2026 Wedding & Bridal Trends Forecast
Claudia is a fine jewellery marketing specialist who fuses literary precision with strategic insight to craft compelling content to engage and guide our audience – from first-time proposers to brides-to-be, and beyond.
From bridal fashion to floral installations and immersive guest experiences, 2026 wedding trends are more expressive and story-driven than ever before. Following on from our 2025 wedding & bridal trends forecast, 2026 wedding styles are leaning even further into the personal and meaningful. Pinterest recorded over 3.8 billion wedding-related searches and 13.4 billion ideas saved globally last year, reflecting a growing appetite for more immersive, individualised celebrations. Whether you’re planning a destination affair, a chic city wedding or an intimate at-home celebration, the wedding trends landscape in 2026 invites couples to mix heritage with imagination and create moments that feel deeply emotional and visually unforgettable.
Here’s everything we’re forecasting across bridal fashion, hair and makeup, florals, photography, venues, cakes and styling, and of course unforgettable wedding rings, with plenty of wedding inspiration to help you plan a celebration that’s timeless, trend-forward and feels undeniably you.
2026 Wedding Dresses
Bridal fashion in 2026 is shaped by contrast: nostalgia meets modern minimalism, elegance meets expression. Gowns are less trend-focused, more about showcasing individual style with layers of texture, volume and craft.
Dresses with sculptural volume: Designers like Katherine Tash and Monique Lhuillier are reviving volume in fresh, editorial ways, with layered tulle skirts, sweeping architectural folds and asymmetric trains. These gowns are about movement and silhouette – less classic princess, more contemporary power.
Tailored bridal wear: Bridal tailoring is going beyond the second look. Tuxedos, waistcoats and structured blazers are now centre-stage for ceremony and celebration. Labels like Tanner Fletcher are leading the way in gender-fluid, sharply cut bridalwear that’s equal parts elegance and edge.
Transformative dresses: From veils that double as overskirts to gowns with removable sleeves, transformative bridalwear is a leading 2026 trend. Brides want looks that evolve from aisle to afterparty without a full outfit change. This functional approach to fashion supports both sustainability and self-expression, and it’s deeply on-brand for the modern bride.
Soft colour washes: While white remains classic, colour is quietly taking over the aisle. Brides in 2026 are gravitating toward soft washes of silvery grey, powder blue, dusty blush and even pale butter yellow to make subtle yet striking statements. Chloë Grace Moretz's custom Louis Vuitton wedding gown in powder blue, complete with matching gloves and veil, is the perfect example of how such hues feel romantic and authentic without veering too far from bridal tradition.
Vintage-inspired gowns & headpieces: From 1920s glamour to 1990s minimalism, vintage silhouettes are being reborn with a refined, fashion-forward edge. In 2025, Pinterest saw a huge spike in searches for 1990s wedding dresses (+138%) and vintage Vera Wang styles (+72%), showing just how strong the appetite for nostalgic bridal fashion has become. Expect elegant high necklines, modest long sleeves and tailored corsetry from designers like Danielle Frankel, Angelina Colarusso and Cinq, creating gowns that blend nostalgia with elevated modernity. With Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights film adaptation on the horizon and a wider cultural pull toward romantic period drama, details like Juliet caps and art deco combs are offering a subtle nod to literary heroines – styled in ways that feel modern, not costume.
3D florals: Textured floral appliqués are blooming across 2026 bridalwear, from embroidered vines on veils to silk organza petals on skirts. It’s romantic and tactile – a trend that brings the garden onto the gown. Perfect for those planning a whimsical style wedding.
Dramatic capes: In 2026, floor-length capes, boleros and toppers are making a strong statement. These cover-ups add drama for the ceremony and can be removed to reveal a simpler look for the reception. Some even feature personalised embroidery or heirloom motifs.
Layered veils: Veils are going bold and romantic. From multi-layered cathedral veils to personalised embroidery, brides are making their veil the focal point of their ceremony look. Blushers are back too, adding vintage drama and ceremonial significance.
