2026 Wedding Trends You’ll Actually Want to Try
Weddings Are Getting More Intentional and More Personal Than Ever 🤍💍
As 2026 (and 2027!) couples start planning, one thing seems to stand out: the wedding world is moving more towards intentional, design-driven experiences. No more cookie-cutter weddings (phew). Now it’s all about celebrating your love story in ways that feel personal, beautiful, and meaningful.
Here are the top 2026 wedding trends I’m already seeing and how to make them feel timeless.
🌿 1. Minimalism
Clean lines, neutral palettes, and thoughtful details are replacing over the top décor. Colors like warm whites, layered textures, and soft lighting. This creates a more luxury feel that’s intentional and timeless
Pro Tip: Mix sleek tabletop elements (like modern glassware or acrylic chairs) with organic touches such as greenery runners, soft linen napkins, or stone chargers.
🕯️ 2. Candlelight and Ambiance
Lighting has become the new floral arrangement (florals are expensive!) From hundreds of candles to hanging lanterns and string lights, I’ve been seeing more couples who are prioritizing a warm, intimate glow over harsh uplighting aka that purple tone you’d see in a ballroom.
🥂 3. Weekends, Not Just Weddings
Multi-day celebrations are super popular (thanks to COVID, everyone wants to party!). Couples are turning their wedding weekends into immersive experiences with more welcome parties, post-wedding brunches, and local adventures that bring guests together. I’ve seen requests for morning hikes, group flower arrangement classes, cooking together etc.
Pro Tip: Whether it’s rooftop welcome cocktails or a cozy brunch, make each event feel like an extension of your story.
💐 4. Natural Florals
Overly structured florals are out! Garden-inspired and textural arrangements are in. Think things like airy designs, monochrome palettes, and movement. I’ve also been seeing lots of fruit added to centerpieces, which is such a fun play on color!
Pro Tip: Work with your florist to incorporate in-season blooms and unexpected textures like vines, fruits, or branches for a fresh, editorial look.
📸 5. Film Photography
Film and documentary-style photography are reallly popular for 2026 weddings. Couples want candid emotion, motion blur, and a touch of nostalgia. A more practical option is adding film cameras to each table for guests to use. But if you want a more professional approach, try hiring a photographer who offers both film and digital photos.
💫 6. Personalized Guest Experiences
From custom cocktails to handwritten notes at each place setting, couples are finding thoughtful ways to make guests feel seen and appreciated.
🌸 7. The “Home-Style” Reception Feel
Even large weddings are embracing the cozy, at-home aesthetic which includes things like long dinner tables, intimate lighting, and family-style meals that encourage connection. I’ve been seeing more couples choose family-style meals, which are not only more cost effective, but also help play a role in connection with guests!
Thoughtfully Planned, Beautifully Executed
At Events by Carrie, I specialize in creating weddings that blend effortless style with genuine connection so every detail feels personal, intentional, and beautifully executed.
👉 Inquire Here
https://www.eventsbycarrie.co/contact
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