If there’s one word I’d use to describe weddings in 2026, it’s personal. The days of following generic Pinterest boards or sticking to what’s expected are over. Couples are embracing celebrations that feel like an extension of themselves – from the colour palette to the menu, right down to the music. Guests should walk into a room and say: this is undeniably ‘their’ wedding. Top events and wedding planner Cleo Alexiou shares the major wedding trends for 2026….
Styling: Identity at the Forefront
The strongest styling trend for 2026 is unapologetic personality. Couples are leaning into bolder choices – colour that feels alive, tables that speak their story and meaningful details. Forget muted palettes just for the sake of being “on trend.” Instead, we’re seeing bright pinks, rich burgundies, sun-kissed yellows, – hues that carry energy and presence.
It’s less about perfection and more about resonance. A favourite painting inspiring the tablescape, a childhood garden reflected in the florals, or travels around the world influencing menu choices and table names. Every element adds up to a narrative that feels entirely unique.
Formats: Beyond the Day
The single-day wedding is starting to feel limiting. 2026 is all about stretching the celebration into a weekend (or longer), giving couples and their guests space to actually live in the moment. A welcome dinner, a relaxed brunch, even a post-wedding pool party or BBQ – these touches create rhythm, rather than a single blur of a day.
Destination weddings are evolving too. It’s less about the obvious hotspots and more about places that reflect a couple’s lifestyle – whether that’s a tucked-away manor in the English countryside, or a boutique hotel where everyone can stay together and feel at home.
Food & Drink: Storytelling on a Plate
Food in 2026 isn’t just about feeding people, it’s about telling a story. Hyper-local ingredients, family recipes, cocktails that nod to heritage or travel. Guests want to taste something that feels intentional, not just another chicken-and-fish option.
I’m seeing couples curate drinks in a more refined way too: one signature cocktail done brilliantly, champagne that reflects the couple’s style, and a streamlined bar that feels thoughtful rather than overwhelming.
Fashion: Confidence and Contrast
Fashion is following the same path: individuality over expectation. Brides are choosing pieces that truly fit their style — sculptural gowns, bold tailoring, dramatic accessories. The “one dress all day” rule is fading; a change of look for dinner or the afterparty feels almost essential now!
For grooms, we’re seeing a move away from the standard tux and into personality-driven suiting. Textures, colour, and tailoring that feel elevated.
Guest Experience: Detail, Detail, Detail
If styling is about identity, the guest experience is about intimacy. Couples are adding small, thoughtful touches that make guests feel valued— handwritten notes, playlists that reflect their relationship, late-night snacks inspired by their favourite date night. These details transform a wedding from beautiful to unforgettable.
It’s no longer about impressing with scale — it’s about making every single person there feel like they’ve been invited into the couple’s world.
The foundation of every sensational celebration, begins with me truly getting to know my clients — how they spend their weekends, the places they love, the details that matter in their day-to-day. From there, I can draw out the colours, the music, the food, and the atmosphere that tell their story and make their wedding completely their own.
2026 weddings will be bold, personal, and impossible to replicate.
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