Wedding Trends for 2026
A Practical Guide for Couples Who Want a Modern, Meaningful Wedding
I’ll start by saying that personally, I don’t love it when couples feel they need to follow trends.
I am a huge advocate of “Your Day, Your Way”. If you like it bright and colourful, do that and if neutrals are your vibe, go for it! If you don’t want cake… can it. If you don’t want to do a first dance, have a group first dance instead!
There is no right or wrong. But there is definitely a clear shift that I have been noticing. Couples are moving away from rigid traditions and toward weddings that feel intentional, relaxed, and deeply personal.
For Sunshine Coast brides and grooms, this shift feels natural. Coastal venues, hinterland settings, and relaxed Queensland energy already lend themselves to weddings that are less formal and more intentional.
What’s changing in 2026 isn’t just how weddings look.
It’s how they’re experienced.
1. Ceremonies Are Becoming the Heart of the Day
Non-traditional wedding ceremonies are now the norm, not the exception.
In 2026, couples are choosing:
Personalised ceremony scripts
Non-religious or lightly spiritual ceremonies
Inclusive, gender-neutral language
Circular or semi-circle guest seating
Shorter, emotionally focused ceremonies
The shift is simple. Couples want ceremonies that feel human, not procedural.
A well-crafted ceremony now sets the emotional tone for the entire wedding day.
2. Editorial Styling Over Pinterest Perfection
Wedding styling in 2026 is moving away from rigid themes and toward mood-driven design.
Popular directions include:
Coastal and hinterland colour palettes
Natural textures and layered materials
Asymmetry in florals and table styling
Styling that complements the venue rather than competes with it
Sunshine Coast weddings benefit from this approach as the landscape does the heavy lifting. Styling is there to enhance, not overwhelm.
Perfection is no longer the goal. Atmosphere is.
3. Smaller Weddings With More Presence
Intimate weddings and micro weddings continue to rise, especially across the Sunshine Coast.
Couples are choosing:
Smaller guest lists
Longer meals
Fewer formalities
More time with each guest
This isn’t just about budget, it’s about energy.
A smaller wedding often feels calmer, more connected, and more memorable than a large, fast-paced event.
4. Modern Wedding Additions Couples Are Actually Loving in 2026
This is where weddings are becoming more experiential without tipping into gimmicks.
Wedding Content Creators
We live in a digital age and everything is on socials… Insta, TikTok and FaceBook. Wedding content creators capture candid, behind-the-scenes moments using phones or lightweight video equipment.
They typically provide:
Short-form video content
Reels and stories within 24–48 hours
Informal footage of moments photographers may miss
This works well for relaxed Sunshine Coast weddings where authenticity matters more than polish.
Important distinction:
Content creators complement photographers. They don’t replace them. If you are still after a beautiful cinematic memento of your wedding, a videographer is vital.
Live Artists & Wedding Illustrators
Live artists are becoming a popular alternative to traditional wedding favours.
Options include:
Live painters capturing a key moment
Guest illustrations created during the reception
Custom line drawings or watercolours
These experiences:
Engage guests naturally
Create meaningful keepsakes
Slow the pace of the day
They work best for weddings with flexible timelines and space to linger.
Digital Phone & Video Guest Books
Traditional guest books are being replaced by:
Audio guest books
Phone-style voicemail messages
Short-form video booths
Guests leave messages, stories, or advice in their own words.
These recordings often become one of the most cherished keepsakes and are looked at more than a book that gets packed away somewhere!
5. Rethinking Wedding Attire
Wedding style is becoming personal, practical, and less symbolic.
Couples are moving away from:
One-day-only outfits
Traditional bridal expectations
“This is what a bride should wear” thinking
And toward:
Non-traditional dresses and suits
Multiple outfit changes across the day
Pieces that feel like them, not a costume
Clothing they can rewear after the wedding
Fun dress codes like: ‘Cocktail Funk’
This might look like:
A simple dress for the ceremony, changed later
A suit, jumpsuit, or two-piece set
Vintage or pre-loved pieces
Comfortable shoes that don’t need changing
Colour!
The guiding question has shifted. Does this feel like me, or does it just look like a wedding?
When couples feel comfortable and like themselves, it changes the energy of the entire day.
And that ease always reads as style.
6. Making it Personal
Couples are choosing simple, thoughtful gestures that make guests feel genuinely seen.
That might mean:
Writing short personal notes or letters to guests
Using a favourite photo as a place card at each setting
Acknowledging specific people during the ceremony, not just “everyone”
Writing vows as love letters that are read, not memorised
Sharing longer vows privately and keeping the ceremony focused
These choices work best when there is time for them to land.
Rushed personal moments lose their meaning.
The question worth asking: Is this meaningful to us, or does it just sound nice?
When personalisation is intentional and paced well, it doesn’t feel emotional or performative.
It feels calm, considered and memorable for the right reasons.
Wedding trends for 2026 aren’t about doing things differently for the sake of it. They’re about making intentional choices.
The most memorable weddings:
Feel calm, not rushed
Value connection over perfection
Reflect the couple, not the template
Trends will always evolve but meaning doesn’t go out of style.