"How's wedding planning going?" It's one of the first questions that follows an engagement—and one of the hardest to answer. Between guest lists, invitation designs, food, music, and décor, planning a wedding quickly becomes an exercise in endless decision-making. For years, many couples approached wedding planning by asking what they should do: the expected venue, the trending color palette, the Pinterest-worthy floral installations, the cool food truck at the after-party. Today, the mindset is shifting. Instead of planning around expectations, couples are asking a different question: How can we create a celebration that feels like us? The result is a wedding design that not only impresses but also leaves the couple and their guests with memories that last long after the night ends. But what does that actually look like?

While 2027 may still feel a long way off, the planners, designers, and creative teams already bringing those celebrations to life can see where weddings are headed. And across the industry, they're pointing to the same evolution: Bigger is no longer better. Instead, the weddings that will define 2027 will be pulled back and rooted in intention, intimacy, and storytelling.

"For the past several years, weddings have largely been optimized for photography; however, couples are now prioritizing intimacy over spectacle and depth over excess," Sunna Yassin, owner of Bash Please, tells Who What Wear. That shift is showing up in every aspect of wedding design. Rather than layering on details for the sake of impact, planners are editing with purpose and choosing elements that feel meaningful to those getting married. The result is celebrations that will feel immersive.

"A 'less-is-more' mentality is emerging," say Victoria and Amanda Dubin of Victoria Dubin Events. It's a philosophy that's changing how designers approach design. This involves not forcing a theme on a space that doesn't feel aligned with it, but "rather leaning into the existing space and integrating restraint in terms of décor," says Hope Sword, owner of Pigsty Studio.

The same thinking extends beyond décor. Curated guest experiences, something as small but meaningful as personalized thank-you note cards at every seat instead of elaborate favors or flowers, are expected to contribute to a larger narrative. "Luxury will no longer be associated with spectacle but with the unrepeatable—something that couldn't exist at any other wedding, because it stems from a unique story, always supported by thoughtful art direction," say Paloma Agramunt and Carla Rodrigo, founders of Pipeta CXS.

Serving as the ultimate thread binding these elements together will be the idea of storytelling. For 2027 weddings, every choice—from the invitation to the final song of the evening—will feel intentionally linked to share the couple's unique narrative. Continue reading to discover the defining 2027 trends across stationery, floral arrangements, design, dining, tablescapes, and cakes, straight from leading experts in planning, catering, florals, and paper goods.

In 2027, the most captivating wedding elements will begin long before the ceremony, starting directly with the invitation. A major trend for the year ahead focuses on stationery that highlights personal narratives. Shana Wanco, founder of Iris and Marie Press, emphasizes that storytelling will become essential as couples increasingly prioritize the guest experience. As a result, invitations will provide early glimpses of what guests can expect during the celebration. "This might be a pattern that will get repeated in the reception space, stemming from the couple's love of a particular vacation they took together," Wanco says. "Or couples might dive into their shared love for tennis and want to immerse their guests in that world as well."

In these types of storytelling stationery, the designs will be quirky and fun, Wanco adds. "Color will come into play with pattern usage and mixing prints: I can see a colorful block print pattern being utilized on an envelope, then recurring in the table linens or lampshades," she says. "I also think that couples will seek out niche artisans to create these one-of-a-kind, colorful, keepsake-type pieces."

Paper elements—ranging from invitations and menus to seating cards—will be integral to the overarching design narrative. Making a true statement will rely heavily on textured paper rather than smooth options. "Paper goods are becoming increasingly tactile," Yassin notes. "Rather than flat, minimal suites, these artisanal finishes feel collected and deeply personal." They also deliver a distinct visual richness and showcase a level of craftsmanship that reflects genuine care, quality, and deliberate intent. "In an increasingly digital world, beautifully crafted paper feels even more meaningful. … [It feels] collected rather than manufactured," she adds. In the end, it encourages guests to pause and run their fingers across the paper. This extra moment of engagement makes the underlying message feel far more impactful and memorable.

Restaurant-style menus are emerging as the latest luxury wedding detail, perfect for couples who appreciate fine dining, elegant design, and creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. Instead of a standard sheet of paper displayed in a clear frame at the bar or placed on reception plates, these high-quality, beautifully crafted hardcover books are used to present everything from signature cocktails to thoughtfully curated dishes. According to Jesse Tombs, creative director and founder of Jesse Tombs Events, this shift reflects a desire for menus to serve as enduring keepsakes of the celebration. "Couples want to invest in materials and create objects that their guests will cherish and keep for a lifetime," he explains

"Couples are looking for thoughtful details that spark joy, or as we like to call them, 'smile factors,'" Victoria and Amanda say. For example, this can manifest as thank-you notes placed at every seat, custom menus featuring each guest's name, monogrammed napkins, personalized gifts, or even intangible details like arranging table assignments based on shared interests. No matter the format, these touches are deeply personal and appreciated because they make guests feel valued. Victoria and Amanda note that they also keep guests talking long after the wedding weekend concludes.

In 2027, reception floral décor is shifting away from traditional centerpieces and arrangements and toward immersive installations situated between long tables. Victoria and Amanda explain that these layouts give guests the feeling of dining inside a garden, as if flowers are naturally emerging from the floor. More than a mere visual feature, these organic arrangements function as living art, evoking deep emotions "and a feeling of being transported," florist Katie Wachowiak says. Sword agrees, noting that "[these immersive floral designs] collect everyone’s attention and invite them into the space, to be a part of something instead of a routine dinner and dancing."

Although various types of flowers will be featured in these artistic arrangements, particular colors are set to dominate. "Bold hues are not disappearing anytime soon," Wachowiak notes. "Rich browns and deep reds will continue to have a strong presence, while softer accents such as lilac and pastel blue begin to emerge." She continues to share that the floral color palettes we see in the year ahead will harmonize with other décor moments, as well as with fashion and dress codes, to create a cohesive look.

Integrating natural elements that mirror the local landscape is one of the simplest ways to give a wedding an organic, lived-in feel. Designers are increasingly blurring the boundaries between a venue and its surroundings rather than keeping them distinct. According to Yassin, moss perfectly achieves this and is set to become an even more prominent design choice by 2027. Its ability to thrive across various climates means it can be seamlessly woven into almost any celebration. Victoria and Amanda note that whether integrated into floral displays or spread naturally across tables on its own, "moss introduces an earthy, layered quality that adds depth and texture." This approach makes the décor feel less forced and arranged, appearing instead as though it were a natural part of the space.

While social media has popularized the idea that larger floral arrangements represent luxury and translate better in photos, the future of high-end weddings is turning toward simplicity. This transition will be highly evident in wedding bouquets, where brides and bridesmaids are opting for minimalism over excess. Instead of complex, multi-bloom arrangements, today's bouquets will focus on just one or two flower types. "We will see cleaner groupings of florals," Sword says. "Volumes of one or two varieties or colors, either contained or more wild in shape, but letting the floral speak for itself." Industry experts, including Tombs, note that local, seasonal flowers will be favored for their effortless and organic appearance. By embracing restraint and executing it flawlessly, these understated designs will deliver a powerful impact.

We are already seeing this monobloom trend in action, most notably at Dua Lipa's London courthouse wedding, where she carried a simple bouquet of yellow Iceland poppies. With their long, delicate stems fully exposed and no added greenery or fillers, the poppies remained the sole focus. Sword notes that we might see couples leaning into minimalist floral designs with ikebana, which involves manipulating stems and grasses to create unique, sculptural forms. "The trend of dense sculptures of florals with lots of variety can feel busy," she says. "Leave the complicated designs for an install or a photo moment."

Intentional lighting will redefine event spaces with an impact that florals simply cannot match. "We’re spending more and more time creating layered lighting plans that evolve throughout the celebration," Yassin says. "It's become one of the highest priorities and one of the defining luxury investments because clients understand it shapes emotion." When executed flawlessly, the lighting itself remains unnoticed, while its atmospheric effect is deeply felt by everyone present. "Beyond candles, we're incorporating concealed architectural lighting, custom fixtures, pools of light that guide movement, and candle installations that create warmth without overwhelming the room," she adds. Tombs points out that light serves as an effective tool to structure both space and time, offering guests subtle environmental cues. For instance, transitioning the ballroom to deep crimson tones can instantly evoke a club-like setting, marking the shift from dinner to after-party. Tombs also plans to incorporate Japanese paper lanterns and tall taper candles to establish distinct moods and make a visual impact.

Thoughtfulness will be a dominant theme for weddings in the coming year, with a strong focus on utilizing practical elements already present in the venue rather than adding excess décor. A prime example is arranging tables in organic shapes and integrating them directly into the reception's design. "We are seeing much more flexibility to play with floor plans and reinvent traditional seating layouts," Victoria and Amanda note. "These unexpected configurations allow the tables themselves to become a bigger part of the design while creating a more dynamic guest experience." As Yassin says, this approach delivers a customized and distinctive feel that is truly one-of-a-kind. Additionally, it photographs beautifully in aerial shots, all without requiring an increase in the budget.

The worlds of fashion and wedding design are merging, ushering in a new era of celebrations. As experts in the space have noted, many couples, especially style-conscious ones, are eager to draw inspiration from recent runway collections and broader trends. An example of this crossover is seen in cakes. "Wedding cakes are becoming an extension of the bride's fashion, borrowing details directly from the gown to create a cohesive design story," Victoria and Amanda say. "We are seeing more edible ruffles, pleats, draping, lace, bows, and unexpected silhouettes that turn cakes into couture-inspired statement pieces." Beyond confections, fashion is influencing décor, with feathers and fringe detailing everything from lampshades and menus to table linens, adding dynamic movement and visual interest. Lace is also dominating in design as we move away from minimalism and into more romantic styles, Charlotte Forsyth-Wastell, cofounder of Hands London, notes.

