The Tamesis
Wedding planner Niemerko says pattern on pattern is another important trend as couples can express their personalities, but “always use light, clean, fresh tones,” from tablescapes to bridal parties. “Think of a beautifully patterned white cloth paired with napkins, seat cushions, and the entire table telling a story. Then, add a weird pop with something bolder, a deep burgundy or dark green, whether it’s a napkin ribbon or a floral head, to add personality and prevent it from feeling too safe. Color-wise, think light grays and blues paired with white, and ivory paired with dark greens, yellows, and lilacs. Bright but not bold; fresh but not loud.”
Contrasting with these earth tones, however, is the traditional desire for a white wedding, adds Wax. But in the spirit of bride-to-be Swift, iridescent opal is the 2026 white trend, and she even named a song after it. “It’s a divide, earthiness versus fantasy,” Clark said. On Pinterest, searches for “opal aesthetic” (+2,710%), “milky aesthetic” (+685%), “chrome wedding” (+340%) and “midnight teal” (+470%) surged. It’s also affecting silhouettes, with searches for ethereal or dreamy silhouettes increasing, such as “pearl corset wedding dress” (+100%).
Vintage and vintage inspiration
In the vein of individualism, Easton said brides will continue to move into a less ordinary and more high-fashion era in 2026, as they look for unique, classic or retro outfits that tell a story.
Many brides are also playing it safe, opting for classic designs like lace dresses and ballgowns, said Wax, who just reported from wedding weeks in New York and Barcelona. “Vintage has become so important in the wedding world, which connects with brides who want to personalize,” she says. “They want to say ‘Here’s the archive’, or ‘I found it’ – that’s not what everyone will see in the salon next season.”
Brigitte Chartrand, chief purchasing and marketing officer of Net-a-Porter, said that on Net-a-Porter, bridal consumers tend to favor retro-style looks, “delicate lace and soft transparent fabrics add a gothic romantic atmosphere.” She added that traditional styles are also being reinterpreted in contemporary styles, with Vivienne Westwood remaining the retailer’s best-selling brand, alongside Clio Peppiat, a vintage-inspired brand with lots of embellishments.
