Wedding Experts Share the Latest Trends & Planning Tips for 2026 & Beyond

While we always recommend hiring a wedding planner to help you organize the details of your big day, we understand that many couples choose to plan their own weddings or gather advice from a number of other resources, which is why we're always sharing the expert advice of our Editors Circle members, who are among some of the nation's top wedding professionals.

Since wedding trends are constantly changing and brides and grooms have endless inspiration while planning their celebrations, look to these esteemed professionals, who have been in the industry for years, to know what to do and how to prepare for one of the biggest events of your life. 

We invite you to read the latest trends, discover wedding-planning secrets, and uncover tips from wedding planners, bridal stylists, floral designers, and photographers on a number of topics featured in various issues of the magazine. 

Take note of the advice showcased in the pages of our 2025 issues of Inside Weddings, and make these tips your own to fit your dream wedding. Happy planning!

Go to Trunk Shows to Find Your Bridal Gown

"If you’re a bride who loves the latest trends and wants a unique gown at a great price, trunk shows are a must! These exclusive events bring in a designer’s newest collection before it hits stores, offering brides the rare chance to try fresh styles and enjoy special pricing for a limited time." - Brenna Cicciari of Bridal Reflections

Photo courtesy of Milla Nova; Designer available at Bridal Reflections

Have a Pair of Alternate Wedding Shoes

"Brides should have alternate shoes, such as platforms or wedges, to walk around in cities – or through outdoor fields! Save your more expensive heels to slip on once you’ve reached your outdoor location and for moments indoors to keep them pristine." - Berit Bizjak of Berit Bizjak Photography

Photo by Berit Bizjak Photography

Don't Overthink Your Wedding Dress

"Shopping for your wedding dress can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming. I recommend only taking photos of the gowns you are seriously considering (two to three from each salon, maximum). After you leave, there’s no need to ruminate on dresses you won’t be choosing. Over- analyzing gowns that you’ve already eliminated is just extra work for your brain, and decision fatigue is a REAL thing." - Claire Pettibone of Claire Pettibone Design Atelier

Photo courtesy of Claire Pettibone Design Atelier

Think of Your Guests' Experience Before the Big Day

"Guest experience begins long before the wedding. If the wedding website is vague, the room block inconvenient, or the communication impersonal, the energy will be off before the first drink is poured." - Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events

Photo by Brandon Kidd Photography

Try a Two-in-One Wedding Dress

"Brides are embracing the ‘Second Look Moment’ by pairing their ceremony gown with a detachable overskirt, bolero, or dramatic sleeves – offering two distinct looks without changing dresses. This trend is both stylish and functional, perfect for transitioning from a formal ceremony to a fun, fashion- forward reception." - Brenna Cicciari of Bridal Reflections

Photo courtesy of Milla Nova; Designer available at Bridal Reflections

Keep Your Dress Entourage Small

"Inviting your whole crew to go wedding dress shopping sounds like so much fun, and for your first appointment, it can be! Let everyone enjoy that first outing (make it a multi-brand bridal salon), then continue your search with just one or two trusted voices - or even solo. Finding your dress takes clarity, not a chorus." - Claire Pettibone of Claire Pettibone Design Atelier

Photo by Matias Ezcurra Photography; Bridal Gown by Claire Pettibone Design Atelier

Prepare Items for Your Detail Shots

"Many wedding photographers love to start their day doing some cool shots of details and jewelry. Make sure to clean your engagement ring. Have the wedding bands in the bride’s room at the start of the day. The wedding dress and shoes should be accessible for photos, and bringing the bridal bouquet to the getting-ready room is even better." - Jay Lawrence Goldman of Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography

Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography

Add Dramatic Draping & Candles

"I think we will see more moody, candle-heavy events with dramatic draping and linens this year. Incorporating deep, rich color is a perfect accent to this aesthetic." - Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events

Photo by Jesse DeFlorio; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events; From Real Wedding: Briana Cuoco & Brian Dales' Moody, Candlelit New Year's Eve LA Wedding

Choose Unique Ceremony Entertainment

"While live string ensembles will always be classic for ceremonies, incorporating synth players, electronic drums, vibey electric guitars, and percussion can really give the ceremony music a dramatic, more modern, cinematic feel." - Danny Chaimson of Gold Coast Events

