2026 Wedding Trends: Insights From Our Expert Planners

Insight From Expert Planners

As we head into 2026, we turned to our expert planners to share the trends they expect to define the year ahead. Natasha Churches of Aisle & Co. and Megan Lentz of Vida Events weigh in with insights shaped by years of experience. From intentional, curated textures to monochromatic color palettes and immersive, interactive food and beverage moments, these are the trends we are most excited to see in 2026.

Intentional Editorial Forward Design & Photography
Couples are moving away from overly themed weddings and gravitating toward celebrations that feel personal, purposeful, and artfully composed. The focus is shifting toward storytelling through design, where every texture, object, and color has meaning. Weddings are no longer simply about filling a space with pretty details. Instead, every element is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the couple’s personality and shared story.

Megan from notes that couples are embracing “layered textures, thoughtful art pieces, and color used with purpose,” creating an elevated, editorial look that still feels deeply intimate. This next wave of design is less about spectacle and more about crafting an environment that reflects the couple in a rich, intentional way. From textured linens to curated tabletop décor, every detail contributes to a cohesive, sophisticated visual story.

On the creative side, Natasha adds that “editorial-style photography with motion and emotion will dominate, capturing weddings as living art.” Photographers are moving beyond static portraits to tell dynamic, cinematic stories, documenting weddings as immersive experiences filled with movement, emotion, and authenticity. This trend encourages close-up details, like flowing drapery, editorial-style flatlays, and structural centerpieces, which highlight the artistry and depth of the design. 

Elevated Color and Statement Florals  

Color is stepping into a more intentional spotlight in 2026. Instead of choosing palettes solely to match a theme, couples are gravitating toward tones that add depth, texture, and a sense of refined artistry. It is a natural evolution from last year’s softer, minimal palettes. Now, color is being elevated through layered hues, richer textiles, and purposeful combinations that make a statement without feeling overdone.

Florals are evolving alongside these intentional palettes. Couples are favoring bold, sculptural arrangements and unexpected color pairings that feel modern and expressive. As Natasha explains, we will see “statement florals in unexpected color pairings and lots of bold, artful arrangements.” Megan adds that couples are drawn to “layered textures, thoughtful art pieces, and color used with purpose,” which allows floral design to become the anchor of the celebration’s visual story.

Sustainability continues to shape these choices, and Megan notes that it is a trend that is not going away. More couples are opting for local, seasonal blooms and palettes inspired by the natural surroundings of their venue. These choices are not only eco-conscious, but they also contribute to an elevated, artistic feel, creating floral arrangements that are both thoughtful and visually striking. Whether it is muted seasonal tones or rich, saturated shades, color and florals are being used to express personality and set a lasting impression on guests.

Immersive, Guest-Centered Experiences 

Another defining shift for 2026 is the move toward weddings that fully engage guests from the moment they arrive. Couples are blending hospitality and art, creating celebrations that feel less like traditional events and more like thoughtfully curated experiences. This evolution builds on last year’s early hints of personalization and takes it further with richer sensory moments and deeper intention.

Natasha notes that couples want “intimate, immersive guest experiences, personalized details, interactive food and beverage, and ‘wow’ moments.” That can include chef-led tasting stations, tableside cocktail creations, or custom welcome gifts that feel deeply tied to the couple’s story. Every element is designed to draw guests in and make them feel part of the celebration, not just observers.

Megan adds that we will see “more emphasis on immersive design experiences that blend hospitality and art: custom installations and elevated guest moments.” Examples include sculptural entry pieces that double as photo-worthy backdrops, softly lit lounges with curated textures, and reception layouts arranged to encourage conversation and connection rather than formality. From lighting to seating arrangements to the way food and beverages are presented, guest experience is becoming the centerpiece of a wedding rather than an afterthought. Couples want their loved ones to feel engaged, enveloped, and part of something memorable.

Modern Entertainment DJ 

Entertainment is undergoing a transformation in 2026 as couples look for ways to make celebrations feel more energetic, immersive, and memorable. One of the most exciting trends is the rise of hybrid DJs, which fuse DJ-driven playlists with live musicians to create a truly unique sound experience.

Natasha puts it best: “And as for entertainment, hybrid DJs… pairing live musicians with curated sets will redefine what a dance floor feels like.” This could include DJs mixing alongside saxophone riffs, violin overlays, percussion breaks, or rotating musicians throughout the night. The result is a dynamic, energized dance floor that feels alive and bespoke to the couple’s vision.

Couples are also exploring entertainment that interacts with guests throughout the event, such as live performances during transitions, cocktail hour music that invites participation, or surprise elements that heighten excitement. The goal is not just to play music but to create an immersive atmosphere that complements the design and storytelling of the day, leaving guests with unforgettable memories.

Final Notes

As 2026 approaches, it’s clear that weddings are continuing to evolve toward experiences that feel deeply personal, artfully curated, and visually striking. From editorial-forward design and photography to bold, intentional color and statement florals, couples are leaning into details that tell their story. Immersive, guest-centered experiences and innovative entertainment, like hybrid DJs, are redefining how celebrations feel and flow. With thoughtful artistry at the forefront, these trends show that weddings in 2026 will be as much about meaningful moments as they are about beautiful aesthetics, and we can’t wait to see them come to life.

For more insights and inspiration from our expert planners, check out Natasha Churches of Aisle & Co. and Megan Lentz of Vida Events.