Wedding Trends 2026: Expert Predictions for a Year of Personalisation, Storytelling & Style
- Rebecca Anne
- Oct 19
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 20
2026 weddings are defined by personalisation, storytelling, and expressive style. From immersive multi-day celebrations and statement bridal fashion to authentic photography and sustainable luxury, couples are curating experiences that feel deeply their own. In this expert-led trend forecast, I’m joined by In Awe Weddings & Events, Nala & Knot, Sasha Pepper, and Love Story Inspiration to explore the artistry, emotion, and detail shaping 2026 wedding trends — from bespoke embroidered veils and mantilla lace to bold colour palettes and editorial styling.
Contents
Kate Roberge Photography
Weddings in 2026 are evolving beyond tradition — they’re becoming personal, immersive, and artfully designed reflections of each couple’s story. From multi-day celebrations that feel like experiences to couture-inspired fashion and heirloom accessories, every detail tells part of the narrative.
Drawing on expert insights from across the industry — In Awe Weddings & Events, Nala & Knot, Sasha Pepper, and Love Story Inspiration — alongside my own perspective as a veil designer of over ten years, this blog explores the creative direction shaping wedding trends 2026: where individuality, emotion, and intentional design take centre stage.
Together, these experts reveal how 2026 weddings will balance storytelling, emotion, and design — the defining trio of this year’s wedding trends.
Personalisation & Storytelling at the Heart of 2026 Weddings
The defining theme for 2026 weddings is clear — personalisation with purpose. Planner Emily of In Awe Weddings & Events notes that couples are “pushing the boundaries of personalisation”, weaving identity into every fabric, flourish, and flavour.
“They want a wedding that genuinely reflects who they are. When designing a wedding, our inspiration has always come from our clients’ unique personalities, style, and stories,” Emily adds — a sentiment that echoes how I approach each veil commission at Rebecca Anne Designs.
Real bride Emma photographed by The Curries
One of my favourite recent designs that embodies this collaborative spirit was created for my real bride, Emma. Working together through video calls and detailed emails, we co-designed a bespoke embroidered veil that wove together abstract elements, each holding a deeply personal meaning to her. The finished piece was a true statement of individuality — bold yet intimate, with every stitch telling part of her story. It’s a perfect example of how modern brides are embracing artistry and emotion to create something entirely their own.
Writer Claire of Love Story Inspiration agrees, noting a lasting shift since the rise of intimate micro-weddings in 2020. Smaller guest lists and bespoke experiences have redefined what a wedding can look like. She’s also seen a surge in celebrant-led ceremonies, with professionals such as Claire Austin helping couples weave humour, honesty, and heart into their vows.
Claire Austin Celebrant - photographed by Danielle Veitch
From my perspective as a veil designer, I’ve loved seeing this shift. Brides now view veils as personal heirlooms — embroidered with handwriting, vows, or florals that tell their story. The same sentiment inspires my embroidered tulle signage, designed to live beyond the wedding as meaningful home keepsakes.
Design With Intention
Choose a personalised veil embroidered with initials or a meaningful quote.
Echo your motif across your styling — from veil embroidery to welcome signage.
Work with suppliers who share your storytelling and sustainability values.
2026 Takeaway: Weddings are becoming deeply personal — every detail, from the veil to the vows, is designed to tell a couple’s unique story.
Lens By Hannah
Multi-Day & Immersive Wedding Trends 2026
The one-day wedding is evolving into a weekend-long experience. Both Emily and Claire describe a growing demand for immersive events — from candlelit welcome dinners to after-party nightclubs and relaxed post-wedding brunches.
Emily highlights how couples are transforming spaces with changes in lighting, draping, and sound to shift the atmosphere throughout the celebration. Claire adds that interactive entertainment such as live painters, roaming musicians, and mixology bars makes guests feel part of the story.
In my own work, I am often asked design veils and signage that connect each event visually, creating a seamless narrative that flows from one celebration to the next.
Expert Tips for Multi-Day & Immersive Weddings
Use fabric-based décor like tulle, organza or cotton for soft transitions between events.
Keep colours consistent while shifting the mood and lighting from day to night.
Invest in keepsake details designed to last — because this isn’t fast fashion, it’s your legacy.
In 2026, multi-day weddings are becoming immersive experiences — extending celebration and connection through thoughtful design and sensory detail.
Emily And Ryan with their bespoke embroidered cotton signage - photographed by Marta D Weddings
Fashion Forward: Statement Veils, Sculptural Gowns & Expressive Details
The Rise of the Statement Veil
The statement veil continues to define wedding trends 2026, turning from accessory to focal point. As I shared with Hitched in The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026: The Hitched Trend Report, brides are moving away from the idea of a veil as an afterthought and instead embracing it as an integral part of their bridal look.
