For this year’s soon-to-weds, it’s all about making intentional choices to create a day that reflects their love and life
Top image by Alex Cossey Photography
Did anyone else notice how many people got engaged at Christmas? It seemed to be the year for it, with many more set to join them this month as Valentine’s Day approaches.
So, as thoughts turn to planning the big day, what are the need-to-know wedding trends for 2026?
Both Hitched and British Vogue cite ‘intentionality’ as the headline for the year. Speaking to the latter, wedding planner Jove Meyer says: “Weddings rooted in assumed traditions, binary language or one-size-fits-all cultural frameworks are no longer resonating. The future is about creating celebrations that consciously reflect who is actually in the room.”
So, 2026 is all about fun, personality and making a statement – and one of the hottest themes identified by the Hitched Trend Report is the Bridgerton revival. “Bridgerton-style weddings are up 191% year-on-year, as couples lean into romantic, Regency-inspired elegance. Think corsetry, chandeliers and lace, paired with soft pastel tones,” it elaborates.
Adding yet more historical drama is a focus on throwback fashion, such as Basque waist wedding dresses and bubble hem dresses. Even wedding cakes are set to be layered with nostalgia, says the report: “Retro wedding cakes (+23%) are making a delicious comeback, with piping, ruffles and kitschy colours taking over Instagram feeds, while sheet cakes (+29%) – once a low-key bake sale classic – are now being reimagined as creative centrepieces.”
Meanwhile, it’s all about going big with dramatic venues, decor, styling and afterparties! Read more at hitched.co.uk
Feeling inspired to bring these trends or other personalised themes to your day? Here are some local experts who can help…
The cake
Here’s a great way to make that big statement for 2026. Biscotti di Debora leans into this year’s trends by creating unexpected styles, balancing the contemporary with the traditional. Everything is on offer, from on-trend sheet cakes to single, oversized tiers and cakes decorated with seasonal fruit and fresh flowers (made in collaboration with florist Emily Tallulah), presented on distinctive stands or with a floating effect. It even makes dessert tables, croquembouche towers for a striking wedding centrepiece and a giant single-tier Italian wedding cake, smothered in fresh berries, that’s intended to be built ‘live’ in situ at the reception!
As per the Italian tradition of lighter textures and dessert-led approach, these wedding cakes are made using Genoese sponge and smooth, creamy fillings, with fresh cream, mousses and crème patissiere rather than buttercream or heavy sugar icings. biscottidebora.com
The venue
First up in this category is South Farm, an award-winning barn wedding venue nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, with a lovingly restored Grade II-listed farmhouse, beautiful summer house amid formal gardens, impressive Tudor Barn and Old Dairy providing a host of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces.
Empowered by sustainability, the venue uses its own produce, including seasonal fruit and vegetables and eggs from the resident chickens. Wedding photo opportunities are provided by wildflower meadows, orchards, Romany wagons, farm animals and miniature donkeys!
There are currently some big discounts for prime spring and summer 2026 dates, with savings of up to £3,750, so don’t miss out. south-farm.co.uk
Another countryside venue located just outside Cambridge, Provenance offers two characterful choices for the perfect setting. Firstly, the Orchard Barn, where you can dine under a stretch tent with views of the open kitchen in the barn, or in the magical orchard itself, nestled between the trees. Secondly, the popular restaurant, complemented by a meadow garden – ideal for drinks receptions and outdoor celebrations.
Here, flexible spaces, relaxed ambience and an experienced team help to add that personal feel to the day. Plus, of course, the food, which is led by Provenance co-founder Greg Proud and head chef Josh Fulcher, with seasonal menus showcasing locally sourced produce and wood-fired cooking. provenancekitchen.com
If you want urban elegance, there is Gonville Hotel in central Cambridge, which is fully licensed for weddings and civil partnerships, with spaces suitable for ceremony to celebration.