Statement sleeves: Sleeves are having a serious moment. From detachable puffed tulle sleeves to long fitted ones with wrist detailing, this trend is all about balancing sleek gowns with bold proportions. Off-shoulder drapes and architectural sleeve overlays are also making a comeback, perfect for brides who want impact without committing to a full statement silhouette.
Pearls & more pearls: Perhaps stemming from Bridgerton style jewellery, pearls are everywhere – stitched into gloves, cascading down veils and embellishing corsets. These aren't dainty string-of-pearls nods to tradition, but rather bold, modern uses of texture and opulence. The perfect detail for a classic bride who wants to add a bit more drama to their look.
Lace details: Lace isn’t disappearing, it’s just showing up in unexpected places. 2026 brides are embracing lace in the form of ribbon-tied heels, veils with scalloped edges, clutches and jackets with lace appliqué, and even delicate glove overlays. It’s a refined way to soften a modern look with heritage-inspired charm. 'We’re seeing a return to lace-trimmed gowns, vintage-inspired accessories and undone florals paired with sculptural linens', notes The Bridal Journey. 'It’s part romanticism, part runway and fully back in the bridal vernacular.'
2026 Bridal Hair & Makeup
In 2026, bridal hair and makeup is defined by polish, personality and an effortless kind of glamour. Brides are leaning into their natural features, embracing luminous skin, sculptural hairstyles and thoughtful accessories that elevate their overall look – without ever feeling overdone.
- Natural dewy radiance: The full-coverage era is giving way to skin-first formulas and soft, luminous finishes. As wedding stylist Katrina Kelly explains, 'Brides today want skin that glows – not makeup that looks like a mask.' The focus is on enhancing, not concealing: sheer skin tints, lightweight bases and subtle highlights that let the natural complexion shine through. This shift mirrors Pinterest’s 2025 trend data, with searches for ‘natural glowy wedding makeup’ up 154% and ‘dewy makeup look wedding’ up 92% – highlighting a growing desire for beauty that feels effortless, fresh and real.
- Soft-focus romantic eyes: Champagne, taupe and rose gold shadows with fine shimmer are used to create soft, light-catching lids. Brown liner replaces black for a more delicate frame, paired with fluttery lashes and the occasional cat-eye flick to elongate the eyes without hard lines.
- Warm monochrome: Single-toned makeup looks using the same colour family across lips, cheeks and eyes creates a cohesive, flattering glow that feels modern yet timeless. Terracotta, warm nude, soft clay and toasty peach tones are going to be big in 2026.
- Faux freckles & a glossy lip: Lightly dusted freckles give a youthful, fresh finish for any bridal look, especially when paired with dewy skin and glossy lip colours in toasted pink or honeyed nude.
- Undone texture & volume: Seen on runways, red carpets and brides alike, is hair that embraces its natural movement. Think relaxed waves with soft volume at the crown, tousled ends and a healthy dose of texture. Inspired by the likes of Charli XCX and Em Rata, this look feels effortless but polished, striking a perfect balance between softness and editorial styling. Whether worn loose or swept into a half-up ‘do, it’s ideal for brides who want glamour without the stiffness.
- Classic buns & twists: The minimalist low bun remains a favourite, styled either ultra-sleek or softly tousled. Italian buns are reimagined with loose ends and airy texture, while classic French twists are getting a modern refresh with subtle volume and accessories.
- Sculptural hair accessories: Velvet bows, pearl pins and antique combs are elevating simple hairstyles. These pieces act as a bridge between the gown and the hair, offering an easy styling moment with impact. Pinterest also saw a 54% rise in searches for ‘floral wedding hair’ and an 81% increase in ‘hair flowers wedding’ last year, reflecting a wider shift towards expressive, tactile accessories that feel both romantic and intentional.
- '90s simplicity: There’s no escaping the influence of ‘90s icons in 2026 bridal beauty. Sleek, centre-parted ponytails, minimalist buns, brushed-up brows and nude tones nod to the timeless elegance of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Kate Moss. This look is clean, classic and quietly confident, and it pairs perfectly with everything from slip dresses to tailored suiting.
