It’s that time of year again: when the PartySlate team spends weeks scouring hundreds of new event albums, learning what’s new in fashion and interior design, and brushing up on pop culture phenomena. We put everything else on hold in service of bringing you the very best trends and ideas for the New Year.
We are ready for the weddings, galas, corporate events, and more events in 2025 — and with our list, you will be too. Read on to find out the newest twist on floral design, the color that you’ll see everywhere, how weddings are mimicking fashion shows, which feathered detail is flying its way into décor, and so much more.
We revel in the sheer joy that comes from people gathering to celebrate. And we want to make your 2025 celebration the most memorable yet. Come back to PartySlate to find your perfect venue and vendor team and get ideas and advice for your upcoming wedding or party.
PartySlate shares more expertise, helpful tips, and stunning photos in PartySlate Weddings: A Keepsake Planner. Click here to purchase the book.
1. Sage Green
Fall ushers in vibrant hues before winter shifts wedding colors to deeper jewel tones, but sage green is a color for all seasons. It is subtle and classic but not overused. It plays nicely with other shades and lends elegance to every palette.
Los Angeles, CA
This Princess and the Frog-inspired Quinceañera went all-in on sage with luxurious draping, custom furniture, and lots of greenery. The visionary team at conjured an elegant Southern tableau.
Strathmere, NJ
This vibrant vintage-style wedding featured an open-air tent which made the most of its water views. Winding tables with wishbone chairs from were decked out with a variety of sage linen from BBJ La Tavola for a playful aesthetic.
2. Overgrown Greenery
With forest weddings trending in searches by soon-to-be married couples, it makes sense that we are seeing more and more (and even more) greenery at weddings and events. The trend takes lush to a whole new level — overhead, flowing off the ends of tables, and more — enveloping guests in natural beauty.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
This Palm Springs-inspired wedding evoked a lush desert landscape with florals and brush flanking the winding wood plank aisle. Natural elements like woven bamboo furthered the elegant earthy vibe.
Los Angeles, CA
This event evoked the moodiness of New Orleans with fern and moss “growing” upwards and cascading down over sage drapery. The lush greenery enveloped guests in a sense of place — far from the towering palm trees of its locale.
New York, NY
This indoor forest wedding from proves that you don’t need fresh air for a fresh affair. The urban setting is an unexpected locale for such a lush vision, which the team brought to every tabletop with unique woodsy greenery.
3. Dinner & a Show
The idea of dinner paired with a live show isn’t new, but at weddings and parties, those elements are usually separated — a seated meal followed by guests standing at the edge of the dance floor to watch a a performance. We love that, recently, we’ve been seeing more wow entertainment moments unfold during dinner, allowing every guest a good view from a comfortable spot.
Indio, CA
This Broadway-loving couple was surprised by a medley that included songs from Hamilton, Wicked, Kinky Boots and more — all with custom lyrics to honor their love. The dinner performances, including creative drag queen interpretations of their favorite shows, delighted guests at the four-day affair.
Aspen, CO
This Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding featured memorable entertainment moments, including the roaming, stilted Queen of Hearts who towered over guests during dinner. The top planners at Bliss Productions ensured that every whimsical detail evoked the joy and wonder of the day.
4. Runway Ceremonies
Fashion runways naturally direct all eyes towards the models showing the latest styles, so it makes perfect sense to create a runway aisle to direct all guests’ attention to a dramatic wedding entrance. It’s a creative and chic layout.
Tabernacle, NJ
This wedding’s combination of stark black seating and white florals flanking its runway aisle is style personified. The ceremony’s elegance carried over to the richly appointed reception.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
This luxurious all-white ceremony’s runway aisle is a standout feature with its mirrored floor reflecting and enhancing the grandeur of the surroundings. The aisle is both functional and a statement centerpiece of this memorable multi-day wedding.
5. Iridescent is Back
We are so happy that iridescent is showing up at events again. The complex hue is at once pink, blue, purple — and always shiny. In short, it makes every party feel more festive.
Los Angeles, CA
This first anniversary party brought iridescent glamour to every element, from the towering welcome arch to the lighting, menus, and even dance floor. John & Joseph Photography captured every shiny moment, including the cake which recreated the iridescent vibe in frosting form.
