2026 Wedding Trends to Inspire You
I’m seeing some recurring themes in the weddings that my 2026 couples are currently asking for. So like any crazy-for-weddings-nut-job I’ve spent an unaccounted for amount of time creating a Pinterest board to help guide you during your dream phase, and the specific vendors that I recommend during the planning phase.
2026 Wedding Trend:
Intimate Dinner Party
Couples planning their 2026 wedding are wanting to wisely invest in a meaningful event. That means selecting details that foster a feeling of togetherness and encourage meaningful connections. It also means having a strong vision for your wedding at the outset (see pinterest board above).
If you are embracing an intimate dinner party style wedding you must:
opt for a tailored ceremony guest list
allow for a longer cocktail hour with a unique feature appetizer station
set a later dinner start time leaning heavily on warm lighting (lamps, cafe lights or candles)
Your wedding’s love language: words of affirmation and quality time.
Where to host your dinner party wedding
Your wedding will center around a thoughtfully curated but drawn out meal. You’ll insert toasts or readings in between courses and pairing crafted cocktails (or mocktails or wine) to each course.
Dinner is designed to nurture a sense of community, like everyone is invested in your marriage. Eating times are punctuated by listening times: welcome speeches, heartfelt toasts, and interactive elements such as a group game or a special dessert cutting.
A dinner party inspired wedding shifts the focus to genuine hospitality, you are sharing this experience with guests so you’ll prioritize connection over spectacle.
In order to accomplish this vibe you’ll want a venue that screams cozy and exclusive, the best intimate wedding venues in Minnesota:
The Annex
Aster Cafe
Watson Block
People’s Organic, Edina
Paris Dining Club
Vinai
Diane’s Place
How to capture your dinner party wedding
To keep guests focused on the moment, you’ll want to hire a photographer who specializes in capturing the moments as they happen (as opposed to forcing them). The best candid wedding photographers:
Studio KH
Zoe Prinds Flash
J. Olson
Jillian Blanc
The Autumn Dog
Beyond the Pines
How to select bar and catering for a dinner party wedding
I’m suggesting a big portion of your budget dedicated to catering and the bar. Catering includes the dinner tablescape. Dessert should be served as a course or from an assorted tray.
You wedding bar should have a concierge feel to it, bartenders don suits, asking questions like “what can i get you - a drink and a chat or directions to the loo”.
Instead of crazy difficult cocktails, each pour is paired with artistic but edible garnishes in unique glassware. Keep the palette simple but fresh and light.
The best catering and bar vendors for a dinner party wedding:
Steady Pour
Chowgirls
Paris Dining Club
Quince
Root to Rise
Rowan & Dough
How to invite guests to a dinner party wedding
Set the mood with digital save the dates (from Zola or With Joy). And go minimal when it comes to your invitation: a single card with specialty paper (think dark colors with gold ink printing).
You don’t need (or want) a registry, this event is ‘come as you are’ and doesn’t require guests to give.
How to design a dinner party wedding
Opt for a ceremony site with a larger than life backdrop 12’ high or wide, like curtains or a tree line or other naturescape. Using non-traditional seating, like couches or backless benches, will really make guests understand your casual vibe.
Indoor ceiling art installations will give guests something to ooh and ahh about (see Girl Friday or Rose Imaginative) or rent art to don the walls (see Style Society).
Any floral serves as art, with a minimalist vibe. Mix local flowers with fruit, veg or nuts for a more cohesive dinner table. Everything absolutely must be low profile
Replace modern chairs with larger/oversized dining chairs. Opt for candles or lamps instead of overhead lighting. You should be seated amongst guests, with no specific place of honor.
Offer a guest photo opp, think red carpet meets pop up family portraits at a studio.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A DINNER PARTY WEDDING
Everyone is encouraged to dress their best, opt for vintage silhouettes and layer with fine details like hand crafted lace, family heirloom jewelry or thrifted accessories (gloves, hats or jackets).
You want guests to stretch out of their comfort zone, wear a color they normally wouldn’t have in their wardrobe, or get something tailored to fit perfectly.
When it comes to getting ready in the morning, limit it to 3 people in a space like the bridal suite at your venue (The Whim or PAIKKA) or a hotel suite (Four Seasons).
What to focus on for a dinner party wedding
Focus on your people, your love.
By pairing down and focusing on dinner you’ll feel at ease on the day of, just like you would be if you were hosting dinner at your home with a private chef.