2026 Wedding Styling & Aesthetics
In 2026, the wedding trend when it comes to styling is less about rigid themes and more about atmosphere, feeling and flow. Couples are designing immersive experiences that are tactile, emotional and full of meaning – from scent-designed spaces to curved aisle layouts and personalised visual storytelling.
- Sensory styling & immersive decor: From custom signature scents to textured linens, bespoke playlists and lighting that shifts with the timeline, couples are designing weddings that engage all five senses. Live portrait painting, handwritten notes, lounge spaces that invite connection – it’s about creating an atmosphere that doesn’t just photograph well, but feels unforgettable.
- Moody maximalism: After years of clean minimalism, maximalist styling is making a grand return in 2026. As Carine Krawiec, founder of Maison de Carine, puts it: 'Maximalist wedding decor is all about individuality, boldness and abundance.' This trend leans into saturated hues, bold textures and sculptural design – from velvet runners and jewel-toned glassware to low lighting, maximal florals and layered-style tablescapes. It’s maximalism with restraint: cottagecore meets modern editorial, indulgent and immersive, expressive but still curated.
- Old world opulence: Rooted in romance and heritage, 2026 sees the return of the old money wedding aesthetic, embracing a return to regal materials, with velvet, silk ribbons, candelabras, embroidered linens and ceramic urns. It’s not about grandiosity for its own sake, but about weaving in subtle touches of artistry and antiquity.
- Tenniscore weddings: A mix of preppy and playful, the tenniscore trend blends country club elegance, old money and sport-inspired design. Expect pleated napkins, court-green colour palettes, vintage rackets as signage and blush champagne served courtside. The key to mastering this trend is subtlety. As Akeshi Akinseye of Kesh Events told Brides, 'there are so many elevated ways to incorporate tennis into the wedding experience without it feeling overly themed.' A whisper of Wimbledon, elevated with polish.
- Circular, curved & serpentine layouts: 2026 wedding styling is softening the edges, literally. Meandering aisles, serpentine guest tables and scalloped-edged menus are becoming popular. '2026 wedding trends are embracing curves,' says LA wedding planner Jessica Foster. 'Serpentine table designs are taking centre stage… bringing an organic elegance that pairs beautifully with open-air venues.' These shapes make spaces feel more intimate and considered.
- Mystic romance: Mysticism is quietly shaping 2026 wedding atmospheres, with moon-phase ceremonies, numerology-inspired start times (2:22 is trending) or scents aligned with the lunar calendar. For some couples, these symbolic touches are spiritual; for others, they’re poetic. Either way, they bring intention and quiet meaning to the experience.
- Modern folklore: This trend blends artisanal craft with rooted storytelling. Think hand-embroidered linens, natural motifs, painted ceramics and folkloric floral arrangements. Paired with tactile textures and grounded styling, it feels warm, thoughtful and connected – a celebration of heritage without being literal.
- Personalised touchpoints: Details like letterpress menus, monogrammed coasters and illustrated drink stirrers with your pet's face create bespoke moments guests notice and remember. 'One of our favourite 2026 wedding trends is the interactive favour experience,' shares wedding planner Jessica Foster, who recently worked with a couple to install a retro vending machine with custom mini prints and temporary tattoos. These aren’t just trends, they’re tiny storytelling opportunities.
- Curated nostalgia: Vintage details remain at the heart of wedding design, but now with a sharper lens. Mismatched cut-glassware, retro typefaces, Murano candlesticks and embroidered linens are layered with intention. It’s not a Pinterest board of past eras, it’s a carefully edited nod to memory, turned into something new.
2026 Wedding Colour Palettes
Colour palettes are taking on a more intentional, story-driven role in 2026. No longer just a background detail, colour is becoming central to the sensory experience of a celebration, shaping how a wedding feels as much as how it looks. This year’s hues are grounded, expressive and emotionally resonant, drawing inspiration from fine art, fashion, nostalgia and the natural world.
