Everything You Need To Know About 2026 Wedding Trends
- digital0732
- Nov 3
- 7 min read
Bold creativity is shaping up to be a driving force behind 2026 wedding trends. Expect Bridgerton-inspired glamour, playful fashion, nostalgic cakes, and décor that feels fresh and authentic.
Whether you love timeless romance or modern minimalism, these trends will offer wedding inspiration for a day that feels personal, stylish, and unforgettable.
Ready to see what’s shaping next year’s “I dos”? Here are the latest wedding trends set to define 2026.
Table of contents:
1. Bridgerton-style weddings: Regency romance revival
Romantic, period-inspired weddings are poised for a big moment in 2026. Think corsetry, puff sleeves, pastel colour palettes, chandeliers, and heritage venues.
This current wedding trend is all about making your wedding feel like a storybook come to life. Brides walk down the aisle in basque waist gowns, while grooms turn heads in velvet jackets or embroidered waistcoats.
But where exactly has this trend come from?
We have TV (and our obsession with Regency-era drama) to thank for this one. Shows like Bridgerton have sparked a huge craving for historical glamour with a modern twist.
Couples are getting wedding ideas from the epic architecture and brides are drawing wedding dress inspiration from the beautiful costumes. The results? Weddings that feel cinematic, timeless, and irresistibly romantic.
Hitched even reports a 191% jump in Bridgerton-inspired weddings year-on-year – proof that when it comes to weddings, media magic really works.
Here are some of the ways to embrace this trend in your own wedding:
Choose a listed home or heritage venue. Look for a venue that has period-style features to make your photos look straight out of a period drama. The Lawrence, for example, is a Grade II listed building with period-style features like exposed brick walls and an ornate outdoor gazebo.
Add period-inspired décor. Drapes, chandeliers, and lavish floral arrangements are your secret weapons. Go for cascading greenery, pastel blooms, and soft roses or peonies to create an epic, cinematic vibe.
Fashion-forward Regency looks. Brides can play with puffed sleeves or delicate lace, while grooms can swap a standard suit for a velvet blazer or embroidered waistcoat.
2. Forward-thinking fashion: Balancing tradition with modern styles
Wedding attire is becoming more playful and expressive, and we expect this to continue into 2026 and beyond! Fashion-forward brides and grooms are balancing traditional ceremony styles with bold evening or reception outfits, like mini after-party dresses and statement veils.
And why? Because couples want versatility and eye-catching photos from the big day.
The Hitched Trend Report for 2026 found that “Basque waist wedding dresses” saw a 333% surge in searches in 2025, while “Wedding after party dresses” had a 50% increase. These rising searches signal the demand for versatile and memorable wedding looks.
Wondering how to incorporate statement outfits into your big day? Here are some suggestions:
Plan an outfit change for the reception or after-party. After the ceremony, switch into a mini dress, sparkly jumpsuit, or bold gown that lets you dance and make a statement. For grooms, swap a classic suit for a velvet blazer, patterned jacket, or colourful accessories to reflect your personality.
Personalise outfits. Add unique touches that tell your story, like your initials on a cuff, floral motifs on a veil, or hand-painted details on a dress. For grooms, embroidered jackets or custom lapel pins add a touch of individuality.
Experiment with hair and makeup that stand out. Brides can go for high ponytails or statement hair accessories, while grooms might add slick hairstyles or fun socks to complement their look. Play with colour, texture and accessories to make your wedding style feel unique.
3. Hyper-personalised details: A focus on the guest experience
Weddings in 2026 are becoming increasingly bespoke and story-driven. From stationery to décor to the actual guest experience, couples are finding creative ways to make their day feel truly unique.
Personalised letters, for example, are growing in popularity from 2025 according to Hitched. These heartfelt, handwritten notes are replacing traditional favours, showing how couples are embracing more meaningful, personal touches.
Custom illustrated wedding stationery is also on the rise (+22%) with hand-drawn designs and delicate watercolours transforming invitations into cherished keepsakes.
Couples want weddings that feel intimate, memorable, and personal. Generic templates are out, and experiences that reflect the couple’s journey (and involve guests) are in.
It’s all about creating moments that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impression long after the day is over.
Here’s how to add personal touches that will wow your guests and leave lasting memories:
Include interactive stationery. Think quizzes, trivia, personalised maps, or even fun puzzles incorporated into invitations or programs. These creative touches encourage guests to engage with your story before the ceremony even begins.
Replace generic favours with keepsakes. Instead of the usual wedding favours, consider gifts that reflect your personality. Mini bottles of local wine, personalised bookmarks, or hand-crafted trinkets are a few examples. Guests will leave with something meaningful, not just a token.
Consider tech-friendly options. Digital guest books, QR-coded messages, or even video message stations are growing in popularity. These tools allow guests to leave notes, voice recordings, or videos from the day, which you can revisit for years to come.