Antique accents continue to stand out as a defining wedding décor trend; however, they maintain a fresh appeal despite their enduring popularity. Yassin notes that these details provide clarity and contrast following years dominated by heavy textures, warm neutrals, and antique brass. "They bring a distinctly modern edge without feeling cold," she explains, pointing to options like silver candelabras and serving trays. Yassin also attributes this movement to a rising appreciation for true craftsmanship, as couples look to invest in unique, artisan-made details rather than standard options from a rental catalog. For Victoria and Amanda, clients are eager to integrate these elements because their reflective surfaces interact beautifully with lighting, enhancing the surrounding décor. This widespread interest in them is no surprise given that the trend effortlessly complements both minimalist and maximalist aesthetics, they note.

Food has evolved beyond something we simply eat—it has become entertainment, celebration, and connection all at once. While social media may have fueled this shift because of its visual appeal, the trend isn't dying down. "Watching food being prepared, smelling the fire, or interacting with the people cooking creates a far more sensory memory than a conventional service," Agramunt and Rodrigo say. One of the most popular examples at weddings is through dessert. Rather than serving a finished tiramisu or Italian mille-feuille, weddings will now invite the newlyweds to add the final dusting of cocoa powder or the layer of fresh berries together in front of their guests. "It's both theatrical and fun," says Pip O'Shea, founder of Good Good Cakes. "It also adds a visual and a tactile element—they and their guests are involved in a part of the night that usually happens behind the scenes." And of course, it allows couples to express their personalities while creating authentic, joyful photographs and videos.

As couples look to prioritize connection, the dining table will become one of the most meaningful spaces of celebration. Family-style service will replace individually plated meals, inviting guests to pass dishes, linger over conversation, and share in the experience together. "Food will no longer simply be served on a table; the table itself will become part of the gastronomic experience," Agramunt and Rodrigo say. "Family-style banquets respond to an increasing desire to share. By placing all of the dishes at once in the center of the table, the meal becomes participatory, breaking away from the formality of traditional service and creating a warmer atmosphere."

This type of connection between guests will also occur at buffet stations during weddings. Sofie Thompson, cofounder of Hands London, says that buffets are making a comeback. "People are less inclined now to do a three-course sit-down meal," she notes. "They want an experience that isn’t similar to a restaurant style of service."

As for the type of food, couples will gravitate toward seasonal ingredients and menus. "We'll see a stronger focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients presented with honesty," Agramunt and Rodrigo share. Tombs agrees, adding that the most memorable menus will be those that authentically reflect the couple and the type of food they love to connect over.

Keep your eye out because minimalist wedding cakes are set to take over in 2027. Instead of over-the-top designs and endless layers, couples will opt for clean, sculptural designs with crisp lines, two-tier silhouettes at most, and just a few carefully placed flowers or other natural decorations. "Cakes will take on a more structural and architectural look with swathes of icing and folds of buttercream," O'Shea says. The polished, understated look feels modern and elegant yet also extends the overall vision of pared-back, intentional wedding designs. "It's also a great choice for those making their own cake (or having a friend or family member make it), as a way to save money," she adds.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

Every relationship has its own origin story. Some couples meet at busy bars, others through mutual friends, and many nowadays on dating apps. For Jordan Goldberg, fashion editor and consultant, and Adam Rossman, a manager at KPMG, it began over test tubes and textbooks in a chemistry class at the University of Texas at Austin.

"We formed a study group with a few other people and became fast friends," Goldberg says. "We were 'studying' almost every single day, which was honestly way too much effort for a low-level science class, but we were just having so much fun." Before long, study sessions turned into dinner plans and concerts, but Goldberg insists their relationship was "purely platonic" in the beginning.

However, everything changed when Goldberg invited Rossman to JMBLYA, a music festival in Austin. "He kissed me right in the middle of the set," she recalls. "I was so caught off guard that I actually asked him why he kissed me." Rossman, on the other hand, had viewed the concert as a proper date. "Since it was just the two of us, I decided to make a move," he explains. "It wasn't planned out at all, but it just felt right in the moment." Their chemistry was undeniable, marking a point of no return for the pair as their friendship was transformed forever. "There was this unspoken conversation where we both just knew this was it," Goldberg reflects.

After graduating, the couple moved to New York City, where their relationship deepened as they navigated new careers and adulthood. Three years later, they moved into a one-bedroom on Astor Place together, and conversations about marriage naturally followed. They envisioned getting engaged in 2025, but Rossman had other plans.

On a snowy weekend in November 2024, the two took a trip to the Sagamore Resort in Lake George. "We drove up on a Friday morning in his parents' car, and Adam was so calm the whole car ride," Goldberg says. "He even plugged his phone into CarPlay, which, looking back, feels very risky [since his text messages could show up on the screen]!" After settling into their hotel room, the couple walked to a lookout spot where Rossman proposed. "I was in complete shock," Goldberg says. "Luckily, he hired a photographer so we could relive it over again because I didn't remember if he got down on one knee." The celebration continued back in NYC with family and friends.

When it came time to plan the wedding, deciding the location was easy: They chose Texas to celebrate where their story began. The Arlo's clean, modern design offered Goldberg the perfect blank canvas for her creative vision, while the courtyard's striking tree sealed the decision. "The second we saw it, I knew we'd get married beneath it," she says. Keep reading to discover Goldberg's beautiful Danielle Frankel gown, the couple's organic design aesthetic, and how they wove subtle Western touches into their timeless Texas wedding weekend.

Jordan Goldberg: "Our welcome dinner was at Stubb's BBQ, a famous concert venue in Austin. The attire was 'Western chic,' allowing our guests to lean into the Texas feel. And they showed up! They wore bolo ties, cowboy hats, lots of fringe, and denim on denim. We loved it! They arrived around 6:30 p.m. and were greeted with buckets of beers, wildflowers on every table, and a country band playing classic songs (George Strait, Luke Bryan, the works!)."

Details of the welcome dinner.

JG: "I wore a fringe dress from Bevza's resort 2026 collection. The second I saw it on Moda Operandi, I knew it’d be perfect for our Western-themed Friday night. I wanted something that felt like a modern take on country attire. The incredible corsetry and woven detailing made the gown feel contemporary, while the fringe added a Western touch. Alongside the dress, I wore my hair up in a French twist, secured with my mom's wedding barrette. I accessorized with Schutz heels, Dorsey earrings, and an aquamarine cocktail ring from Adam’s late grandmother."

JG: "Adam wore boots and a white button-down shirt from Tecovas, light blue Rag & Bone jeans, and a custom cowboy hat."

JG: "After everyone sat down for dinner, we had four speeches: My best friend Molly; three of Adam’s childhood friends; Adam’s best man and older brother, Evan; and finally my sister Natalie. The speeches were absolutely incredible. They all talked about the evolution of our relationship over the past nine years and how much we’ve grown together."

JG: "The biggest surprise of the evening was that my sister, Natalie, performed alongside my dad, Joel. He played guitar while Natalie sang 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran. We had been begging my dad to perform at our wedding, but he always told us no because he’d be too nervous. Little did we know they had been practicing for a year. They absolutely killed it, and all of our guests sang along to the chorus. True magic!"

JG: "Our wedding day started at 7 a.m. We had a beautiful hotel room at the Line Hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the sunrise came right in. I opened my eyes to Adam finishing up his vows. We ordered room service, grabbed the tissues, and read our vows to each other. We’re both so grateful we did them privately so we could fully express ourselves without worrying about an audience. We didn’t record this moment; it was just us, and it’s something we’ll both cherish forever."

WWW Weddings Tip: "If the traditions don’t feel right to you, don’t feel like you have to do them. We slept in the same bed the night before the wedding to ease any anxieties. And it really helped both of us. We were calm, got to spend some time together on the wedding day, and didn’t have all of the buildup ahead of time."

JG: "Off the Aisle did our wedding invitations, and we both loved them. We leaned into the colors we were going to feature at the wedding—olives, chartreuse, soft greens—along with lots of texture from embossing. We chose a font that felt timeless, a swirly cursive that was crisp enough to be legible. We loved the way the invitation stacked together so neatly."

JG: "I had four friends, my sister (maid of honor), two cousins, and both Adam's and my mom get ready with me. I wore a blue Fleur du Mal robe with white lace and Carven slippers. I chose the blue robe because I wanted something that felt a bit different from the white I wore for the rest of the weekend while still feeling bridal. The girls wore Skims pj's for the morning—I wanted them to be as comfortable as possible! While some of them were in the beauty chairs, the others played Mahjong, which was a lot of fun. I even mahjed on wedding day, which felt like a good omen!"

WWW Weddings Tip: "Have an activity while you get ready, especially if you have a few hours of glam on the schedule. It keeps the energy high."

JG: "Adam wore a custom Enzo tuxedo for our wedding day. For his birthday this year, I got him a pair of custom cuff links from Rachel G Jewelry—one side has his initials, while the other is a longhorn for the University of Texas. He styled his tuxedo with black alligator cowboy boots from Tecovas."

Adam Rossman: "I wanted to do something that felt different, and cowboy boots felt like the right choice for our Texas wedding. I wore the alligator pair while my dad, my brother, and Jordan’s dad wore coordinating lizard cowboy boots from Tecovas. Our 3-year-old ring bearer even wore cowboy boots with his tuxedo too."

