The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026: The Hitched Trend Report
From Bridgerton ballgowns and audio guest books to retro cakes and vineyard vows - here’s what’s trending for weddings in 2026 and beyond!
2026 wedding trends are all about bold statements, personal touches, and unforgettable experiences
From fashion to food, we’ve analysed search data, social media trends, and industry insights to bring you the ultimate guide to 2026 wedding trends and beyond.
Whether you’re planning your big day or just love keeping up with bridal fashion, our report covers the hottest wedding dress trends, cake trends, décor ideas, and more.
Weddings in 2026 are all about intentional choices, expressive details, and meaningful experiences - and at Hitched, we’ve crunched the numbers to predict what couples are loving most for 2026 and 2027 weddings.
From the dramatic rise in Bridgerton-style weddings (+191% YoY), to the comeback of basque waist dresses (+333%) and the soaring popularity of wedding after party dresses (+50%), couples are clearly embracing fashion, flair and fun - which makes 2026's wedding trends report our most exciting one yet.*
Meanwhile, interactive entertainment, hyper-personalised touches, and venue-led storytelling are reshaping how weddings feel, not just how they look. And if you love the look of this year's wedding trend report, make sure you check out our shoot team!
- Bridgerton wedding revival
- Throwback fashion
- Hyper-personalised details
- Interactive wedding entertainment
- Retro wedding cakes
- Dramatic decor
- Vibe-setting venues
- Statement table styling
- All about the after party
- Cool catering
- 2026 wedding trends summary
- Trending wedding colours
- Wedding trends advice & tips
- The wedding trends team
- 2025 wedding trends
- 2024 wedding trends
The Trend Report: Wedding Trends 2026
Couples are embracing nostalgia with retro-inspired weddings, expressing themselves with hyper-personalised details, and creating immersive celebrations that leave a lasting impression. Discover the top wedding trends for 2026 that will define the year - and get inspired for your own unforgettable celebration.
*How we determine our trends: Our editorial team reviews search data from SEMRush and Google Analytics / Search Console to measure growth in search demand, and consults with expert wedding vendors for their take on the wedding trends for the year ahead.
1. Bridgerton-Style Weddings: Biggest 2026 Wedding Trend
The Bridgerton effect is in full swing, ahead of the hotly-anticipated launch of the fourth season. It’s influencing everything from fashion to florals!
One of the most exciting wedding trends for 2026 is the revival of the Bridgerton inspired wedding.
- Bridgerton-style weddings are up a staggering 191% year-on-year, as couples lean into romantic, Regency-inspired elegance. Think corsetry, chandeliers and lashings of lace, paired with soft pastel tones.
- The old money wedding aesthetic is also soaring in popularity (+133%), bringing with it a love of heritage venues, classic silhouettes and muted, tonal palettes.
- Basque waist wedding dresses - a vintage silhouette with a modern twist - are enjoying a 333% surge in searches.
- Meanwhile, draped decor (+57%) is giving venues that grand, sweeping feel - perfect for a modern-day ball.
2. Wedding Dress Trends in 2026
Wedding fashion is changing rapidly - in 2026, the trend is for high-fashion wedding looks with a throwback feel. Think after-party mini wedding dresses and the wedding sunglasses trend.
We're also seeing the Bridgerton influence with the rise of the basque waist bridal gown. Wedding dress designer Savannah Miller (who supplied the Delilah dress for our shoot) explains: "Basque waists have been making waves for some time now, because they are really flattering and dramatic.
"When you couple a basque waist with a bubble hem, you make modern magic because the bubble hem feels super directional and fashion forward without being too much."
- Wedding after party dresses have seen a 50% rise in searches, as more couples are switching into second looks for the dancefloor.
- Bubble hem dresses, a nostalgic favourite from the early 2000s (and before that, the 1980s…), are emerging as a new trend - expect to see this silhouette burst onto the scene in 2026.
- Statement ponytail wedding hair (+86%) is becoming the go-to wedding hairstyle for cool nearlyweds - sleek, chic, and perfect for party transitions.