4. Nostalgic and statement wedding cakes: Nostalgia meets centerpiece desserts
Retro-inspired designs, sheet cakes, and playful dessert tables will be big wedding cake trends in 2026. Think kitschy colours, bold piping, whimsical shapes, and desserts that encourage guests to interact, snap photos, and indulge their sweet tooth.
Couples are leaning into nostalgia while also using desserts as a way to make a visual impact. Wedding cake ideas are becoming a mix of memory and showpiece, perfect for social media moments and conversation starters at the reception.
Take a look at some of the ways to combine retro charm with modern flair:
Mix retro designs with modern flair. Incorporate geometric shapes or quirky 90s-inspired decorations into your cake designs. For example, add geometric tiers, bold colour blocks, or playful 90s motifs like sprinkles or neon accents.
Use dessert tables as interactive experiences. Let guests assemble mini desserts, decorate cupcakes, or choose from a range of themed treats. This experience makes the sweet station part of the entertainment, not just an afterthought.
Coordinate cake colours with décor. Make your cake feel like part of the wider aesthetic by matching it with the theme and colour of your wedding décor. For example, if pastels are your main colour theme, incorporate these colours into your cake to make it feel like a natural centerpiece rather than an isolated display.
5. Venues as vibe-setter: Choosing atmosphere over function
In 2026, couples are choosing venues based on experience and atmosphere rather than guest capacity or convenience. Why? Because couples want their wedding’s look and feel to start with the location.
The wedding venue sets the tone of your wedding and is the foundation that every other detail builds upon. Choosing the right location shapes the atmosphere, guides your décor choices, and creates unforgettable moments for you and your guests.
Here’s are some tips for choosing a location that creates the perfect atmosphere for your big day:
Pick venues that suit your theme. Whether it’s a stately home with grand staircases and candlelit halls or a vineyard with sun-drenched terraces and sprawling vines, choose a space that naturally tells the story of your wedding.
Explore additional activities. Consider vineyard tours, garden walks, or interactive elements like wine tastings, vintage picnics, or heritage property experiences. These extras make the venue more than just a backdrop—they create moments your guests will remember.
Consider on-site accommodation. For multi-day celebrations, venues with on-site lodging or nearby cottages allow guests to fully immerse themselves, making travel stress-free and encouraging evening or post-ceremony gatherings.
Wedding trends 2026 FAQs
What are the 2026 wedding dress trends?
The top wedding dress trends for 2026 blend romance with modern flair, with a big focus on Regency-style dresses. Trending wedding dresses include corseted bodices, puff sleeves, basque waists, and delicate lace details.
Brides are also embracing versatility, from detachable skirts to mini reception dresses.
What are the key 2026 wedding flower trends?
Wedding flower trends in 2026 will showcase soft, natural arrangements. Couples are choosing garden-inspired blooms like peonies, delphiniums, and roses in muted palettes that compliment bold décor (another wedding trend that we expect to see in 2026!).
What are the top wedding band trends for 2026?
Live music is back in full swing. Soul bands, string quartets, and festival-style acoustic acts will dominate receptions. Couples are also booking multi-genre performers who can shift from ceremony serenades to lively dance sets, keeping the energy flowing all day and night!
What are the biggest wedding guest dress trends for 2026?
Colour and texture are leading the fray with wedding guest outfit inspiration. Trending wedding guest dresses include satin slip dresses, bold prints, and metallic accents.
Sustainable and re-wearable options are also popular – people want stylish outfits that feel special, but that they can wear again after the big day.
What wedding ring trends will be popular in 2026?
Personalisation takes center stage. Trending wedding rings feature custom designs, mixed metals, and unique settings. Things like oval and emerald cuts, coloured gemstones, and hidden engravings that add sentimental value will be in demand.
What were the biggest 2025 wedding trends?
Wedding trends in 2025 focused on creativity and personal expression. Outdoor and twilight ceremonies were popular, while colourful floral designs and alternative wedding themes added personality to every celebration.
Brides also embraced outfit changes, a similar wedding dress trend in 2026. Couples also favoured signature cocktails and used content creators to capture every moment.
What are the trending wedding colours for 2026?
Wedding colour trends in 2026 are all about self-expression and bold contrasts. We’re seeing couples move away from traditional pastels and embrace deeper, richer tones that make a statement.
Think forest greens, burnt terracotta, and midnight blues paired with soft neutrals for balance. Metallic accents like gold and copper are also making a comeback, adding warmth and elegance to modern wedding palettes.
Make 2026 wedding trends a reality at The
Lawrence
The best wedding trends this year are all about personality, storytelling, and immersive experiences. Couples are blending nostalgia with modern flair, whether through fashion, cakes, or décor that reflects who they truly are.
And at the heart of it all? The venue.
At The Lawrence, our Grade II listed building blends timeless elegance with modern comfort. We offer beautiful backdrops, intimate spaces, and a dedicated planning team to bring every detail to life.
Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Get in touch to turn your favourite 2026 wedding trends into reality.
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