JG: "For beauty, I was honestly really nervous because I typically don't wear much makeup. Luckily, my makeup artist, Hannah Zahner, completely understood my vision. We talked about how I wanted to make sure I looked like myself, and she used lightweight but durable products for my glam. We went for a bronzed, glowy look, using products like EltaMD’s Clear Sunscreen as my base (which I use every day), Saie’s City Set Misting Spray to keep the makeup in place without losing hydration, and Westman Atelier’s Bronzing Stick for a very natural glow. And for the hair, I wanted it to feel very unfussy. We went with messy, undone waves that framed the face organically. I was truly so happy with my glam because I felt like myself. I wasn’t worrying about eyelashes being too heavy or concerned that the lip was too much. Hannah just accentuated my features and made me feel my best. I wore my everyday fragrance for the day, too: Parfum de Marly’s Valaya Exclusif."

JG: "I wore the Devon by Danielle Frankel. I had been to quite a few bridal shops in New York City with my family and honestly was worried I’d never have that feeling. My only priority was to feel comfortable and like myself in my dress. Once I tried on the Devon, it checked both boxes in stride. I loved how effortless I felt in it."

JG: "We chose to do our first look before the ceremony so that we could get all the jitters out beforehand, spend some time together, and have a moment just us before all our guests were there. It was such a special moment for us to connect."

AR: "Before the wedding, Jordan had me draw what I thought her dress would look like. I did my best. I had a feeling it would be strapless, but her dress exceeded my expectations. She looked elegant, beautiful, and like herself. I loved it."

JG: "It [the dress] was lightweight, interesting without losing its timeliness, and flattering. The Danielle Frankel team helped me make some tweaks to it (like removing the train and lowering the back hem) that made me feel my absolute best. I paired the gown with the Pleated Tulle Sacae Veil from Danielle Frankel and heels from Proenza Schouler (aka my go-to brand for comfortable heels)."

Rossman poses with his groomsmen.

Jordan takes pictures with her bridesmaids.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Your energy on the wedding day is everything! We had a conversation before the wedding in which we reminded ourselves that the guests would feed off our energy. If we're having the best time, they will too. That was our mantra the whole weekend, and we believe it was key to making it the best weekend for both our guests and us."

JG: "For jewelry, I wore a tennis necklace and diamond studs from Dorsey. I got married in Adam’s grandmother’s wedding band, as Jewish tradition requires a solid metal band for marriage. After our ceremony, though, I swapped it out for my custom gypsy ring, which features an emerald in the center and two diamond baguettes, and a channel-set ring with round diamonds."

JG: "We are both Jewish, so we had a traditional Jewish wedding officiated by a rabbi. Before the ceremony, we signed our ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract)."

Goldberg and Rossman sign their ketubah.

Rossman walks down the aisle with his parents.

JG: "Our florist, Siobhán from Loam Studios, completely understood the vision. We wanted everything to feel super organic, like it could’ve grown at the ceremony space. She used hydrangeas—a special request to pay homage to our summers in the Hamptons—along with calla lilies, ranunculus, and musk roses. She ensured that our aisle felt fluid, not fragmented. She sourced antique pots to put under the wood chuppah, with florals 'growing' out of them. She also used one of the antique pots to create an extra-large floral arrangement for the escort-card table."

JG: "The ceremony began with the seven circles. We got married underneath a chuppah, where tallits from our late grandfathers hung. Adam broke the glass (effortlessly!)."

Rossman and Goldberg break the glass and say "I do."

WWW Weddings Tip: "When it comes to your wedding wardrobe, pick the pieces that make you feel like yourself. While weddings can feel like an opportunity to go outside of the box with style, I felt calm and present because I was so comfortable with my looks. Yes, they were still so special, but I felt like myself and didn’t have to worry about adjusting things throughout the day."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Rank your priorities and refer back to them as often as you can! For us, we prioritized time together, the music, and the people. Whenever we were in doubt, we came back to those three priorities to guide us."

JG: "We hosted a cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed a seafood tower, caviar bumps, and a variety of other hors d'oeuvres and cocktails served on antique silver trays. We snuck away for the first five minutes to take it all in (and get some post-ceremony pictures!)."

JG: "For the reception, we wanted it to feel intimate and moody. We had candles lit for most of the evening. We also chose to use six long rectangular tables arranged around the dance floor to create that dinner-party vibe. Our table arrangements were in low, mismatched chrome vases to ensure that guests could talk to each other across the table."

JG: "Our reception was all about the dancing, which is exactly what we wanted. After both our parents spoke, Drywater Band took the night to the next level. The dance floor was packed all night, and we felt so overwhelmed with love!"

JG: "We did our first dance to 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran, I danced with my dad to 'Sparks' by Coldplay, and Adam danced with his mom to 'My Wish' by Rascal Flatts."

JG: " We did the hora, and Adam was basically in the air the whole night—his friends would not put him down! We never left the dance floor and were surrounded by all of our favorite people the whole night long. It was everything we could've dreamt of and more."

JG: "Right before the cake cutting, I changed into a long-sleeve Toteme dress from the Resort 2026 collection. I'd tried it on at a work photo shoot and instantly knew I needed it. It was so comfortable, and even though I was covered up, I felt so sexy in it."

JG: "We had Raising Cane’s and Caffè Panna passed out for late-night snacks, and my cousin Frasier Lampe, founder of Frasier Sterling, made custom 'Caffe Rossman' hats for everyone."

JG: "We snuck away to cut the St. Honoré cake from Rocheli Patisserie, which was covered in profiteroles to honor Adam's late uncle who passed away last year. When the reception ended, we took party buses to The Marlow for the after-party. DJ Leslie Nava played deep house, we danced under a disco ball, and we had bowls of sour candy everywhere. We finally took a pedicab back to the hotel—it was the perfect end to the night."

Makeup Artist: Hannah Zahner
Photographer: Taylor and Gaston Folmar
Florist: Loam Studio
Stationery: Off the Aisle
Caterer: Contigo Catering
Venue: The Arlo
Rentals: Table Manners TX
Band: The Drywater Band
After-Party: Marlow Bar
After-Party DJ: Leslie Nava
Cake: Rocheli Patisserie

There is a particular kind of engagement ring that has taken over the internet: the impossibly photogenic oval diamond, the elongated cushion, the whisper-thin band, the ring held just so against a perfectly manicured hand. Scroll through Instagram after a proposal announcement, and you may find yourself playing a familiar game: Wait… haven’t I seen this ring before? The answer, increasingly, is probably yes.

In an era of over-the-top proposals, hypercurated Pinterest boards, and viral “core”-ified aesthetics, engagement rings have developed their own version of “Instagram face”—a shared visual language where the same silhouettes, stones, and settings rise to the top again and again. Every era has its It ring. Taylor Swift’s old-mine cushion is currently having a very public cultural moment, inspiring countless romantic, vintage-leaning interpretations (and, inevitably, a few rings belonging to people you haven’t spoken to since high school). Before that, Hailey Bieber’s elongated oval diamond had its reign, sending brides-to-be everywhere searching for that same sleek, modern silhouette.

The internet—and our increasingly suspiciously accurate algorithms—only tell part of the story, though.

Beneath the seemingly universal language of the IG engagement ring lies something far more local: taste. Zoom out from the feed, and a different picture emerges. Engagement rings still have regional accents and dialects. In reality, they reveal where someone lives, what kind of architecture surrounds them, what communities they move through, and even what version of luxury feels most natural in their world.

To understand what’s actually happening beyond the algorithm, I spoke with jewelers and designers across the country, asking them a deceptively simple question: What are your clients really buying? Their answers—combined with client data, purchasing trends, and years of firsthand experience designing rings—revealed that geography plays a much larger role in engagement ring choices than many couples may realize.

A New Yorker might commission a sculptural, never-before-seen design; an Angeleno might choose a champagne diamond that feels more fashion accessory than family heirloom; a San Franciscan might prioritize a low-profile setting that can survive a weekend hike; a Dallas buyer might search for a stone that looks as though it already has a history. The differences are subtle but unmistakable.

Much like the idea that dogs start to resemble their owners, people often choose rings that resemble themselves and, increasingly, the circle they surround themselves with. While social media may have created a shared visual language around engagement rings, cities continue to write their own versions of the story. The places we live shape what we consider beautiful, what we define as timeless, and what kind of luxury feels authentic. A ring may sit on one finger, but the culture, landscape, and personality of an entire city can often be found sparkling back.

Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.’s engagement ring aesthetic is the jewelry equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit: polished, precise, and intentionally understated. In a city where discretion often carries as much weight as status, buyers tend to favor rings that signal refinement rather than demand attention. According to New York City–based designer Steph Mazuera, D.C. clients consistently gravitate toward classic designs, with platinum and white gold among the dominant choices. The preference is less about chasing the latest trend and more about selecting something that feels established, elegant, and built to last.

Frank Darling cofounder Kegan Fisher notes that D.C. buyers often lean toward smaller, more practical center stones compared with flashier luxury markets, reflecting the city’s more conservative approach to fine jewelry. While some engagement ring trends may ebb and flow with the cultural moment in Washington, the broader aesthetic remains remarkably consistent: thoughtful proportions, timeless settings, and a quiet confidence that doesn’t rely on excess.

New York

New York has never been a one-ring town. There are arguably two distinct engagement ring aesthetics at play: one that's polished, timeless, and quietly luxurious—think handcrafted solitaires and classic settings that wouldn't look out of place on the Upper East Side—and another that's decidedly more downtown, where sculptural silhouettes, unexpected gemstones, and custom details feel like extensions of the wearer's personal style rather than the latest trend. It's perhaps no surprise that multiple jewelers describe New York clients as some of the most adventurous in the country.