- And statement veils have doubled in popularity, showing that accessories are making their own moment.
When asked about the rise in statement wedding veils, veil designer Rebecca Anne, who was behind many of the veils and fabric signage for this year's report, explains: "In recent years, I’ve seen brides move away from the idea of a veil being an afterthought and instead embracing it as an integral part of their bridal look.
"A statement veil allows them to add drama, personality, and meaning - it can transform the silhouette of a simple gown or bring a fresh edge to a more detailed dress. Whether it’s a scattering of florals, personalised script, or handwriting translated into stitch, a veil becomes a legacy piece that brides treasure long after the wedding."
3. Hyper-Personalised Wedding Details
Wedding stationery is no longer a mere formality - it’s a form of expression, and sets the tone for the rest of the celebrations.
From detailed wedding websites, to on-the-day wedding newspapers filled with fun details, and even hand-written letters to guests, weddings are more personal than ever before.
- Wedding newspapers (+19%) are a standout trend, letting couples share their love story with guests in a fun and nostalgic way.
- Personalised letters for guests are a fresh 2026 entry, replacing traditional favours with heartfelt, handwritten notes.
- Illustrated wedding stationery is up 22%, with custom drawings and watercolours turning invites into keepsakes.
"I think people love bespoke wedding newspapers because it's a super creative way to share all the important information of their day, show off their love story so far and include their family and friends in some way, but also adding some fun," says Sarah, owner of Photo Press, who created our shoot newspapers.
"They want their day to be relaxed and enjoyable, and giving out wedding newspapers at the ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the day. I get so many messages from past clients that their wedding guests loved their newspapers and took them home, so I always encourage people to think of their newspapers as a keepsake that guests will want to keep."
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4. Interactive Wedding Entertainment
Weddings are becoming more immersive, and couples are prioritising guest experience like never before.
From audio guest books, where couples can listen back to voice messages from guests and even overlay them over their videography, to themed catering and custom newspapers, including crosswords, quizzes and more, weddings are a full on experience for all those who attend.
- Audio guest books have seen a 29% rise, swapping pen and paper for playful voice notes and soundbites.
- Food trucks for weddings (+50%) are driving a wave of fun, flexible catering options that feel fresh and informal.
- Wedding newspapers (yes, again!) offer guests an experience to engage with on the day - and a souvenir to take home.
Aidan, from the I Do Hotline team, explains why audio guest books are on the rise: "We believe that audio guestbooks are the future - guests leaving heartfelt messages filled with memories, marriage tips, and messages thanking the married couple for inviting them to their special day.
"The days of paper form guestbooks are on their way if or if not, already out of fashion, and the ability of technology is allowing guestbooks to turn a corner into the next generation. There is never a day that goes by where someone doesn’t use a piece of technology, and this is providing people with a perfect platform to capture the heartfelt messages in a digital form, and a much more sentimental approach.
"One thing we are seeing is the generation opting for the audio guestbook is somewhat younger and therefore those invited to their wedding are also of the younger generation. This is a perfect match and creates some amazing funny and heartfelt memories more than you would ever get in a guest book of the traditional style."
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5. Wedding Cake Trends 2026: Retro & Statement Cakes
It was a key 2025 wedding trend, but it’s got even bigger - wedding cakes are becoming seriously nostalgic. Whether it's a single-tiered sheet wedding cake, a cute and kitsch Lambeth cake, or even a wedding cake table covered in retro desserts (we're talking 70s style jellies, mini meringues and more), love is seriously sweet.
- Retro wedding cakes (+23%) are making a delicious comeback, with piping, ruffles and kitschy colours taking over Instagram feeds.
- Sheet cakes (+29%) - once a low-key bake sale classic - are now being reimagined as creative centrepieces. It’s official - tiered cakes are out for 2026.
Find your perfect wedding cake
6. Dramatic Wedding Decor Trends for 2026
Decor is going big and bold, with couples focused on setting a scene. The goal is to make your guests gasp.
