The defining theme of 2026 wedding trends? Intentionality. Rather than copying the exact aesthetic seen in a viral celebration or following a traditional timeline for the sake of it, couples getting married this year are moving towards making their weddings truly their own with personalized, authentic details. “Weddings rooted in assumed traditions, binary language, or one-size-fits-all cultural frameworks are no longer resonating,” shares wedding planner Jove Meyer. “The future is about creating celebrations that consciously reflect who is actually in the room.”

Guest experience is also a priority for couples who would rather have their wedding feel incredible on the day of than just look amazing on social media. “From a curated food program with unexpected food styling to more interactive moments, immersive entertainment, and a deliberately messy after-party, hosts are thinking holistically about how guests move through the day,” notes Tory Smith of Smith + James.

As for wedding design, customization and moving away from cookie-cutter styles is key. Planners are getting asked to push the boundaries, while also imbuing their décor choices with nostalgic touches that feel special to their clients.

Ahead, we asked top wedding planners to give their definitive stances on what is in—and out—this year. Take a peek to see the 2026 wedding trends you need on your radar.

What’s In

Food as Décor

“Food is now very much a part of the visual language. Menus are being designed as much for how they look and move as for how they taste. Sculptural presentations, unexpected textures, and color-forward styling turn food into décor. Something that guests encounter, not just consume. We're still getting lots of requests for butter served in all different ways.” —Tory Smith

“Food is emotional. When it’s presented beautifully and generously, it does more than feed guests, it sets the tone for connection, comfort, and celebration. Food has become a central design element, with sculptural displays, layered textures, and abundant presentations that double as décor. Thoughtfully styled stations encourage movement, conversation, and discovery, transforming dining into an experience rather than a seated moment. The return of the buffet isn’t casual, it’s curated.” —Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events

Scenic Walls

“As weddings continue to become more thoughtful and deeply personal, we’re seeing a shift away from elements like draping, flower walls, and hedges that exist purely as decoration, without contributing to the larger design narrative. In their place, scenic walls are emerging as a more considered alternative, serving as beautiful anchors within a space while creating an architectural sense of place. For couples invested in purposeful design, scenic walls offer something florals and fabric cannot: permanence. They photograph like architecture, not décor. They ground a room. And, they allow the design to feel editorial, layered, and bespoke. What makes this trend especially compelling is its versatility. They can reference European villas, Old Hollywood soundstages, modern galleries, or historic estates—without relying on literal theming.” —Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events

Storytelling Through Design

“We are seeing couples hungry for moments that feel truly unforgettable, not just beautiful. Think statement installations at the ceremony, sculptural florals that feel like art, unexpected spatial layouts, or transitions that surprise guests and spark conversation. The goal is not ‘more décor,’ it is originality, storytelling, and a sense that guests are stepping into a world created just for this couple.” —Shannon Leahy of Shannon Leahy Events

“Couples are moving beyond aesthetics-for-aesthetics’ sake and leaning into celebrations that actually say something, whether that’s about community, culture, sustainability, or social impact. Meaning is the new luxury!” —Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer

“Events are no longer defined by a single space; they are defined by a story. From the moment guests arrive, they are stepping into a fully realized world where every detail works together: wardrobe, décor, sound, scent, lighting, and even the choreography of staff. The most memorable events today don’t feel produced, they feel lived in. When every detail is aligned, guests relax into the experience and forget where they are. That’s when an event truly becomes transportive.” —Bryan Rafanelli

Linen Placemats

“We’re casting our ballots for linen placemats as a design anchor for tabletops in 2026. Our industry is constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to tablescapes and what defines them as ‘interesting.’ Similar to interior design, consider placemats the new draperies—adding that extra, lush layer that ties the details of the room together and offers a final (maybe unexpected?!) pop of personality.” —Lynn Easton and Dawson Mitchell of Easton Events

Bold Lighting Design

"Lighting sets the tone before anything else. Step into a room, and you feel it instantly. It guides the eye, shapes the space, and creates moments that linger. It’s no longer just functional—lighting is part of the décor. Seamless when subtle, bold when dramatic, it elevates the room, the entertainment, and the mood. Every glow and shadow tells a story. We are loving where this has taken our events, and possibilities are endless. The right light doesn’t just illuminate—it transforms. It’s how an event becomes unforgettable.” —Xin Huang of Le Petite Privé

Intentional Entertainment

“Entertainment choices are increasingly drawn from the couple’s life, rather than the traditional event circuit. Instead of defaulting to performers who exist solely for weddings and private events, couples are seeking out the music and talent they would naturally gravitate toward in their everyday lives, like an unforgettable band discovered while traveling abroad, the pianist from a favorite hotel lobby, or the jazz trio that defines a beloved neighborhood restaurant.” —Jennifer Zabinski