Strathmere, NJ
The iridescent chargers at this vibrant wedding brought playfulness to this elegant tablescape, and mimicked the water views with their undulations.
6. White Wedding Tents, Reimagined
White weddings are as classic as it gets. And tents have been serving as chic event settings for a long while. But savvy couples are reimagining both with clever twists on tradition.
Santa Susana, CA
Images By Lighting created a unique vision by leveraging projection mapping to display a pattern onto this towering tent. The team took a blank white surface and transformed it with light against mountains and the night sky.
Punta Mita, Mexico
This oceanfront wedding was the epitome of elegance, with cream and sand tones mixed with rich greenery. However, the pleated draping on the ceiling of the waterside tent is a wow factor unlike any we’ve seen.
7. Playful Place Settings
“There will be more focus on textures, colors, and patterns to help subtly tie together event themes, especially through linen options,” says Julie Walter of Paramount Events, a top caterer and part of The Paramount Group. At PartySlate, we are seeing a trend toward maximalist tabletops, blending patterns and hues with abandon — and we love the joyful vibe.
Miami Beach, FL
Every element on the table of this bright wedding created a cheerful aesthetic. From the bright red tassels and striped ribbon to the stacked chargers and plates that offer rounded shapes to offset the sharp stripes on the tabletop.
Richmond, VA
Something Vintage Rentals ensured that every table at this midsummer party had its own unique vibe. Each setting is a study in maximalism beauty with opposing patterns and vintage accoutrement that work together for unique and varied aesthetics.
8. Stripes & More Stripes
Fashion has ushered in the era of stripes. Classic on their own, stripes can create a preppy vibe or a dramatic vision. Mix stripes with other patterns for an aesthetic that is all your own. Stripes might be the most versatile print we’ve seen.
Indio, CA
Black and white palettes are always in style and this striped tent embodies joyful elegance. The grooms’ classic tuxedos further the pairing, which was rounded out by rich greens and peach florals.
Los Angeles, CA
This delightful summer birthday party took its cue from Mother Nature, with lemon hues infusing every detail. The striped, billowing drapery complemented the striped linen, both of which created a playful vibe. Don’t miss the lively puppy petting zoo and roller rink.
Houston, TX
This milestone birthday featured a lush palette of rich red, deep cerise, and stark black. Striped cocktail and dinner menus brought vibrant color to the bar and tabletops at the elegant affair.
9. Birds Are the New Butterflies
Birds have long been symbols of hope, peace, and love so it makes sense that they have flittered their way into event design. From linen and china to bar-fronts and even bridal gowns, sweet little birds are bringing their whimsy to weddings and parties all over the country.
Nantucket, MA
Pops of periwinkle and lime green marry perfectly at this seaside wedding in Nantucket. In addition to a few nautical nods in the place cards and desserts, tiny birds flit among florals on the fanciful linen to complete the vintage preppy aesthetic.
Philadelphia, PA
This maximalist wedding mixed colorful florals and block print designs with abandon — to beautiful effect. We especially love the happy birds “perched” on the dinnerware and custom bar.
Los Angeles, CA
This garden wedding from Mindy Weiss Party Consultants brought nature into its glassed-in reception with garlands of greenery suspended over tables festooned with bright florals. The custom-made cocktail bar featured hand-painted flowers and ethereal hummingbirds perched or mid-flight. Don’t miss the Taylor Swift-themed afterparty.
10. Pour-Over Cocktails
These cocktails follow the same principals as steeping tea or making pour-over coffee — and they are a show-stopper. Cocktail caterers are taking glass cones filled with dried flowers, herbs, and/or fruit then pouring liquor through the botanicals for naturally-flavored cocktails. These sips often feature bright colors infused by the specific combination of botanicals used.
Chester, PA
This fairytale wedding wowed with unique décor and creative cocktails. Guests were able to see their cocktails infused live, resulting in vibrant hot pink sips. Click to see the unique floral ceiling installations from Fresh Designs: Flora and Events that launched trends earlier in the year.