Mazuera says her New York clients "allow [her] to create [her] most experimental work,” commissioning sculptural, fully custom rings while remaining exacting about the details, from high-polish finishes to perfectly executed prongs. That appetite for originality shows up in the stones themselves, too. According to Los Angeles–based label Orianne Jewelry, roughly 42% of its New York City engagement ring clients have chosen gemstone-forward designs this year, with emeralds leading the pack. But New Yorkers haven't abandoned diamonds altogether: L.A. designer Sofia Kaman's 2025 client data shows buyers continue to gravitate toward substantial three- to five-carat, mostly lab-grown diamonds, particularly in cushion and marquise cuts. And as one of the country's fashion capitals, what happens in Manhattan rarely stays there.

Miami

Miami prioritizes maximum sparkle and visual impact, gravitating toward larger center stones in yellow-gold settings that feel equal parts timeless and attention-grabbing. While solitaire settings remain a favorite, they're rarely understated—designers say even the most minimalist rings are chosen with brilliance in mind. Kaman's 2025 client data found Miami shoppers overwhelmingly favor three- to four-carat, colorless lab-grown diamonds across a diverse mix of shapes and styles, suggesting there's no single "Miami ring" beyond a love of shiny, sparkly, oversize center stones.

Given its status as a fast-paced, trend-driving city, Miami shoppers are also among the quickest to embrace changing engagement ring trends—looking to of-the-moment styles favored by influencers and celebrities. According to The Clear Cut's Olivia Landau, Miami saw the most dramatic shift of any market analyzed, with cushion cuts doubling in popularity as emerald cuts rapidly fell out of favor—a reflection of how closely South Florida buyers watch celebrity engagements and social media when shopping for rings of their own.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles has always been a city where reinvention is part of the culture—and engagement rings are no exception. Here, fashion and fine jewelry collide, with buyers embracing what's next while still searching for something that feels deeply personal. Non-white diamonds are starting to reign supreme with both the natural- and lab-diamond crowds, with creamy shades of butter yellow or champagne taking charge. Kaman’s 2025 client data reflects that anything-goes sensibility. Los Angeles buyers typically choose two- to four-carat diamonds, with roughly 70% opting for colorless or near-colorless stones and 30% choosing champagne, brown, or other fancy-colored diamonds.

The typical Los Angeles ring isn’t defined by one aesthetic, though. Mazuera says West Coast clients tend to favor a more relaxed approach to luxury, gravitating toward bezel settings, softer silhouettes, and unexpected pops of color from gemstones like rubies and emeralds. The mood is less “traditional bridal” and more effortless individuality—pieces that feel collected, personal, and styled rather than simply purchased.

There’s always something that feels a bit off, in the best way, explains Frank Darling’s Fisher. Whether it be east-west bezel settings, chunkier bands, tilted stones, imperfect engravings, or something else, the typical Los Angeles engagement ring completely takes the notion of a “traditional” look and throws it out the window.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s engagement ring aesthetic is less about making a statement and more about creating something that can keep up. In a city where a morning meeting can turn into an afternoon hike and a weekend adventure is never far away, Bay Area buyers are gravitating toward rings that feel as functional as they are beautiful. According to Orianne Jewelry, San Francisco clients typically choose two- to 2.5-carat center stones, smaller than the brand’s global average, and often opt for low-profile, comfortable settings designed for an active lifestyle.

That connection to the natural world also shows up in the design itself. Fisher notes that San Francisco clients are often drawn to nature-inspired details, from whimsical, branch-like settings to floral motifs that echo the region’s landscapes and biodiversity. It’s an aesthetic that feels distinctly Northern Californian: organic, personal, and a little unexpected.

The city’s embrace of innovation extends to the diamond itself. Kaman’s numbers show San Francisco shoppers overwhelmingly favor lab-grown diamonds, which account for 85% of purchases, with nearly all clients choosing colorless stones. Marquise cuts lead the market, followed by cushions, ovals, and pears, while overall designs tend to skew more delicate and understated.

Chicago

Chicago’s engagement ring aesthetic is rooted in quiet confidence: classic, polished, and built to last. While coastal markets often use rings as a form of self-expression—experimenting with unexpected stones, sculptural settings, or fashion-forward details—Chicago buyers tend to return to the styles that have defined engagement rings for generations, with an emphasis on proportion, craftsmanship, and a truly exceptional center stone (which, according to both Mazuera and Kaman, are often old-mine cuts, dubbed the Taylor Swift effect).

Chicago and the broader Midwest consistently favor clean, minimalist solitaire settings anchored by larger, high-quality diamonds. These are rings that are immediately recognizable as engagement rings but elevated through the details: a beautifully cut stone, refined materials, and thoughtful proportions rather than excessive ornamentation. Although, bespoke details such as slightly custom settings with interior engravings or birthstones are still highly regarded as ways to make a ring feel unique to a couple rather than something more cookie cutter.

Dallas

Dallas has a very particular relationship with the engagement ring: bigger, yes, but never without meaning. Think Texas-size glamour with a sense of history behind it. Here, the dream ring isn’t necessarily the trendiest stone of the moment; it’s the exceptional diamond that feels like it could become a future heirloom. Large, colorless center stones, classic silhouettes, and vintage-inspired details define a market that values presence without tipping into excess. Stones and settings here can often be inherited all together, with nearlyweds focusing on timeless elements or styles that have been passed down from generations in their families, either left as is or melted down and reworked into slightly more modern, yet still charming, styles.

According to The Clear Cut, Dallas is one of the few major markets charting its own course, with antique-inspired old-mine cuts surging 206% to become the strongest regional preference for vintage-style diamonds. Unlike other cities where cushion cuts have dominated recent trends, Dallas actually saw cushion cuts decline by 33%, suggesting buyers here are less interested in following the crowd and more drawn to stones with character and history.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

Love has a way of making even the biggest cities feel impossibly small. When Karoline Spenning, chief creative director of Siegelman Stable, moved from Norway to New York City, she was stepping into the unknown. She had never been to the city before, knew almost no one, and was starting anew. Yet within weeks of arriving, a chance introduction through her coworker-turned-roommate brought Max Siegelman, chief executive director and founder of Siegelman Stable, into her life, and he turned out to be the man she would one day marry.

Their relationship began during the pandemic with long text exchanges that spanned state lines while Siegelman was temporarily living upstate with his family. When he finally returned to the city, he made an impromptu stop at Spenning's apartment. "I rode my bike to the gym and thought I'd stop by Karoline's," Siegelman recalls. "I showed up sweaty because I had just worked out, but honestly, I would've shown up sweaty either way because I was nervous." Spenning thought it was a bold move on Siegelman's part but said, "Sure, come say hi."

For Spenning, that spontaneous visit became an important moment. The two hadn't even been on a first date yet, but for her, the ending was already beginning. "It was love at first sight," she says. "I saw him, and I thought to myself, 'Oh my God, this is my person.' I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat."

The connection was mutual. Three days later, they had their first official date over coffee in Tompkins Square Park, followed by dinner the next evening in the East Village. From there, they were inseparable. Four months later, they moved into Siegelman's Brooklyn apartment, where they began building not only a life together but also Siegelman Stable, an eponymous fashion label fusing luxury sports fashion with harness racing, which he had launched just months before he met Spenning. What began as a side project quickly became a shared creative pursuit, and the couple grew the business alongside their relationship.

When it came to getting engaged, there was never any question of if—only when. Certain they had found their forever partners, the two took their time before Siegelman enlisted the help of a mutual friend, a jeweler, to source a ring, which turned out to be a vintage cushion-cut diamond that perfectly aligned with Spenning's appreciation for sustainability and heirloom pieces. While the couple never had a formal conversation about a proposal, Spenning had a good feeling that it was around the corner.

Siegelman told Spenning he had booked a house upstate for the two to visit over the weekend. "Max is very bad at hiding things," she shares jokingly. "So I knew it was coming." During a leisurely morning at their Airbnb, the couple lingered over coffee and homemade Norwegian waffles. That's when Siegelman put his plan into motion. Unknown to Spenning, a photographer was waiting, hidden in the woods, while flowers were arranged around the property. The proposal itself, however, didn't go quite as rehearsed. "I had this whole speech planned," Siegelman says. "But when the moment came, I couldn't get any words out. I just got down on one knee and ugly cried."

In May 2026, the couple gathered their closest family members and friends in southeastern Sicily to celebrate the next chapter of their love story. They tied the knot on the sun-bleached grounds of Dimora delle Balze, an upscale and secluded 19th-century masseria-turned-boutique-hotel. Read on to explore how every element—from the custom fashion Spenning designed to the relaxed yet intimate and romantic aesthetic—beautifully reflected the life they have created and will continue to build together.

Max Siegelman: "Friday night was the welcome dinner. The dress code was 'earth tones.'"

Karoline Spenning: "Our guests traveled so far, so we wanted Friday night to feel very relaxed and our outfits and every other detail to reflect that."

KS: "I had made a dress that I really loved for Friday, but I felt like it wasn't as loose and relaxed as I wanted. Then I found this dress by Kettel Atelier, a designer who sews vintage crochet tablecloths together. I immediately thought, 'Please, I need to buy this and have it overnighted because my wedding is in a week.' I ended up wearing it, and it was perfect. I paired the look with the perfect crochet Magda Butrym heels. I didn't have any jewelry for Friday, and I had walked past a little market in the town of Noto, where we were staying. I spotted a pair of bone earrings and ended up wearing those for the night."

