Wedding Trends I’m Loving With Ana Marlene

To start, what wedding trends are you personally loving right now, and why are they resonating with you?

I’m really drawn to timeless, romantic weddings that feel elegant rather than trend-led. While I enjoy seeing creative ideas online, the trends that resonate with me most are the ones that will still feel beautiful decades from now: intimate luxury weddings, grand European-inspired settings, long banquet-style tables, abundant white florals, candlelit receptions and thoughtful guest experiences.

I also love seeing couples inject personal meaning into their celebrations rather than simply following trends – for me, the small details that tell a story are what make a wedding memorable. I’m equally drawn to subtle touches of red in a predominantly white wedding. Red symbolises love, passion and celebration, and I think it creates a beautiful contrast when used intentionally, whether through florals, tablescape details or even food.

When it comes to the look and feel of the day, how are you approaching your overall aesthetic or styling choices?

My vision is very much inspired by classic European romance. I want the day to feel elegant, timeless and immersive from the moment guests arrive. We’re planning a relatively intimate wedding, which lets us focus on creating a beautiful atmosphere and experience for everyone there.

The aesthetic centres on historic architecture, manicured gardens, soft candlelight, white flowers and natural greenery. I want guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into a destination celebration rather than simply attending an event. While the overall look will be refined and traditional, I also want moments of warmth and personality woven throughout, whether through music, meaningful details or subtle pops of colour.

The goal is for everything to feel cohesive, romantic and effortlessly luxurious, without being overly formal or intimidating.

Let’s talk fashion – what styles, silhouettes or designers are you gravitating towards for your wedding wardrobe?

I’ve always imagined myself as a very traditional bride for the main ceremony. I absolutely love dramatic princess silhouettes, ball gowns, intricate lace, long trains and all the classic bridal details. There’s something so magical about wearing a gown that feels truly bridal and timeless for that walk down the aisle. I’ve long been drawn to designers such as Galia Lahav, Pallas Couture and Leah Da Gloria, whose designs capture that romantic, couture fantasy while still feeling elegant and feminine.

For the evening celebration, I want the complete opposite: something much more modern, fashion-forward and sexy – a dress that lets me dance, celebrate and fully enjoy the party. I love the idea of changing into something sleek, contemporary and unexpected, perhaps with clean architectural lines, a fitted silhouette or statement details that feel glamorous without losing sophistication.

For our civil ceremony, I’d love a third look altogether: something chic, elegant and understated, with beautiful tailoring and effortless refinement. I love the idea of each outfit reflecting a different chapter of the journey — from the fairytale romance of the ceremony, to the fashion-forward energy of the reception, to the timeless simplicity of the civil celebration — while still feeling authentically me throughout.

Tablescaping has become such a moment in itself. What details are you focusing on to make your tables feel considered and special?

Because we’re having a smaller wedding, one of my biggest priorities is making every guest feel included and genuinely part of the celebration. I don’t want anyone to feel as though they’re simply watching our wedding – I want them immersed in it.

We’re focusing on tables that encourage conversation, connection and shared experiences. Florals and candlelight matter, but I’m equally interested in the details that make people interact with one another: thoughtful place settings, personalised touches, family-style elements and beautifully presented food all help create that atmosphere.

I want the tables to feel abundant, warm and inviting while still refined. Since we’re celebrating with our closest friends and family, every detail should feel intentional, designed to make guests feel valued and appreciated.

What colour trends are you loving for weddings this year?

I’m definitely drawn to a palette of white and green. There’s something incredibly fresh, elegant and timeless about crisp white florals paired with natural greenery – sophisticated without being overwhelming, and lovely in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Alongside that, I love small touches of red throughout the celebration. It adds depth and emotion to a design, and rather than making it the main colour story, I like using it in subtle moments that catch the eye and create contrast against a predominantly neutral palette.

How are you thinking about documenting your day – whether through social media, content creators, or a more unplugged approach?

As someone who creates content professionally, documenting the day is incredibly important to me. Weddings go by so quickly, and I want to be able to relive every moment for years to come. We’re planning to invest in both photography and videography, and I’d love to work with a dedicated wedding content creator to capture the behind-the-scenes moments that traditional photography sometimes misses.

That said, I want the ceremony itself to feel intimate and present. We’ll definitely encourage a no-phone ceremony so guests can experience the moment rather than view it through a screen – there’s something so special about looking out and seeing faces rather than phones.

Afterwards, everyone can capture as many memories as they like, but during the ceremony I really want people to be fully present with us. After the wedding, I’m excited to share parts of the journey through a wedding series, and to create content that lets us look back on the whole experience.

Guest experience is such a key part of a modern wedding – what are you doing to make the day memorable for everyone attending?

Guest experience is one of our biggest priorities. We want people to leave feeling they’ve been part of something truly special, rather than simply attending a wedding.

We’re particularly interested in interactive food moments that draw guests into the celebration. Food is such a powerful way to bring people together, so we’re exploring ideas that feel elevated but also fun and memorable.

Music will play a huge role too. One idea I absolutely love is having some of our favourite songs performed by a live string ensemble; hearing them transformed into beautiful violin arrangements feels incredibly romantic and personal. We want moments that surprise our guests emotionally throughout the day.

Ultimately, we’re focusing on an atmosphere where every detail feels thoughtful, personal and reflective of who we are as a couple.

Are there any traditions or trends you’re consciously rejecting?

I think every couple should feel empowered to create a wedding that reflects their own values, rather than following traditions simply because they’re expected.

One tradition I’m changing is having my mum walk me down the aisle. She’s played such an important role in my life, and it feels incredibly meaningful to honour that relationship this way.

As for trends, some don’t resonate with me because they don’t feel authentic to who we are – flower tosses, for example, aren’t a priority. I’m far more interested in creating meaningful moments that feel personal to our story than in keeping traditions for tradition’s sake.

More broadly, I’m moving away from the idea that weddings must follow a strict formula. Modern weddings are becoming more personal, and that’s something I really embrace.

Finally, what does being a 2027 bride mean to you?

Being a 2027 bride feels incredibly exciting, because it’s about so much more than planning a beautiful event. It’s about celebrating our relationship and bringing together the people we love most, all in one place.

For me, it’s the chance to take all the ideas, dreams and inspiration I’ve collected over the years and turn them into something real. Seeing a vision come to life – from the venue and flowers to the music and atmosphere – feels so special.

More than that, it’s about creating memories. Life moves so quickly, and having a moment where everyone we love can come together to celebrate such an important chapter is something I don’t take for granted.

I’m excited for the emotion, the joy, the laughter and all the little moments in between. Ultimately, being a 2027 bride means creating a celebration that feels deeply personal, unforgettable for our guests and a true reflection of us as a couple.

Instagram: @xanamarlenex