Weddings ins and outs for 2026 - including the death of 'performative' tradition

Setting the mood with a sophisticated, statement table design will be key at weddings this year. Think different, dazzling and unique and you'll be sure to hit the mark. 

Lavinia said: "Couples are moving away from traditional long trestles in favour of serpentine, S-shaped tables or oversized circular tables, often with a negative space or ‘void’ at the centre. 

"This allows for meadow-style floral installations to grow organically through the middle, creating a sense of movement and softness."

The devil is in the details, right? That will ring especially true for any ceremonies taking place this year, as much attention is paid to smaller accents and more low-key pieces that won't drown a room. 

"I’m seeing couples really invest in the smaller design details that elevate a space without overwhelming it," Lavinia explained. 

She continued: "Patterned tablecloths add instant depth; table lamps create warmth and intimacy in place of floral overkill; and stationery is treated as a design feature in its own right, with sculptural shapes, wax seals, ribbons, and tactile materials like vellum or linen. 

"These considered choices often have far more impact than adding 'more' décor."

Thinking about ditching the flowery displays? Think again! A true classic, flowers at a wedding are going nowhere in 2026, in fact they are having a real moment. Drape them from the ceiling or opt for a demure display - either way, you need floral accents on your big day. 

Lavinia suggested: "From what my couples are requesting for next year, florals are becoming far more polarised, either beautifully restrained whites and ivories, or bold, colour-led designs that feel expressive and confident.

"When it comes to installations, particularly overhead, single stems suspended throughout a marquee or statement draping over the dining area are proving especially popular, with couples increasingly choosing one bold feature that transforms the space rather than multiple smaller details."

Make a difference at your ceremony and embrace sustainability as a given rather than a fleeting trend. It's cool to be conscious, so take extra care when shopping for accessories and essentials. 

"Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s becoming standard practice. From conversations with our couples, there’s a clear shift towards more conscious decision-making, whether that’s choosing locally grown, in-season flowers or embracing field-to-plate dining," shared Lavinia, who also organises private events for celebrity clientele such as Formula 1 heiress Petra Ecclestone.

"These thoughtful choices feel less like a moment and more like a permanent evolution for the industry." 

Gone are the days where a massive wedding for everyone you have ever known is the only way to tie the knot. Smaller, more intimate ceremonies are being chosen by couples not because of budget but out of a want to enjoy the day with closer loved ones instead of a crowd. 

Lavinia surmised: "I have found couples are still being thoughtful about budgets, but intimacy now feels like a preference rather than a necessity. 

"Smaller guest lists allow for richer design, better food and a more immersive experience and that’s only becoming more pronounced as we head into 2026."

On the more frivolous side, the use of bows to decorate every pew and bridesmaid is dwindling in popularity. 

The expert revealed: "Bows aren’t officially 'out', but they are evolving. Rather than being used everywhere, they’re now appearing in more considered, subtle ways, a single bow on a napkin, a soft ribbon in a bouquet or woven into a hairstyle. 

"It’s less about abundance and more about restraint, which means bows feel very much here to stay."

Tradition is already having a hard time staying relevant. When it comes to weddings in 2026, it will take another knock as people move away from the past and towards their own personal touches. 

"Couples are becoming far more selective about tradition, quietly moving away from elements that feel unmeaningful or performative in favour of choices that genuinely add value to the day. It’s a shift towards celebrations that feel considered, personal and reflective of the couple rather than conventional," the wedding expert added.