MS: "Karoline designed a white linen double-breasted suit for me, which I wore with a white tank top and white Jacquemus loafers. I also wore this silver necklace that we gifted to all of the guests. It is a replica of this locket that my mom and my grandmother like to give to people as a guardian angel."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Make the wedding feel like the two of you—not like everyone else's expectations. There will always be outside opinions from family and friends about what you should do, but at the end of the day, it's your wedding. We had plenty of moments where people suggested traditions or ideas that weren't right for us, and we kept coming back to the same answer: This is our day, and we want it to reflect us." — Siegelman

MS: "Horses are at the center of our lives and our brand. Sigelman Stable is built around my dad's story as a racehorse trainer, but it's also about everything he has done beyond racing. He created equine therapy programs for children with special needs, veterans living with PTSD, and other inner-city programs. Horses have always represented much more than racing for us. They're part of who we are, what we do, and the stories we try to tell and push forward. Including them in our wedding felt like a natural extension of our relationship, our business, and our lives together. One of the horses we used for our wedding photos was named Shakira, and apparently, she's already something of a celebrity. She's modeled in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and other brands."

KS: "All of my mood boards were actually centered around crocheted tablescapes. I wanted everything to feel like your grandma made it. We had horses, and they somehow matched that vibe and the dress I was wearing."

Siegelman and Spenning pose with their parents.

KS: "The first speech was from my aunt, and it was amazing and so sweet. Then my childhood friends gave a speech, and I cried the entire time. I don't even know how many minutes it lasted, but it was so beautiful. The last speech was from Max's friend—really, both of our friends now. It was incredible."

MS: "My friend gave a 10-minute speech comparing our relationship to the New York Knicks. It was called Generational Run, and it followed the timeline of Karoline and me alongside the Knicks. It was absolutely hysterical."

MS: "We spent the entire day with our families and the friends who were staying on the property, which was awesome. We had the whole morning and afternoon together, hanging out by the pool, having lunch, and just enjoying everyone's company. Then, at a certain point, we all went our separate ways to get ready."

KS: "I didn't want bridesmaids because that's not really a big tradition in Norway. I also wasn't entirely sure what I wanted, but I knew I wanted everyone to feel equal. The people there were all incredibly close to us, and we had our closest friends and family staying in the 12 guest rooms on the property. We set up the spa area for all of the girls to get ready, and they put together this beautiful lunch for us. We spent the day enjoying wine and just hanging out together. I hate waiting around, so I intentionally didn't start getting ready until the very last minute. I did my own makeup, and I had my hair done at the venue."

MS: "I got ready with my best friend, who actually officiated the wedding, along with my dad and my brother. My 4-year-old nephew slept through the whole thing."

KS: "Our lives move at what feels like 100 miles an hour, so I wanted to write my vows while I was in a calm, good state of mind. I finished writing them a few hours before the wedding, and that whole moment was incredibly emotional and really special. We then both shared them in front of everyone [during the ceremony]."

KS: "About two months before the wedding, I still hadn't decided on a dress. People always say you procrastinate on the things you care about most, and I think that was definitely true for me. I wanted it to be perfect. I knew I wanted to design it myself, so I sketched it and worked with my team at Siegelman Stable to bring it to life. I wanted it to feel light, effortless, and like me—a fluid, liquid-like 100% silk dress.

"We first made the pattern in muslin to perfect the fit, and I absolutely loved that version. But when we re-created it in silk, it lost the sculptural shape I'd fallen in love with. I couldn't stop thinking about that first sample. With only two months left, we started over from scratch. We bought new fabric and remade it until it felt right. The final version arrived the weekend before we were leaving, and I immediately knew it still wasn't right.

"I called a seamstress I'd worked with for years in Brooklyn, and she worked overnight. At our Saturday fitting, we realized the dropped waist had shifted to my natural waist, completely changing the silhouette. She remade the bodice on Sunday. I thought it was perfect, but she still wasn't satisfied and wanted it sculpted closer to my body. On Monday morning, the day before we left for the wedding, I went in for one last fitting while it was still being made. She ended up handing off the finished gown to Max's dad just 30 minutes before his flight so he could bring it to the wedding."

KS: "For Max's look, I've always loved an oversize suit, but we also wanted him to be able to look back at the photos years from now and still love what he was wearing. We tried to create a slightly boxier tuxedo while keeping it timeless. We started with the fit of a suit we had made previously and turned it into a tuxedo, refining the proportions so everything felt clean and classic. We used as many breathable, natural fabrics as possible because we knew it was going to be so hot."

MS: "I wore vintage cuff links that originally belonged to Karoline's uncle. His father had given them to him, and I first wore them to our engagement party. They happened to feature harness racing horses, which felt especially personal because harness racing is such a big part of both our family and our brand. I paired the look with a classic black bow tie and black leather dress shoes from Jacquemus."

MS: "I also found a vintage harness racing pin online and used it to secure my boutonniere. It was another subtle way to incorporate something meaningful into the look."

KS: "Since meeting Max, horses have become such a meaningful part of my life. I was never a horse girl growing up, but I've learned so much about them. Watching everything Max's dad has built through equine therapy has been incredibly inspiring."

KS: "I paired my dress with Jimmy Choo shoes."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Don't panic when things don't go according to plan. Even though my dress wasn't finished until the last minute, I kept reminding myself that whatever happened would be okay. If I'd ended up walking down the aisle in a dress I found in town the day before, it still would have been perfect because I was marrying the person I love. Everything worked out exactly the way it was supposed to." —Spenning

KS: "I went back and forth about hiring someone to do my makeup because I really wanted to feel like myself, but [I] ended up doing it on my own. I used the M.Ph by Mary Phillips foundation because it looks just like your skin. I wore Rhode blush, a very random bronzer that had probably been sitting in my makeup bag for way too long, and a simple nude eye shadow. I really wanted everything to look like my everyday makeup. I'm really happy I did it myself because I felt like me."

KS: "The final look [I designed for Max] was exactly what I had envisioned. It had slightly oversize shoulders with a boxy silhouette, but the trousers were straighter and more tailored rather than overly oversize. It felt modern while still being timeless."

KS: "I wanted to incorporate the tradition of 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' Throughout our relationship, Max and I have always said, 'In every lifetime,' because from the moment I met him, I felt like I'd known him forever. I had that phrase embroidered inside my dress in light-blue thread as my 'something blue.' My dress was my 'something new,' and I borrowed my earrings from my friend's jewelry brand, Reservd."

MS: "One thing that was really important to us was making sure the ceremony felt like us. We didn't want to simply copy what people typically do for weddings. We chose a location on the property where no one had ever held a ceremony before, which made it feel even more personal."

KS: "When we first visited the venue, we had dinner at the exact location where we held the ceremony. As soon as I sat there, I remember thinking that I really wanted to get married in that spot. At the same time, though, I also loved the idea of getting married in a church, so we spent time looking at churches nearby to see if that would work. Ultimately, it was much easier for everyone to have the ceremony at the venue itself. When the staff showed us the locations where ceremonies are usually held, I still wasn't completely convinced because I couldn't stop thinking about the church.

"About a month before the wedding, I returned to the venue for our tasting with one of my friends from Norway because Max had a scheduling conflict. While I was there, I met with the incredibly talented design team that our wedding planner had found. They handled both the floral design and all installations, including draping and décor. During that visit, I asked whether it would be possible to hold the ceremony in the same place where we'd had dinner on our very first night."

Siegelman walks down the aisle wearing the custom suit designed by Spenning.

KS: "The flowers were designed to look organic—as if they had always been growing there. They blended beautifully with the old stone surroundings."

KS: "Since we didn't have bridesmaids or a traditional wedding party, we kept things very simple. We each have one brother, so they essentially served as our best men. I always knew my dad would walk me down the aisle."

Spenning and her father walk down the aisle to "Godspeed" by Frank Ocean.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Say your vows out loud in front of your family and friends if that feels right for you. We debated it for a long time because I'm naturally very shy. In the end, we realized we could always say loving things to each other in private. What we'd probably never do again was stand in front of everyone we love and tell each other exactly how we felt. That ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of the entire day." — Spenning

KS: "My inspiration centered around old Catholic churches with delicate lace draped over the pews. That was really the feeling I wanted to re-create. They essentially brought all of those church-inspired details outdoors. They transformed the patio into this incredibly romantic ceremony space. I had told them that I didn't want a lot of flowers, so instead, they incorporated layers of lace and dried floral arrangements."

KS: "After the ceremony, Max and I took a few moments to ourselves before joining everyone else. We went back to our room, where they had set up drinks and food for us. We just sat together for a little while, talked about everything that had happened, and let it all sink in. Then we wanted to get our photos done fairly quickly because we really just wanted to spend time with everyone. Our photographer, Olav, knows us so well, so the whole process felt very natural and easy. We spent about an hour taking photos before heading to cocktail hour."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Take a moment to look around because it goes by so quickly." — Siegelman

KS: "Cocktail hour took place in a little garden at the hotel. Drinks and food were served."

KS: "Before the wedding, I had been trying to figure out what song we should use for our father-daughter dance. My dad and I aren't really big dancers, so I wanted something that fit our vibe. I kept asking him for ideas, but he never sent me a song, so about a week before the wedding, I finally chose 'Isn't She Lovely.' What I didn't know was that at the end of my dad's speech, he told everyone that after I was born, there were about 24 hours when my mom was still in the hospital, and it was just the two of us together. During that time, "Isn't She Lovely" came on the radio, and ever since then, he said he had always thought of me whenever he heard it. He started singing the song during his speech. We had never talked about that memory or listened to the song together before. I had no idea it meant anything to him, and he had no idea I had chosen it for our father-daughter dance."