New York, NY
PartySlate hosted this corporate gathering, partnering with the renowned team at Abigail Kirsch Catering for wow-worthy fare — and they did not disappoint. Their food and drink stations included a citrus station called Zest + Zing with orange-infused espresso martinis created by a live pour-over, resulting in rich flavors and a beautiful display.
11. Living Room Lounges
We love how making lounge spaces a priority at an event makes guest connection a priority too, as the setups make it easy to sit and talk. “One trend is clear: couples are embracing cozy, semi-permanent lounge setups that bring a living-room ambiance into wedding venues,” shares Manny Martinez and of Event Source | Panache Events.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
This wedding gathering made guests feel at home with luxury design, custom furniture, décor, and draping — all of which worked together to create a welcome aesthetic. We love how the sectionals allow big groups to gather in a more casual way.
Cleveland, OH
“Guests gravitate toward spaces that invite relaxation and mingling, featuring stylish arrangements of plush sofas, accent chairs, layered rugs, and elegant side tables. These setups not only add warmth but also create designated areas for guests to connect, offering a unique balance of sophistication and comfort,” says Jessa Hochman of Event Source | Panache Events.
12. Gallery Walls as Seating Charts
Place cards have undergone an evolution over the years. From tables of escort cards (as it was when I got married 26 years ago) to calligraphic seating charts to even more creative installations like place cards suspended from trees or seating assignments as garnishes for full glasses of Champagne. And all of those are still going strong, but we love the new, very personal, direction the trend is taking now: gallery walls.
Tabernacle, NJ
We adore how personal and engaging this travel-themed place card wall is, not to mention its very on-trend shade sage green (see above). The installation is part art, part travelogue, and all chic.
Napa, CA
This gallery wall feels a bit like home. It’s as if you’re in a friend’s elegant living room viewing their favorite new art. This seating assignment display is elegant and minimal and perfectly complements the clean, modern design of this whole Napa event.
13. Photo Rooms
Photo backdrops, photo booths, roaming photographers with digital backdrops? Yes to all. But also, how about a small room dedicated to the art? We are loving these decked-out spaces meant for poses and kisses and joy.
Indio, CA
This curated photo room is simple and elegant. The draping in back frames the subjects, while the draping in front makes it feel like you’re sneaking a peek in. We adore how the lighting is both decorative and functional.
Miami, FL
The Major Food Events Space provided the perfect glamorous, jewel-toned spaces for this corporate gathering held by PartySlate. Curate Entertainment played host to this photo room — a luxurious vision in red decked out with florals perfect for posing.
14. “Carry-In” Catering
Yes, you can serve fare on plates, it works. But think about how handy take-out containers are for holding and eating. Consider theming the containers to your event, utilizing your palette or design, or adding personalization like a quote or monogram. Or imagine coordinating containers with the type of fare: Chinese take-out boxes, mini pizza boxes, and so on.
Houston, TX
For this birthday party, guests enjoyed bites from chic striped (again, trend alert) takeaway boxes personalized with “Danielle is 34.” They also dined from mini pizza boxes and ate treats from little bakery boxes.
Beverly Hills, CA
Friends and family at this sweet baby shower enjoyed all manner of beautiful bites — from stacks of little pancakes to miniature bowls of Caesar salad, each with its own tiny bottle of dressing. Containers sported the party’s pretty pink palette and the messaging: “Welcome to Karina’s Baby Shower.”
15. Down the Rabbit Hole Dance Floors
Black and white is an ever-popular event palette, always trending in search and creating stark modern vibes. Checkered dance floors have long centered elegant events of all kinds. But now, we are seeing new takes on the trend, with dance floors that demand attention with illusions and creative patterns.
Los Angeles, CA
The bold black and white palette for this milestone birthday extended from the tabletops to the stage and onto the dance floor (and even the tiered cake). Stripes mixed with checks and there were swirls and clashes of patterns that added visual interest at every turn.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
This Alice in Wonderland-themed Bat Mitzvah celebration had creative details galore. From the oversized playing cards and giant mushroom art installations to the black-and-white checkered dance floor, which gave the illusion of a swirling hole to allude to the rabbit hole that main character Alice fell into.