“This shift speaks to taste, discernment, and global perspective, which naturally elevates the overall level of sophistication. These performers bring an authenticity and cultural texture that can’t be replicated by something overly produced. This allows the event to feel more like an extension of the couple’s lifestyle than a performance designed for an audience. If you wouldn’t seek it out in real life, it doesn’t belong at the wedding.” —Jennifer Zabinski

Custom Everything

“Custom linens with piping and ruffles, custom slippers for guests to dance in late night, custom lampshades for the afterparty's tabletop lamps, custom live chain stitching at the pool party to add guest's names to a new sunhat, custom fashion for the bride, the groom, the bridesmaids, the mother of the bride—if you think it, we’ll be trying to customize it.” —Tory Smith

“Weddings are extending beyond the day itself. Custom details—linens, crests, signage, and objects—are designed to move seamlessly into the home and everyday life.” —Michelle Norwood of Michelle Norwood Events

Bandstands

“Mark our words—the return of bandstands as a key design moment. Once an iconic staple featured in opulent operas and black-and-white movies, bandstands later became a wedding eyesore and a tired marketing gimmick. Now, we will see these reinterpreted and fully integrated into the design of the band backdrop. iPads, beware!” —Lynn Easton and Dawson Mitchell

Redefined Traditions

“Personal rituals over tradition for tradition’s sake. Couples are rewriting the rules and creating ceremonies and moments that feel authentic to them, rather than inherited expectations from family, society, religion, etc. They’re leaning into my favorite motto—you do you, boo!” —Jove Meyer

“Traditions without meaning and tightly packed timelines are being released in favor of moments that feel natural and true.” —Michelle Norwood

Fashion-Forward Grooms

“Grooms are no longer treating attire as an afterthought. We are seeing custom suits by fashion houses like Bode, playful printed linings that nod to personal history, statement shoes, jewel-tone tuxes, and intentional outfit changes throughout the night. Accessories are becoming part of the storytelling too, from heirloom watches to embroidered cuffs and unexpected boutonnières. It feels less 'standard tux' and more curated, expressive menswear moment, which makes the couple’s style feel balanced and fashion-forward.” —Shannon Leahy

Custom Attire for Bar Staff

“Why go for the obvious! We're having a lot of fun at the moment coming up with outfits for bar staff to wear at wedding parties and afterparties for our 2026 clients—it's another way to add a personalized element to the day. Having said that, I strongly prefer very traditional outfits for waiting staff for the main reception itself—please avoid braces and flat caps at all costs.” -Liz Linkleter of Liz Linkleter Events

Mocktails

“Not to be a buzzkill, but NA drinks will officially have a seat at the bar in 2026. We’re seeing catering companies taking cues from restaurant hotspots, which are offering robust mocktail programs (course pairings and all). Zero proof is making a splash—and coming to a custom bar sign near you!” —Lynn Easton and Dawson Mitchell

Portrait Stations

“Photo booths are getting an upgrade. Instead of enclosed setups and novelty props, couples are opting for live portrait stations with a professional photographer. Clean backdrops, good lighting, real direction. Guests end up with flattering images they actually want to keep.” —Tory Smith

Nostalgic Celebrations

“Couples are drawing inspiration from history, art movements, family heirlooms, old-world entertaining—but interpreting it through a modern lens. It’s about nostalgia without being nostalgic, and honoring what came before while making it feel unmistakably now and unmistakably them!” —Jove Meyer

“There’s something incredibly powerful about celebrating in a place that already holds memories. When a space is meaningful before we ever design it, the event feels instantly authentic. Weddings hosted at childhood homes or family estates, rather than newly acquired or formal venues, are on the rise, rooted in nostalgia, intimacy, and personal history. These celebrations prioritize emotional connection over grandeur, transforming familiar spaces into elevated yet deeply personal settings. The result is a sense of authenticity and warmth that can’t be replicated elsewhere.” —Bryan Rafanelli

“A return to simple and nostalgic cuisine served with a playful twist. As we craft menus for 2026, we are seeing clients move away from the multi-course meal service that was once so sought after. Now, the focus is shifting toward comfort food that offers both surprise and delight. Think: French fries served family style in mint julep cups, served moments after that perfectly dressed Caesar salad hits the table. Bonus points for extra parmesan offered tableside. Entree of choice? Who wouldn’t want a generous bowl of pasta, tossed in rich red sauce? Nothing a (custom) bib can’t fix!” —Lynn Easton and Dawson Mitchell

A Return to the Human Hand

“I think as a reaction to AI and everything feeling so digital, couples are really craving details that feel personal, imperfect, and made by hand. We are seeing more hand-drawn illustrations, custom sketches, handwritten notes, and stationery that feels almost collected or found rather than overly polished. We are even working on a save the date right now that looks like a handwritten letter, with little cross-outs and edits, so it feels incredibly personal and human.” —Shannon Leahy