A statement veil allows them to add drama, personality, and meaning — it can transform the silhouette of a simple gown or bring a fresh edge to a more detailed dress. Whether it’s a scattering of florals, personalised script, or handwriting translated into stitch, a veil becomes a legacy piece that brides treasure long after the wedding. Claire agrees that "a personalised script on a veil is of course one 'trend' that not only embraces significant meaning, but will also become a treasured heirloom to pass through the generations."
Editors at The Knot have also highlighted embroidery as one of 2026’s defining creative elements — noting how stitched detailing is appearing across weddings, from embroidered stationery and signage to intricate confections inspired by couture design. It’s a trend that celebrates personalisation and aesthetic detail, which also sits at the heart of everything I create at Rebecca Anne Designs.
For an in-depth look at how these styles are evolving — from dramatic cathedral and chapel lengths to ruffled edges and mantilla lace — explore my feature Bridal Veil Trends 2026 – The Styles Defining Modern Bridal Fashion.
Gowns & Silhouettes: What the Runways Reveal
New York Bridal Fashion Week has revealed that 2026 will be the year of texture, tactility, and transformation.
As highlighted by Martha Stewart Weddings, designers are embracing “soft ruching, micro-pleats, airy organza, and subtle appliqués” — fabrics that feel effortlessly romantic while adding depth and movement to each design. It’s less about embellishment for its own sake and more about intention — every stitch, fold, and layer contributing to a feeling of emotional depth. Sounds like a Rebecca Anne veil to me...
Beautiful micro pleated dress bodice by Solunah Studio, styled with Rebecca Anne moon veil and photographed by Lauren Elizabeth
Innovative materials such as laser-cut motifs, transparent overlays, and sculpted satins are adding structure without overwhelm — couture design reimagined for the modern bride. Lace also made a graceful return on the 2026 runways, reinterpreted in layered and textural ways that feel both nostalgic and contemporary. The result is gowns that feel architectural yet fluid; pieces that carry craftsmanship, authenticity, and soul.
That sense of designing with intention resonates deeply with my work at Rebecca Anne Designs. Much like these couture creations, my veils are made to feel like artifacts of the heart — heirloom pieces holding emotion in every thread.
I often design embroidery artwork that mimics lace, reinterpreting traditional motifs in a contemporary way. And as lace enjoys its renaissance on the runway, I’m excited to soon offer it alongside my signature embroidery — imagine a layered lace veil with your wedding date stitched delicately into the design.
I’m also currently researching laser-cut fabrics, exploring how these innovations can give my brides even more choice in how they express themselves through texture and detail.
Designer Insight: 2026 bridal gowns celebrate texture and tactility — from soft ruching to sculpted satin — and Rebecca Anne Designs mirrors this evolution with veils that blend lace, embroidery, and innovation to create modern heirlooms.
Dress by Solunah Studio, styled with Rebecca Anne script veil and photograped by Ivy House Photography
Sustainable Luxury in 2026 Wedding Design
2026’s focus on sustainability is less about minimalism and more about longevity — what I call sustainable luxury. It’s about creating with intention, choosing pieces made to last, and finding beauty in conscious design.
As Claire of Love Story Inspiration explains, “Couples are increasingly conscious about making eco-friendly choices — from having a wedding dress custom made to ensure less wastage, to choosing designers who use sustainable fabrics or re-purpose their dress after the day. Many now seek suppliers who share their values, whether that means locally sourced flowers, seasonal menus, or venues with eco-friendly policies.”
That sentiment echoes what I see daily in my studio. Every veil and embroidered sign I create is designed with purpose and longevity in mind — made to be loved, and treasured long after the wedding day.Some of my brides choose to frame their embroidered veil or sign as wall art. Each piece becomes a poetic reminder of the day — a story that continues to live on.
Designer Insight: Sustainable luxury in 2026 is about creating heirloom pieces with purpose — designs that embody care, longevity, and beauty long after the celebration ends.
Bridal Beauty & Hair Trends 2026
Laura of Nala & Knot predicts that the “old-money” aesthetic remains a strong favourite explaining that she is still receving many requests for the 90's inspired 'bombshell' hair of bouncy blow-dries as well as refined up-dos. She also notes a resurgence of neck scarves and gloves, nodding to vintage glamour.
Bridal Scarf photographed by Fiona Lewis Photography
A few years ago, I collaborated with Laura on How to Wear Your Hair with Your Wedding Veil, and everything we shared still applies. The takeaway? Every hairstyle can work beautifully with a veil when styled intentionally. Laura recommends brides follow beautiful trends if they wish but to also choose a style that feels like them.
