If there’s one thing clear about weddings lately, it’s this: they’re shedding old traditions and taking on a unique edge — and I couldn’t be more pleased. It seems like the days of cookie-cutter ballrooms and rigid etiquette are becoming fewer and fewer. And in 2026, I truly believe couples will be saying yes to celebrations that are thoughtfully curated, deeply personal, and downright magical.
2025 and 2026 weddings? They’re about creating immersive experiences that actually matter. From dreamy destination fêtes to design elements brimming with personality, the trends are all pointing to one thing: less pressure, more joy, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re planning your own big day, designing weddings, or simply indulging in Pinterest scrolls, here’s your guide to the trends shaping 2026—and how to turn them into unforgettable moments.
1. Unconventional Venues
Say goodbye to the ballroom and hello to spaces that speak to the soul. For 2026, couples are gravitating toward venues that reflect their personalities—think art galleries, historic lofts, lush gardens, or industrial spaces with soul. These venues offer more than just a pretty backdrop; they tell a story, creating a vibe that feels intimate, authentic, and effortlessly cool.
Styling: @fleurdesignsuk @weddingfairy.uk
Florals: @fleurdesignsuk
2. Destination Weddings That Feel like Dream Vacays
In the same vein, for 2026, destination weddings are getting a glow-up. Forget the typical resort affair—2026 couples are booking private villas, boutique hotels, and other dreamy bucket-list destinations to create a vacation experience for their guests. Think: curated welcome parties, sunset cruises, and even cooking classes to immerse guests in the local culture.
These weddings are less about a strict itinerary and more about meaningful moments that blend love, travel, and community. And with travel becoming a bigger priority for couples and their guests, this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Pro Tip for Wedding Planners and Designers: Lean into the destination’s unique charm. A Tuscan wedding? Host a pasta-making class. Coastal affair? Plan a sunset sail. Thoughtful touches like these elevate the experience and leave guests enchanted.
3. Drapery & Dreamy Textures
In 2026, drapery is the unsung hero of wedding decor. Couples are layering soft fabrics everywhere—on ceilings, over tables, across doorways—to transform spaces into lush, romantic retreats. Velvet napkins? Check. Sheer curtains swaying in the breeze? Absolutely. This trend turns even the simplest venues into spaces that feel intentional and warm.
4. Stationery as a Design Moment
We’ve officially entered the era where wedding stationery is no longer just functional—it’s an art form. In 2026, couples are embracing paper goods as key elements in their wedding aesthetic. From custom-designed matchbooks to embossed maps and patterned swatches included in the invitation suite, stationery now serves as a first glimpse into the event’s vibe. And it doesn’t stop at invitations—menus, seating cards, and even guest book alternatives are becoming tactile, interactive experiences.
And let’s be honest—polished stationery has serious Instagram potential. Hello, flat-lay shots.
Tip for Planners and Wedding Creatives: Suggest paper goods that feel playful yet timeless, and offer guests small keepsakes they’ll want to hang onto—like mini artwork prints, polaroid snapshots, or even handwritten notes waiting at each seat. These little touches leave a big impression.
@lesgrandsmoments
@maisonnote
@al.ceramiques
@graphikkart
@jolibazaar
@phos_events
@domainedemanville
@christophe_serrano_wedding
5. Wedding Designers > Wedding Planners
The role of the wedding planner is evolving. Couples don’t just want someone to coordinate vendors and run the timeline—they want storytellers. Enter the wedding designer, whose job is to bring every detail into a seamless, artful vision.
While the DIY wedding craze peaked in the 2010s (thanks, Pinterest), couples today are looking for more hands-on support. They’re craving designers who handle it all—concept development, sourcing vendors, and bringing every vision to life. It’s about crafting an experience that tells a story, not just organizing a day.
6. Stronger Themes & Dress Codes
2024 and 2025 leaned into garden party vibes, but 2026 is taking themes to the next level. Think Bridgerton-inspired balls, chic Western weekends, or retro-glam celebrations with full-on ‘70s vibes.
One trend we love? Themed dress codes. Couples are including color palettes and vibe descriptions in their invites, encouraging guests to dress the part. Whether it’s wedding guest in all black for that cool chic moment or in summer colors, it’s fun, it’s inclusive, and it makes for killer photo ops. (And let’s face it—who doesn’t love a good fashion moment?)
