Back to NFM Home Stories2025/2026 Wedding Trends
Prepared by Dani Dross | Published on June 20, 2025
Prepping for Your Big Day
The “happiest day of your life” will be here soon, and you’re excited – but also overwhelmed. After all, there’s no shortage of things to plan. From the color scheme and guest list to centerpieces and venue, all the noise makes it hard to parse out what you really want. No worries – we’re here to help with a look at the latest wedding trends for 2025 and 2026 that just might inspire your special day.
Hometown/ Micro-Weddings
Destination weddings are out. Local weddings are in! Goodbye pricey plane tickets – hello hometown celebration. Many couples this year are looking to not only save money, but also to create an intimate environment with the people they love most. If your big day is coming up and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the guest list, consider a “micro-wedding.” For most people, this is 50 or less guests. This ensures you don’t feel pressured to invite your dad’s college buddy Mark, or great-great-uncle Dan, who you haven’t seen in ten years. Your special day, your special people!
Fun additions to your intimate wedding:
Nostalgia
“Nostalgia” is a big theme this year, especially film photography and candid photos. Film gives that timeless feel, while nonstaged photos add a layer of unfiltered intimacy. Take it up a notch and put disposable cameras or mini-Polaroid cameras on your tables and let guests capture memories themselves.
You can also get playful with nostalgia! Introduce a classic game tournament or maybe add a popcorn machine. The possibilities end where your imagination does.
Nostalgia at your fingertips:
Unconventional Food
Gone are the days of paying up to $50 per plate of food. With prices like that, It should come as no surprise that traditional catering has fallen out of fashion. Couples are opting for more affordable – and often more interesting – ideas. Whether it’s a food truck rental, late-night taco party packs, or a mobile pizza oven from a favorite local restaurant, wedding food is drifting away from the traditional “chicken or beef” options. If you’re getting married soon, and your venue allows it, consider having a little fun with your food. Guests will love the break from norms and your wallet will thank you.
Must-haves for wedding dining:
Bright Colors
Neutral tones are no longer the go-to in 2025 and 2026. It’s your big day – make a statement! Opt for jewel tones like emerald green and peacock blue. Go extra bold with some neon hues or try spring-themed whimsy with soothing pastels. Make it fun, and most of all, make it feel like you and your partner.
Add some bright to your life:
Unconventional Guestbooks
One trend making waves is unconventional guestbooks. Sure, signing a book is classic and elegant – but what if you did something a little more interesting? Try an audio guestbook. Set up a recording station for your guests to leave you sweet messages. You’ll love going through them later. Or maybe you and your beloved are pet parents. Have your guests sign a portrait of your fur baby! Perhaps you’re music fans. Set up a vinyl station where guests can sign the sleeves of your collection and frame them later. The possibilities are endless. Think about what’s important to you, and how you’ll want to revisit these memories later, and go for it!
Guestbook necessities:
No matter what direction you go for your big day, don’t forget that it is about you. These trends can help inform you, and might get your wheels turning, but ultimately you must decide what you want. Remember, this is a beautiful celebration of your love – make it exactly what you wish it to be.