KS: "We wanted the dinner to feel like you were on vacation in Italy with your closest friends and family. We wanted everyone to be sitting down and having good conversations, so we had small table cards with questions that would apply to the people at their tables. We also hired a live Italian band. They played classic songs with a Frank Sinatra vibe. Toward the end of dinner, a few people started dancing."

MS: "During dinner, we had several speeches. Both of our brothers gave speeches, one of Karoline's best friends spoke, and then both of our parents gave speeches as well."

KS: "We danced to a song we had listened to on repeat when we first met each other. It's called 'Please Notice' by Christian Leave."

KS: "The entire tablescape was inspired by my childhood in Norway. I wanted it to feel like growing up in the woods, so we incorporated moss and lots of natural textures. The menu was also almost entirely vegan because that's how I eat, but guests could choose to add a protein if they wanted. There was, of course, plenty of pasta. The cake was intentionally very simple. It was a vegan vanilla cake with cherries."

MS: "We were also lucky enough to work with Don Julio 1942, and they allowed us to create custom miniature bottles that were placed at everyone's seats. Karoline designed the labels herself. Apparently, they'd only done something like that a handful of times before, so it felt incredibly special."

MS: "After dinner, we transitioned into an after-party. Having our friend, who was also a guest at the wedding, Tay James, DJ the evening made it feel even more personal and special."

KS: "For the after-party, I changed into a Saint Laurent sheer lace dress. It got surprisingly cold that evening, though, so halfway through the night, I threw a blazer over it."

Photographer: Olav Stubberud
Wedding Planner: Duet Events
DJ: Tay James
Florist and Decorator: Intrecci di Fiori e d'Arte
Venue: Dimora delle Balze

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

Sometimes, all a great love story needs is the right timing and the right people in your corner. For Alexis and Andrew, what started as a brief encounter grew into a tale shaped by patience, courage, and a little help from friends along the way.

It all unfolded in the summer of 2020, when Alexis was driving back to the city from the Hamptons with her best friend and Andrew's best friend. Along the way, they stopped at Andrew's house to pick up his brother. "The moment she walked in, I was completely taken," Andrew recalls. "She had this natural beauty." The following spring, Alexis texted to wish him a happy birthday. Andrew invited her out to celebrate, but the invitation went unanswered. "I thought that was a swing and a miss," he laughs.

A few months later, Alexis and Andrew ended up at the same apartment party, but as they later learned, it wasn't a coincidence. "Our friends had secretly played matchmaker," Andrew says. The two immediately began talking, and the connection was undeniable. "Sparks flew, but I made the first move," Alexis shares. "He didn't have the courage to ask me [out]. … I just did it." As they say, the rest was history.

Just like their relationship, the couple's engagement was deeply personal. In November 2024, Andrew proposed in the Philippines, where Alexis's family is from. "I have always felt a great pride in my Filipino upbringing, and it has long been a dream of mine to have my home woven into these special moments," she shares. Nine days into their planned trip, the two took a sunrise walk along the beach at Amanpulo. As they reached the final stretch of sand, Andrew got down on one knee. "It should have been a hint to Lex," Andrew says. "I am not a morning person, and I am not really a beach guy." However, he knew it was what she wanted. (She was very involved in the proposal, constantly hinting that she wanted to get engaged at home and on the beach.) "[It's] what she deserved," he says.

Their celebrations in the Philippines didn't end there. Alexis had always dreamt of getting married in the country. "It was something I held onto fiercely," she explains. "When we planned the wedding, we knew we wanted to do something in the Philippines, a distinct and personal tie to where we got engaged and to Lex's home and culture," Andrew says. "But we also knew it would be hard for everyone to travel, so we kept it small." For their private vow celebration, Alexis's and Andrew's immediate family joined them. "It was so beautiful to bring my family to the Philippines for the first time [to] let them experience Alexis's culture and have all that quality time together," Andrew says.

A second celebration followed—one with a larger guest list that felt less like a traditional wedding and more like a vacation. "That is where Saint Bart's came in: good food, great music, and that perfect vibe," Andrew says.

For their May 2, 2026, nuptials, the couple reserved and privatized the oceanfront Hotel Christopher for 100 of their closest friends. "We wanted everyone to feel like they were stepping into our own little world," Alexis says. "But we also wanted our guests to truly experience Saint Bart's—its beauty, French flair, vibrant energy, and festive spirit. The vision was simple but intentional: one big vacation with all of our favorite people." So the couple opted for a multiday format starting on Thursday with a "Welcome to the island" party.

Alongside golden sunsets, salty ocean air, and friends coming together to celebrate love, Alexis's bridal wardrobe became a defining part of the weekend's visual story. She curated a collection of five archival looks (think 2009 Ralph Lauren and Phoebe Philo–era Chloé), a custom two-piece skirt set from Lein, and a brand-new Colleen Allen chiffon dress, which sealed the weekend in style. Keep reading to discover the seven impeccably elegant bridal looks and tasteful details that went into making the Saint Bart's wedding come to life.

Alexis: "[Friday] evening, we hosted our welcome party and dinner at Nao Beach Club on the iconic Saint-Jean Beach. This was easily one of the most unforgettable nights of the weekend. We wanted to take our guests to different areas of the island each night so they could get the full island experience. The dress code was 'Saint Bart's elegante,' and we asked guests to fully lean in. Think South of France, beach-ready glamour by night. They understood the assignment."

WWW Weddings Tip: "A wedding weekend doesn't need a packed calendar of events. For us, having just two days of official events plus an unofficial pool day felt perfect. It created space for everyone to design their own experience, explore the island, and truly enjoy being there without feeling rushed."

Alexis: "When deciding what to wear, a lot of my references were from early '00s collections of Ralph Lauren, Phoebe Philo's Chloé, Ungaro, and Halston. For Friday night, I wore a Phoebe Philo–era Chloé S/S 05 yellow silk dress. It was beachy; featured a gorgeous, movement-rich fabrication; and was utterly perfect when worn barefoot on the beach. I paired it with yellow-gold bezel hoops from Rodi Jewelry and Khaite sandals. I sourced the dress from Raffe Vintage. It was a piece I found before we even had set venues. I had been following Nikki [Reynen] (founder of Raffe Vintage) on Instagram for quite some time, and when this beautiful sheer yellow chiffon dress appeared, I DM'd her immediately and bought it on the spot. She told me I beat out the next person who sent a DM by about 10 seconds. The fashion gods helped me that day."

Alexis: "We kicked off the night with cocktails and a challah prayer. The Chabad of S. Barth provided the challah."

Alexis: "Andrew wore a custom lace barong tagalog from Ched Studio. The barong tagalog is the traditional formal men's garment of the Philippines, worn for celebrations. The shirt was paired with Hermès shoes and NN.07 trousers."

Alexis: "Knowing that Saturday would be more organic and refined, for Friday, we leaned into a tropical, festive energy. We incorporated large tropical leaves, deep-hued orchids, and terra-cotta accents throughout, with pops of color that felt vibrant and celebratory. It was lush, fun, and completely fitting for a beachside welcome party on a Caribbean island."

Alexis: "Speeches were made by our matchmakers and one of my closest friends, Natalie. We had the most delicious sunset. It was incredible."

Alexis: "Our seated dinner was followed by what can only be described as an epic dance party. We were all dancing on the tables, and the star of the show was Andrew's great-aunt Vicki, who, at the young age of 88, had the time of her life!"

Alexis: "The morning of [the wedding day] was intentionally slow and very relaxed. Andrew and I snuck out early for coffee and took a drive around the island just the two of us, taking it all in before the celebration. I then spent the morning with my mother, who was my maid of honor, and got ready with the women of Andrew's family as well, which was really lovely. I didn't gravitate toward having a traditional bridal party, but having those few people close to me was incredibly grounding."

Alexis: "We collaborated with lettering-design specialist [Maddieola Made] to create hand-drawn custom fonts and motifs for our invitation suite. We wanted the invitation suite to serve as the first glimpse of the weekend ahead and for the design elements to weave seamlessly throughout the entire wedding weekend. We drew inspiration from vintage menus and historic logos from iconic French establishments, which helped shape the overall aesthetic. Our color palette centered on light browns, reds, and soft blues paired with stripes and whimsical lettering inspired by the charm of the South of France. Think mermaids carrying martinis, dancing waiters, and so forth. One of our favorite details was a custom motif Maddie designed: a sun formed by two intertwined As, creating a personal emblem that became a signature element of the celebration."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Build your creative army! When choosing vendors, I always looked for alignment not just in aesthetics but in taste and perspective—people I could actually lean on for opinions and whom I could creatively trust."

Alexis: "I always viewed my [wedding] wardrobe as an entire story, more than focusing just on the ceremony look. Saturday morning, I moved through a few looks, each one meaningful. I started in an archival Alberta Ferretti dress found locally at Current Affair from Female Hysteria Vintage. It was this buttery silver silk with gorgeous, deep drapes on the sides. I then changed into a '70s-original Halston slip dress and chiffon cape I found at Demetra Vintage just two weeks before the wedding. The ethereal peach draping felt entirely fated. I really wanted something of this silhouette as of recent, and at a certain point, one more felt justified."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Wearing white all weekend was not a requirement in my head. The idea that a bride must wear white all weekend feels outdated. A modern bride can [and should] dress in whatever reflects her mood and identity at the moment. The bridal aura isn't created by color; it's an energy. Remember that whoever is getting married will be the focal point, no matter what they wear."

