Wedding trends are always changing, but this year, couples seem less influenced by what's trending and more by their personal style and interests. According to industry experts, the biggest thing defining weddings right now is hyper-customization.
Instead of going for a popular aesthetic, brides and grooms are creating celebrations that are uniquely their own. Wedding experts say the most “on-trend” weddings this year will feature:
- The return of bridal romance … with a twist - When it comes to bridal fashion, lace and embellishment are back, and the Basque waistline trend is still in style. Designer Amy Grammer describes the look for 2026 as “romantic but intentional, elevated but expressive, classic but not too formal, and fashionable but not forced.”
- Statement accessories take center stage - Brides are leaning into accessories to personalize their look by adding headpieces, fascinators, sculptural bows, pearl details and modern veils. “Statement accessories will also become a defining feature of a bridal look,” Grammer shares. “Brides stand out by incorporating accessories into their look… that aren’t cookie cutter.”
- Color pushes past the minimalist era - Minimalist weddings may be a thing of the past, according to Aubrey Rowden, owner of Love Tree Studios, which does wedding photography. “Color is everywhere,” she says. “Brides are rejecting the Pantone color of the year and all‑white, minimalism. They are going for bold, bright color palettes.”
- Flowers as fashion, not props - Even flowers are getting a modern twist as personal style statements. Instead of traditional bouquets, the new floral trend is the “bouquet bag” - flowers you can carry in a purse.
- Weddings as experiences, not events - “Venues are becoming more of a destination and an experience for guests,” Rowden explains. “Art museums and custom tent installations are replacing traditional ballrooms.” Ceremonies are also becoming more personal, with more couples having friends and family serve as officiants.
Source: Newsweek