Eight 2026 Wedding Trends You’ll Love

Try Them at White & Sable

When I got married six years ago, I wanted to do none of the things. I wanted to pick my dress and someone else to do approximately everything else. In addition to wanting nothing to do with the planning process, I also swore that if someone tried to make me cut a cake and smash it into my husband’s face, I would be leaving my own party. I wanted cheeseburgers and giant cookies and to let my sweet groom walk down the aisle to the Chicago Bulls theme song. I am a lot of things, but traditional isn’t one of them. 

Life is funny because here I am working for my brother’s venue in the wedding industry less than ten years later, and I simply cannot get enough of the new trends. I want them all. Eight of the sweetest new wedding trends that you should utilize (at White & Sable, of course) and one bonus: let your guests exit before you and your partner while you two savor one last dance together. One of our June couples danced alone to Gratitude by Brandon Lake, and yes I peeked, and yes I wept. 

1. Micro Weddings & Weekend Retreats

Couples everywhere, but especially in Minnesota are embracing intimate, meaningful celebrations. The average guest count nationwide dropped from 184 in 2006 to 131 in 2024. Our day of coordinators (not all heroes wear capes!) report that micro weddings not only reduce stress and cost but also elevate personalization and emotional connection. Lean into a wedding weekend: from welcome bonfires to farewell brunches; give your guests a full experience. White & Sable has three different spaces that would perfectly fit the microwedding of your dreams: use the foyer, the courtyard, or the reception hall as a combo ceremony/dinner space.

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2. Bold Colors & Moody Lighting

My skin tone was not made for pastels, so I am all for the 2026 move to deep jewel tones, bold hues, and dramatic ambiance. White & Sable is the perfect luxurious backdrop to add rich decor in deep reds, burnt oranges, and emerald greens. Couples are embracing vibrant palettes like sapphire blue, emerald green, and metallic accents that can fit any time of year. 

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3. Interactive & Comfort-Forward Cuisine

Gone are the days of stiff, plated dinners where you sit hungry waiting for your turn to be served. Couples are leaning into food that feels fun, interactive, and delicious. Think taco bars and pizza stations, and we have the perfect spot for your favorite gourmet food truck to pull right up. Comfort food instantly makes the night feel more relaxed and memorable. While we do have an exclusive contract with LiquidMotion for beverages, who you choose for catering is completely up to you, which you won’t always find at other venues. 

Dessert is also having a glow-up: doughnut walls, cookie-and-milk shots, popsicle carts, and chocolate-dipped strawberries are stealing the spotlight from traditional tiered cakes. (Fondant, my friend, you had a good run.)

4. Sustainable & Conscious Celebrations

We’re so thankful for the many couples who have asked how we can be intentional about caring for our environment and what God has entrusted to us. Weddings are a beautiful opportunity to celebrate love while also honoring the world and resources He created. Couples are finding meaningful ways to do this—like renting vintage décor instead of purchasing new, serving locally sourced seasonal menus, or swapping traditional confetti for biodegradable petals.

To make it even easier, we offer add-ons like our black hex arch, white cross, and officiant stand—beautiful statement pieces you can rent instead of buying just for one weekend. Micro weddings also reflect this heart: fewer guests mean less waste, less stress, and more focus on what truly matters. At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating your marriage while caring for God’s creation with joy and gratitude.

5. Elevated Fashion: Playful, Vintage, and Personalized

Today’s brides are my people, and I am here for the newest fashion trends. Mini dresses for the reception are having a moment, perfect for dancing, mingling, and that late-night espresso martini power hour. We’re also seeing a wave of vintage-inspired gowns with chic drop waists, statement accessories like pearls and chunky gold, and even colorful engagement rings that let personality shine. And with our stunning bridal suite, you’ll have the perfect space for those getting-ready photos and fun outfit changes throughout the day.

6. Modern Tech Trends & AI Vows

I don’t necessarily condone having a robot write your binding words to your future spouse, so I will refrain from advising that but if you are struggling, remember, there are now tools for that now! Beyond ChatGTP vows, couples really are having fun with technology: livestreams for out-of-town guests, digital guestbooks, and even augmented reality photo booths. The future is officially here, and it’s actually kind of cute.

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7. Thoughtful Touches

This one might be my favorite. You want to have the wedding that everyone compares others to in the future. Special touches like live painters, custom favors, and interactive seating displays that double as art are leaving a lasting impression on guests. One of our couples even had handwritten notes at each place setting, thanking each guest personally for celebrating with them. It’s those little touches that make your wedding unforgettable, for you and for everyone you love.

Trends will come and go, but what matters most is celebrating in a way that feels like you. Whether that’s a mini dress and Raising Cane’s at midnight, tacos and food trucks instead of chicken and potatoes, or a last dance alone while your guests wait outside, you get to decide what your story looks like.

8. Sunday Celebrations

We’ve already shared a whole post about why Sunday weddings are on the rise, but it’s worth mentioning again; this trend is only growing! Couples love the relaxed pace, extra availability with vendors, and the chance to extend the celebration into a full weekend with friends and family.

At White & Sable, we love helping couples bring these ideas to life. If you’re ready to start planning your 2026-2027 (or 2028!) wedding, we’d love to show you around.