At One Fab Day, we’re endlessly inspired by how weddings continue to evolve, and the start of each year offers the perfect moment to take stock of what’s shaping celebrations in the months, and year ahead.
For 2026, we’ve curated our Hottest Wedding Trends by spotting what’s capturing attention across social media, following trend-setting couples and wedding designers, tracking bridal fashion weeks, and keeping an eye on the Pantone Colour of the Year. From endless Pinterest scrolling and Instagram browsing to immersing ourselves in beautiful real weddings, we’re constantly uncovering fresh inspiration we can’t wait to bookmark and share. It’s one of our favourite features of the year, and we can’t wait to share what’s inspiring us most.
So, what are we seeing? Wedding inspiration is constantly evolving, and the 2026 wedding trends are more personal, creative, and expressive than ever before. The weddings of 2026 feel like a true love letter to individuality, celebrating each couple’s unique story, style, and vision for their big day.
Wedding planning is also changing, and Millennials and Gen Z couples are approaching it very differently. With longer engagements, couples have more time to really dream up their day and craft a celebration that reflects their unique love story. In 2026, weddings are shaping up to be full of creativity across the entire weekend. Expect statement colour palettes, never-seen-before floral designs, creative cake displays, highly personalised details, bold bridal style, fun guest experiences, and offbeat entertainment that make every moment memorable.
Pssst! If nothing here sparks your imagination, don’t worry. As always, these trends are not rules to follow but ideas to explore. The most beautiful weddings are the ones that feel true to the people at the centre of them. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and use these trends as a starting point rather than a script. Personal, heartfelt, and entirely your own is what wedding style in 2026 is all about. And above all, always lead with love.
The Biggest 2026 Wedding Trends
Cloud Dancer
Each year, the guardians of all things colour, Pantone, declare a “Pantone Colour of the Year” a shade that influences fashion, interiors, beauty, product design and, of course, wedding trends across the globe. For 2026, the renowned colour house has announced Cloud Dancer, a soft, airy white, as its chosen hue.
Like a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer reflects a collective desire for a fresh start, clearing space for creativity and modern thinking. Described by Pantone as “an airy white hue offering a promise of clarity,” it feels quietly confident rather than safe. While a white-toned Colour of the Year might seem predictable for weddings at first glance, white has evolved far beyond tradition. In recent years, all-white weddings have become a bold design choice, making Cloud Dancer a natural fit.
Artful Moments
Artful moments are set to define weddings in 2026, as couples increasingly treat their celebrations as immersive creative experiences. From table plans, menus and stationery designed as works of art to gallery-style venues that double as curated backdrops, every detail is becoming part of the visual story. This artistic approach extends to wedding flowers too, with arrangements inspired by Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. Expect richly layered, painterly florals, dramatic colour palettes and sculptural compositions that feel both timeless and expressive, transforming weddings into living works of art.
Chrome
Chrome is the metallic shade of 2026. Clean, cool, and futuristic, it marks a sharp shift away from the soft gold and champagne tones that have dominated weddings for years. We’re seeing chrome details appear in cutlery, vases, candle holders, florals, cakes, dance floors, and even bridal accessories. It instantly elevates a minimalist palette and adds a sleek, modern edge, giving wedding designs a striking and contemporary feel.
Bouquet Designs That Are Bolder Than Ever
For 2026, bold wedding bouquets are stepping firmly into the spotlight. Think unexpected blooms and sculptural stems over traditional posies, with couples embracing an intentionally bold, expressive approach to florals. Unusual flower choices, striking colour combinations, and exaggerated scale are all key, while texture takes centre stage through the addition of pearls, lace wraps, ribbon cascades, charms, and even crystal or beaded accents woven directly into arrangements. We’re also seeing floral “bouquets” crafted entirely from non-traditional materials like pearl strands, vintage brooches, fabric blooms, and lace, blurring the line between floristry and fashion. The result feels deeply personal, a little dramatic, and designed to be remembered long after the petals fall.