16. Live Engravings
Last year we noted that personal gifting was on the rise, at corporate events in particular. Going into 2025, we’re still seeing personalization, especially live engraving. Live favor creation acts as both entertainment and a beautiful reminder of your special event.
Los Angeles, CA
At this beauty product launch for the LAWLESS brand, guests not only enjoyed a glam room and curated photo spots, but also engraved party favors. Partygoers were able to personalize their cosmetics with their name or other messaging.
Houston, TX
This birthday party for a little fashionista combined luxury and whimsy and allowed tiny guests to “shop” with “money” named after the birthday girl. Personalization options allowed for engraved passport books, gold embossed purses, and more.
17. Holistic Energy Elements
Holistic practices focus on the whole to create positive, calming energy. We’re seeing more centering activations and décor details at all kinds of events from corporate gatherings to weddings. Crystals, guided meditation, sound baths, nature-inspired elements, aura photo booths, and more are garnering interest.
Los Angeles, CA
This boho-chic pop-up centered around a sound bath for a calming good time. Guests sat on leather and knit Moroccan poufs under conical tents surrounded by lush California greenery before dining al fresco on fresh fare like nigiri and ripe fruit.
Washington, DC
This wedding featured spiritual elements at every table with pink crystals to infuse love into the affair, white for meditative calm, blue for truth, and so on. Guests also enjoyed an aura photo booth and an infinity dance floor.
18. Varsity Chic
Most sports are loud, primary-colored affairs. But the trend we are calling “varsity chic” honors the gamesmanship of time-honored traditions but makes it elegant. We’re talking vintage high school-themes and events that evoke a sport in pastel hues or florals.
Los Angeles, CA
This dreamy wedding was followed by an afterparty at “Rydell High” featuring a custom milkshake bar with a Taylor Swift tie-in, trophy displays, mirrored décor, lockers, monogrammed robes, and a disco DJ booth. The brides donned letterman jackets and danced all night.
Newburyport, MA
This Palm Beach-inspired 50th soirée featured pink pastel florals, linen, dinnerware, and more. Sporting elements were delicately and elegantly worked into the chic design — pink tennis balls, pastel ping pong tables, custom cookies in the shapes of tennis skirts and racquets, and more.
19. Potted Plants & Trees
Eco-conscious events have been in fashion for a while. From locally-sourced fare and LEED-certified venues to post-party food and flower donations, couples and hosts are attempting to minimize their event’s footprint on our planet. Live potted plants and trees are the next step in this march toward beautiful sustainability. Plus, many couples are replanting their wedding décor in their own yard to enjoy for years to come.
Los Angeles, CA
This garden wedding celebrated the happy couple — and Mother Nature. A mix of potted flowers and plants flanked the aisle, arch, and tabletops, and mixed beautifully with natural rattan elements.
Falmouth, MA
Winston Flowers perfectly executed the sophisticated boho aesthetic of this Berkshire wedding. Verdant potted greenery and soft blooms complemented the ocean blue linen and custom bar for a serene scene.
20. Color, Maximized
A riot of colorful florals all mixed together makes for elegant whimsy. We’re talking a lot of hues, not in the ordered ombré of past year, but mixed with abandon into a tableau that would make Mother Nature proud. This maximalist approach to event décor feels both well-considered and free-spirited all at once.
Rancho Valencia, Baja California, Mexico
This lush wedding immersed guests in bright pinks, sunny yellows, and vibrant purples. Cascading floral arrangements intermingled overhead with chandeliers and were grounded below by rich navy seating.
New York, NY
This colorful South Asian wedding managed to create such a captivating vision that it rivaled the rooftop views of Manhattan. The ceremonial arch was an explosion of vivid hues and the tabletops featured florals of varying shades and species that created a festive feel.
21. Vintage Glassware & Serveware
Vintage glassware adds a unique charm and character to events. Intricate designs, vibrant colors, and nostalgic appeal evoke a sense of elegance and individuality, perfect for creating memorable wedding and party aesthetics.
Richmond, VA,
This midsummer party not only featured playful place settings in our trend above, but also vintage glass- and serveware. In fact, PartySlate’s own in-house event planner has shared that silver trays are once again popular for serving cocktails and appetizers.
