A Guide to the Latest Wedding Trends

Weddings aren’t what they used to be (and that’s a good thing). Couples today are ditching the cookie-cutter traditions and putting their own spin on every detail, from the venue vibes to the jewelry that seals the deal. 

While personal taste is always king (or queen), keeping an eye on the trends can provide some amazing inspiration. You don't have to follow them blindly, but seeing what's out there might just spark the perfect idea for your big day.

In this guide, we’re exploring the latest wedding trends, from the engagement rings for women that are stealing the show to the styles you might want to skip. We’ll cover what’s hot in ring design, the overall aesthetic shifts happening in weddings right now, and how to choose pieces that you'll cherish for a lifetime. So grab a coffee (or a mimosa), and let’s find some inspiration.

Engagement Ring Trends: What's In?

Engagement ring trends are getting a major glow-up this year. Think modern twists on timeless styles, unexpected details, and designs that make a statement without saying a word.

Bezel Settings

If you haven't heard of bezel settings yet, prepare to fall in love. A bezel setting features a metal rim that completely encircles the stone, holding it securely in place. It’s a departure from the traditional prong setting you see on most rings, offering a sleek, modern vibe that’s incredibly chic.

Sure, it looks amazing, but it’s also built for real life. Because the metal surrounds the stone, it’s super secure, which is perfect for active lifestyles. You won't have to worry about snagging your ring on your favorite sweater or bumping it at the gym. It’s the ideal blend of form and function.

Discover Our Bezel Engagement Rings

Toi et Moi Rings

The "Toi et Moi" (French for "You and Me") style is having a major moment right now. These rings feature two stones set side by side, symbolizing two souls becoming one. It’s incredibly romantic, isn't it? While the style has been around for centuries (Napoleon Bonaparte famously gave one to Josephine in 1796), recent celebrity endorsements (looking at you, Megan Fox and Ariana Grande) have skyrocketed its popularity.

What makes this trend so special is how personal it can be. You can mix stone shapes, sizes, and even types. Pair a pear cut with an emerald cut, or mix a clear stone with a colored gem. It’s a fantastic way to represent both partners' unique personalities in one cohesive design.

Hidden Halos

If understated glam is your thing, the hidden halo might just be your new obsession. Unlike a traditional halo, where a circle of smaller stones surrounds the top of the center stone, a hidden halo sits beneath it. It’s generally not visible from the top down, but when you tilt your hand, you catch a glimpse of that extra brilliance from the side profile.

It’s a subtle twist on the classic halo, offering extra shimmer without being overpowering. It’s perfect for someone who wants a ring that looks classic at first glance but reveals intricate, modern details upon closer inspection.

Gold Rings are Back

For a while, it felt like white gold and platinum ruled the world. But lately, we’ve seen a massive resurgence of classic gold rings. There’s something so warm and rich about yellow gold. It complements so many different skin tones and offers a timeless, vintage-inspired feel that somehow feels fresh again.

Whether you’re going for a solitaire or something more elaborate, gold pairs beautifully with both modern and classic stone cuts. It adds a layer of luxury and nostalgia that’s hard to beat.

Elongated Cuts (Oval, Pear, Emerald)

Move over, round brilliant. Elongated cuts are taking center stage. Shapes like oval, pear, and emerald are trending heavily, and for good reason. These cuts create an optical illusion of length, making the finger appear more slender and elegant. Plus, because of their shape, they usually appear larger than round stones of the same carat weight.

• Oval: This is for the bride who loves a classic look but wants a tiny twist. It has the brilliance of a round cut, but the unique shape makes it stand out.

• Pear: Shaped like a teardrop, the pear cut is a unique and vintage-inspired style. It’s for the bold trendsetter who isn't afraid to be different.

• Emerald: With its step-cut facets and long lines, the emerald cut screams Art Deco elegance. It’s sophisticated, understated, and incredibly stylish.

Wedding Day Trends: Beyond the Ring

Your ring is just the beginning. The trends we’re seeing in jewelry are actually part of a much bigger aesthetic shift in weddings overall. Couples are moving away from run-of-the-mill ceremonies and embracing days that feel authentic and intentional.

Sustainable and Mindful Weddings

Sustainability has evolved from a concept to a commitment, and it’s transforming the wedding world. We’re seeing a huge rise in eco-conscious weddings. Couples are ditching single-use plastics, opting for digital invites to save paper, choosing locally sourced flowers, and ensuring their jewelry is ethically sourced.

This connects deeply with our ethos here at Modern Gents. We believe you shouldn't have to compromise your values to get a beautiful ring. Providing affordable, conflict-free options is our way of helping you start your marriage on a foundation of mindfulness and care, for each other and the planet.