Think silky-soft drapes, totally transforming your venue, to structural floral displays on plinths. Wedding decor is about transformation.
- Draped wedding decor (+57%) is being used to create softness, scale and atmosphere.
- Serpentine tables (+50%) - those beautiful, flowing layouts - are changing the game for receptions, encouraging movement, intimacy and visual impact.
7. Vibe-Setting Wedding Venues
Couples planning weddings for 2026 and beyond aren’t just looking for a wedding venue. They’re looking to set a scene.
Stately home wedding venues are on the rise as couples look for settings worthy of their Bridgerton-esque bash, and vineyards are rising in popularity as couples want to cultivate a full on experience for their guests - think wine tasting, and photo ops amongst the vines.
- Stately home weddings (+29%) are gaining traction, bringing heritage, grandeur and old-money aesthetics.
- Vineyard weddings (+22%) are also on the rise, offering natural beauty and a sense of relaxed luxury.
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8. Statement Wedding Table Styling
Taking a seat just got chic. Wedding tables are no longer just a place to sit and eat - they’re a styling opportunity and a chance to enhance your guest experience.
Luxe fabrics are paired with fresh fruit for a striking set up that evokes Georgian elegance.
- Pastel wedding flowers (+27%) are softening last year’s love of bold clashing blooms.
- Wedding place settings (+23%) show couples are getting creative with layout, layering and personalisation.
- Serpentine tables (again!) underscore this shift - function meets form.
Wedding florist and Trend Report contributor Zoe Burton, of Burton's Blooms, explains why wedding flowers are having a moment in 2026: "I feel couples are increasingly drawn to sculptural florals and nostalgic stems like the calla lily because they bring a sense of artistry and intention to weddings. Almost like floral sculptures rather than traditional table centrepieces.
"They feel bold, sleek, and slightly nostalgic, but being styled in a refined, modern way that really resonates with design conscious couples. Adding fresh fruit such as grapes, to a table scape brings texture and another layer of visual interest, creating a multi-sensory experience for guests. It transforms the table into something more curated and memorable, therefore, going beyond just a floral display."
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9. Wedding After Party Trends in 2026
The wedding reception has been reimagined - no longer an evening disco, we’re now in our after-party era.
Forget evening invitations being for your B-list - the after party is the place to be, when the outfits get seriously glam, the champagne starts to flow and the couple and their guests tuck into their favourite things.
- Wedding after party dresses, high ponytail hairstyles, and food trucks are all part of the new, informal second act.
- Think disco ball wedding decor, dancefloor outfit changes, and espresso martinis until late.
We asked celebrity wedding planner Mark Niemierko about the rise of the after party: "The rise of the after party is due to couples realising a wedding day should be a celebration, with it being that area of the day with less formality - yes, perhaps a first dance, but after that - the seating plan is done, the cake is cut, the speeches complete.
"There’s no more formality, we can finally dance, let our hair down with a dirty martini hand and gorge on some fried chicken and chips! There’s an unplanned spontaneity to the afters, when a day is so perfectly planned like a military parade."
Mark has plenty of suggestions for ways to personalise your wedding after party, too: "The creative part of my brain explodes with excitement around the afters, from detail such as bespoke coasters, matches, renaming of cocktails. And of course a neon sign that the couple can keep to install in a basement den or bar at their home.
The loud colour we can add at this stage also gets me excited, if say we’ve done a classic white and green wedding – are you ready for a hot red club! And getting inspired at this stage to include personal touches to the couple that I have discovered in the planning. Such as how I named a club recently after the couples puppy, and of course had him sketched to then appear on the cocktail menus."
Your after party doesn't have to be a boozy, raucous affair if you don't want it to be - Mark shares his hot tip for a 2027 wedding trend: the 'wedding wind down'. "The wedding wind down is a concept that happened by chance, but now all our couples love it," he reveals. "Back at the hotel bar, with no production, just cash behind the bar and our singing pianist Danny Mills.