- Shades of brown: From mocha and espresso to mushroom, caramel and clay, brown is officially 2026’s most versatile neutral. Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse (17-1230), is described as 'a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth.' Pinterest searches for mocha wedding themes surged +551%, and brown wedding party looks saw a +438% increase. Expect brown to anchor tonal palettes or pair with sage, dusty blue or soft pink for an earthy, elegant effect.
- Punchy pinks & modern reds: Pinks and reds are stepping out of the accent role and into the spotlight. From cherry, poppy and garnet to raspberry, rose and plum, these hues are being layered with richness and dimension for wedding palettes that feel joyful, romantic and full of life. Whether styled in monochrome or contrasted against neutrals and warm metallics, these bold tones inject emotion and drama in a way that feels more contemporary than classic.
- Classic & unexpected greens: Green is evolving beyond sage and eucalyptus into richer, moodier and more playful territory. Pinterest searches for green wedding themes rose by 120%, with deep tones like forest, pistachio and moss replacing black in modern palettes for a softer, nature-rooted look. Meanwhile, chartreuse is emerging as a daring new accent. Described by The Wed as 'electric, fresh and undeniably fun,' chartreuse adds vibrant energy to garden parties, minimalist venues and modern styling.
- Old world tones: Echoing the old world opulence wedding aesthetic trend, 2026 palettes are leaning into rich, romantic hues with a sense of timelessness. Plummy purples, jammy burgundies, inky blues, antique rose and forest green meet parchment, linen and bronze for a palette that feels lifted from Renaissance paintings or heirloom tapestries. These heritage-inspired colours lend a museum-like quality to tablescapes and florals, creating drama and softness in equal measure.
- Muted monochromes: Minimalist doesn’t mean plain. In 2026, monochrome palettes are soft, romantic and layered – blush on blush, taupe with stone and ivory or sage on sage, with texture doing the heavy lifting. It’s all about tone-on-tone depth: suede napkins, linen backdrops, ceramic charger plates. The result is a quietly editorial look that feels effortless and elevated.
- Amber haze & warm golds: Warm tones are coming into their own, with goldenrod, ochre, amber and honey adding a sunlit glow to wedding palettes. As wedding videographers Tonya & Stan of Forget Me Not Arts describe it, amber haze is 'a warm, golden hue blending deep amber with soft smoky tones.' These hues are ideal for intimate celebrations that radiate warmth and romance, and layer beautifully with rust, forest green, ivory and browns to create a look that’s grounded and luminous.
- Bold blue depths: Blues are becoming deeper, richer and more impactful. Alongside soft tones like cornflower, cobalt and teal are emerging as modern anchor shades. The Wed calls cobalt 'regal and contemporary… the shade that transforms a wedding into a scene of modern grandeur.' Whether paired with clean whites, yellow accents or layered with navy and periwinkle, these blues offer statement-making colour with artistic depth.
2026 Wedding Photography Trends
Wedding photography in 2026 is story-first, perfection-last. Forget stiff poses and overly curated frames, this year’s lens trends are candid and fashion-forward. A wedding album is no longer just a record of the day; it’s a visual narrative, part editorial, part documentary, completely personal – a shift reflected in Pinterest’s 1,531% rise in searches for editorial wedding photos and a 2,258% spike in film photography.
- Direct flash & motion blur: Inspired by red carpet afterparties and fashion week runways, direct flash is back – bold, bright and unapologetically gritty. 'The paparazzi style on-camera flash trend came back last year and it is here to stay. This trend also ties into the authentic photography style couples are looking for,' says Kári of Kari Bjorn Wedding Photography. Expect dynamic, flash-heavy reception shots filled with motion blur, champagne spray, light trails and unfiltered energy. It’s chaos, captured beautifully.
- Super 8-style film: Vintage video formats are having a moment, with Super 8-style wedding films delivering flickering, grainy romance in every frame. These cinematic reels are perfect for pre-ceremony montages, elopements or first-look edits – timeless, tactile and rich with nostalgia.
