Wedding trends that are in and out for 2026, according to wedding planners

Tech Insider : Style, Business
A side-by-side of two brides embracing under sparklers and a white heart-shaped cake that says
Business Insider spoke to wedding planners about 2026 wedding trends.

ATHVisions/MEGAN GARNER/Getty Images

I've been a wedding photographer for over 12 years. Here are 10 of the best ideas I've seen at weddings.

Tech Insider : Business
bride and groom having their first dance together at a wedding
As a wedding photographer, I suggest that couples take a moment alone on their big day.

Megan Betteridge/Shutterstock

My boyfriend couldn't get leave from the Army for our wedding. We decided to get married with a virtual ceremony.

Tech Insider : Business
A soldier and a woman in a white top on a video call
Marissa Radford and Damien Lamonda tied the knot in a virtual ceremony.

Courtesy of VirtualMarriage

I proposed to my fiancée twice. The second yes felt even better than the first.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Man proposing to woman in park in NYC
I proposed to my fiancée twice because the first time wasn't perfect. She said yes both times I asked her to marry me, and I have no regrets.

Jamie Evan Bichelman

Now that I'm a mom, I wish I hadn't banned friends' kids from our wedding. It would have made the day more special.

Tech Insider : Business
A bride and groom
The author with her husband on their (mostly) kids-free wedding day.

Courtesy of Rachel Miranda Photography

I've been in over 125 weddings. Here are 5 things guests actually care about — and 5 that are a waste of money.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
wedding table food family style
A lot of guests judge the quality of a wedding on a few key things — but some details aren't worth wasting money on.

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

After attending over 100 weddings, I no longer 'cover my plate.' Instead, I use 4 better methods for giving gifts.

Tech Insider : Business
Men at altar in front of wedding guests sitting in wood chairs
A lot of wedding guests give enough money to cover the cost of their meal. However, that's not always practical or doable.

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Forget wedding registries — many newlyweds would rather you help pay their mortgage

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Ali and Aislyn Benjamin, posing with their dog on their wedding day.
Ali and Aislyn Benjamin, posing with their dog on their wedding day.

Rakel Blake/Rakel Blake Photography

5 engagement ring styles you might not see much of soon, according to a private jeweler

Tech Insider : Style, Business
A close-up of the hands of two people embracing. Both have wedding rings on their fingers.
Engagement ring styles are changing.

Twig & Olive/Getty Images

I had a 200-person wedding on a Tuesday. It felt risky, but most guests showed up and partied as if it were Saturday.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Author Lynnette Lyons and her husband smiling
My husband and I chose to get married on a Tuesday many years ago. I'm still pleasantly surprised by just how many people showed up.

Lynnette Lyons

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