CHÂTEAU JOLI

French-Inspired Wedding Venue located south of Fort Worth, Texas

fort worth weddings

2025 Wedding Trends You’ll Absolutely Love Near Fort Worth

by

Planning your 2025 wedding and want to know what’s hot (besides you and your fiance)? We’ve rounded up five of the biggest trends that’ll make your big day unforgettable. From bold choices to heartfelt touches, here’s what’s stealing the spotlight this year! 

Outdoor ceremony turf area with chairs neatly arranged in rows, featuring a detailed view of the elegant chair setup under the open sky.
Mary Hannah + Tommy
Photo: Kendrick Terrell Photography

1. Sustainability Is Sexy

Weddings are going green, and we’re not just talking about the floral arrangements. Couples are choosing eco-friendly everything—think recycled decor, digital RSVPs, and even plantable favors. Bonus points if your venue has solar panels or serves farm-to-table dishes!

Pro Tip: Donate leftover food to local shelters or go full eco-warrior with vintage rentals for that chic and sustainable vibe.

Guests mingling during cocktail hour on the covered patio, with weather shades down to create a cozy and wind-protected atmosphere.
Mary Hannah + Tommy
Photo: Kendrick Terrell Photography

2. Micro Weddings, Major Luxury

Fewer guests, bigger splurges. That’s the vibe for 2025 micro weddings. With smaller guest lists, couples are going all out with gourmet menus, stunning floral arrangements, and over-the-top guest experiences. Who wouldn’t love a wedding that feels like an exclusive VIP event?

Pro Tip: Invest in a boutique venue or high-end catering to create an unforgettable, intimate celebration. 

Luxurious and elegant decor for a micro wedding head table, adorned with intricate details and high-end floral arrangements.
Zanab + Samuel
Photo: Fawaz King Photography

3. Bold Colors Are Back

Bye-bye neutrals, hello color! Couples are embracing vibrant hues like jewel tones, bright neons, and earthy terracotta. Whether it’s in the flowers, decor, or even the wedding attire, bold colors are here to make your big day pop.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of personality with unexpected accents like emerald napkins or a burnt-orange bouquet.

A stunning flat lay showcasing bold-colored wedding theme details, including stationery, florals, and vibrant accessories.
Photo: R.A Claborn

4. Guest Experiences That Wow

In 2025, it’s all about entertaining your guests. Forget boring seating charts; think wine tastings, live food stations, or DIY bouquet bars. Weddings are becoming immersive events that leave your friends and family talking for years.

Pro Tip: Choose an activity that reflects you as a couple, whether it’s a s’mores bar or a live caricature artist.

A charming 'build your own bouquet' station set up on the covered patio, featuring fresh flowers and elegant decor for guests to enjoy.

5. Outdoor Elegance

Outdoor weddings are leveling up with chic setups that embrace the great outdoors. Imagine garden ceremonies, beachside receptions, or starlit dinners with cozy lounge areas. Nature is your backdrop, and it’s stunning.

Pro Tip: Amp up the romance with string lights, greenery installations, and a dreamy tent to keep things classy (and weather-proof).

Breathtaking outdoor ceremony site with lush, vibrant florals framing the aisle and altar, creating a stunning and elegant atmosphere.
Photo: The Lockharts Photography

Ready to make your wedding unforgettable? With these trends, your 2025 celebration will be modern, magical, and totally YOU. Now, let’s get planning! 🎉

First Look, First Touch, or Traditional Aisle Moment: Which is Right for Your Wedding?

by

One of the most exciting and emotional parts of a wedding day is that first moment when the bride and groom see each other. But the question remains: should you have a first look, opt for a more intimate first touch, or stick to the traditional reveal at the altar? Here’s a look at each option, along with the pros and cons to help you decide which might be the best fit for your wedding day.

A black-and-white close-up of a bride and groom under a veil, smiling at each other as they share an intimate moment.
Callie + Richard
Photo: Reilly Erin Photography

1. The First Look: A Private Reveal Before the Ceremony

A first look is when the couple shares a private, planned reveal before the ceremony, often in a scenic or sentimental spot. The first look has become a popular alternative to waiting until the altar, as it gives couples a chance to have a quiet moment together before the day’s festivities truly begin.