Lace, Everywhere
Lace isn’t just for dresses and veils anymore. This intricate, romantic detail is taking over weddings in 2026. From stationery, table décor, menus, and table plans to draped cake tables, champagne displays, and signage, lace is being used to add texture, elegance, and a delicate, timeless charm across every element of the day. What began as a subtle trend last year is set to return bigger and more beautiful than ever, transforming weddings into exquisitely detailed, ethereal celebrations.
Cool Blue
Cool blue is set to be one of the standout colour stories for 2026 weddings, bringing a fresh, frosty calm to modern celebrations. Tipped by Pinterest as a key trend for the year ahead, ethereal shades like powder blue, pale sky, misty cornflower, delicate periwinkle, and icy pale blue are offering couples a sophisticated alternative to traditional neutrals. These lighter blues create an atmosphere that feels crisp, elegant, and quietly confident, appearing across flowing bridesmaid dresses, subtle gown details, hand-painted stationery, blue glassware, layered tablescapes, and florals with soft blue blooms. Paired with crisp whites, frosted neutrals, and delicate metallics, cool blue feels timeless yet unmistakably modern, whether used as a subtle accent or embraced throughout the day
Dramatic Veils Bringing Iconic Bridal Moments
Veils are making a major comeback, bigger and more dramatic than ever. From timeless cathedral and mantilla styles to veils adorned with floral embroidery, pearls, personalized heirloom details, tiers of ruffles, and even feathers, this accessory is set to create an iconic bridal moment. Whether timeless or bold, veils are set to be a standout accessory in 2026 weddings.
Punchy Pink and Green Pairing
The pink and green colour combination is set to be one of 2026’s standout palettes. Soft blushes and hot pinks paired with rich emeralds or leafy sage create a fresh, romantic palette that works across flowers, stationery, décor, and table styling. This pairing balances warmth and elegance, bringing a natural yet sophisticated feel to celebrations. Whether used in bouquets, table arrangements, or draping, pink and green together make a striking and versatile choice that feels modern while still timeless.
Heirlooms & Sentimental Details
Heirloom details are making a big comeback, as couples increasingly draw inspiration from their parents’ and grandparents’ weddings and seek to honour love stories across generations. This trend is showing up in everything from heirloom wedding dresses and vintage accessories to thoughtful styling details that feel authentic and treasured rather than staged, creating celebrations that are rich in emotion, memory, and personal history.
Veg Takes Centre Stage
Vegetables as décor is the wedding trend we didn’t see coming for 2026, but it’s already making a bold and playful statement. Think artfully arranged tomatoes, aubergines and peppers woven into tablescapes, sculptural displays of seasonal produce, and fresh herbs used as centrepieces or place settings. Equal parts rustic and fashion-forward, this trend brings texture, colour and a sense of abundance to wedding styling, celebrating seasonality while offering a refreshingly unconventional alternative to traditional florals.
Interactive Table Games
While we’ve been championing table games for years, they are proving to be more than just fun. They are fantastic icebreakers for guests and in 2026 interactive table games are becoming the norm, helping to spark conversation and laughter throughout the day. From Table Captains, fun guest facts and wedding bingo to wedding bets and I Spy, couples are getting creative with ways to entertain their friends and family while adding a personal, playful touch to the reception.
FunHaus
Big top, bigger personality. Tipped by Pinterest as a trend to watch in 2026, circus-inspired décor and design is set to make a splash in both decor and in weddings, blending bold, playful energy with sophisticated style. Think striking stripes, sculptural silhouettes, and just a wink of clownish charm. The key is balance: pair statement patterns with pared-back palettes to keep the look elevated while still full of fun. Circus vibes are all about bringing joy, colour, and a sense of theatre to celebrations without losing elegance.
