round tables and experiment with long banquet tables, lounge areas, or even floor cushions for a more relaxed, intimate vibe.
photo - @taylorhandtephotography | coordinator - Becky Anderson | floral - Faithworks Creative Design | catering - @thecateredkitchen
5. Personalized Touches
Personalize your decor with elements like monogrammed napkins, a time capsule for future anniversaries, or photo displays. These unique touches can make your wedding feel extra special and memorable for both you and your guests.
photo - @ae.videography.photography | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
6. Tech-Savvy Elements
Incorporate technology with tech-savvy features like digital guestbooks, interactive photo booths, or live-streaming capabilities for guests who can’t attend in person. These elements keep your reception modern and connected.
photo - @sabrinakthomasphotography | floral - @pannelldesigns_events | planning/coordination - @georgiadollevents | rentals - @barronsrentals | photobooth - @club_rett_weddings
7. Destination Weddings Close to Home
With some travel restrictions still in place, couples are opting for local venues that offer a destination feel. Chapman Hill, located in Jefferson, Georgia, near Athens, provides a beautiful, upscale farmhouse setting that feels like a getaway, without the need for extensive travel.
photo - @johnandkymcreativeco
8. Cocktail Hour Experiences
Take cocktail hour to the next level with interactive experiences like mixology classes, wine tastings, or craft beer stations. These activities allow guests to enjoy drinks while mingling and trying something new.
photo: Alexisann.photography Stanfill.photofilm | floral: @a.fancy.situation |
cocktail: @pourponymobilebar
9. Live Wedding Painting
Add a unique element to your wedding by hiring a live wedding painter. Artists like Cheryl Chastain Art or Tiffany Rose Art create stunning pieces during your wedding, and some even paint portraits of your guests! This makes for a memorable guest experience and a cherished keepsake
artist - @eventpaintingbyhaigen | photo - @bellanochephotography | planner - @bloomandivyweddings
10. Bold Color Schemes
Move away from traditional white and pastel palettes in favor of bold, vibrant color schemes that reflect your personality. Bright colors make a statement and can transform your reception space into something truly unique.
photo - @taylorhandtephotography | coordinator - Becky Anderson | floral - Faithworks Creative Design
11. Games and Activities
Entertain guests throughout the night with games and activities like lawn games, giant Jenga, or DIY crafting stations. These activities add a playful element to your wedding and keep guests of all ages engaged.
photo - @karahunter_photography | planner @georgiadollevents | kids events - @kiddiekeepers
12. Unique Tablescapes
Make your tablescapes stand out by incorporating unique elements like colored glassware, floral installations, or mix-and-match linens. These details add depth and texture, creating visually stunning tables that leave a lasting impression.
photo - @kaynicolephotography | planner - @georgiadollevents
13. Sustainable Decor Choices
Opt for reusable or biodegradable decor to make your wedding more environmentally friendly. Consider potted plants, second-hand tableware, or even using nature as part of your design—like Chapman Hill’s natural beauty.
photo - @k_p_photo | coordination - @georgiadollevents | floral - @bloomandivyweddings | HAMU - @lavenderluxebridal
14. Late-Night Snacks
Keep the energy going with a late-night snack bar. Think mini burgers, fries, or even a popsicle cart like King of Pops. This is a great way to keep guests energized after a night of dancing!
photo - @karahunter_photography | planner @georgiadollevents | popsicles - @kingofpops
15. Minimalist Wedding Cakes
Gone are the days of over-the-top wedding cakes. Minimalist cakes with sleek designs, simple icing, and fresh florals are trending for 2025. Consider incorporating local ingredients for an added personal touch.
cake- Jennifer Brader @zellscottagebakery | photography- Sabrina Thomas @sabrinakthomasphotography | florals- Katelynn Newton @knewtonwedding
16. Sustainable Fashion Choices
From eco-friendly wedding gowns to locally sourced suits, couples are increasingly opting for sustainable fashion choices. This reflects both personal values and stylish elegance.
photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | florals - @sheilsriveraweddings | planner - @lacecoweddings
17. Multicultural Celebrations
Couples are honoring their heritage and backgrounds by blending traditions from different cultures into their receptions. This can include food, music, or even ceremonies that represent both families.
photo: @austynseitzphotography | floral: @ruthiesflowers
18. Mood Lighting
Lighting can completely change the ambiance of your reception. For 2025, expect to see a lot of mood lighting like string lights, lanterns, and even chandeliers to create a romantic atmosphere.
photo - @sabrinakthomasphotography | floral - @pannelldesigns_events | planning/coordination - @georgiadollevents | rentals - @barronsrentals
19. Micro Weddings
With a focus on intimacy, micro weddings are here to stay. Smaller guest lists allow couples to spend quality time with each guest, while also focusing on high-quality details like food, decor, and entertainment. Our pavilion is a perfect place for an intimate wedding.
photo: @johnandkymcreativeco
20. Sustainable Invitations
Digital invitations or plantable paper invites are rising in popularity as couples look to reduce their environmental footprint. These modern invitations are eco-friendly without sacrificing style.
Planning Your Wedding at Chapman Hill
At Chapman Hill, we’re all about helping couples bring their wedding vision to life. Whether you’re inspired by sustainable weddings, live entertainment, or personalized touches, our versatile indoor and outdoor spaces offer endless possibilities. As you consider these 2025 trends, we encourage you to pick the ones that resonate with your unique love story.
When you’re ready to start planning, keep in mind some key questions to ask when booking a venue:
What’s included in the venue rental? This helps you plan your decor, lighting, and furniture needs.
Can the venue accommodate interactive experiences? Make sure there’s space for entertainment options like food stations, live painting, or games.
Is the venue equipped for tech-savvy features? Ask about Wi-Fi, sound systems, and space for live streaming or digital guestbooks.
If you’re looking for a venue near Jefferson, Chapman Hill is the perfect location to host your 2025 wedding. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn how we can help you create a wedding that exceeds all expectations!
Welcome to the Chapman Hill family!
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!