2026 Wedding Trends: What We’re Expecting

‍From your bridal beauty experts at Updos For I Dos

The 2026 wedding season is already shaping up to be one of the most creative, expressive, and personality-driven years we’ve seen! Couples are moving away from “traditional for tradition’s sake” and leaning into weddings that feel intentional, emotional, and beautifully curated. As hair and makeup artists who get front-row access to these shifts, and we’re sharing our favorite trends we expect to define weddings next year, and how they’ll influence your bridal beauty choices.

Color Is So Back: And It’s Bold, Playful, and Purposeful

Don’t get us wrong, neutrals will always have a place, but 2026 couples are ready to have a little fun again! Expect rich color stories, unexpected combinations, and pops of vibrancy woven into floral palettes, tablescapes, stationery, and bridesmaids’ looks.

Think deep berries, bold sunset tones, lush greens, or plum accents. Even minimalist weddings are leaning into soft, warm neutrals with one dramatic color moment that ties everything together! 

Hair and makeup connection:

We’re seeing makeup move toward warmth and dimension, bronzy eyes, rosy cheeks, and glowing skin that compliments these richer palettes. Hair is leaning soft, romantic, and full of movement, which pairs beautifully with colorful, expressive weddings! 

“Intimate, But Elevated” Is the New Luxury

Small weddings aren’t going anywhere; they’re evolving! Instead of casual and simple, 2026’s intimate celebrations are refined, curated, and experience-driven. Couples are choosing fewer guests and higher-quality everything: personalized menus, immersive entertainment, meaningful décor, and beauty services that are truly custom-fit.

Destination weekends and multi-day celebrations are also becoming increasingly more popular, giving couples time to actually experience their wedding instead of rushing through it! Sign us up!

Here’s the hair and makeup connection:

With smaller groups, we get more time to fine-tune beauty looks and offer extra touches like outfit-change styling or second-look transformations for your reception! 

PS: even with larger groups, we can absolutely accommodate a beauty transformation for your big day, don’t worry!

Nostalgia & Heirloom Details Make a Comeback, And In A Big Way 

2026 couples want meaning woven into their day. That means:

Vintage details mixed with modern styling (think past family members wedding dresses beautifully styled and displayed for guests) 

Family heirlooms incorporated into outfits (welcome party or second looks are always a favorite!)

Retro touches in stationery or décor

This wave of nostalgia doesn’t feel old-fashioned, it feels sentimental, intentional, and beautifully personal.

Hair and makeup connection:

Timeless beauty is having a major moment. Polished buns with soft texture, Old Hollywood waves, barely-there glam, and “your features but elevated” makeup are all heavily trending! Brides are looking for looks that feel classic now and will still feel dreamy 40 years from today.

Dramatic Backdrops & Immersive Decor Are Taking Over

Weddings are becoming full sensory experiences, not just pretty events! Florals are bigger, lighting design is moodier, and installations are more artistic than ever. From large-scale ceremony arches to hanging florals to sculptural décor pieces, 2026 weddings are truly designed to wow!

These weddings are incredibly photogenic and will leave your guests in absolute awe, and your beauty looks should (and will!) match that energy.

Bridal Beauty in 2026: Soft, Glowing, and Effortlessly Polished

This is our favorite part, of course, the beauty trends! 

2026 brides are gravitating toward:

Skin-first makeup: radiant, dewy, and natural

Warm tones: bronzes, peaches, soft pinks, golden neutrals

Fluffy brows and soft definition instead of sharp lines

Lived-in hairstyles: flowing waves, textured updos, soft fringes

Reception transformations: party ponytails and bold plum lips

The overall vibe? You, but elevated; glowing, confident, and timeless.

Guest Experience Is Becoming the Priority

Instead of planning a wedding around traditions, couples are planning for how they want guests to feel: welcomed, relaxed, entertained, and immersed!

Think cozy lounges, custom cocktails, interactive stations, and playlists that reflect who the couple truly is.

Here’s the hair and makeup connection:

A guest-first timeline means hair and makeup needs to run smoothly and efficiently, and that’s where our expertise shines! With more than 5,000 weddings behind us, we create getting-ready schedules that keep everything on track and leave everyone feeling ultra pampered. 

What Does All Of This Mean for 2026 Brides?

If you’re planning for next year, here’s how to get ahead:

Book your hair and makeup early, beauty artists are booking faster than ever.

Bring inspiration, not expectations, let us customize your look instead of recreating a photo of someone else! 

Think about your wedding palette when dreaming up your beauty.

Plan your trial strategically, ideally 4-6 months before your wedding. 

From Our Team At Updos For I Dos to You

2026 is set to be a year full of expressive, heartfelt, beautifully curated celebrations, and bridal beauty is following right along! Whatever trend speaks to you, our team is here to help you create a look that feels effortless, modern, and unmistakably you.

When you’re ready to start planning your 2026 bridal beauty, we’d love to be a part of your day. Let’s make something gorgeous together!

Cover Photo Credit: Anna Schmidt Photography