Unique Reception Table Configurations
What began in recent years as a fresh twist on traditional seating is set to get even more creative in 2026. Unique and imaginative reception table layouts are making a big statement, adding drama, romance, and visual impact to the dinner experience. Moving beyond classic long and round tables, expect to see serpentine, half-circle, full-circle, curved, and U-shaped configurations becoming increasingly popular. These designs not only elevate the overall aesthetic but also create more interactive and memorable dining moments for guests.
Nostalgia & The Return of ’90s Romance
Nostalgia is set to be a defining influence on weddings in 2026, with couples looking to the past for style cues, cinematic inspiration, and timeless elegance. Think Nancy Meyers–style interiors, the classic charm of Father of the Bride and The Parent Trap, and the refined yet relaxed aesthetic of Ralph Lauren. From ’90s rom-com moments to iconic fashion references, couples are drawing on pop culture and wedding moments from the era to create celebrations that feel personal, playful, and memorable. This trend is all about recreating the romance and aesthetics of the ’90s in a modern, stylish way.
Brooches
Tipped by Pinterest to be a major style trend for 2026, brooches are making a comeback and we can’t wait to see how they weave their way into weddings. From sparkling mother-of-the-bride corsages to alternative groom’s boutonnieres and perhaps even the return of the brooch bouquet, this sparkling accessory is set to add a touch of vintage glamour and playful elegance to celebrations.
The Rise of Romantic Texture
Texture is taking centre stage for 2026 weddings, adding depth, softness and visual interest to every part of the celebration. Couples are leaning into layered fabrics and tactile details like ruffles, ruching, pleating and draping, creating spaces that feel romantic, immersive and thoughtfully styled. From flowing ceremony backdrops and fabric-draped entrances to ruched cake tables, softly layered dessert displays and fabric-wrapped drinks trolleys, this trend brings a sense of movement and warmth to wedding design. Whether achieved through billowing linens, gathered table skirts or sculptural fabric installations, texture transforms even the simplest setting into something elevated, inviting and effortlessly elegant.
Unexpected and Artful Blooms
For 2026, wedding florals are becoming more expressive, sculptural and intentionally unexpected. Couples are moving beyond traditional arrangements in favour of artful designs that feel curated rather than conventional, with florists experimenting with unusual blooms not typically seen at weddings, unexpected colour pairings and plenty of texture. Think structural stems, wild grasses, foraged elements, dried details and statement flowers mixed with softer, romantic blooms for contrast.
Bouquets are taking on a more conceptual feel too, with wrapped stems, cascading forms and even non-floral additions like lace, pearls, tinsel or fabric woven through. The result is floral design that feels personal, creative and a little bit daring, transforming bouquets and installations into works of art that reflect a couple’s individuality rather than tradition.
Opera Aesthetic
Another Pinterest-fuelled trend that’s perfect for weddings is the Opera Aesthetic, bringing the opulent party to life. Dial up the drama with velvet drapery, red roses, string quartets, black-tie dress codes, gloves, gilded stationery, and champagne towers. Think lavish, theatrical celebrations that feel like stepping into a grand opera house, where every detail exudes glamour and extravagance. You can dial up the drama with drapery, dark red flowers, string quartets, black-tie dress codes, gloves, gilded stationery, and champagne towers. Here, we’ve rounded up seven stunning theatre venues in Ireland to hire for weddings.
Wedding Cakes Having A Main Character Moment
Wedding cakes are having a true moment and are set to be one of the biggest wedding trends of 2026. From towering statement tiers and cakes stretching the length of the table to Italian-style millefoglie and dramatic cake pours, dessert is becoming a true showpiece. We’re so excited to see what couples, planners and cake designers come up with next.
Docu-Editorial Photography
The docu-editorial photography trend shows no signs of slowing down and we couldn’t be happier. In 2026, it is all about capturing the day as it unfolds with non-posed, candid moments that feel luxurious yet unpolished. Think soft lighting, fleeting glances, and genuine emotion, with images that look like they belong in a coffee table book rather than an Instagram feed. Film photography is also making a huge comeback, adding timeless texture and depth to these effortlessly elevated images.
