Are you going to be a 2026 bride? Or will you be attending a wedding this year?
2026 is a very different year for weddings as authenticity is at the forefront of the trends as well as doing things for the bride and groom rather than the guests.
Ellie Quinn, Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens‘ Wedding Co-Ordinator, tells us the five trends we’ll be seeing everywhere this wedding season.
First Looks
@delaneychilds such a special moment oh my goodness my heart 🥹 #firstlook #weddingtok #weddingtiktok #wedding #firstlookreveal #firstlookreaction ♬ The Way I Love You – Michal Leah
“More and more couples chose to do a first look this year. Some wanted a quiet moment together before everything kicked off, others wanted to get their photos out of the way so they could have more time to enjoy their day with their guests,” Ellie explains.
“I think we will see this continue into 2026 and beyond – couples aren’t as fussed with keeping to traditions and want less rush and more breathing room. A first look really helps set that tone.”
Personalised Ceremonies
@mayakins Replying to @CA Wedding Content Creator wedding trends I find chic as a 2026 bride part two!! 🦢 #weddingtrends #wedding #bride #uniqueweddings #2026bride ♬ original sound – maya lorimer
She shares: “This was a big one for 2025. Couples are moving away from a quick “I do” and making the ceremony something that reflects who they are. We saw everything from handwritten vows to handfasting, poetry readings, and symbolic rituals.
“At Fernhill, The Fernery was a huge hit for this; it’s private, full of greenery, and gives couples a really intimate space to shape the moment their way.
“I expect ceremonies to feel even more personal. Couples are more confident about doing things their own way now.”
Wedding Content Creators
@jacksonmoehler Capturing y’all’s joy for a living??? BEST JOB EVER!!! #weddingcontentcreator #weddingtiktok #weddinghacks #bride #bridetobe #2025bride #spendthedaywithme #weddingcontent #weddingcontentcreation #freelancecontentcreator ♬ L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
“A lot of couples wanted their day captured in a more relaxed, documentary style. Alongside the usual photographers, we saw more content creators popping up, someone quietly capturing all the little moments that don’t always make it into the main album,” Ellie tells us.
“This will likely become standard. Couples want the polished photos and the candid, unfiltered memories.”
Bye-Bye Top Tables
@chloep83 When the bride has serious fomo #bridesoftiktok #fyp #fomo #weddingday #weddingtok @Molly ♬ original sound – Ellies discord kitten
“The move away from the traditional long top table has been huge this past year, with couples looking to sit at a circular table in the middle of the ballroom with their guests all around them, or at a sweetheart table for two nestled in the room.
“Being involved and amongst their guests has been a strong trend this year – couples don’t want to be sitting away at the top of the ballroom and missing all the craic.”
New Era Of Speeches
@cathyireland_in_chicago POV: Yours and the grooms best friends perform that scene from Bridesmaids on your wedding day and most of the guests don’t know it’s a bit. Thank you so, so much @annahession and @carnett83 – Anna and I watched this movie every weekend in college and I am so happy that this will forever remain as one of our wedding memories. We love you both! #bridesmaids #bridesmaidsmovie #thatswhatfriendsarefor #kristenwiig #rosebyrne #mayarudolph #fyp #weddingtiktok #ireland #irishwedding #cloughjordanhouse #juddapatow #bridesmaids #weddingtok #irishwedding ♬ original sound – cathyireland_in_chicago
“Again, we’ve seen couples looking for ways to make the day more relaxed, and holding the speeches at the end of the drinks reception has been a popular way to do this,” she says.
“The drinks reception is such an easy-going part of the day, and that energy seeps into the speeches, making it more fun for everyone.”