"It feels so stripped back from the larger production, it feels unplanned, some guests have even thought I didn’t know about one wind down, saying it felt like a lock in!"
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10. Fun Wedding Food Trucks
Leaning into that care-free, after party feel, wedding catering is transformed for 2026. Sausage baps and chunky chips no longer cut it - it’s all about creative catering. Whether you love tacos or want everyone to tuck into Thai, hiring food trucks to cater your after party is a delish way to make your day more about you.
- Fun food trucks (+50%) offer an alternative to sit-down meals, with everything from wood-fired pizza to bao buns on the menu.
Discover delicious wedding caterers
Key Wedding Trend for 2026: Retro Revival
Scrap that Pinterest moodboard and pull out your parents’ wedding album. Wedding trends in 2026 are all about the new nostalgia.
- Basque waists are bringing back that late 90s and early 00s glamour.
- Retro cakes bring a playful sense of 80s-flavoured fun to proceedings.
- Wedding newspapers allow you to personalise your day with a cool keepsake - and make for amazing photo ops!
- Bubble hems are getting a glow-up - they create movement and bring levity to wedding fashion.
Trending Wedding Colours 2026: Pale Blue & Monochrome Elegance
Weddings in 2026 are embracing soft, elegant palettes with a modern twist. Pale blue is emerging as a key colour trend, paired with monochrome accents for a chic, contemporary feel.
- Pale Blue: Perfect for bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, and stationery. This subtle hue brings a sense of calm sophistication and timeless romance.
- Monochrome Detailing: Think black-and-white tableware, candles, and signage. These details add drama and contrast to the soft pastel base.
- Styling Tips: Mix textures like satin ribbons, velvet table runners, and soft linens to enhance the monochrome-pale blue combination. Add metallic touches (silver or brushed gold) for an elevated finish.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About 2026 Wedding Trends
We’ve crunched the numbers and we’ve spoken to the pros - wedding trends for 2026 are about an almost regal refinery, but with a cheeky twist, before descending into decadence for the celebrations. Want to know more? Hitched Editor Zoe Burke answers all your questions about 2026 wedding trends with her expert advice...
What are the biggest wedding trends for 2026?
The top wedding trends for 2026 include Bridgerton-inspired weddings, throwback wedding fashion like bubble hems and basque waist dresses, hyper-personalised stationery, retro wedding cakes, immersive guest entertainment, and statement wedding table styling.
What wedding dress trends are popular in 2026?
Key 2026 wedding dress trends include basque waist gowns, bubble hem silhouettes, second-look after party dresses, and dramatic veils. These fashion choices reflect the wider 2026 wedding trends for personal expression and playful nostalgia.
What wedding décor trends are couples choosing in 2026?
Wedding décor in 2026 is all about impact. Couples are embracing draped fabrics, serpentine tables, dramatic florals, disco ball accents, and venue-led storytelling to create unforgettable settings.
What food and drink trends are popular for 2026 weddings?
Food trucks, fun interactive catering, and retro-inspired cakes are among the biggest 2026 wedding food trends. Couples are moving away from formal sit-down meals in favour of playful, informal options.
How are weddings changing in 2026?
Weddings in 2026 are more personalised, immersive, and expressive than ever. From fashion throwbacks to modern entertainment, couples are designing days that reflect their unique personalities while embracing nostalgia and fun.
What are the top wedding trends 2026 in the UK?
- Bridgerton-inspired weddings
- Throwback fashion, such as basque waist and bubble hem dresses
- Hyper-personalised stationery
- Retro wedding cakes
- Immersive entertainment
- Statement table styling
- Vibe-setting venues
Couples are prioritising expressive details, nostalgia, and fun.
What wedding cake trends will be popular in 2026?
Retro and statement wedding cakes are trending in 2026. Couples are moving away from traditional tiered cakes towards sheet cakes, kitschy colours, ruffles, and personalised designs that double as centrepieces and photo opportunities.
How are wedding guest trends changing in 2026?
