The 2026 Wedding Trends That Are In—and Out—for the Year

“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

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 wedding, 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.