Bring On 2026 – Let’s Make Weddings Fun Again (Not That They Ever Stopped)

Dave Octave Celebrant celebrating a great ceremony with Bob and Claire!

If there’s one emotion (other than love) that keeps popping into my inbox lately, it’s excitement!

Excitement for 2026.

Excitement for doing things your way.

Excitement from couples who don’t want a cookie-cutter wedding… they want a day that feels like them, just with better outfits and more champagne.

And honestly? I’m right there with you.

The 2026 wedding season is shaping up to be something special. Couples are relaxed, intentional, and genuinely keen to create a day that’s memorable — not just for the photos, but for how it feels. As a celebrant, that’s my sweet spot.

I get to work with fun couples. The kind who laughs easily, aren’t afraid to be a bit sentimental, and want their guests walking away saying, “Wow… that was so them.”

So, let’s talk about how we make that happen — starting with the ceremony.

Three fun things you can add to a Celebrant-led ceremony...

Your ceremony sets the tone for the entire day — it’s the emotional kick-off, the first big moment where everyone leans in and feels something.

Here are three ways couples in 2026 are making their ceremonies truly personal:

1. A “story moment” that feels like a highlight, not a history lesson

This isn’t a boring play-by-play of how you met. This is a curated, well-paced story that

captures who you are together — the quirks, the growth, the laughter, and the love.

When done right, guests laugh, tear up, and feel like they’ve just watched the trailer to the best movie of the year: your marriage.

2. A modern ritual that actually means something!

Rituals are back — but they’re thoughtful, inclusive, and meaningful.

Think:

• A wine box or time capsule you’ll open on a future anniversary

• A communal vow moment involving family or friends

• A symbolic action that reflects your shared values

The key? If it resonates with you, it resonates with your guests.

What a surprise!

3. A surprise element (yes, even in the ceremony)

A surprise reading, moment of humour no one saw coming, a musical cue that makes everyone grin.

Ceremonies don’t have to be stiff to be respectful. A little unexpected magic makes the moment unforgettable.

Three wedding trends couples are loving for 2026...

Once you’ve said “I do”, the celebrations kick up a gear — and 2026 couples are all about experience over excess. Here’s what’s trending:

1. Guest experience is everything

Couples are asking, “How will this feel for our guests?”

Lounge areas, interactive food stations, thoughtful timelines, and moments where guests are invited to be part of the fun — not just spectators. Comfort and connection are front and centre.

It's not all about Pintrest!

2. Personal touches over Pinterest perfection

2026 weddings are less about matching fonts and more about meaning.

Handwritten notes, custom playlists, personal in-jokes, signature drinks named after pets or trips — it’s all about celebrating your story, not chasing a trend that doesn’t fit.

3. Flow, not formality

Rigid schedules are out. Natural flow is in.

Couples are building days that feel relaxed and human — ceremonies that lead seamlessly into celebration, space to breathe, laugh, hug, and actually enjoy every part of the day without watching the clock.

So here’s the thing…

Your wedding doesn’t need to be bigger. It doesn’t need to be fancier .It just needs to be yours.

If you’re a couple heading into the 2026 wedding season wanting a ceremony that’s warm, fun, heartfelt, and memorable — you’re exactly my kind of people.

And I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Here’s to love, laughter, and a cracking year of weddings ahead 🥂