Houston, TX
“We are seeing a trend in glassware such as vintage speakeasy Nick and Nora glasses used for Martinis and specialty cocktails,” shares Cheryl Rebsch of Any Occasion Tents & Events. She notes that glam is overtaking rustic as a preferred style and that this glassware is part of that trend.
22. Love Story Menu
“An evening filled with endless food, drinks, and revelry is a top priority, with party-centric weddings rising for 2025,” shares Kori Carter Gillespie of The Catered Affair. “The culinary experience is three-dimensional, a journey of the couple’s tastes, preferences, and shared experiences. Imagine this: that unforgettable first date meal, now transformed into bite-sized wonders, offering a charming peek into the couple’s unique love story.”
Chicago, IL
PartySlate’s own head of consumer marketing chose a love story menu for her elegant wedding. Hamburgers reflect the couple’s shared quest to find the best burgers in Chicago. Buns branded with the couple’s initials were served alongside crisp fries and icy cold glass bottles of soda.
23. Rattan Accents
Rattan is a beautiful décor addition with a natural, earthy vibe that complements a range of themes, from boho to tropical or whimsical. Its woven texture adds visual interest, while its lightweight and versatile design make it ideal for furniture, chandeliers, chargers, and centerpieces. Plus, it is eco-friendly and sustainable, fitting right in with modern event trends.
Los Angeles, CA
The luxurious seaside vibe of rattan tied together every element of this garden oasis wedding. From the chic arches on the bar-fronts and backs to the lighting overhead, the pale, woven palm added to the charm of this verdant affair.
Santa Susana, CA
This garden wedding featured multiple scenery changes, from the airy nuptials to dinner in a draped white tent with on-trend sage design elements then to an emerald green-draped indoor dance party and again to a moody, club-style after-party. The light rattan chairs set a bright mood for the ceremony and dinner.
Strathmere, NJ
This seaside affair added a tropical preppy aesthetic with rattan design touches, like the chic supports for these wooden tables. The natural wood elements add warmth.
24. Modern Lace
Lace is making a comeback — but not the frilly doily lace of your grandmother’s don’t-touch-anything living room. Rather, this incarnation features sophisticated lace prints on linen, cakes, bar-fronts, swag, and more.
Richmond, VA
This luncheon encouraged guests to wear their wedding dresses again — and the décor fit the theme, with several lacy elements including a tiered cake with an intricate lace-like design.
Hedsor, England
This vintage-style garden reception featured a timeless aesthetic in cream and white. The lace-print linen added elegance and interest to every tabletop.
25. Dreamy Drapery Installations
Drapery has gone dreamy. It’s not blocking out light or hiding an unattractive wall; instead light, gauzy fabrics are being draped from ceilings to soften rooms and create a fanciful vision. Celebrity event planner, Mindy Weiss of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants shared, “We’re seeing a lot of draping with what I would call ‘pick-ups’ — it’s much more romantic, it’s not straight. You can make it billowy.”
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
This glamorous multi-day wedding featured bespoke décor, like the undulating drapery suspended from the ceiling, giving the sprawling space a feeling of intimacy and elegance.
Chicago, IL
Draping panels of sheer fabric brings an ethereal vibe to this contemporary wedding, softening the space and defining the dance floor.
featured event agency
HANA APRIL INC.
Hana April Inc. is highly regarded as a luxury creative agency specializing in bespoke event management, floral design, and experiential activations. Known for their innovative and bold approach, the team emphasizes crafting immersive, high-end experiences for its clients. An inclusive ethos enables Hana April Inc. to provide fresh, globally-inspired perspectives in their designs and interactions. photographer: Jessi Lo Photography
featured entertainment
ZANADU GROUP
The Zanadu Group, based in South Florida, has gained a reputation for providing exceptional live music and entertainment for weddings and events. They boast a versatile selection of musicians and performers, catering to various styles and are particularly well-known for dynamic performances blending current hits with timeless classics. Clients appreciate their seamless event execution and diverse music options. photographer: Sebastian Cuenca