Key wedding trends for 2026

1) It’s all about guest enjoyment

Your guests’ enjoyment is everything. 2026 is all about ensuring your friends and family play a key part in every aspect of your wedding day. Think interactive lawn games during the drinks reception, live sketch artists capturing portraits of your guests, or even a surprise sparkler send-off. These thoughtful touches will help to keep the laughter and energy flowing until the very last beat on the dancefloor, creating a celebration that you and your loved ones will remember for years to come.

2) Personalisation is key

Your wedding day is all about celebrating your unique love story, so every detail should feel like you. We’ve seen a huge uplift in couples writing their own vows, curating photo displays of their journey together, and creating signature cocktails named after key milestones in their relationship. Personalised entertainment is also big in 2026: think tables named around your favourite destinations, or even a doggy treat station to allow your four-legged family members to join in the fun. 

3) Food as an experience

In 2026, food is no longer being seen as just a meal; it’s a full, immersive culinary experience. There’s plenty of ways you can delight your guests with playful dining options – wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sliders, and seaside favourites like fish and chips always go down a treat in the evening. You could even work with our caterers, Invicta Food Design, to create an interactive dessert station, such as a build-your-own sundae bar. These moments help to bring flavour and personality to your day, and ensure that everyone keeps talking long after the last bite.

4) Did somebody say “barn wedding”?

The barn wedding trend has been around for a few years now, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down in 2026. Our Dutch Barn reception space seats up to 200 plus an additional 50 evening guests, providing the perfect blank canvas to personalise as you wish. Round tables help to create an inviting atmosphere for your wedding breakfast, with decor such as hanging fairy lights (included) and suspended floral installations adding to the sense of rustic charm. Then, as the evening unfolds, we can transform the room into a lively party space with space for a dancefloor, atmospheric lighting, and a stage with live entertainment to keep your guests dancing late into the night.

5) Embrace meaningful traditions

Tradition doesn’t have to mean doing things the old-fashioned way. It should just be about honouring what matters most to you as a couple. 2026 is the year to embrace those family rituals like lighting unity candles, handfasting ceremonies, and cultural blessings. Get creative with it and invite your parents or grandparents to play a role in the ceremony, or weave in some favourite family recipes at the wedding breakfast. 

6) Fashion-forward bridal gowns

So, what are the trending dresses for weddings in 2026? Expect statement gowns as unique as the brides wearing them. Detachable sleeves and overskirts are popular options as they allow for two looks in one, meaning you can repurpose the same dress and make it look fresh for the dancefloor. Finishes such as shimmering sequins and intricate embroidery are all the rage, with colours such as champagne, blush, silver, and soft blue also making a bold statement. 

7) Music makes the mood

When it comes to trending wedding music, 2026 is all about creativity. Couples are now choosing different styles of music for different parts of the day; picture an acoustic duo serenading during the ceremony, a jazz quartet playing during cocktail hour next to the vintage horse box, and a high-energy band filling the dancefloor late into the night. You could include some surprise guest performers (who knew your uncle was such a beautiful cello player?!) or even write your own bespoke first-dance song to make your wedding soundtrack truly unforgettable.   

8) Celebrations that last multiple days

Why cram everything into one day when you can spread the celebrations out and savour every moment? Multi-day weddings are one of the biggest 2026 wedding trends. You could kickstart your wedding with a welcome barbecue, hog roast, or garden party, and host a long brunch, relaxed picnic, or order in a pizza van the day after the wedding. If you want to create more of a festival vibe, you could even include some fun extras like cocktail-making classes, yoga in the gardens, or a sports day. At Solton Manor, you and your guests can stay on-site throughout the entirety of your multi-day wedding, allowing you to turn your celebrations into a mini-holiday.

9) Natural and seasonal styling

Nature is leading the way in 2026 styling. Picture wildflowers in spring, vibrant peonies in summer, fiery foliage mixed with fruit and vegetables in autumn, and lush evergreen garlands in winter. We’re seeing lots of couples pair seasonal florals with natural textures like linen runners, wooden chargers, and faux  candles. These organic touches look beautiful all year round and allow our venue’s natural beauty to shine through.

10) Documentary-style photography & videography

Documentary-style photography and videography focuses on those candid, unposed moments, including the tears, the laughter, and the quiet glances; allowing you to capture your love story as it really happens. Some couples are even opting for audio guestbooks, where their loved ones can leave heartfelt messages, or 8mm-style highlight films for a nostalgic touch. This ensures that when you look back, you’ll remember not just how your day looked, but how it truly felt.