Wedding Trends for 2026

Updated: November 19, 2025

Photo by Lauren Wood Photography

It is always exciting to watch the trends change from year to year. 2026 is bringing bold colors,

strong contrast, and minimal designs. Couples are focusing on quality over quantity. Wedding weekends and the guests’ experience is still a priority. Textures and colors are being experimented with creating one of a kind event designs.

We will still see traditional elements of the wedding but paired with statement changes to make the wedding completely unique.

Photo by Katie Rogers Photography

Bold Colors

Jewel tones and dark & moody colors are back! Neutrals will always be around, but the spring color palette of 2025 has been replaced with deep burgundy, reds, wine, dark purple, and cobalt blue. These colors can be paired with white to show a strong contrast, or with black to invoke a romantic and majestic vibe.

Strong Contrast

Classic White and Black has been around since the beginning. It will never go out of style. Over the years, it has shifted to be more Ivory and shades of green paired with neutrals. In 2026, we are embracing the strong contrasts of light versus dark creating an experience of awe for the guests.

Minimal Designs

Minimal doesn’t have to mean bare. It is a great way to maximize the budget while also making a statement with your decor. We are seeing clusters of items with a space between to allow for conversation among guests and dimension on long tables.

Quality Maters

Couples care about how much each item costs. They are interested in investing in a few key elements that will elevate their design while allowing them to stay within the budget. Each couple will prioritize different aspects. Some will consider floral and table settings a must while others focus on entertainment. Ultimately, quality will always win over quantity.

Guest Experience

Considering the Guest Experience is not a new concept for 2026. It has been around for the last couple of years. Couples are thinking through what the guests need from the time of check-in to the morning after the wedding. Personalized notes, custom welcome bags, “Our Favorite Places” cards, and welcome parties are just a few examples of ideas that my couples have done in the past year.

Photo by Carrie House Photography

Texture vs. Color

Creating unique designs can happen with color, but it can also happen with different textures. I am so excited to see the use of textures more this coming year. From stationary designs to the feel of the linen and napkins, texture is a sensory experience that your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Statement Designs

Statement Designs can happen with floral on the bar or around your sweetheart table. Meadows are custom pieces that your guests will marvel at. Table layout is also a great way to add variety to a room. Serpentine layouts are becoming more and more popular and will continue to grow in 2026. Changing the format of the ceremony to a non-traditional aisle is a great way to add drama for no additional cost.

2025 Trends Staying

Bows are not going away any time soon. We are seeing more dramatic bows with long tails and textured ribbon. As a girl who loves bows, I am happy to keep them around.

Pastel color palettes might be on their way out, but the airy floral designs that came along with the garden vibes is here to stay.  

There are even more trends predicted for 2026. I have only listed the top few. You can read about more 2026 Trends on The Knot. They include some fun ideas for replacing a cake cutting and limiting the bar.

Fashion for weddings is expected to add even more drama. Vogue Weddings and Etiquette have shared some fun takes on color palettes and wedding dress trends that we will see in the next couple months.

Ultimately, trends come and go. The design of the wedding should fit the couple and their styles. The best designs are ones that tell the Bride and Groom’s love story. It is why designing weddings is one of my favorite parts of my job. I get the opportunity to tell someone’s story to the people they love the most.

Watching a bride and groom walk into a room after a year of planning is the most rewarding experience for a planner. If you need help creating a design unique to you, Contact Us. I would love to talk about your vision and how we can make it happen together.