- Lo-fi, real-life moments: In 2026, perfectly imperfect content is on the rise. Alongside their professional gallery, couples are embracing handheld, real-life moments – from camcorder clips and vertical videos to grainy Polaroid-style snaps. Captured by guests or content creators, these unfiltered fragments feel raw, honest and entirely personal. It’s the unstaged, in-between shots that so often hold the most meaning. Selena Gomez's wedding, shot by Petra Collins, captured this aesthetic beautifully – dreamy, ethereal frames with the texture of old film and Polaroids. Close-ups of her lily-of-the-valley bouquet, the couple’s diamond wedding bands and candid moments of the newlyweds embracing felt raw, romantic and editorial all at once.
- Lighting as a creative tool: Lighting is no longer just for ambience, it’s part of the story. From projected monograms and gobo shadows to candlelit backdrops and neon signage, 2026 photographers are using light as a compositional element to create drama, mood and visual texture across your gallery.
- Bridal details in abstract art: The close-up is having a revival, but in new, unexpected ways. Macro shots of veils catching golden light, satin shoes in soft focus, or hands captured mid-reach become stand-alone pieces of visual storytelling. These aren’t just detail shots, they’re intimate vignettes.
- Black & white sets: Not just a vintage throwback – high-contrast black and white edits are becoming a distinct set within your wedding gallery. Especially powerful for couple portraits or first looks, removing colour lets emotion and silhouette take centre stage.
- Environmental editorials: Pre-wedding shoots are evolving into location-led editorials, styled more like magazine features than traditional engagement portraits. Photographers are capturing couples in scenes that hold personal meaning, from your favourite coffee shop to the windswept beach where you got engaged, with art direction and intention behind every frame.
- Post-wedding portraits: Once the day’s pressure fades, many couples are booking follow-up shoots – a chance to slow down and get creative without the timeline. Whether it’s golden hour in the countryside, sunrise on your honeymoon or a final look at your reception outfit, these sessions often deliver some of the most relaxed and visually striking images of the celebration.
2026 Wedding Venues & Locations
In 2026, the most sought-after venues are less about prestige and more about meaning. From family gardens to design-led rooftops, couples are choosing spaces that reflect who they are, not just what’s trending. Whether at home or abroad, the emphasis is on intimacy, intentional design and atmosphere you can feel.
- Architectural & gallery spaces: Minimalist in decor, maximalist in design – modern galleries, concrete courtyards and contemporary buildings are offering couples striking blank canvases that don’t need dressing up. Expect exposed textures, sculptural furniture and lighting as a feature.
- Walled gardens & greenhouses: Natural light, controlled climate and built-in beauty – greenhouses, glasshouses and private walled gardens are climbing the list of dream venues. These indoor-outdoor hybrids work beautifully with floral-led styling and layered lighting at night.
- Tenniscore venues: Following the tenniscore boom, we’re seeing stylish ceremonies hosted at country clubs, boutique tennis courts and estates with private lawns. These spaces are often paired with garden party styling – pleated napkins, minty colour palettes and refined outdoor dining.
- At-home luxe: Back garden outdoor weddings are evolving into editorial events, with stretch tents, curated lighting and custom styling transforming familiar spaces into luxury venues. There’s something quietly powerful about exchanging vows where your story began.
- Destinations with personal significance: In 2026, couples aren’t just choosing dreamy destinations – they’re choosing places that truly mean something to them. Maybe it’s the Italian region where one of you has family roots, the village where you got engaged, or a seaside town that holds a special memory. Some are even selecting wedding dates aligned with moon phases – a full moon for abundance, a new moon for fresh beginnings – adding a poetic, symbolic layer to their ceremony.
- Intimate & impactful civil ceremonies: Small-scale doesn’t mean small impact. Registry office and civil ceremonies are gaining momentum, especially with Gen Z couples. Pinterest saw a 162% increase in searches for “registry office wedding dress” and a 637% spike in “civil ceremony photography” in 2025, reflecting a shift toward meaningful, minimalist celebrations. With thoughtful styling and personal touches, even a town hall wedding can feel deeply stylish and emotionally rich.
