Wedding Styling Trends for 2026: What’s In and What’s Absolutely Stunning

Planning a wedding in 2026? Then you’re in for a visual treat—this season’s wedding styling trends are brimming with drama, decadence, whimsy, and soul. Whether you’re a minimalist bride with a romantic streak or a maximalist looking to wow your guests with a bold statement, this year’s styling inspirations offer something to fall head-over-heels for.

These are the top trends I’m seeing emerge (and fall in love with) for 2026 at Creatala.

1. Baroque Romance & Dramatic Draping

Think opulence, but with softness.

Baroque romanticism is making a grand return, not in a stuffy, over-the-top way, but with layers of rich texture, architectural curves, and theatrical silhouettes. Picture dramatic velvet tablecloths, scalloped edges, ornate candelabras, and gilded mirrors as signage.

draping wedding styling decoration

Combine this with soft, draped fabrics—flowing from ceilings, around arches, or cascading behind sweetheart tables—and you have a cinematic, regal atmosphere without the excess.

Top Tip: Use pearl tones with golden hues, ivory, and soft candlelight to keep the look elegant rather than heavy.

Photo @primephoto.pl
Flowers & deco @bello_matrimonio


2. Lemon & Indigo: A Mediterranean Romance

Say hello to one of the most refreshing palettes of the season—lemon yellow paired with deep indigo blue. Inspired by citrus groves and sun-drenched coastlines, this colour story evokes the elegance of the Amalfi Coast with a contemporary twist.

Think: crisp linen tablecloths, bold cobalt blue ceramic plates, sunny yellow florals (like daffodils, mimosa, or marigolds), and fresh lemons as part of the decor. Whether you're styling a barn, villa, or marquee garden wedding, this combo offers vibrancy and sophistication in equal measure.

Styling touches to love:

  • Lemon-filled centrepieces or hanging citrus garlands

  • Hand-painted blue tiles used as name cards or table numbers

  • Deep blue glassware paired with lemon-toned napkins for contrast

  • A citrus-scented candle or favour for each guest

It’s cheerful yet luxurious, timeless yet unexpected—a perfect match for brides who want their day to feel both joyful and polished.

Photo by: Redamancy Photo and Film

3. Citrus & Sunset: Orange and Pink with a Twist

Playful, modern, and deliciously unexpected—oranges, peaches, and bold pinks are taking over wedding palettes, especially when styled with a citrus theme. Grapefruits, oranges, kumquats, and blood oranges are being used in everything from escort cards to centrepieces.

The colours are joyful, confident, and photograph beautifully in natural light.

Styling Ideas:

  • Citrus fruits mixed with floral arrangements on tables

  • Ombre napkins in warm hues

  • Bespoke cocktails featuring orange peel or grapefruit spritz

This trend screams destination-style energy, even if you're in the middle of the English countryside.

Photo by: ashleycarlascio.com

4. Whimsical Garden Party Vibes

Outdoor weddings continue to thrive post-pandemic, but 2025/26 brings back the whimsical twist. Think of it like Alice in Wonderland meets Bridgerton’s garden scenes.

Delicate butterflies, tapered candles in pastel hues, floral-patterned plates, vintage glassware, and layered table runners create a nostalgic yet fresh atmosphere. Climbing vines, outdoor lounge pockets, and garden lanterns complete the fairytale.

Bonus trend: Hand-painted details are big, whether on stationery, signage, or custom place cards.

Photo by: waterlilyweddings.com

5. Wild Paradise: Anthuriums & Tropical Maximalism

If you’re the bold, rule-breaking kind of bride, this one’s for you.

Tropical styling is getting a reboot with an editorial edge. We’re seeing anthuriums, orchids, birds of paradise, and towering palm leaves reimagined into artful, sculptural centrepieces and floating floral installations.

The palette? Think hot pink, neon coral, emerald green, and watermelon red. The vibe is playful, sensual, and unapologetically cool.

Design elements we love:

  • Watercolour menus with tropical brushstrokes

  • Irregularly shaped signage with bold type

  • Eclectic candles in fun heights and finishes

Sefton Park Palm House

6. Luxe Minimalism with Personal Touches

Not every bride wants maximalism, and that’s more than okay. Luxe minimalism is still here, but it’s evolved. We’re seeing more brides opt for intentional styling that focuses on form, material, and detail rather than just simplicity.

wedding venue decoration

Think limestone-toned drapery, alabaster ceramics, hand-dyed napkins, and a touch of raw silk. Personalised monograms, subtle textures, and micro florals keep things feeling warm and bespoke rather than bare.

Perfect for: The modern romantic with a strong sense of design.

Photo by: @puntodevista_ewakaim

7. Editorial Cakes & Food Styling

Gone are the days of white, three-tiered cakes with traditional florals. Enter: sculptural cakes, hand-painted desserts, and curated grazing tables styled to look like art installations.

Marbled fondants, clear jelly inserts, and even floral-dyed icings are trending. And it’s not just cakes, cheese towers, dessert bars, and tablescapes that tell a story are becoming staples of modern weddings.

lilacakeshop.com

Final Thoughts: Find Your Visual Voice

The wedding styling trends of 2026 are all about expression. Whether that means embracing draped opulence, playing with citrus tones, or curating a serene, editorial tablescape, your wedding should reflect you.

At Creatala Studio, I offer a bespoke design service tailored to your personality and aesthetic. Whether you want me to build your entire visual concept or help with final styling details, I’m here to bring your Pinterest dreams (and beyond) into a seamless, story-driven reality.

💌 Ready to style a celebration that’s unapologetically you?
Book your free 30-minute vision call and let’s design something unforgettable.

Nat

Nat Suska

Nat is the founder and lead stylist at Creatala Studio, a wedding design and styling brand serving Manchester, UK and beyond. With a background in visual design, colour theory, and creative direction, she helps modern couples create effortlessly elegant celebrations filled with intentional details. From bespoke moodboards to on-the-day styling, Nat brings her minimalist, romantic aesthetic to weddings that feel as beautiful as they look.

When she’s not styling events or arranging dreamy florals, you’ll find her moodboarding her next idea over a green cup of tea.

https://www.creatalastudio.com
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