Pro Tip for Designers: Help your clients get specific. Whether it’s guiding them toward a color scheme or suggesting theme-inspired details (like vintage parasols for a garden fête), these touches set the tone beautifully.
7. Experiences Over Wedding Favors
“Are wedding favors still a thing?” Consider them optional. In 2026, couples are swapping trinkets for meaningful experiences guests can cherish. Live sketch artists, interactive photo booths, or Polaroid cameras at the table all create moments guests will remember long after the last dance.
This shift reflects a deeper cultural trend—people want to take home memories, not things. Prioritizing connection over material items.
8. Docu-Editorial Photography
The trend toward docu-editorial photography isn’t going anywhere—and we couldn’t be happier. In 2026, it’s all about capturing the essence of the day through non-posed, candid moments that feel luxurious but unpolished. Think soft lighting, fleeting glances, and unfiltered emotion—images that look like they belong in a coffee table book rather than an Instagram feed. This oxymoron is exactly what luxury clients are seeking in 2026. It feels effortless and looks elevated.
For Photographers: Focus on capturing raw, unscripted moments with an artistic eye. These are the memories that couples will treasure most.
9. Statement Floral Installations That Wow
In 2026, florals are getting bolder, bigger, and even more creative. Instead of simple bouquets and centerpieces, couples are opting for hanging floral installations, wildflower meadows, and asymmetrical arches that feel fresh and modern. The trend for 2026? Flowers that feel bold, natural, and unforgettable.
Designer Tip: Encourage your clients to play with color and texture. Mixing soft pastels with rich, moody hues or pairing traditional roses with unexpected greenery can create show-stopping designs.
Photographer: @senyastudio
Makeup artist : @yibridal
Venue: @kohlmansionevents
Florals: @mandy.floraldesigner
10. Maximalist After-Parties
Why let the magic end after the last dance? In 2026, after-parties aren’t just an afterthought—they’re a full-fledged extension of the celebration. Couples are embracing bold themes, chic decor, and unexpected twists that keep the energy alive well into the night. From disco-themed dance floors to build-your-own espresso martini bars, couples are encouraging their guests to party well into the night.
But it doesn’t stop there. Full wedding weekends are becoming the norm, with day-after events like relaxed brunches or playful poolside parties. These follow-ups give couples and guests more time to connect, share stories, and soak in the joy together. Each event is curated with its own distinct vibe—casual yet thoughtful, with decor, signage, and themes that tie it all together.
11. Fashion-Forward Bridal Styles
In 2026 bridal fashion is all about self-expression. Brides are stepping away from traditional white gowns and embracing unconventional silhouettes. Expect modern twists on tradition, like delicate beading and pearl-embellished veils, alongside playful accessories that turn heads. Capes are making a comeback (think regal, flowy, and dramatic), as are statement veils like the stunning raindrop veil we saw on Sofia Richie Grainge.
Meanwhile, grooms are ditching the cookie-cutter black suit for something more elevated. Full tuxedos are back in a big way, with white dinner jackets adding a fresh and polished alternative. Accessories are stepping up, too, from velvet loafers to bold bow ties. And why not add a playful shoe swap for the reception?
Captured by @valvanerastudio
12. Interactive Food & Drinks
Dining at weddings in 2026 isn’t just about what’s served—it’s about how it’s served. Couples are transforming food into an interactive experience, turning meals into a moment that brings guests together.
Imagine live pasta stations where chefs prepare fresh fettuccine on the spot, or oyster shucking bars where guests can learn how to savor their own briny delights.
For smaller weddings, intimate chef-curated tasting menus are on the rise, giving guests a multi-course experience they’ll never forget. And late-night snacks? A must. Mobile food trucks offering mini tacos or fresh waffles keep the party going strong.
Pro Tip for Planners: Help your clients think outside the box when it comes to food. What do they love to eat? How can that be transformed into an experience for their guests?
Final Thoughts
The weddings of 2026 are a love letter to individuality. They’re about embracing thoughtful design, meaningful experiences, and trends that feel personal and joyful. Whether it’s a multi-day destination event or a minimalist micro-wedding, the magic is in the details—and in the stories they tell.
So, here’s the real takeaway: Embrace the trends, but don’t get lost in them. Use them as inspiration to help your clients tell their unique love story—because that’s what weddings are all about.
Which trends are sparking your imagination for 2026? Let’s talk in the comments.