Wedding guest fashion is becoming more expressive and fun. Look out for bold accessories, statement sunglasses (the wedding sunglasses trend isn't just for couples!), monochrome accents, and mix-and-match styling. Guests are embracing outfits that reflect the wedding’s overall theme, from nostalgic to modern.
What are the trending wedding colours for 2026?
Pastels and muted tones remain popular, with pale blues, soft greys, and monochrome details emerging as a standout palette for 2026. Couples are using colour to create cohesive visual storytelling, from stationery and floral arrangements to décor and table styling.
What wedding music trends are couples choosing for 2026?
Interactive playlists, live bands, and DJs curating genre-mix sets are all popular. Couples are focusing on creating memorable moments, including first dances, after-party vibes, and Instagram-ready singalongs.
Wedding Trend Shoot Team
This year's 2026 wedding Trend Report was brought to you by:
- Photographer: Danielle Veitch Photography
- Content creator: Your Social Bridesmaid
- Decor: The Luxe Occasion
- Venue: Gunnersbury Park House
- Florist: Burton's Blooms
- Cake table: Pastry by Sanjam
- Wedding cake: Beanie's Bakes
- Hair & makeup: JKA Makeup
- Celebrant: BusyBrides
- Stylist: Peta Hunt
- Asian wedding stylist: Anisha Vasani Creates
- Food truck: The Pizza Post
- Audio guest book: The I Do Hotline
- Newspaper: Photo Press
- Stationery: JeccaBox
- Full skirted wedding dress: Savannah Miller
- Sequin mini wedding dress: Rixo
- Structured mini dress: Steven Khalil / The Wedding Club
- Lace wedding dress: Berta / The Wedding Club
- Embroidered veils, signage & birdcage veil: Rebecca Anne Designs
- Shoes: Rainbow Club
- Groomswear: House of Cavani
- Heart veil and diamante headband: Mina Mollie
2025 Wedding Trends Recap
Curious about what was trending for weddings in 2025? Here's our recap of the 2025 wedding trend report.
- Content creators became one of the biggest trends of the year, with couples hiring professionals to capture candid, social-ready footage alongside traditional photography and videography.
- Colourful wedding flowers replaced neutral tones, as couples embraced bold, clashing colour palettes and vibrant arrangements that reflected joy and individuality.
- Mini wedding dresses surged in popularity, offering playful, re-wearable options for modern couples looking to mix up their wedding-day look or opt for a second outfit.
- Wedding videography experienced a major revival, with couples investing more in cinematic or nostalgic film-style videos to relive the emotion of the day.
- Wedding photo apps became the new disposable cameras, allowing guests to share their own snaps and give couples a fun, behind-the-scenes perspective of the celebration.
- Heart-shaped wedding cakes brought retro romance back to the table, inspired by vintage aesthetics and a desire for weddings to feel personal, nostalgic, and a bit playful.
- Floral wedding dresses bloomed in popularity, from hand-painted to 3D-appliqué designs, offering a fresh, fashion-forward take on classic bridalwear.
- Wedding tuxedos gained traction, with more grooms and marriers opting for sharp, statement looks inspired by Hollywood glamour and red-carpet tailoring.
- Live wedding painters provided unique entertainment and keepsakes, turning real-time moments into lasting art pieces.
- Micro weddings continued to thrive, with couples favouring smaller guest lists, multi-day celebrations, and meaningful, high-quality experiences over scale.
2024 Wedding Trends
Want to see where the wedding trends you love today started to grow in popularity? Here are the key wedding trends from 2024.
- Wedding Celebrants: +49%
- Film Wedding Photography: +266%
- Weekend Wedding Venues: +50%
- Wedding Veils: +23%
- 70s Weddings: +29%
- Saxophone Wedding: +143%
- Wedding Dress Hire: +50%
- Wedding Dress Codes: +52%
- Wedding Gift Ideas: +108%
- AI Weddings: +100%
- Budget Weddings: +306%
Get ready to plan a wedding that is just as unique as your love story - start your wedding planning with Hitched.
