2026 Wedding Trends

DESIGN

Color Everywhere (Not Just Flowers)

• Colored linens instead of white
• Patterned napkins or mismatched place settings
• Up-lighting that matches the palette (amber, citrus, dusty rose)
• Bridesmaids in different shades, same fabric

Statement Lighting

• Bistro lights + chandeliers together
• LED light bars behind the DJ booth
• Custom monograms projected
• Warm lighting for dinner → club lighting after cake cut

Intentional “Zones”

• Cocktail hour feels like a lounge (rugs, soft seating)
• Dance floor feels like a nightclub
• Quiet corners with signage like “Take a breather”
• Photo booth placed near the dance floor, not hidden

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ENTERTAINMENT

Shorter Formalities, Longer Party

• Toasts capped at 2–3 people
• First dances earlier in the night
• Open dance floor sooner (sometimes before dinner)
• Couples explicitly asking: “We want a party, not a timeline marathon.”

Genre-Specific Dance Sets

This is HUGE in planning meetings. Instead of “open dancing,” couples want:
• 10 min throwbacks
• 10 min hip-hop
• 10 min Latin
• 10 min sing-alongs

Guest Requests—Curated, Not Chaos

• Request lists submitted ahead of time
• “Do not play” lists taken seriously
• DJs acting more like curators than jukeboxes

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PHOTO / VIDEO

Fake Exits Are CRIMINAL

• Sparkler or confetti exit done when you’re actually leaving
• Guests don’t come back in like vendors say they will
• Your people finally get a chance to corner you into a midwestern goodbye

Content Creation Is Separate

• iPhone content creators booked in addition to photographers
• Vertical clips for Instagram/TikTok
• DJs asked to give “heads up” before big drops or moments

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