Calligraphy & Hand Scribed Stationery
For 2026, wedding stationery is stepping firmly into art territory, with calligraphy and hand-scribed details becoming expressive, playful and deeply personal. Couples are embracing invites and menus that feel like keepsakes, where beautiful lettering is paired with unexpected layouts, bold colour choices and fun, characterful flourishes. From freehand calligraphy and painterly scripts to illustrated motifs and tactile paper finishes, these designs balance craftsmanship with personality. The result is stationery that feels less formal and more joyful, turning everything from invitations to place cards into miniature art pieces that set the tone for a celebration that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Chocolate Brown
Earth tones continue to evolve, giving bright and pastel shades a run for their money in terms of elegance and impact. For 2026 weddings, chocolate brown emerges as the hero shade. Warm and grounded, it feels unexpectedly sophisticated when paired with ivory, taupe, or metallic accents.
Delphinium
Named Flower of the Year, delphinium is set to play a key role in 2026 wedding florals. Tall and elegant with a naturally sculptural feel, it brings height, texture, and depth to arrangements, with its rich blue, purple, and soft white tones adding quiet drama to any setting. Chosen for its symbolism of hope, elevation, and positivity, delphinium feels especially meaningful for weddings right now, making it a beautiful choice for couples looking to mark a new beginning with intention and style.
Experiences Over Wedding Favours
Are wedding favours still a thing? In 2026, many couples are choosing to skip them altogether in favour of meaningful guest experiences. Rather than sending guests home with trinkets, couples are investing in moments guests can enjoy and remember, from personalised after party treats and interactive photo booths to Polaroid cameras placed on tables. These thoughtful touches create memories that last far longer than any traditional favour.
This shift reflects a broader change in how couples approach their celebrations. Guests are looking to take home experiences, not objects, and weddings are becoming more engaging as a result. Couples are prioritising connection, interaction, and shared moments that unfold naturally throughout the day.
Entertainment is also evolving beyond the dancefloor. From immersive experiences and unexpected food moments to creative live entertainment line-ups,, couples are embracing less conventional entertainment such as magicians, drag performers, mixologists, dancers, Celtic drummers, live wedding artists, a, and yes, the return of the photobooth. The goal is simple: to surprise, delight, and keep guests engaged from start to finish.
If you are hoping to truly wow your guests, spark conversation, or even create that unforgettable or viral wedding moment, this is a trend well worth embracing. Check out our favourite unique wedding entertainment ideas that add instant impact and leave a lasting impression.
Vintage-Inspired Projection Moments
In 2026, couples are bringing timeless romance into their receptions with vintage-inspired projection moments. Think classic black-and-white love films playing softly in the background, or even more meaningfully, black-and-white photos and video clips of the couple themselves. Projected onto a wall or draped fabric, these visuals create an intimate, cinematic atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal. It’s a beautiful way to slow the room down, tell your love story without words, and let guests feel like they’re stepping into your very own old-Hollywood romance.
Maximalist After-Parties
Why let the magic end after the last dance? In 2026, after-parties are no longer an afterthought but a full extension of the celebration. Couples are embracing bold themes, chic décor, and unexpected twists to keep the energy alive well into the night. From disco-themed dance floors to build-your-own espresso martini bars, celebrations are stretching well into the early hours, with couples embracing wedding wardrobe made for after-hours fun.
Full wedding weekends are also becoming the norm, with day-after events such as relaxed brunches or playful poolside parties for destination weddings. These follow-ups give couples and guests extra time to connect, share stories, and soak in the joy together. Each event is curated with its own distinct vibe, casual yet thoughtful, with décor, signage, and themes that tie the entire weekend seamlessly together.
See more trend reports and unique ideas for your big day here.