- Italy: This beautiful country continues to top the list of popular wedding destinations. Couples are favouring slower, soul-filled regions like Puglia, with its olive groves, rustic masserias and whitewashed towns. Tuscany offers rolling vineyards and warm terracotta charm, while Sicily brings dramatic coastline, ancient history and vibrant culture. Expect long, alfresco dinners, textured linens and golden-hour ceremonies under cypress trees.
- Greece: For those drawn to sun-drenched simplicity, Greece offers ceremony spots that feel both effortless and extraordinary. Paros and Naxos deliver serene island beauty with a slower pace than the more tourist-trodden Cyclades. Crete offers rich local culture, mountain-meets-sea views and historic charm. Athens, meanwhile, blends ancient architecture with modern energy – perfect for couples who love history, city culture and clean editorial aesthetics.
- France: The location for romantic duality – rural elegance and cosmopolitan chic. In Provence, expect lavender fields, stone châteaux and beautifully weathered textures. The Loire Valley is all about regal heritage and fairytale gardens. And Paris? Always a good idea. Elopements in art galleries, rooftop vows with Eiffel Tower views and editorial-style receptions in tucked-away courtyards are defining a new kind of French wedding fantasy.
- Portugal: Rising fast as a destination wedding hotspot, thanks to its warm hospitality, relaxed pace and jaw-dropping scenery. Lisbon is ideal for design-led city weddings with terracotta rooftops and tiled facades as your backdrop. Sintra feels almost mythical, with its lush forests and palaces hidden in the hills. Alentejo offers quiet countryside luxury, and The Algarve brings sunshine, clifftop views and golden beaches in abundance.
- Tropical escapes: Bali, Costa Rica, Goa and Brazil are being pinned for their laid-back luxury and jaw-dropping backdrops. Whether it’s a rainforest elopement, a barefoot beach ceremony or an open-air reception framed by palm trees, tropical weddings are having a moment. Pinterest saw a 145% increase in searches for “tropical wedding colour palettes,” and a +221% rise in “Brazil wedding guest dress” – proof that these locations are on everyone’s moodboard.
2026 Wedding Floral Trends
Floral styling in 2026 is lush, expressive and full of natural movement. We’re seeing fluffy, cloud-like textures, unexpected ingredients and floral designs that feel more like installations than arrangements. Less symmetry, more story.
- Aisle meadows: Wild, whimsical aisle florals that grow like meadows are set to define 2026 ceremonies. These garden-style arrangements create an immersive, romantic effect and are often repurposed into potted plants, dried bouquets or guest takeaways to minimise waste and extend their beauty.
- Lotus & sculptural stems: Lotus blooms and pods are emerging as a favourite among 2026 florists. With their layered petals and earthy texture, they bring both symbolism and structure to modern floral styling. Expect to see them used in standalone installations or paired with bold botanicals for arrangements that feel grounded, serene and deeply intentional. Wedding florist Lauren of Stone House Creative notes that she's also 'seeing lots of calla lilies, clematis, gloriosa lilies, antherium, nerine and hellebores.'
- Floral clouds & suspended installations: Florals are moving away from being purely pretty toward architectural, gallery-inspired statements. Floating arrangements (especially in pampas, baby’s breath and orchids) will hover over tables and dance floors, creating dreamy, overhead design floral designs. You can also expect asymmetric arrangements, twisted stems, negative space and ikebana-inspired pieces that blend nature with artistry.
- Floral clutches & wearable bouquets: Why carry a traditional bouquet when you could hold a floral clutch? The next 2026 wedding trend brides are embracing is going to be everywhere: bags made from real blooms. These statement pieces merge florals with fashion, adding a couture edge to bridal styling. And the hands-free florals don’t stop there: flower cuffs, draped arrangements and bloom-adorned accessories are giving brides and grooms new ways to wear flowers – perfect for second looks, elopements or editorial moments.
