5 Wedding Trends We’re Seeing Everywhere in 2026
From Behind the Scenes of Botanical Weddings
Author: Georgina Oliver / Published: 11th March 2026
Every wedding season brings new ideas and inspiration for couples and lovers planning their big day. The UK wedding trends for 2026 show a clear shift towards more personal, sustainable celebrations.
Every wedding season brings new ideas, styles and priorities for those their big day.
Recently we spent some time reading through the Bridebook 2026 UK Wedding Report, which shares insights from over 7,000 engaged and newly married couples across the UK.
As wedding stylists, it was fascinating to see how closely the data matched what we’re already seeing at weddings we style here at Botanical Weddings.
From more intimate celebrations to a growing focus on sustainability, here are five trends that feel especially relevant to the weddings we’re creating right now.
1. Smaller, More Personal Weddings
The Bridebook report shows that 41% of wedding receptions now have under 60 guests, which is a huge change compared to previous years. Source: Bridebook Wedding Report 2026
Smaller weddings create such a different atmosphere. They often feel calmer, more relaxed and incredibly special because our couples and lovers can really spend time with the people they care about most.
From a styling perspective, smaller weddings also give lovers the chance to focus on the details that really matter to them.
Instead of decorating a huge space, we often see investment in beautiful focal points like:
• ceremony backdrops
• lush greenery aisles
• statement table styling
• living plant favours
It’s less about filling space and more about creating an experience.
2. Couples and Lovers Want Weddings That Feel Like Them
Another trend that stood out in the report is that couples are placing more importance on personal meaning rather than tradition.Source: Bridebook Wedding Report 2026
We see this one all the time.
Couples today are much more likely to ask questions like:
“Does this feel like us?”
“Will our guests love this?”
“Is this something we actually want to do?”
Rather than simply following a traditional wedding timeline.
That’s why we’re seeing more creative ceremony spaces, alternative layouts and styling that reflects each couple’s personality.
Sometimes that means soft romantic greenery.
Sometimes it means disco balls and jungle-style plants.
Sometimes it means both.
And honestly, those weddings are always the most memorable. We absolutely love seeing photos of our Lovers enjoying the spaces we’ve styled on their big day, they always seem to fit so perfectly.
Our Couples In Their Styled Spaces
3. Sustainability Is Becoming a Priority
Something we’re incredibly passionate about at Botanical Weddings is sustainability, so we were really pleased to see how important it has become for many to-be-weds too. In fact, you can read more about what we do by clicking the button below.
The report found that 83% of couples now make a sustainable effort in at least one part of their wedding planning. Source: Bridebook Wedding Report 2026
That might include:
• reducing waste
• choosing reusable décor
• working with local suppliers
• using second-hand or vintage elements
This is exactly why we built our business around living plant styling instead of cut flowers.
Our plants are often reused across weddings and then returned to our sister shop afterwards, which means you can have beautiful greenery without creating unnecessary waste.
It’s amazing how many people now come to us specifically because sustainability matters to them.
Many of our couples choose to donate parts of their wedding décor to us after the big day. Through our donation scheme, we carefully repurpose these pieces in future weddings, giving them a second life and helping create beautiful, sustainable celebrations for other couples.
4. Outdoor Ceremonies Are Still the Dream
If there’s one thing couples mention again and again when planning their wedding, it’s how much they would love an outdoor ceremony.
According to the report, almost half of couples considered having their ceremony outside. Source: Bridebook Wedding Report 2026
And we completely understand why.
There’s something incredibly special about saying your vows surrounded by nature.
But of course, we live in the UK… which means the weather sometimes has other plans.
That’s why many couples choose to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside by surrounding their ceremony space with greenery.
Layered plants, foliage installations and statement backdrops can completely transform a ceremony space and create that same beautiful natural atmosphere.
We’ve styled a few stunning outdoor weddings over the years. Most venues also have a backup indoor space available, which we can style in the same way, so if the weather changes, everything still feels just as beautiful and thoughtfully designed.
5. Couples and Lovers Care More About Atmosphere Than Formality
The final trend we’re seeing everywhere is couples and lovers focusing more on how their wedding feels rather than how formal it looks. Source: Bridebook Wedding Report 2026
Instead of rigid traditions or overly structured setups, those to be wed are prioritising:
• atmosphere
• guest experience
• visual moments
• relaxed celebrations
This is where styling can make such a difference.
Things like:
• disco balls catching the light
• greenery installations framing the ceremony
• soft candlelight on tables
• statement backdrops for photos
All help create a space that feels exciting, welcoming and memorable.
The best weddings aren’t necessarily the most elaborate ones.
They’re the ones where the atmosphere just feels right.
Reading the Bridebook report was a lovely reminder that weddings are evolving in such a positive way.
People today are choosing celebrations that feel:
• personal
• meaningful
• relaxed
• sustainable
And honestly, we feel so lucky to help create spaces that bring those ideas to life.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding filled with lush greenery, beautiful ceremony styling and sustainable details, we’d love to help.
Planning Your Wedding?
If you’re currently planning your wedding and exploring styling ideas, we’d love to hear about your plans.
You can explore our ceremony backdrops, plant rentals and styling ideas, or get in touch to chat about your day
Statistics referenced from the Bridebook Wedding Report 2026.