Wedding format – Apart from the wedding day itself, couples are embracing more multi-day experiences. These could include: a wedding breakfast or brunch, a cocktail party, a planned tour, hike or spa experience for guests, or any other type of pre or post-wedding gathering. Some couples will also favour a civil ceremony followed by an intimate dinner party or luncheon and forego a formal reception altogether.

Colour – Pantone’s colour of the year for 2025 is “Cloud Dancer” – a white with a slightly greyish undertone. Other colours that will be on trend are: browns – in the form of cocoa, terracotta, taupe and mocha, which will be used as neutrals. Other trending colours will be mauve, emerald green, red, teal, pale blues and citrus hues, like lemon and tangerine.

Decor – Expect sumptuous draping, moody lamp lighting, lounge vignettes, velvet touches, layered table styling and mirrored aisles. Ornate silverware and other cool-toned metals like pewter and chrome, will be sought after, versus gold and warmer metals of the past. We will also see this trend show up in chargers and flatware.

Florals – Jewel-toned florals and sculptural looking blooms such as anthuriums, calla lilies, ginger lilies, orchids and bird of paradise flowers, will be on trend. We will also see more dramatic floral installations, moss elements and whimsical touches – such as re-creating wildflower meadows. Bridal bouquets will be accented with vintage ribbons, trim or even crochet elements.

Bridal fashion – Basque waisted and corseted gowns will continue to evoke romance and be a favourite for brides. We will also see more gowns with capes, scarves and cut-outs. Convertible silhouettes are still on trend – so we will continue to see more detachable sleeves, bodices and skirts. Gloves, pearl embellishments and statement headpieces will also be favoured. Bridesmaids will have more “mix and match” looks, versus co-ordinated outfits of the past.

Food – Buffets might be a safe choice but interactive food stations are going to be the real winners with guests this year. And why not? Guests get to build their own desserts, indulge in a french fry bar with multiple toppings, build a nacho bowl or any other gourmet goody you can dream of. Geometric food shapes will be on trend – think about precision cubes or tiny domes of dessert or appetizers. Grazing tables will continue in popularity but will look more like art installations. Pro tip: If your budget allows, you can also do a menu card to tell your “food” story or why you supported a local farmer.

Cakes – This year, cakes will be looking more like modern art pieces – think about cone-shaped, oval, egg-shaped or stacked geometric shapes. Lace details will continue to be popular on cakes. Long sheet cakes are making a comeback and they can also double as table centrepieces. Sugared fruit and even vegetables as cake decor, will replace blooms and petals that were previously on trend.

Guest dress codes – Standard dress codes like formal and semi-formal might become more fluid in 2026, as more couples are asking guests to dress to suit their wedding’s theme or to dress in particular colours. Pro tip: In this instance, you have to know your crowd and try not to be disappointed if some guests don’t comply.

Invitations – Digital invitations are still on trend, with more couples focusing on their day-of wedding stationery (programmes, place cards, menu cards etc.) instead. In terms of design for paper invitations – bow embellishments, thicker card stocks or linen, brown ink (less harsh than black), blind embossing and hand-drawn details are some of the details we will see in 2026.

Seating – Serpentine aisles and S-shaped guest seating will be on trend as all straight lines are out.