- Hydrangea revival: Hydrangeas are back and bigger than ever. These lush blooms offer volume, texture and versatility, making them ideal for large arrangements, bouquets or floral arches. Do we have The Summer I Turned Pretty to thank for their resurgence? Possibly. Either way, they're having a major moment.
- Tone-on-tone textures: Floral palettes are shifting from multicoloured to monochrome, with emphasis on layered textures. A mixture of lush roses, orchids, ranunculus and astilbe, but all in the same hue for a tonal yet dynamic look.
- Fresh-from-the-garden arrangements: Romantic, unstructured and full of movement, garden-style bouquets are blooming in popularity. Designed to feel as if hand-picked moments before the ceremony, these organic arrangements embrace asymmetry, wildflowers, and trailing greenery – ideal for couples chasing a soft, spontaneous aesthetic.
- Craft-inspired & surreal florals: 2026 brides are embracing florals that blur the line between art and nature. Imagine bouquets with hand-painted stems, crochet-wrapped blooms or delicate paper flowers – Pinterest searches for paper bouquets rose 1,637% in 2025. These textural, human touches bring a handcrafted quality that feels both personal and unexpected.
- Petal-laced statement bouquets: Smaller, more sculptural bouquets with unique shapes are replacing oversized cascading ones. Picture a single anthurium paired with orchids and sculptural greenery – bold yet minimal.
- Mystical crystal bouquets: Crystals are also finding their way into floral design, tucked into bouquets or placed around the ceremony space – rose quartz for love, amethyst for calm, citrine for joy. Paired with tonal blooms, they add a symbolic and aesthetic glow, especially when they catch the light mid-ceremony.
2026 Wedding Cake Trends
Wedding cakes for 2026 are getting personal, and a little bit wild. Sculptural centrepieces, single-serve mini bakes and millefoglie towers, cake design is as much about style and storytelling as it is about flavour. Traditional? Not this year.
- Styled dessert displays: Dessert tables are being reimagined as styled installations. Think floral runners, sculptural plinths and soft candlelight framing your cake table – turning the sweet spread into a focal point and photo moment in its own right.
- Textured & sculptural designs: Expect pleated buttercream, stucco-textured icing and mismatched tiers layered like modern art. Bows, ribbons and asymmetric silhouettes make cakes feel more like couture than confection.
- Cone-shaped cakes: Following the dome cake trend of 2025, wedding cakes are continuing their sculptural evolution with cone silhouettes stepping into the spotlight for 2026. Whether wrapped in sleek buttercream or softened with dreamy florals, they offer 'avant-garde drama that feels fresh, playful and just a little rebellious,' notes The Wed – and we couldn’t agree more.
- Edible lacework & piping: Cake design is taking inspiration from fashion, with piped crochet, macramé textures and lace-inspired icing. As Sugar Mamas Bakery explains, 'it's all about pushing boundaries of what's possible with cake design.' These couture-style details are delicate, romantic and rooted in craft – ideal for detail-loving couples.
- Millefoglie, crêpes & soufflés: Classic tiered cakes are being swapped for continental desserts like Italian millefoglie, French crêpe towers and Japanese soufflé cheesecakes. They’re light, layered and a sophisticated alternative for couples after something flavour-focused and more unusual.
- Multiple cakes, one table: Why have one cake when you can have five? In 2026, couples are curating cake collections instead of opting for a single-tiered centrepiece. Varying sizes, flavours and finishes create a layered look and gives guests plenty to explore.
- Sustainable sweets: More couples are requesting cakes made with seasonal ingredients, zero-waste practices and repurposed floral decor. It’s style with substance, proving even the final course can reflect conscious choices.
Overall, we’re forecasting 2026 wedding trends to involve creativity, emotion and individuality. Weddings will feel more immersive and intentional – shaped by personal style, layered design and meaningful details. Whether you're planning something intimate at home or a statement celebration abroad, 2026 weddings won’t just look beautiful – they’ll feel deeply personal and impossible to forget.