Photo by Colin Lyons Photography; Entertainment by Gold Coast Events

Personalize Your Ceremony Aisle

"Couples are embracing meaningful personalization by incorporating favorite Bible verses or quotes directly onto the ceremony aisle. It’s a beautiful way to set the tone spiritually and emotionally – and it creates an unforgettable photo moment." - Yonatan Touitou of Xquisite Events

Photo by Sunny Lee Photography; Floral & Event Design by Xquisite Events

Transform Your Cocktail Hour Space

"Take your cocktail hour beyond just drinks by creating an experience that’s engaging and personal for your guests. Transform the space into a curated gallery of large-scale photos of the bride and groom, giving guests a glimpse into their story. This special touch sparks conversation and creates an inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy." - Joe Mineo of Joe Mineo Creative

Photo by Joey Kennedy Photography; Floral & Event Design by Joe Mineo Creative

Incorporate Shaded Lamps Into Décor

"The use of beautiful shaded lamps is becoming increasingly popular in wedding décor. It’s a great way to incorporate a statement piece, create additional lighting, and add a layer of texture within tablescapes and other displays." - Gina Myers of Gina Myers Weddings & Events

Photo by Ally and Bobby Fine Art Photography; Planning & Design by Gina Myers Weddings & Events

Limit Decision Fatigue for Guests

"Guests don’t need – or even want – a ton of options. Five signature drinks, 10 appetizers, and 12 dessert choices can be overwhelming and risk bad service. Curate thoughtfully instead of trying to impress with volume." - Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events

Photo by Joel & Justyna

Embrace Candid Moments

"Don’t avoid posing for the picture-perfect image. As much as I adore the magic of a candid moment, there is something incredibly special about that one unforgettable, pre-planned shot!" - Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events

Photo by Keith MacDonald Photography; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events; From Event: Elegant Garden Wedding Inspiration at Historic Estate in Vermont

Add Custom Ceiling Treatments

"We have noticed that creative, custom ceiling treatments are a growing trend at weddings. A fabulous overhead décor element made of fabric, flowers, greenery, or decorative lighting can truly set a wedding apart, giving our brides and grooms the opportunity to have something bespoke, one-of-a-kind, and unique to their special day." - Victoria Dubin of Victoria Dubin Events

Photo by Brian Marcus for Fred Marcus Studios; Planning & Design by Victoria Dubin Events

Have a Reception "First Look"

"Add room in your timeline to see your reception space before guests enter. It’s a nice way to have a quiet moment as a couple after you are married and get some photos in the room without other people in it. Soak it all in before the dinner and dancing begins!" - Heather Lowenthal of Posh Parties

Photo by Stetten Wilson; Planning & Design by Posh Parties

Include Your Pet in Wedding Décor

"Including your pet on your wedding day brings an extra layer of love and joy. Whether they walk down the aisle or are included on a detail at the reception, it is a unique way to celebrate a very important member of the family!" - Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events

Photo by Joey Kennedy Photography; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events

Try Something New for Dessert!

"An emerging dessert trend taking center stage is the cake-cuterie – a large-format, interactive cake bar designed by Sugar Studio. Surrounded by lush florals, this experiential display invites guests to customize their own cubes of cake with an array of cake flavors, buttercreams, and decadent toppings. Both beautiful and engaging, it turns dessert into a creative edible art." - Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs

Photo by Parada Studio; Planning & Design by Dee Lee Designs

Take Inspiration from the Arts

"For 2025, I think we will see more couples begin to draw inspiration from luxury designers, famous painters, and other prominent figures. From brilliant patterns to noteworthy sayings, you’ll find elements incorporated into the stationery and décor." - Natalie Sofer of Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events

Photo by Cindy Gold Photography; Planning & Design by Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events

Don't Be Afraid to Become the Talent

"You have a talent – don’t be afraid to show it. This bride surprised her groom by playing guitar and singing their favorite song." - Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events

Photo by Zack Griswold Photography; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events

For more wedding ideas, discover more wedding advice from our Editors Circle members, find out what to do once you get engaged, and see must-have products and services for brides and grooms! We also encourage you to follow @InsideWeddings on Instagram and Pinterest for daily wedding ideas and inspiration!

Opening photo by Amy Anaiz Photography; Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections; From Real Wedding: Modern Black, White & Greenery Wedding with Views of New York City