2026 Wedding Trends: Insider predictions from a Cornwall Wedding Planner: Jess at Tide the Knot Wedding Planning
As we look ahead to 2026, weddings are stepping into a bold new era of thoughtful detail, guest experiences and sustainability are at the heart of 2026 couples’ celebrations.
Couples are deciding to move away from traditions to curate celebrations that feel more like reflections of their shared story more than ever before. They are taking matters into their own hands to create a memorable day to spend with all their nearest and dearest.
With firsthand experience as she supports couples throughout their planning, Jess (Tide the Knot Wedding Planning), one of the team here at Wedding Venues in Cornwall, has a front-row seat to the evolving trends shaping 2026 weddings in Cornwall. As she helps couples transform their Pinterest boards into real-life celebrations, she’s noticing some standout ideas that are capturing hearts and setting the tone for the year ahead. From multi-day wedding weekends, to ethereal coastal palettes and sculptural florals, here’s what couples are excited about for next year’s I do’s.
Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just a consideration; it’s becoming the soul of the celebration for 2026 weddings. Couples are embracing conscious choices with creativity and style, weaving eco-friendly touches into every element of their day. Think second-hand wedding attire reimagined with modern flair, menus crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and lush living plants replacing traditional décor.
Flowers are no longer a one-time showpiece they’re being repurposed from ceremony arches to tablescapes, with many couples opting for florists who focus on locally grown and seasonal blooms to reduce environmental impact. It’s a beautiful shift toward celebrations that are not only deeply personal, but also respectful of the planet.
Intimate celebrations:
2026 sees couples embracing the beauty of smaller guest lists and the growing appeal of elopements and micro weddings. With fewer seats at the table, there's room for indulgent touches, think handcrafted cocktails, bespoke tasting menus, and personalised details that make every guest feel truly special.
This shift also opens the door to more unconventional venues: clifftop hideaways, forest cabins, or private gardens transformed into magical spaces. With a more flexible budget, couples are turning their weddings into full weekend experiences, welcoming loved ones with sunset dinners, relaxed beach brunches, and meaningful moments stretched over several days.
Vintage Glam:
Vintage glam continues to cast its magical spell in 2026, with timeless elegance woven into the details of modern weddings. Echoes of old Hollywood and romantic nostalgia shine through in corset-style gowns, intricate lace overlays, and heirloom accessories passed down through generations. Styling leans into the charm of yesteryear with brass candlesticks flickering with warm candlelight, pearl accents adorning everything from veils to tablescapes, and cakes finished with delicate vintage piping. It’s a trend that blends sentiment with sophistication, bringing a touch of graceful grandeur to contemporary celebrations.
Statement florals:
Statement florals are set to bloom in bold and unexpected ways for 2026. Think sculptural arrangements rising from ceremony aisles and tabletops that are dramatic in scale.
Colour blocking is making a striking comeback, with vivid, carefully curated palettes that command attention and create visual rhythm throughout the space. We are seeing many couples including a pop of colour throughout their styling.
Florals are being paired with natural stone bases, raw ceramics, and textured elements like moss, driftwood, or linen, adding a tactile layer to the overall design. Its floristry reimagined - expect it to be bold, modern, and unforgettable.
Cocktail Hour:
Cocktail hour is becoming an important consideration in 2026, evolving from a short interlude into a carefully curated part of the celebration. Nestled between dinner and evening festivities, this golden hour is now a standout moment, an opportunity for couples to connect with guests and elevate the atmosphere.
Couples are getting creative with this time during their day; think interactive experiences, high energy musical performances, or photoshoot with cocktails at the beach. It’s no longer just a breather but an experience in its own right.
Draping and Textiles:
Draping and textiles will be transforming venues and spaces for 2026, with layers of softness, colour, and movement. Billowing fabric installations cascade from ceilings, wrap around beams, and flow across tables, creating a sense of intimacy and romance. No longer limited to traditional whites and creams, couples are embracing muted pastels, earthy tones, and rich, moody hues to add personality and depth to their spaces.
Something Blue:
Something blue’ is making a soft, elegant comeback in 2026, with dusty blue emerging as a standout shade of the year here in Cornwall. This romantic hue brings a gentle, refined touch to wedding palettes pairing beautifully with soft neutrals, fresh greenery, and delicate florals. Whether woven into flowing bridesmaid dresses, velvet ribbons, or watercolour stationery, dusty blue evokes a sense of calm sophistication. It’s the perfect accent for elevated garden-party celebrations or weddings with a coastal twist, capturing the serenity of sea and sky while adding a timeless, graceful charm to the day.
After Hours:
One of the most exciting emerging trends in weddings is the rise of the after party, a post-midnight celebration that keeps the energy going long after the formalities end. Couples are increasingly opting for a surprise act, a shift in venue, or a complete style change to transition from elegant reception to late-night revelry. Think neon-lit lounges, secret cocktail dens, silent discos, or live DJs revealed at midnight. It’s a chance to shake off tradition, let loose, and give guests an unforgettable second wind.
As we step into the wedding season of 2026, one thing is clear - couples are rewriting the rules to create celebrations that are bold, meaningful, and personal to them. Whether it's a dusky blue palette echoing Cornwall's coastline or a secret after-hours party that surprises and delights, 2026 is all about crafting moments that feel authentically you. Here at Wedding Venues in Cornwall we can't wait to see how this year's trends come to life across Cornwall's stunning landscapes.
Credits:
Photo 1: Venue: Boconnoc Estate | Photographer: Clare Kinchin
Photo 2: Supplier: Dish Cornwall
Photo 3: Photographer: Sofie Michelle Photography
Photo 4: Photographer: Katie Goff Photography
Photo 5: Supplier: The Imaginary Bakery |Photographer: Katie Goff Photography
Photo 6: Supplier: Stargazey Decor | Supplier: Tide The Knot Wedding Planning | Venue: Knightor Winery
Photo 7: Supplier: Stargazey Decor
Photo 8: Venue: Boconnoc Estate | Photographer: In Lovers Eyes
Photo 9: Venue: The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Photos 10 + 11 : Supplier: By Kate
Photo 12: Venue: Lusty Glaze | Photographer: Albion Row Photography
Photo 13: Venue: Boconnoc Estate | Photographer: Clare Kinchin