2025 gave us memorable celebrity weddings like those of Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, Demi Lovato and Jordan Lutes, and Carly Rae Jepsen and Cole Marsden Greif-Neill. It also saw lots (and lots) of draping, passed espresso martinis, vintage inspiration galore, and more non-traditional bridal looks. Italy took back its top destination spot—dethroning the U.K.’s hold in 2024. What’s next for weddings? It’s hard to say exactly, but a few things we do know are what’s considered “in” for weddings next year, thanks to our Directory members:

1. Intentional Venues

When answering the question “Why did you choose this venue?” being able to intentionally answer is “in.” “Iconic destinations aren’t disappearing, but couples are becoming far more selective,” videographer Marco Caputo of Caputo Films (who documented Sofia Richie Grainge’s nuptials) shares. “The focus has shifted from where to why this place? There’s growing interest in locations with character, privacy, and a sense of discovery.” Planner Lauren Silavin of Smith + James agrees, saying, “Couples want their weddings to feel super intentional so their preferences, shared history, and tastes should be very apparent throughout the wedding weekend.” And planner Melissa Andre mirrors and that sentiment, saying, “Couples are increasingly choosing destinations that feel culturally or emotionally meaningful rather than simply popular or convenient. What feels outdated is selecting a location solely because it photographs well or is easy to access, without considering how it supports the experience of the couple and their guests.”

And lastly, planner Marcy Blum puts it perfectly, “Our job as planners is to produce, plan, and design a couple’s wedding where they want to get married. Our job is to make whatever location IN.”

2. Custom Fashion

With Over The Moon’s Styling Services and more smaller, custom designers like Undone by Kate gaining momentum, personalizing wedding wardrobes has truly never been easier and more accessible. “Custom fashion for brides, grooms, and moms has been and will continue to be the number one way to express your personal style on wedding day,” Silavin says. Photographer Liz Banfield especially loves when grooms have more fun, saying, “I am giving a gold star to grooms who personalize their look, such as wearing a colored suit, adding a unique brooch or shoes, or changing his jacket at the reception.”

3. No Passport Required: Destination-Inspired Themes

With a more intentional venue or a stricter budget, bringing far flung destinations closer to home with design is an easy way to give guests a unique experience. “European-summer weddings embrace sun-drenched color palettes, effortless elegance, and breezy, coastal-inspired details that feel straight out of the Mediterranean,” planner Dani Blasena of HauteFêtes shares.

4. A Morning-Of Breakfast

In years past, we’ve seen an uptick in couples getting ready together on the mornings of their ceremonies. And now, there’s a slight twist to the trend: “We’ve seen a big trend towards our clients having breakfast together on the morning of their wedding,” Silavin reveals. “It’s an amazing opportunity to connect before things get crazy. We love this one!” 

5. Runway-Inspired Aisles

Walking down the aisle will look a little different in 2026. “Aisles are evolving into architectural statements, where fabrics and sculptural elements frame the ceremony with couture-level detail,” Blasena shares. “Interesting seating arrangements including curves and serpentine seating are in, while traditional forward-facing aisles may be out.”

6. Moody Colors

Once reserved for autumnal and wintry weddings, the color palette is shifting deeper. “We’re seeing 2026 color trends shift towards softer, richer, and more intentional palettes,” Blasena says. “From muted olives and warm neutrals to deep berry accents and sculptural whites, the palette is becoming less ‘theme’ and more mood.”

7. Do Look Up: Ceilings Are Having a Moment

“Treating the ceiling as a main character in the event design” is definitely a trend for next year, according to Silavin. What was maybe an afterthought is now becoming more dynamic with draping, textures, florals, and more. 

8. Design Inspired by Favorite Restaurants & Bars

Whether it be a callback to a first date or a memorable moment, restaurants and bars that made an impact on couples are reappearing in their wedding weekends. “We’re seeing more couples treat the dancing portion of the night as its own design moment. The inspiration often comes from beloved jazz bars, restaurants, or hotels that hold personal meaning,” planner Augusta Cole says. “Think clubby lighting, custom branding, café table lamps, and drink menus that feel pulled straight from a favorite haunt. We’ve drawn inspiration from places like Bemelmans to create immersive, transportive after-party environments that feel distinctly different from the rest of the weekend.”

9. Fabric on Fabric

Marcy Blum assures us that textiles are a wedding designer’s best friend next year. Whether it be drapery, upholstery, a ceremony backdrop, or layered table linens—people want to feel grounded and cozy, enter: fabric.

10. Immersive Entertainment

We’re not just talking about magicians or a roaming band at cocktail hour. Cabaret, ballet, and even operatic experiences have entered the chat, along with interactive performers. “We’re also seeing more ‘micro-experiences,’ like interactive drink stations and gifting stations—versus bags—and personalized signage that make guests feel part of a larger story,” Blasena adds.

11. At Your Discretion

“There’s a clear move away from weddings designed primarily for social media and a return to experiences that feel meaningful in real life,” Caputo shares. “Another increasingly evident aspect is privacy . . . This reflects a broader global shift—especially among younger generations—toward sharing less on social media and valuing discretion over visibility.” With that said, there’s always room for those who want to submit their weddings to Over The Moon for coverage, but we’ll always respect a couple’s privacy.