2026 luxury wedding trends

No two weddings are ever alike, that much is certain, but after witnessing countless exchanges of vows, some patterns inevitably begin to emerge. Even more exciting than seeing couples’ ideas come to life is spotting the trends set to shape the weddings of the year ahead.

Over the past few months, certain ideas have been steadily gaining popularity, whether it be a particular style of wedding dress or a specific type of wedding venue. Many of these trends look set to continue their upward trajectory into 2026. One particularly interesting overarching theme is the steady move away from minimalism and modernism that have dominated the past two decades (hooray!). In an era increasingly defined by technology and AI, this return to the traditional, the colourful, and the personal feels refreshingly human and utterly romantic.

Let’s take a closer look at the luxury wedding trends set to define 2026.

Heritage wedding venues

Last year, the “old money” aesthetic took social media by storm. The trend popularised the idea of quiet luxury, essentially meaning choosing high-quality pieces over anything too flashy. It leaned heavily into classic styling, often inspired by the preppy looks of the 80s and 90s when heritage fashion was everywhere. But this trend didn’t stay in fashion alone. Interiors and architecture followed suit, with couples looking slightly further back in time to the 19th century to grand manor houses, antique-filled venues, and beautifully restored castles for inspiration.

As we move into 2026, preppy fashion is starting to dwindle in popularity, yet the appetite for heritage venues hasn’t faded. Couples continue to be drawn to settings with character and a sense of history, shaping the wedding venues we expect to remain popular next year.

A location that embodies the “old money” aesthetic is Rosebery House, a country mansion near Edinburgh where the elegant orangery is perfect for intimate dinner parties, the cosy private games room invites after-dinner games and cocktails, and the manicured gardens provide a picture-perfect setting for couple photos. For a more opulent option, Barnbougle Castle offers a grand banqueting hall filled with painted family portraits, a sweeping spiral staircase, and an incredible view of the sea – ideal for a truly unforgettable wedding.

Something blue

Colour is making a comeback in 2026, and it’s one to watch across everything, not just weddings. For the past two decades, minimalism and neutral palettes have dominated (hello, “millennial grey”), but the shift toward richer, more expressive hues has begun. What started with earthy tones like greens, rusts, and maroons is now evolving into strong, bold, primary colours set to make a statement at weddings next year. The colour leading the charge? Blue.

No longer just reserved for the “something blue” tradition, this hue is set to appear across the full spectrum. Cobalt will feature in bridesmaids’ dresses, table settings, and floral arrangements, while icy blue is emerging as a delicate alternative for wedding gowns themselves. Pinterest searches for icy blue wedding dresses have risen 55% this year, proving it’s a beautiful way to introduce colour without straying too far from classic ivory or white.

We’re excited for this one.

Structured wedding dresses

Corsetry is enjoying a revival. Vivienne Westwood-inspired silhouettes, once favoured mainly by “alternative” brides, are now finding their way into mainstream bridalwear. Think boned bodices, sculpted bustiers, tied corsets and soft, modern interpretations with flowing skirts, detachable sleeves, or off-the-shoulder styles.

A standout silhouette for 2026 is the Basque-waist gown. Unlike a traditional waistline, the Basque dips into a gentle V-shape at the front (and sometimes the back), lengthening the torso and beautifully accentuating the waist. Whether inspired by Bridgerton or simply a desire for more romantic structure, these Regency-era shapes look perfectly at home at Rosebery Estates.

The relaxed afterparty dress

In contrast to the structured bridalwear of the day, the playful after-party dress is firmly back in 2026. These pieces are shorter, sparklier, and unapologetically made for dancing, featuring shimmering beading, playful feathers, or sequins that catch the light long after sunset. It’s a second look that feels like a celebration in itself, perfect for letting loose and keeping the party going.

Male engagement rings

Not directly tied to the wedding day itself, but increasingly relevant in the lead-up, is the rise of engagements becoming a shared experience. While the tradition of one partner planning the proposal, buying the ring, and getting down on one knee remains, more couples are now exchanging rings or choosing a ring for the male partner after the proposal.

These rings are often signet styles, with subtle engravings adding a personal touch. It’s a trend that reflects the modern, collaborative approach to wedding planning and one worth keeping in mind if you’re newly engaged.

Film photography

While some trends are only just emerging, film photography is something we’re already seeing often at Rosebery Estates, and what a stunning one it is. Many couples now request film alongside standard digital photography, and because it’s costly, it’s usually reserved for the most meaningful moments: the first kiss, cake cutting, father-of-the-bride speech, and, of course, the party.

Film images show more of the real side of the day, almost like viewing the moment through instant nostalgia. There’s a softness and sincerity that digital can’t quite replicate, often looking a little too perfect. If you have the option to include film, absolutely go for it. And if not, a couple of good old-fashioned disposable cameras also do the trick.

Drapery and more greenery

That newfound romanticism continues into décor, where draping is set to be one of 2026’s signature styling moments. Billowing fabrics, sheer curtains, and elegant canopies introduce softness and movement, transforming large spaces into warm, intimate settings. This works especially well in the converted barns at Rosebery Steading, where draping can gently lower the height of the vaulted ceilings and create ambience without hiding the original stone and timber.

Greenery also continues its strong reign moving into next year. Couples are opting for towering trees, potted plants, and generous foliage. These can easily be hired for the big day and are a sustainable way to decorate a wedding venue. Against the Steading’s rustic textures, these elements look especially striking.

Landscapes as backdrops

Stunning views have always been desirable, but what’s new is how central they are to weddings. Increasingly, couples are immersing themselves in nature, using sweeping valleys, manicured gardens, or coastal vistas as the focal point of ceremonies and receptions. Sometimes, the view itself is the main attraction, with minimal décor to distract from it.

With breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and a spacious terrace, the coastal wedding venue Barnbougle Castle is perfectly placed for this trend.

Feasting and drinking

2026 is the year to get playful with wedding menus. Traditional tiered cakes are giving way to giant pavlovas, fully loaded dessert stations, and shared sweet treats that feel relaxed and celebratory rather than formal. Post-wedding brunches are also on the rise, giving couples the chance to reconnect with guests over good coffee and comforting dishes after a night of celebration.

Provenance and seasonality continue to guide menus, with dishes highlighting local produce, especially estate-sourced ingredients like venison, remaining a favourite among guests. This focus on sustainability and locality is a trend we’re confident is here to stay.