A Return to the Hometown

“Over the last few years, European-based and destination weddings in general have been having a moment. That moment seems to be winding down, and there is now a desire to curate special experiences for guests right in a couple's literal backyard. Whether hosting a wedding in their hometown or at their family home, there's a big push for personalized and unique wedding venues, and a family home fits the bill quite nicely.” —Tory Smith

Maximalism, Color, and Whimsy

“Minimalism is definitely taking a back seat. Our clients are asking for more pattern, more stripes, more saturated color, more draping, and more drama overall. There is a real appetite for weddings that feel joyful, layered, and a little unexpected—less restrained, more expressive.” —Shannon Leahy

Nature as the Ultimate Luxury

“We are also seeing couples gravitate back toward venues that are enveloped in natural beauty—mountains, lakes, meadows, forests, and wide-open landscapes. I think this is also a reaction to how much of our lives now feel digital or computer-generated. Couples want their weddings to feel grounded, real, and connected to the natural world.” —Shannon Leahy

Touches That Feel Unique to the Couple

“Couples want their wedding to feel like them. That is nothing new. But, we are seeing a big push towards surprising and delighting guests with elements that feel fresh and ‘not like a typical wedding’ and that also feel very them. This concept is not super new, but it feels like couples are really upping the ante, looking for activations that push the envelope, have never been seen before, and give their guests a peek into their relationship.

Almost all of our 2026 and 2027 couples say they want their guests to learn something about their relationship or them as individuals after attending their wedding. Some examples include: a mentalist at cocktail hour since the groom grew up watching David Copperfield, curating vintage postcards from places significant to the couple's relationship for guests to sign instead of a traditional guest book, or crafting the after-party theme around the bride's favorite song (Purple Hat by Sofi Tukker).” —Tory Smith

High-Energy Color Palettes

“Color is coming back in a really joyful, confident way. We are seeing a lot of citrus and fruit-inspired palettes — watermelon, yellow, orange, chartreuse, coral, and tomato red—used in combinations that feel fresh, spirited, and full of energy. It feels less like a ‘pop of color’ and more like a full embrace of color as the mood of the wedding.” —Shannon Leahy

What’s Out

Traditional Wedding Cakes

“Towering, traditional wedding cakes are taking a backseat to something completely new. The shift isn’t about doing away with the tradition, but about rethinking scale, form, and intention. Instead of oversized, highly formal confections designed to serve an entire room, couples are gravitating toward smaller, more sculptural cakes that feel expressive and design-driven. We’re seeing an embrace of asymmetry and imperfection like low, oblong silhouettes, hand-finished textures, intentionally non-uniform icing, and forms that feel closer to an objet d’art. Often, these cakes are designed for the couple alone, while guests are served plated or passed desserts elsewhere. The result feels more intimate and considered, without sacrificing elegance.” —Jennifer Zabinski

“Our clients have been asking for metallic finishes and shapes that appear to be melting like candle wax. It feels like a constant quest to find the weirdest and most sculptural cake possible.” —Liz Linkleter

Early Day-After Brunch

“10 a.m. Sunday brunch call time (or brunch in general—it should be a pool or beach party). Grab-and-go breakfast is also acceptable!” —Tory Smith

Social Media Moments Over Guest Experience

“Designing solely for the social media moment. If a detail only exists to be photographed and doesn’t add to the guest experience, it’s losing relevance. Couples are prioritizing how a wedding feels over how it performs online. Do it because it has meaning to you, not because you think others online will love or like it!” —Jove Meyer

Single-Use Details

“Disposable décor and one-day-only pieces are falling away in favor of longevity and intention.” —Michelle Norwood

Overexposed Wedding Destinations

"The most memorable destination weddings now happen in places you haven’t seen a hundred times before. We’re seeing a quiet pullback from overexposed destination weddings in favor of something far more compelling: discovery. Locations that have become synonymous with weddings, however beautiful, are beginning to feel familiar, even expected. For couples with a global perspective, the appeal now lies in places that feel nuanced and less immediately recognizable.

Rather than choosing a destination for its reputation, couples are selecting locations that value intimacy over spectacle. This might mean a lesser-known coastal town, an inland region with a strong cultural identity, or a destination valued for its atmosphere rather than its Instagram presence.” —Jennifer Zabinski

“Locations are becoming ever-more unusual, dramatic, and historic. In 2025, we planned weddings in old stone quarries and ancient ruins. The desire for amazing, ‘wow’ locations will continue in 2026.” —Liz Linkleter

Unloved Guestbooks

“Books filled with quick signatures are being replaced by keepsakes that couples genuinely revisit. If it doesn’t live on, it no longer belongs.” —Michelle Norwood