Intimate "Micro-Weddings"

Gone are the days when you felt obligated to invite your second cousin twice removed who you haven't seen since you were five. The shift from massive, impersonal guest lists to smaller, more intimate celebrations (often called "micro-weddings") is here to stay.

This trend is all about focusing on what truly matters: the couple and their closest loved ones. By trimming the guest list, couples can invest more in the experience itself: better food, better music, and more quality time with the people who truly matter in their lives. It’s choosing meaningful connection over extravagance.

Candid and Documentary-Style Photography

Say goodbye to stiff, awkward poses where everyone looks like a mannequin. The trend in wedding photography has moved decidedly toward candid, documentary-style images. Couples want to capture the authentic, unscripted moments: the tear rolling down a cheek during vows, the belly laughs during speeches, the messy hair on the dance floor.

This reflects a move toward real, unscripted moments, the kind you can feel when you look back years later.

Don't Forget the Groom: Men's Wedding Ring Trends

Let's hear it for the guys! For too long, men’s rings were an afterthought, usually just a plain metal band picked up at the last minute. But today, men's wedding rings are getting the attention they deserve. Men want style, comfort, and personality, too.

Unique Materials

We’re seeing a huge spike in popularity for alternative materials. Traditional gold and silver are great, but materials like tungsten, titanium, and damascus steel are having their day in the sun.

Why? First off, durability. These metals are incredibly tough and scratch-resistant, making them perfect for guys who work with their hands or have active hobbies. They also offer a modern, masculine look (think darker grays and blacks) that feels contemporary and cool. Plus, they’re usually more affordable than precious metals, which is always a win.

Nature-Inspired Inlays

For the guy who loves the outdoors, rings with nature-inspired inlays are a fantastic trend. We’re talking about bands that incorporate elements like wood (whiskey barrel wood is a huge hit) or even elk antler.

This appeals to men who want a ring with a story, whether it’s a connection to nature, a nod to a favorite pastime, or just a really unique conversation starter. It feels rugged and personal in a way that a plain band just doesn't.

Classic with a Twist

Even for the guys who prefer a more traditional look, the classic band is getting an update. We're seeing different finishes, such as brushed, hammered, or satin textures, replacing the high-polish shine. These subtle details add depth and character to a simple ring without being too flashy.

Finding the perfect ring for him is just as important. Browse our collection of stylish and durable men's wedding rings.

Engagement Ring Trends to Avoid

Now, let’s tread carefully here. We’re all for personal expression, and if you love something, you should go for it! But, just like those puffy sleeves from the '80s, some trends don't always age well. It's wise to consider which styles might be fleeting so you can choose a ring that stands the test of time (just like your love.

Here are a few engagement ring trends to avoid:

Overly Trendy and Impractical Designs

We’ve all seen those incredibly intricate, delicate designs on social media that look like fairy wings. They’re undeniably stunning in a photo. But in real life? They can be a nightmare. Ultra-thin bands or extremely high settings are prone to bending, snapping, or snagging on everything you touch.

A ring should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. You don't want to be terrified to wash your hands or reach into your pocket because your ring is too fragile. Caution against choosing a style solely based on a fleeting social media fad. Remember, you have to wear this every day!

Ignoring Skin Tone

This isn't necessarily a "trend" to avoid, but rather a common mistake trend-followers make. Just because rose gold is "in" doesn't mean it’s the best choice for everyone.

Metal color interacts with your skin's undertones. For example, yellow gold tends to shine beautifully against warm undertones, while silver, platinum, and white gold are super flattering on cool undertones. Ignoring this in favor of what’s currently popular can leave you with a ring that looks a little "off" on your hand. Take the time to try different metals and see what makes your skin glow.

The "Bigger is Better" Myth

Society loves to tell us that the size of the rock is directly proportional to the love it represents. We’re calling it now: that is a myth worth busting. A massive stone that costs a fortune, gets in the way, and makes you anxious about losing it isn't the goal.

At Modern Gents, we believe love has no price. You shouldn't have to go into debt for a symbol of your commitment. The trend of "bigger is better" is fading as couples realize that a well-proportioned, high-quality stone that feels comfortable and looks stunning is far superior to a giant rock that drains your savings account.

Ready to find a ring that’s perfect in every way? 

Shop All Engagement Ring Styles

Find Your Forever Ring with Modern Gents

Trends are a fun source of inspiration, but they should never dictate your happiness.

Ultimately, your wedding (and your rings) should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Prioritizing personalization, sustainability, and smart financial choices allows you to focus on the experience rather than the expense. 

We founded Modern Gents on the belief that everyone deserves high-quality, handcrafted rings without the traditional markup. We want you to experience that "pinch me" moment when you look at your hand, knowing you've made a choice that is smart, ethical, and uniquely yours.

Your love story is unique. Your ring should be, too. 

Explore our full collection of beautiful, affordable engagement rings for women and find the one that speaks to you.