Alexis: "For my beauty look, I wanted to look like myself—natural and clean. We used my favorite foundation, which is the Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops. I wanted a really luminous base, and we ended up using a lot of my own makeup, which made me feel totally at ease. We went minimal for the ceremony, but for cocktail hour, we added a smoky eye and color to my face. I felt really beautiful. [For my hair], we planned to keep it down for the ceremony, but the island can be quite windy, and I was feeling a bit iffy about having it down, so I made the snap decision to wear it up. I trusted my team, and we ended up in a loose French twist for the ceremony. Sometimes, things don't go as planned, and that's totally fine. I was just so excited to walk down the aisle and loved how it turned out."

Alexis: "Given [that Andrew and I] did our vows at home in the Philippines, I wanted to wear something entirely new for our Saint Bart's moment. I actually struggled to figure out what I wanted to wear and what best represented my style. Throughout the entire process, though, I kept dreaming, manifesting, and returning to the same kind of bride—polished, bold, deeply rooted in timelessness and a touch of glam. That became a blueprint, even as we explored a wide range of looks across the weekend."

Alexis: "Andrew wore a beautiful bespoke suit from P. Johnson. We loved working with the entire team on dreaming up his look. Every detail was tended to, each visit was so energizing, and having the chance to style my husband and his brother was such a fun activity for us to do together. The suit was made from Loro Piana fabric, and we lined it with light-blue silk—my 'something blue' for the weekend. Then we layered a silk-blend shirt underneath. We kindly asked for no ties to keep it casual."

Alexis: "After getting ready, Andrew and I chose not to do an official first look, and truthfully, being able to see him throughout the day was something I really loved. There was a running joke that we were already married anyway, which made the whole day feel even more relaxed, like we were allowed to rewrite the usual rules. Once I was ready, I ran over to see him."

Alexis: "Since I have decision fatigue, I am really happy to have had my stylist, Sarah Kim Harned, as my guardrail and my voice of reason. She really helped me tighten my vision. During one of my many visits to Lein in early 2026, there was a lace minidress (The Lana) that we thought would be really chic if it were made into a long tunic top and a skirt, so we used that as our inspiration. I was certain about [wearing] a non-white look, so we lined the lace with a warm-toned organza that read more like blush than white. The softness and sheerness were so beautiful, and the Lein team crafted a bespoke skirt to go with the top. I also never thought I would wear a train yet somehow ended up in one. It just felt right."

Meredith Stoecklein, founder and designer of Lein: "The lace was developed exclusively for Lein. We wanted the textile to feel incredibly delicate and romantic while still carrying a sense of modernity and ease. From the beginning, we were drawn to the idea of a separate tunic and skirt rather than a traditional gown. We loved the sense of effortlessness and individuality that comes from layering pieces while still creating a silhouette that feels undeniably bridal. The look was designed to feel light, ethereal, and deeply personal, something that moved beautifully and felt almost weightless when worn. We leaned into the layering and sheerness of the lace, which felt especially at home in the beachside setting. The softness, delicacy, and subtle warmth of the color brought an added dimension to the textile, creating a romantic quality that felt both timeless and unexpected."

Alexis: "Our first photos were taken overlooking the ocean steps just below our suite. They've become some of my favorite images from the entire weekend. I remember feeling completely calm and so happy to finally be with him at that moment."

WWW Weddings Tip: "When having a wedding abroad, your guests need clear, thoughtful, and detailed information, including timing, locations, recommendations, etc. The more prepared they feel, the more effortless the whole weekend becomes."

Alexis: "I actually planned to wear a different two-piece set until about four months prior to the wedding. The Lein team was so patient as I rethought the entire look. The skinny straps and the neckline were so me, and I felt so myself in it. I chose not to procure a veil for this portion and felt really confident with that decision."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Stay true to your styling instincts and what feels the most 'you,' but don't shut anything out before you've tried it on. I once said I'd never wear lace, then suddenly, I was in lace. Let yourself be surprised by what actually works on you. When it comes to opinions, keep your circle small and intentional. Trust the voices that genuinely align with your style direction."

Alexis: "We had a Jewish ceremony and built a chuppah overlooking the ocean. Jake (Andrew's brother and our wedding officiant), like in the Philippines, led this deeply meaningful portion—a lot of laughs and a joke or two about having two weddings."

Alexis: "[The night before], we gathered with our family and friends for a quiet, casual ketubah signing overlooking the ocean. It was a meaningful yet understated nod to Andrew's Jewish heritage before the wedding weekend officially began. Jake led the most beautiful ceremony. Abby and David, our matchmakers, signed as our witnesses, which felt like a true full-circle moment because, just a year earlier, Andrew and I had signed their ketubah at their wedding in Aspen. For this pre-wedding ritual, I wore Look 16 from Ralph Lauren's S/S 09 collection. It was a gold bias-cut hammered-satin gown sourced by Sarah from the depths of the internet. I wanted to serve classic and honor the tradition of the ketubah."

Alexis: "The chuppah was the centerpiece of the ceremony. We built a wooden structure draped with an oversize piece of sheer silk gauze with grass spilling out from the sides, evoking a cabana-like feeling that was tropical and breezy but romantic."

Alexis: "My mom is my best friend, so it was natural for her to be my maid of honor. She walked me down the aisle for our ceremony in the Philippines and our Saint Bart's celebration, where we walked in hand in hand to 'Ocean Eyes' by Billie Eilish—one of my favorite artists. I loved that moment and will treasure it forever. I wanted her to wear a shade of beige to coordinate with me, so we settled on a gorgeous halter-style dress with a wrap detail by Silvia Tcherassi."

Alexis: "Andrew walked down the aisle with his parents."

Alexis: "There are a few beautiful angels looking over us, and we felt them there in that moment and in everything we did over the weekend."

Alexis: "Cocktail hour took place on the iconic deck at Hotel Christopher. We really wanted to make sure we joined our guests for this portion. It was time to spend admiring the sunset and just taking it all in. One of the most joyous moments of the whole weekend. The vibes were immaculate."

Alexis: "That same organic, grassy energy from the chuppah carried through cocktail hour and dinner. Arrangements featured grass, subtle dark-purple callas, and just the lightest touch of florals to tie it all together."

Alexis: "Last summer, Andrew and I took a trip to London, and I dragged him to Lovers Lane in Notting Hill. He patiently entertained my dress-up session while I tried on everything in sight, and that's when I stumbled upon a Ralph Lauren skirt from what I consider a holy-grail collection—spring/summer 2005. The girls in the shop were incredibly supportive and so much fun. I've never really minded shopping by myself, but there was something special about finding this piece together on that trip. It was actually the same skirt I wore in the Philippines, which felt like a special way to tie everything together. To complete the look, I worked with master tailor Tati Kova to source deadstock fabric that was nearly an exact match to the archival skirt and create a custom top. I finished everything with a vintage bag I found on eBay."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Poshmark and eBay girls, unite! The hunt is honestly just as thrilling as the find. I'd scour for hours for the finishing touches to my look. You can uncover incredible vintage pieces if you're patient."

Alexis: "Cocktail hour was followed by an alfresco dinner overlooking the water. We served steak au poivre and family-style French specialties."

Alexis: "We gave our guests an 'island formal' dress code accompanied by mood boards that were very much my vibe. Everyone delivered with vibrant, chic, and effortlessly elevated tropical-inspired looks. It made the whole weekend feel even more cohesive, relaxed, and beautifully styled."

Alexis: "During dinner, we were treated to speeches from my mother [and] Andrew's mother and father, all of which were both moving and wonderfully entertaining."

Alexis: "As a finale to the reception, we took the entire group to Le Ti, the iconic, legendary club in Saint Bart's that is equal parts chaotic and irresistibly chic. Dripping in red velvet and neon signs, Le Ti's signature offering is their costume room, where guests are invited to transform into entirely new characters. Our friends absolutely leaned in within minutes. People were emerging in wigs, pirate hats, and full costume looks. Andrew went full pirate. Our photographer, Nicole [Plett], was having the time of her life. It was the most fitting, joyful, completely us ending to a weekend we will never forget."

Alexis: "I changed into a look from Colleen Allen's F/W 25 collection. It was a dreamy, gorgeous sheer chiffon V-neck dress. Colleen is someone I have watched and admired since her namesake debut, and wearing her was one of my favorite looks. I decided not to line it, so it was a nice transition into [Le Ti]."

Alexis: "Our guests know how to have some fun, so everyone was dancing all night. It was pure magic."

Photographer: Nicole Plett
Stylist: Sarah Kim Harned
Hairstylist: Brianne Smith
Makeup Artist: Vanessa
Planner: L. Scott Events
Floral Designer: B Floral
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Bonito
Wedding Venue: Hotel Christopher
Welcome Party & Dinner Venue: Nao
After-Party Venue: Le Ti
Musicians: Philippe Paris, AL Sax, and Ombeline Collin
AV: @tuned.productions
Stationery Designer: Maddieola Made
Printer: Lickety Split Press

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

Congratulations are in order for Devon Lee Carlson! The model, influencer, and entrepreneur just announced her engagement on Instagram, where her comment section was quickly filled with high-profile well-wishers like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, Lila Moss, and others. That kind of star power is expected for someone who models for Burberry, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren, but Carlson's connections aren't limited to the fashion industry. Her fiancé, Duke Nicholson, has one of the most famous last names in Hollywood, courtesy of his grandfather, Jack Nicholson.

With one larger round diamond flanked by two smaller ones, Carlson's engagement ring is so classic. Oval solitaire rings, like those worn by Selena Gomez, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Hailee Steinfeld, are not going anywhere, but they're far from the only popular style. "Carlson's ring is very much on trend," Olivia Landau, founder of The Clear Cut, told Who What Wear. "Many celebrities, including Taylor Swift, are leaning into antique cut diamonds and vintage-inspired settings. The diamond also appears to have a beautiful, warm candlelight color to it. Another big trend in natural diamond engagement rings is embracing diamonds with warmer color grades."

