This year in the world of weddings, expect the unexpected. In 2024, couples leaned into uniqueness more than ever – and 2025 is set to take that to the next level. While three-quarters of weddings still take place in traditional venues – think hotels, barns, country houses, castles, places of worship, and registry offices – a surprising 14% broke the mould, choosing locations like museums or iconic landmarks.
That doesn’t mean couples are opting for wacky themes. Most couples still want a classic, timeless wedding – but everyone wants it to feel personal. Whether that’s through the car, the day’s schedule, or the experience they’re creating, there’s no one-size-fits-all anymore.
To explore what’s driving this shift, we spoke to Andrew Underhill, Sales Manager at Phantom Hire, a nationwide luxury wedding car hire company that’s helped thousands of couples create unforgettable wedding experiences.
What’s behind this rise in individuality?
Andrew credits social media: “Our Instagram has over 35K followers and some of our TikToks rack up over half a million views. Couples are being constantly inspired – and that means traditional ideas get old fast.”
We asked Andrew to share the five biggest wedding trends he expects to see everywhere this year.
1. Matching Limos for the Bridal Party
With 21% of brides choosing barns, 15% going for country houses, 7% for stately homes, and 4% for castles, rural weddings are everywhere – which often means guests and bridal parties have to travel.
In response, more brides are arranging transport for their bridesmaids. It’s especially popular with budget-conscious brides who are also asking their bridesmaids to help with wedding setup. A luxury car ride is a thoughtful way to show appreciation – and it ensures everyone arrives on time, avoiding delays that could throw off the hair and makeup schedule.
“Since the Rolls-Royce Phantom is one of the UK’s most popular wedding cars, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Limo is our most popular wedding limo,” says Andrew.
“These are cars that were once reserved exclusively for royalty – and they’re two of the rarest cars in the world. In fact, there are only around three Phantom Limos in existence, so it’s a real sight to behold.”
2. Micro Weddings, Max Detail
Over a quarter of couples now opt for micro-weddings with under 50 guests. But don’t assume they’re all trying to save money.
“Couples often spend the same – just more intentionally. It becomes about experiences for the people who matter most,” says Andrew.
Think multi-day events, BBQs the day after, or custom-crafted details.
“You can be bolder, more relaxed, and more personal. You’re not trying to impress 200 people – it’s just your closest friends and family.”
3. Modern Cars, Elevated Experience
Vintage cars once ruled, but tastes are shifting. This shift reflects broader wedding photography trends. Brides now favour candid, natural, and traditional photography styles –
over vintage or dramatic “fine art” looks.
Modern wedding cars also offer better amenities. And as Andrew points out, the car isn’t just about the pictures – it’s about the experience.
“In a vintage car, you’re likely to have limited legroom – an issue if you’ve got a big, easy-to-crease wedding dress. You won’t get a fridge or built-in bar, and audio quality is poor or non-existent.”
A modern Rolls-Royce wedding car, by contrast, offers:
● Deep lambswool carpets and handcrafted interiors
● Extended legroom for even the biggest dresses
● Built-in champagne bars with electronic tables
● Studio-quality sound systems for playing your song
● Personalised displays (think photos of you and your bridal party)
4. Candid Videography
Gone are stiff, overly posed shots. Today’s couples want real, in-the-moment memories – especially to share on socials. That’s led to a boom in wedding videography, particularly for weddings with high-impact visual elements like listed countryside venues or million-pound wedding cars.
Andrew’s tip? Link your videographer with your other key suppliers.
“Make sure your videographer is in touch with the venue, your chauffeur, and anyone else playing a role in key moments. That way, they can coordinate – for example, with the chauffeur – so you get the perfect footage of your entrance and exit.”
5. Wed at One Venue, Party at Another
Having both the ceremony and reception at the same venue is still common – but more and more couples are choosing to separate the two.
Why? Because it lets them embrace tradition in one venue, and let loose in another. It also gives the day more structure and flow – guests aren’t left awkwardly standing around during room turnarounds.
“It gives the day rhythm,” Andrew says. “That break between ceremony and reception is perfect for photos, a quick wardrobe change, or just a moment to breathe.”
Bonus: You get twice the backdrop variety for photos and videos.
Is 2025 the year of your trend-setting wedding?
Explore all of 2025’s biggest wedding trends here.
About Phantom Hire
Established in 2003, Phantom Hire has swiftly become a pioneer in the wedding transport industry, operating the UK’s largest and most prestigious fleet of modern Rolls-Royces.
Phantom Hire has received nationwide recognition, having been praised in publications like The Mirror, Birmingham Live, and Wales Online, as well as supplying cars to major public events like the Commonwealth Games. The company has also earned a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.7/5 rating on Google Reviews.
Phantom Hire is even the chosen luxury car company of celebrities and aristocrats, having been called a "class act" by celebrity boxer Floyd Mayweather Junior and "fantastic" by Lord Haughey OBE. The wedding transport company is committed to giving every single client this same unparalleled standard of service, making couples feel like true VIPs on their wedding day.
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