As the year comes to an end, we’re looking ahead to 2026. A lot has recently changed in the wedding world, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic throwing more than a few planning curveballs. After navigating the ins and outs of social distancing and smaller weddings, a few new traditions stuck. Couples were and are opting for smaller affairs, courthouse wedding moments and more muted color palettes and even menus. While some of these trends have lingered, many are going to be opting for more over-the-top, experience-driven and community-focused events.
While looking into what many predict will take a hold in 2026, here are a few we found fun and interesting.
Editorial/Design-Driven Elements
Some things may have been muted these past several years, but 2026 is looking to lean more editorial. Both in photography and typography, couples are interested in adding drama and design back into their events. First, the trend of the candid Polaroid is getting an upgrade. While the polaroid look has been a steady favorite, the prediction (according to the internet) is that couples will lean more into the idea, hiring photographers and videographers with a magazine quality style in mind. This idea will also lean into the layout of invitation suites and any other wedding signage. Instead of typical script and florals, couples will focus more on font and design, bringing a wedding invite to Town + Country level.
Wedding Witches
Whether it’s predicting the weather, or sending a drawing of what your future husband will look like, Etsy witches are having their moment. More people will look to those who can help predict certain elements of their wedding – especially the weather. The Knot notes many celebrity couples used witches to predict the forecast and that this will not only be a trend capturing the stars, but many others as well.
Pre-Moon
This one is less about the actual wedding and more about couples taking time to celebrate themselves. Once a couple is engaged, a lot of festivities are a communal event, with couples having to entertain family and friends. Some are calling it the “Minus One-Year Anniversary,” the idea being that opposite of the first anniversary, couples go away on vacation or in some way mark the occasion one year before their wedding. This is especially fun if a couple is planning a destination wedding. Head to the destination a year before the big day, experience everything your guests will and enjoy newly discovered things and more.