Pros:

  • Intimacy and Privacy: A first look allows couples to have a personal, intimate moment to soak in their feelings without a crowd watching. Many couples find it gives them a calm, emotional start to the day.
  • Eases Nerves: For many couples, seeing each other beforehand helps relieve pre-ceremony jitters, allowing them to feel more relaxed and present for the ceremony itself.
  • More Time for Photos: Having a first look frees up time for wedding portraits, giving you more flexibility in your timeline and ensuring you won’t miss cocktail hour.

Cons:

  • Less Traditional: Some couples feel that seeing each other before the ceremony breaks with the time-honored tradition of waiting for the moment at the altar.
  • Potentially Less Emotional: For some, the emotions of walking down the aisle can feel different if you’ve already seen each other. However, many couples still find the ceremony reveal special, even after a first look.
A bride and groom share a joyful first look outside Chateau Joli, surrounded by the venue's lush greenery and elegant architecture, capturing a moment full of love and anticipation.
Callie + Richard
Photo: Reilly Erin Photography

2. The First Touch: A Touching Alternative Without the Reveal

The first touch is a beautiful option for couples who want to share a private moment before the ceremony but still want to save the big reveal for the aisle. In a first touch, couples might stand back-to-back or hold hands around a door or wall, so they can talk, pray, or exchange letters without seeing each other.

Pros:

  • Emotional Connection Without the Reveal: A first touch lets couples connect and share a moment without sacrificing the traditional reveal at the ceremony.
  • Calming Moment: Many find it’s a comforting moment to calm nerves and feel connected to each other before the day begins.
  • Adds a Touch of Romance: Exchanging letters or vows during a first touch can add a deeply personal element to your wedding day, helping you feel even more grounded in your commitment.

Cons:

  • Requires Planning for Privacy: Finding the perfect spot for a first touch can require some logistical planning to ensure that the couple doesn’t accidentally see each other.
  • Limited Interaction: While a first touch allows for a shared moment, it doesn’t provide the same face-to-face interaction and emotional release that a first look might.
A bride and groom share an intimate first touch in the secret stairwell of Chateau Joli, their hands meeting around the corner as they exchange smiles and anticipation before the ceremony.
Regan + Grant
Photo: Yoder & Co

3. The Traditional Reveal at the Altar

The traditional moment of seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle remains a beloved choice for many couples. The grandeur, anticipation, and timelessness of this moment hold a special place in wedding traditions.

Pros:

  • Traditional and Timeless: The traditional reveal at the altar is often considered one of the most iconic wedding moments, with generations of couples sharing in this custom.
  • Pure, Emotional Reactions: The anticipation builds throughout the ceremony, often leading to a powerful emotional reaction when the couple finally sees each other at the altar.
  • Builds Excitement for Guests: Many guests eagerly await the couple’s first look at each other, making it a highlight of the ceremony.

Cons:

  • More Nerves: Some couples feel extra nervous without a first look to ease their jitters. Waiting until the ceremony can amplify the excitement, but also the anxiety.
  • Less Time for Photos Pre-Ceremony: Skipping a first look means squeezing in all portraits after the ceremony, which can extend the time between the ceremony and reception or limit time with guests.
A groom in a white tuxedo wipes away a tear during an emotional moment at an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by his groomsmen in black suits and bow ties.
Katrina + Sammy
Photo: Maclin Photo + Film

Which Option Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision depends on your personalities, preferences, and priorities for the day. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you want an intimate, private moment together before the ceremony? If so, a first look might be a great choice for you.
  • Do you want to save the reveal for the ceremony while still having a moment to connect? A first touch can give you both an emotional moment to ground yourselves before the ceremony.
  • Do you love the idea of waiting until the aisle to see each other for the first time? Sticking to the traditional reveal at the altar can provide that classic, cinematic moment that many couples treasure.

Each option brings something unique to the wedding experience, and there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s all about what feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple. Whether you choose a first look, a first touch, or wait for that special moment at the altar, your wedding day will be beautiful, memorable, and filled with love.

Thank you so much for stopping by out blog!! We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues to increase awareness. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. Here are a few locally owned venues to consider checking out: The Vineyard at St. Charles, Kindred Carolina Beach, and Within Sodo.