There’s the romantic Teepee designed for both intimate outdoor ceremonies and beautifully styled wedding breakfasts; Gresham Garden for alfresco ceremonies and drinks receptions; the bright, open-plan Atrium that lends itself perfectly to statement decor; the Terrace for intimate gatherings overlooking Parker’s Piece; Gresham House, which has eight feature bedrooms for preparations and accommodation – and more!
Not only that, but Gonville can also help you arrive in style with its pair of classic Bentleys – a gold 1953 Bentley R Type and silver 1960 Bentley S2 – both available for exclusive wedding hire. gonvillehotel.co.uk
Another local venue with both ceremony rooms and accommodation is The Lodge, Duxford, which boasts a choice of beautifully appointed spaces, including the Tipi, to suit all gatherings from intimate to grand and 17 individually designed en-suite bedrooms for an overnight stay. This kind of convenience can add a real sense of flow and ease to your celebrations.
Exclusive packages here grant full access to the entire venue for 24 hours, allowing freedom to settle in, celebrate and savour every moment at your own pace. For 2026, the team is also offering a complimentary £500 bar tab for new bookings on remaining dates – now that’s worth raising a glass to! thelodgeduxford.com
The flower
You can’t get more intentional than choosing wedding flowers that may only be seeds right now, or growing in the field at Anna’s Flower Farm in Saffron Walden, waiting to shine at your celebration this year!
Since 2017, Anna has been growing, cutting and arranging flower packages, offering headache-free ‘Ready to Wed’ collections of local, seasonal, entirely naturally grown and chemical-free flowers.
The bridal arrangements arrive in water-filled vessels within ribboned bags, and there are buckets of flowers for you to arrange among yourselves, making these wedding flowers creative, personal and affordable. Such a meaningful idea!
Simply order your choice – either the ‘Essential’ (for intimate ceremonies starting at £225) or the full ‘Kit & Caboodle’ (from £500). annasflowerfarm.com
The dress
The Pantry Bridalwear’s ethos ‘do you on your day’ perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the year. It’s all about helping brides feel like an elevated version of themselves on their special day.
With designs by The Pantry Underwear and Bridalwear founder Eloise, who sources one-off pieces from previous eras of style and recreates them as contemporary wedding looks, the label’s store in Saffron Walden sells in-house creations produced via the made-to-measure process (with all production and fittings also taking place in-house). Brides can therefore customise easily, achieve the best possible fit, reduce fabric wastage and consider how the look could be adapted for future use.
The collection includes dresses, skirts, trousers, tops and jackets, as well as bridal accessories such as headpieces and bags. A first try on is free to book (with a refundable deposit of £25 – just turn up and it’ll be returned) and pieces range from £1,350 to £2,450.
Eloise’s own trend predictions for 2026? Dropped waists, gathers on the hip, draped necklines, structured fabrics and volume without weight and layers. thepantrybridalwear.com thepantryunderwear.com
The jewellery
Bedford-based specialist jeweller Baker Brothers also points to individuality being a defining theme for 2026, with this freedom of expression being beautifully reflected in the bridal jewellery chosen for the day.
Working across all styles and trends, the team is able to help each bride create a look that feels entirely personal.
Their advice for this year? “Pearls have shed their reputation for being old-fashioned and have evolved into modern, characterful pieces. Whether worn as long, layered options or as a single statement piece paired with a fine gold chain, pearls add subtle colour and warmth to any neckline. From contemporary to classic, they remain endlessly versatile.
“Of course, you can never go wrong with diamonds,” they continue. “Keep it simple and choose a piece with sculptural design or personality, and you’ll invest in something that will delight for years to come – not just on the big day. Diamonds adapt effortlessly to every bridal style, from understated elegance to bold modernity.”
Coloured gemstones are also enjoying centre stage, adding colour and intensity to a bridal outfit and also celebrating individuality. “Let one coloured piece lead the look, whether it’s a rich blue sapphire or aquamarine to tick the ‘something blue’ tradition, a velvety green tourmaline or a mix of coloured sapphires,” the team advise. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
