How to Weave Trends Into a Timeless Wedding

The truth is, it’s not an either-or decision. In fact, the most unforgettable weddings often live at the intersection of both – rooted in classic design, but sprinkled with enough fresh elements to ensure the celebration feels current.

In today’s ever-changing world, blending trends and timelessness thoughtfully is the key to creating a celebration that feels both of-the-moment and relevant for years to come.

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

Why Trends Matter

Trends offer a window into the present. They reflect what’s capturing our collective attention – whether it’s inspired by shifts in fashion, interiors, culture, or even how we communicate and connect with each other.

Perhaps it’s an unexpected color palette like butter yellow or dusty lavender, a free-form or deconstructed centerpiece, or a reception that is more about intimacy over formality, such as a cozy dinner party or a tucked away dessert lounge. These ideas infuse a wedding with creativity and individuality, and ultimately allow you to express your unique personalities and values.

Embracing a few trend-forward ideas can make your wedding feel connected to your moment in time, a visual and emotional reflection of your life together right now.

However, trends, by nature, evolve quickly. What’s inspiring today can feel dated a few seasons from now. That’s where timeless design anchors your event and ensures it will resonate from the planning stage to the day of – and long into your marriage.

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

Why Timelessness Endures

Classic design is built around principles of restraint, and longevity. It’s about thoughtful choices that feel just as beautiful 20 years from now as they do today.

Think of a ceremony held under the canopy of ancient oak trees; a table set with crisp white linens, delicate crystal, and calligraphed place cards. These details don’t chase trends and instead become a timeless canvas from which to create upon.

One important note is that timelessness doesn’t mean boring. It’s thoughtful. Intentional. Rooted in a quiet confidence, and it often doesn’t need embellishment to shine. When your design choices are timeless, your wedding photographs will feel just as stunning – and just as meaningful – when you’re sharing them with future generations as they did the day you married.

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

How to Blend Both Thoughtfully

The secret to marrying trends with timelessness lies in treating trends like accents, not the foundation. Build your celebration on a classic base, then layer in trend-forward elements in ways that feel playful, unexpected, and unique to you.

Here are a few ways to approach this concept:

The Dress Code:

Set an elegant tone with a black-tie or cocktail attire guideline, but invite a little fun. You might suggest guests add a playful accessory or a hint of animal print. Or maybe you want to curate a collection of colors for guests to choose from. It’s a subtle way to bring whimsy to the celebration while remaining sophisticated.

The Ceremony:

Maintain a classic format including the processional, readings, and vows, but personalize it with moments that reflect your story. Maybe you walk down the aisle to a Rihanna tune played on strings. Or you invite a grandparent to read from your favorite novel. These touches are unexpected, filled with meaning, and add individuality to a moment of tradition.

The Tablescape:

Begin with classic elements such as crisp white linens, vintage silver, and crystal glassware. Then layer in interest: a colorful menu, statement charger plate, or custom monogrammed napkins in a rich, unexpected hue. Even the shape of your place cards – organic, asymmetrical, or sculptural – can offer a trendy wink without overwhelming the table.

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

The Entertainment:

Host a traditional seated dinner, but open the dance floor with an unexpected performance, such as a gospel choir flanked by a variety of dancers, a vintage jazz band in full burlesque attire, or a curated playlist that fuses a blend of classic and modern music that every generation will enjoy.

The Stationery:

Choose timeless techniques like letterpress or engraving, but modernize the style with minimalist design, quirky hand lettering, or a playful palette. Think timeless craftsmanship meets unexpected whimsy.

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

When trend-forward touches are woven thoughtfully into a timeless foundation, the result is a wedding that feels fresh, elevated, and unmistakably yours.

In the End, Let Meaning Lead

At their core, trends and timeless design are not on the opposite ends of the spectrum. They serve different purposes. One brings freshness and whimsy; the other provides a sense of respect for tradition. But neither approach is as important as designing a day that truly reflects your style and who you are as a couple.

The most beautiful weddings – the ones that everyone remembers – are not just aesthetically impressive. They are deeply personal. They reflect your story, what you value, and how you want your loved ones to feel throughout the celebration.

When you lead with meaning, your wedding naturally becomes a seamless blend of on-trend and timeless. It will feel perfectly suited to your moment, but also capable of remaining relevant in the story of your marriage for decades to come.

Photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

In the end, the question isn’t: trendy or timeless? It’s: what matters most to you? Start there, and everything else will fall beautifully into place.

This story was originally published in the Summer 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. To order a copy of the Summer 2025 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings back issues available for purchase. For more ideas, find out what wedding registry items couples often forget and see popular wedding registry items!

Opening photo by Joel & Justyna; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events