Wedding Trends in 2026 by Julia – half of Spinning Your Dreams Wedding Photography
As couples plan their Wedding Celebrations for 2026 and beyond, one thing is becoming very clear – Weddings are getting more personal, more playful and far more expressive. Tradition is still there if wanted – always will be and it’s wonderful, however it’s no longer the rulebook. Colour, nostalgia, creativity and new ways of capturing memories are all shaping the look and feel of Weddings. Here at Spinning Your Dreams Martin and I have always loved photographing every unique Wedding – we are led by our couples – finding out the plans for their wonderful Wedding Days.
Here are some Wedding Trends we’re seeing gather real momentum as we move into 2026.
Wedding Favours with beautifully curated boxes of artisan chocolates
Laura and Richard, are an amazing team based in Shropshire, offer a fully bespoke service from start to finish. These aren’t off the shelf boxes of chocolates – these are boxes full of truffles that offer a flavour journey experience for yourselves and your guests.
LEFEVRE CHOCOLATE WEBSITE – click here
Lefevre Chocolate – a fab read about this amazing duo – click here
Retro Romance & Playful Nostalgia
Nostalgia is having a moment, and couples are leaning into it in wonderfully fun ways. Retro-inspired entertainment is popping up at receptions, designed to give guests a shared experience that sparks conversation and laughter. Think vintage arcade games, pinball machines, air hockey tables and even classic claw machines filled with quirky prizes.
It’s all about creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere where guests can interact, unwind and feel like kids again. For couples who grew up loving old-school games (or just want something a little different), this trend adds personality and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Goodbye Wedding Neutrals, Hello Wedding Colour
Soft neutrals have dominated Wedding styling for years, but 2026 is embracing bold colour with confidence. We’re seeing rich, vibrant palettes inspired by sunsets, gardens and nature at its most dramatic — blush pinks, terracotta tones, burnt reds, warm oranges, olives and deep florals.
Whether it’s colourful floristry, statement décor or eye-catching table settings, couples are using colour to tell their story and set the mood. The result is Weddings that feel warm, expressive and visually striking — and absolutely stunning in photographs.
Champagne Towers Steal the Spotlight
The traditional Wedding Cake isn’t going anywhere, but many couples are now adding a Champagne Tower moment. Elegant, celebratory and visually impressive, a cascading tower of glasses creates a memorable focal point during the reception.
Beyond the aesthetics, champagne symbolises joy and celebration – and pouring it together feels just as meaningful as cutting a cake. It’s also a brilliant photo opportunity and a lovely way to put a modern spin on a long-standing tradition.
A View from Above – Drone Photography
Drone photography continues to soar in popularity, and 2026 Weddings are fully embracing the aerial perspective. From sweeping venue shots to dramatic group photos, drones offer a unique way to capture the scale, setting and atmosphere of the day.
This works particularly beautifully for outdoor weddings, countryside venues and coastal celebrations, where the surroundings are part of the story. Used thoughtfully, drone images add a cinematic feel and capture amazing moments.
Wedding Polaroids with a Purpose
Instant photography remains a firm favourite, but couples are getting more creative with how they use it. Instead of (or as well as) table cameras, Polaroid photos are being woven into seating plans, guestbooks and interactive displays/stations.
Guests can take a photo, pin it up, write a message or ‘check in’ to the day in a personal way. The result is a living, growing keepsake that feels spontaneous, heartfelt and completely unique to the couple.
Looking Ahead at Weddings
Weddings in 2026 are all about authenticity – celebrating love in ways that feel meaningful, joyful and true to the people getting married. Whether that’s through bold colour choices, nostalgic fun or modern twists on tradition, these trends reflect a shift towards experiences and memories that truly last.
If you’re planning your Wedding, the best trend of all is choosing what feels right for you – and letting the day unfold naturally around that.
Over the past few years, couples have rethought what really matters on a Wedding Day. After the uncertainty and emotional weight of the pandemic years, many are choosing celebrations that feel more joyful, more personal, and far more of them. Weddings in 2026 are less about rigid tradition and more about connection, colour, playfulness and genuine moments shared with the people they love most.
We’re seeing couples embrace creativity – bold choices, nostalgic touches, and experiences that make guests smile, laugh and relax. Whether it’s vibrant colour palettes, interactive entertainment or reimagined traditions, today’s weddings are all about creating memories that feel uplifting, meaningful and full of life. These emerging trends for 2026 reflect that shift perfectly – a move towards Weddings that celebrate joy, individuality and togetherness.
Why photography matters more than ever
With Weddings becoming increasingly experience-led, photography plays an even more important role. When couples choose trends that prioritise atmosphere, emotion and fun, the real magic happens in the in-between moments – the laughter around a champagne tower, the competitive joy at an arcade game, the quiet smiles during golden-hour light, or guests seeing themselves in a Polaroid table plan.
Thoughtful Wedding Photography isn’t just about recording how the day looked – it’s about preserving how it felt. As trends evolve and traditions shift, photographs become the lasting thread that ties everything together, allowing couples to relive the energy, warmth and personality of their day for years to come. In a world where Weddings are more expressive and personal than ever, having those moments captured naturally and beautifully is truly priceless.
My Thoughts on New Trends and Amazing Weddings
Ultimately, the Wedding Trends emerging for 2026 reflect something deeper than fashion or aesthetics. They speak to a collective desire to slow down, to celebrate intentionally, and to create days that feel joyful rather than pressured. The common thread is meaning – designing a wedding that feels authentic, relaxed and truly memorable. As ever, the most beautiful Weddings aren’t defined by trends alone, but by the love, laughter and connection shared – and those are the moments worth treasuring forever.
I hope my blog may have given you a few ideas and insights… we would love to hear about your Wedding Plans… there’s a WhatsApp button on our website straight through to me… just pop on and say ‘hi’! First thing we do is check we are available on your Wedding Date and then I can quote for your Wedding Photography… no obligation at all – we know you are information gathering… WhatsApp is so good to “chat”! Can’t wait for my phone to ping!
Warm regards. Julia