When designing your bespoke veil, I love to discuss hairstyle and attachment options in advance to ensure your piece sits beautifully and securely all day.
Styling Tips
Bring your veil to your hair trial.
Match voluminous hair with lighter waist-length veils.
Consider bridal bows as an elegant day-to-night transition.
Bridal beauty in 2026 blends timeless polish with personal style — think elegant, effortless hair and makeup that feels authentically you.
Hair and Make-up by Nala & Knot, photographed by Kamila Nowak
Capturing Emotion: Photography & Visual Storytelling
Sasha Pepper observes that couples are seeking authenticity — photography that captures emotion, not poses.
“One thing I notice about Rebecca Anne Designs pieces is the quality of the material used — intentionally sourced, and the unmistakable feel of a handmade item. You can really see it in the detailed photos.”
This attention to texture and light reminds me that investing in quality details is an emotional choice. The way tulle catches the light or embroidery glows in motion tells part of your story too.
Sasha also notes that direct flash and 35mm film will continue trending, adding nostalgia and depth. "People are drawn to the candid, real human interactions and energy rather than posed perfection" she explains. "I would say 90% of my couples are genuinely wanting to just be super present in every moment of their day with friends and family which leads their gallery to that candid energy."
Quick Tips
Share your must-capture details — veils, signage, heirloom touches.
Ask about hybrid film photography for added texture.
Plan lighting with your planner and photographer — embroidery loves soft light.
2026 Takeaway: Wedding photography in 2026 is all about authenticity — candid, emotive imagery that tells the real story of the day.
Sasha Pepper Photography
Colour, Texture & Styling Aesthetics for 2026
In 2026, couples are embracing expressive palettes and layered textures — Sasha predicts deep reds, ivory tones, and cobalt blues. These shades photograph beautifully against softer bridal neutrals.
Texture takes centre stage through velvet ribbons, silk drapes, and tulle layering — maximalism with meaning.
In my studio, I love blending embroidery and texture: floral motifs symbolising heritage, or soft blue threadwork for “something blue”.
Floral motifs and 3D embroidery continue to bloom across my collections too. Discover how these details are evolving in my feature Bridal Veil Trends 2026 – The Styles Defining Modern Bridal Fashion.
How to Apply This Trend
Use tactile fabrics like silk and tulle for depth.
Add colour subtly through thread or embroidery.
Layer lighting to accentuate your palette and textures.
In 2026, rich textures and expressive colour palettes bring depth and individuality to modern wedding styling.
The Guest Experience Reimagined
Couples are now designing weddings through the eyes of their guests creating a seamless, cared-for experience from start to finish.
Planner Emily of In Awe Weddings & Events comments that "thoughtful communication" — from stylish wedding websites to dress code moodboards — keeps guests feeling "informed, excited and completely cared for throughout the occasion".
Ideas to Elevate Guest Experience
Ensure your online and on-site details align visually.
Offer interactive moments — a live painter, signature bar, or engraved keepsake table.
Prioritise flow, lighting, and comfort — guests will feel your thoughtfulness.
2026 Insight: Guest experience is the new luxury — 2026 weddings prioritise comfort, connection, and personal attention at every touchpoint.
Rebecca Anne Bride Shannon, photographed by Patty Wijas Photography
The 2026 Wedding Aesthetic: Bold, Beautiful & Uniquely You
If there’s one defining message for 2026, it’s this: your love, your way. Couples are moving away from “expected” traditions and towards intentional luxury — fewer items, higher quality, and more heart.
From personalised embroidered veils to custom tulle signage, every design I create aims to tell a story worth keeping. When you walk down the aisle wearing words that mean something to you, you’re not following a trend — you’re defining your own.
In 2026, wedding aesthetics celebrate individuality — a balance of personal storytelling, expressive design, and meaningful detail.
About the Experts
Emily — In Awe Weddings & Events: Immersive, multi-day luxury planning.
Laura — Nala & Knot: “Old money” bridal hair design.
Sasha — Sasha Pepper Photography — Editorial documentary photographer.
Claire — Love Story Inspiration: Story-led wedding editorials.
Rebecca Anne — Rebecca Anne Designs: Designer of bespoke embroidered veils and tulle signage, made in Devon and worn worldwide.
Key 2026 Wedding Trends Summary
Personalisation & storytelling lead every design decision.
Multi-day, immersive celebrations are the new norm.
Statement veils and couture fashion define bridal style.
“Old money” beauty meets modern ease.
Photography embraces authentic emotion.
Texture, colour & sustainability shape luxury.
Guest experience is central to planning.
Planning Your 2026 Wedding?
If you’d like to design a bespoke embroidered veil or tulle sign that tells your love story, I’d love to help.
Start your veil journey today with Rebecca Anne Designs
