Weddings are evolving. In 2026, couples are moving beyond traditional formats to embrace bold design, thoughtful personalisation, and unforgettable experiences. From creative table layouts to retro-inspired catering, expert wedding planners are redefining what it means to celebrate love. Matthew Shaw, Founder and Creative Director of Sauveur, shares the key trends shaping weddings this year.
Round Tables with a Twist
Forget the classic serpentine or long banquet tables. Round tables arranged in a zig-zag pattern are gaining popularity for their originality and dynamic visual appeal. This approach combines the intimacy of round tables with the practicality of longer layouts, creating a cost-effective yet striking design for weddings and events. For more wedding décor inspiration, this setup adds dimension while keeping guests engaged.
Plated Dinners for Effortless Elegance
While family-style dining has its charm, large weddings are seeing a return to plated meals. Guests can enjoy carefully curated dishes without the stress of sharing or leftover wastage. Plated dinners ensure everyone gets a perfectly presented meal, highlighting culinary creativity and enhancing the overall experience. Check out our guide to top wedding menus for ideas that wow your guests.
Unconventional Wedding Formats
Who says your day needs to follow tradition? Morning ceremonies followed by evening parties, cocktail receptions, or even raves are becoming popular alternatives to the typical seated dinner. Couples are designing weddings that fit their vision and venue, prioritising flow and atmosphere over convention. Explore unique wedding planning ideas for inspiration.
Curated, Stylish Lookbooks
Aesthetic planning is taking centre stage. Wedding lookbooks—whether included in physical invitations, brochures, or online websites—help couples coordinate every detail, from décor to dress codes. These curated guides not only ensure a cohesive, ‘Instagram-worthy’ day but also serve as keepsakes, capturing the inspiration behind the celebrations. Learn how to craft your own wedding mood board for a seamless design.
Bold Aesthetics and Textures
2026 weddings are all about standing out. Couples are embracing colour, texture, scent, and scale to create memorable celebrations. Recent events have combined cultural elements, replacing traditional florals with Mexican paper flowers or showcasing sweets and delicacies from multiple countries. Textures are also key—lace, crochet, and ruched tablecloths are replacing rustic linens, while florals now incorporate fruits, metals, and fabrics for a multidimensional look.
Personalisation Beyond Names
Personal touches are going further than monograms. Some couples are incorporating poetry chosen by friends and family, printing extracts on napkins used throughout the day. Custom gifting, surprise moments, and tailored experiences make each wedding feel uniquely personal. For tips on how to personalise your wedding, start with thoughtful details that tell your story.
Retro-Inspired Catering
Nostalgia is trending in catering, with elevated classics like prawn cocktails, trifles, and chicken Kiev making a comeback. Creative retro jellies—ranging from wobbling masterpieces to jewel-like jelly shots—add playful, Instagrammable moments to the menu. Check out our food and drink trends to see what’s hot this year.
Experience Over Aesthetics
Above all, experience is the ultimate trend. Couples are focusing on what guests feel, rather than just how the day looks. Thoughtful logistics, unexpected surprises, and seamless flow ensure attendees enjoy an event that feels personal and memorable. From custom shot trays to interactive activities, creating an experience that resonates is the key to a truly successful wedding.
Matthew Shaw, with Sauveur, emphasises that 2026 weddings are about creativity, personalisation, and thoughtful design. Couples are encouraged to break from convention, embrace bold aesthetics, and craft a day that is authentically theirs.
