Intimate Moments

Gone are the days of getting swept along by tight wedding schedules and missing out on time together. Couples in 2026 are taking a step back, slowing down, and prioritizing intimate moments of connection. Couples have been adding private first looks to the schedule for years, but recent to-be-weds are finding even more ways to steal back precious moments of the wedding day just for themselves. Some couples are choosing to proclaim their written vows to each other behind closed doors before reciting the traditional vows in their guests’ presence. Others are urging their guests to enjoy dinner without them so they can share their first meal as a married couple in private. Still others are making use of the time it takes for guests to prepare for the sendoff by taking to the dance floor for a private final dance.

Expressive Color

Move over ivory and blush! Color is back in town with more boldness and vibrance than ever. Couples’ personalities are really shining through this year with expressive color palettes and bold pairings. Bright colors are in, especially saturated jewel tones, and brides are favoring fun color combinations over monochromatic looks. Emphasis on textures and patterns is also making a comeback with stripes in particular rising in the ranks. This embrace of color feels both modern and nostalgic, both fresh and fitting, and both like something new and like coming home.

Romantic Aesthetics

In stark contrast to the bright, modern aesthetic that we are seeing this year, 2026 is also the year of a return to the romantic. Soft, timeless silhouettes are coming back in style, as are  ruffles, rosettes, drapery, and lace. Brides are looking for dresses that would look at home in a castle estate or secret garden, and vintage decor is all the rage. Couples are basking in the soft luxury of satin and velvet, and they are seeking visuals that tell a story like one straight out of a Jane Austen novel. This shift in aesthetics may be attributed to the popularity of TV shows like Bridgerton in recent years, but it is also indicative, perhaps, of a deeper love for the classic fairytale aesthetic so many of us grew up loving.

Natural Florals

The search for the perfect fairytale wedding continues in the shift from grand, structured floral displays to a more nature-forward design. Less structured yet still intentional, the popular flower arrangements of 2026 are sporting layers of greenery with wispy accents and florals reminiscent of wildflower meadows. Fresh fruit and vegetables are making an appearance as clever edible accents, and eco-friendly brides are praising potted plants for their replantability and reduced waste. Bridal bouquets straddling the fence between grand cascades of wildflowers and chic monofloral moments. In general, the vibe is very much garden to table.

Immersive Experiences

While there are certainly still a number of brides embracing the classic post-dinner dance party, many brides in 2026 are allocating funds toward carefully curated, immersive experiences. Recorded tracks are getting moved to the side to make room for live bands and string quartets, and traditional wedding favors are being traded in for interactive stations like portrait sketch artists or live engravers. Traditional banquet seating is still used for many a reception dinner, but the popularity of lounge seating with grazing tables and tasting flights is on the rise.

Cinematic Photography

Wedding photography, as with everything else, has also shifted in form and function over recent years. In 2026, the emphasis is less on capturing perfect photos and more on telling a perfect story. Portraits aim to look less posed and more poised, and couples are all about capturing those editorial-style candids that look right out of a magazine. Wedding videography has taken on a documentary style, aiming to tell a story of love that can be viewed and reviewed by generations to come.