Wedding Trends for 2025 & 2026: What Wedding Venues Need To Know Now

The wedding world is changing...again. But this time, it’s not just about what’s “on trend”. Couples planning weddings in 2025 and 2026 are looking for something deeper: Purpose, Personality, and Professionalism. If you're a venue manager or wedding supplier, now’s the time to align with these evolving expectations.

Here’s the latest wedding trends and how wedding venues and suppliers can stay ahead of the curve.

1. Sustainability Isn’t a Bonus - It’s the Baseline

Eco-friendly weddings have gone mainstream. Today’s couples expect tangible green action from their venue, not just false promises. This means ditching plastic, using renewable energy, and using locally sourced flowers and food. Green practices are the new normal, so suppliers and wedding venues need to adapt to this to stay an option for couples to choose.

Other ideas include digital invitations, minimising food waste, planting trees in couple's names, or even things as simple as having more potted plants for décor.

Crucially, sustainability is no longer a unique selling point, it's the baseline. It needs to be showcased clearly on your website and in packages to let everyone know. Couples want to celebrate in a place that cares about the planet as much as they do.

2. Tech-Savvy Experiences Are the Standard

Tech-savvy couples plan their weddings digitally and expect venues to keep up. Enquiries, bookings, tours - a seamless digital-first experience is now standard. Behind the scenes, venues need smart systems to keep up. Platforms like Sonas are transforming how venues handle enquiries, bookings and logistics - creating a smoother service for everyone.

Venue Tip: In today’s competitive landscape, automation and tech aren’t just helpful - they are becoming essential. Look for software tools that streamline your workflow and enhance the client experience.

Technology is also playing a starring role on the big day itself. Many couples livestream their ceremony for guests who can't attend, use digital guestbooks or custom hashtags to involve everyone, and incorporate tech-powered fun like using drone photos - more evidence that going digital is now essential to add wow-factor to stand out to today's couples.

3. Smaller Guest Lists, Bigger Impact

Weddings are getting more intimate - the guest list is shrinking, but expectations aren’t. Micro-weddings, weekday ceremonies, and small gatherings are growing in popularity, with the searches for "micro weddings" increasing year over year. It’s less about numbers and more about connection, immersion and meaningful interaction, with more quality time with each guest and more budget per person for an amazing experience.

Rather than cutting corners, smaller weddings allow for more budget to be allocated toward high-impact experiences: gourmet catering, custom entertainment, or elaborate décor. It also opens up imaginative touches that would be impossible with 200+ guests. Venues that offer flexible packages for tiny celebrations and cosy, intimate spaces are winning hearts (and bookings).

4. Immersive & Interactive is the New Luxury

Forget the cookie-cutter format, today’s couples are crafting unconventional weddings that reflect their personalities and invite guests to participate, not just observe. We're seeing weddings in museums, art galleries, warehouses, historic barns - places that are more unique and have character. And activities like live painters, DIY cocktail bars & interactive food stations - these are things that can wow the guests and make a wedding more memorable.

The venue becomes more than a backdrop, it becomes part of the experience. If your venue is a little different, let people know! Highlight what makes your space unique and be open to creative layouts or requests - couples are looking for alternatives to the usual ballroom, and the goal is often a "wedding festival" vibe. Embracing your venue's quirks and flexibility can give you the advantage and leave a lasting impression.

5. Weekday & Off-Peak Weddings Are Now Normal

Saturday isn’t the only day to say “I do” anymore. More couples are booking weekday weddings or off-season dates to secure their dream venue. Vendors' availability, flexible work schedules of guests, and weekday weddings being cheaper all contribute to this.

For venues, this shift is a golden opportunity. Embrace flexibility in your calendar and consider special packages for Monday-Thursday or off-peak dates. Make sure couples know about these deals - advertise them clearly and highlight the savings. By welcoming weekday and off-season bookings (and perhaps offering a discount), you can keep your calendar full and attract more clients.

In Short

Couples in 2025 and 2026 are planning weddings that are:

• Eco-conscious
• Personalised
• Tech-powered
• Immersive, experience-focussed

As a wedding venue or supplier, this means:

• Staying ahead of the curve, keeping an eye on new trends and expectations
• Investing in modern tools and technology to streamline operations and improve your service.
• Building well-trained, flexible teams that deliver on creativity and professionalism

Want to find out more about wedding venue management? View our ultimate guide for venue owners. Or if you are curious about how venue owners have transformed their business, check out Sonas success stories from venues that have streamlined their operations, adopted smart management practices and boosted their bookings.