Landau also shared her expert analysis of the ring. "It looks like an Old European cut three-stone ring set in a Georgian button back bezel setting with a yellow gold band," Landau told Who What Wear. "The center stone appears to be around 3 to 4 carats."

Shop Three-Stone Rings

If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I am not what anyone would describe as a "go-with-the-flow" bride. I am a spreadsheet bride. A color-coded timeline bride. The kind of bride who created a wedding planning folder before she was even engaged and somehow convinced herself that researching linen swatches at 11 p.m. counted as a relaxing hobby, much to the chagrin of my now-husband.

So when it came to my civil wedding day, there was one decision that surprised nearly everyone around me—including, at times, myself: I decided to throw caution to the wind and, instead of entrusting a team of beauty experts or celebrated-MUAs, I did my own makeup.

To be clear, this wasn't some grand statement against professional makeup artists. Quite the opposite— I have an almost embarrassing level of respect for them as someone who's version of makeup is much akin to Hannah Horvath's in Girls, only wearing mascara on Saturdays. Makeup artists possess what feels like a supernatural ability to transform a face while somehow making it look effortless. They can contour without evidence, conceal without texture, and create the kind of glow that makes you look like you drink three liters of water a day and have never experienced stress. I, meanwhile, often give myself such aggressive blush placement that I look like I'm going through my yearly summer rosacea flare-up.

Yet, the closer I got to my wedding, the more I found myself gravitating toward the idea of doing it myself. Part of it was practical. As any bride quickly learns, weddings—even those that just involve a trip to City Hall—have a magical ability to turn ordinary purchases into luxury expenditures.

But if I'm being completely honest, money wasn't the primary reason. The deeper truth was that I wanted to look like myself. Event makeup often leaves me feeling overdone: too heavy, too cakey, too much lipstick. So I did what any Type-A bride with access to Wi-Fi would do: I researched obsessively.

I watched TikTok videos while brushing my teeth, paused tutorials to study blending techniques, and read comment sections like they were academic journals. Unsurprisingly, my research soon escalated into cold-DMing some of the internet's favorite makeup artists—from TikTok-famous beauty creators to the experts responsible for celebrity red carpets and glossy magazine covers—to ask how they achieve that effortlessly glowy bridal look. The advice? Shockingly easy to follow. I applied my newfound knowledge to several at-home glam sessions, leaning over my bathroom sink and applying foundations, bronzers, and concealers in highly methodical formulas my makeup fairy god-mothers passed down to me. Spoiler alert: I've never looked better.

The biggest surprise wasn't that I managed to do my own wedding makeup. It was that, for once, all that obsessive research actually paid off. The result was a bridal look that felt polished, glowy, and unmistakably me. Here are the lessons—and products—that got me there.

Don't Skip Out on Skin Prep

One of the first things I learned is that bridal glow starts long before foundation ever touches your face. Every artist I spoke with emphasized that great makeup is really the result of great skin prep.

Makeup artist Kirin Bhatty puts hydration front and center: "For bridal glow- light layers of makeup paired with targeted skin prep is key. I always begin with a Joanna Vargas mask and my shark Depuffi to get skin sculpted and hydrated- perfect for makeup application."

Preparation also means knowing when to stop. "Ideal bridal glow, I’d say make sure if you’re getting any skin treatments like chemical peels or anything like that to do it a month at least before," advises makeup artist Aya Tariq. "You just don’t want your skin to be too irritated for makeup."

Meanwhile, celebrity makeup artist Lila Childs recommends adding glow before makeup even begins. "I have been loving using the Chanel LES BEIGES Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting underneath the complexion and mixing it with moisterizer. It looks absolutely beautiful on the décolleté as well!"

Avoid Too Much Product

If there was one piece of advice that surprised me, it was that bridal makeup isn't about piling products on. In fact, it's often the opposite.

"Having a light touch and choosing products that are glowy by nature is the key to looking fresh on your big day," says Bhatty, who recommends sheer, luminous formulas that allow skin to shine through.

Makeup artist Dani Parkes echoed a similar philosophy: "Soft layers. I think if you really focus on going in with small layers then building the perfect base will help you achieve that glow."

Even Tariq, who prefers fuller-coverage formulas, emphasizes restraint. "Go for good coverage with minimal amount. I like using full coverage everything because it helps me put less on the face. It looks better in pictures."

The takeaway? More makeup doesn't necessarily equal better makeup. The goal is coverage where you need it and skin everywhere else.

Highlight, Highlight, Highlight.

I quickly learned that achieving a bridal glow isn't about one miracle highlighter. It's about strategic placement and layering different textures.

"Highlight is really key when going for glow, so I mix several formulas (balms, creams, powder and liquid) on different points of the face and décolletage to get the glowy results I’m after," adds Bhatty. She also recommends thinking beyond the cheekbones: "I make sure to pay attention not only just to orbital bones, but the nose, ears, Cupid’s bow, and collar bones too."

Makeup artist Ana Siguenza takes a similarly layered approach. "A bridal glow is all about adding a trifecta of pearl, shimmer, and sparkle for beautiful and realistic dimension that looks chic and timeless."

Childs also suggests using illuminators both underneath and on top of makeup. "You can also use it with a fine tip brush at the end of makeup on the high points of the face to add additional highlighting."

Test Out Lip Combinations

While I spent most of my time obsessing over foundation and blush, nearly every artist reminded me that lips deserve just as much attention.

"Lips are one of the most important things when it comes to bridal makeup in my opinion because if they lack color, it can wash out the face," says Childs. To keep color lasting throughout the day, she recommends lip stains: "I think all brides should use a product like this to keep the saturation in their lips visible throughout the day."

Bhatty agrees that longevity matters. "Choosing a kissable shade is usually best," she says, explaining that she often opts for stains or softly blurred lipstick applications that require fewer touch-ups.

And because wedding days are emotional—and filled with hugs, kisses, photos, and happy tears—Tariq recommends carrying a touch-up kit. "Keep a touchup kit on you, many people will be giving you hugs and kisses and the makeup could move."

Shop my Bridal Makeup

Much like the scent of fresh jasmine and a sweet humidity that hangs low and hot, love is certainly in the air. In London, you see these public displays of affection everywhere you look, from the paramours holding one another’s hands over glasses of pét nat at a local buzzy wine bar, to the sheer amount of bodies embracing on the open park spaces dotted throughout the city. Further testament of this fact, however, is that every little white chapel from here to Suffolk, the Cotswolds and Cornwall is filled each weekend with the grandest romantic gestures of them all—a wedding.

Indeed, the summer wedding season for 2026 is in full swing. Invitations have been sent out, bridal showers have been thrown, and floral arrangements have been made. Still, a perennial question that faces any attendee is the matter of what to wear. Selecting a style to say ‘I Do’ to isn’t a matter of fishing something out of your wardrobe the morning of the nuptials, though. Speaking to Teale Talbot, the co-founder of Réalisation Par, which specialises in slinky dresses rendered in magnetic prints that are undoubtedly a summer wedding staple, she tells me that she always thinks the best place to begin is to reframe your mindset and “look for a forever piece rather than just a dress for one event”.

“It’s important to find something that captures the memory and the feeling of the moment, but that you’ll genuinely want to wear again afterwards,” Talbot adds. “The most beautiful dresses become part of your life rather than something you wear once and forget about.” This season specifically, the Australian-born, London-based design director reveals that the key summer wedding guest dresses will all feature “soft, feminine silhouettes”. Key trends include “bias cuts, open backs, halter necklines and delicate straps”, noting these adhere to the discernible shift “away from anything too structured or over complicated” and “towards dresses that move naturally with the body”.

This idea of effortlessness is what permeates the best summer wedding guest dresses, Talbot adds. “Comfort is everything. If you feel restricted or uncomfortable by the afternoon, it changes your entire energy. I always think the best dresses are the ones you don’t have to think about once you put them on,” she continues. “Silk dresses work beautifully because they move with the body and still feel elegant after hours of wear. If you can dance in it, sit in it and still feel amazing at midnight, then it’s the right dress.”

As for how to style these pieces? “Slightly undone hair, sun-kissed skin and minimal jewellery. Nothing too overdone. Dresses always look best when they feel natural and lived in. There’s something very modern about simplicity and not looking too perfect.” You don’t have to tell us to ditch our V V Rouleaux-esuqe and Andie Macdowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral-inspired hats…

To have and to hold, uncover below the very best summer wedding guest dresses for every kind of ceremony.

The Best Wedding Guest Dresses for Summer 2026, Per Each Type of Ceremony

1. The Town Hall Wedding

Style Notes: A short and sweet civil service hosted within the marble confines of your closest town hall has become somewhat of the ceremony du jour. From Marlybeone to Hackney, these inner-city suburbs have become awash in dried botanical confetti and swaths of angelic whites as newlyweds exit the venue and enter this new chapter of their lives, a stone’s throw from the bustling city streets that make London such an exciting and vibrant capital.

As a result, the dress code is certainly less formal than in other settings, and you’ll often find yourself seeking out ways to breathe new life into a timeless slip or formerly-loved treasure instead of buying a whole new look for these kinds of celebrations. Echoing this sensibility, Talbot admits that she thinks rewearing pieces is incredibly chic and luxurious. “The women with the best style have a signature look and always repeat things. They just style them differently each time.” So, invest in something that can serve as a blank canvas. As Charli XCX said, fall in love again and again.

Shop the Look:

2. The Destination Wedding

Style Notes: When the invite demands international flights, you might as well use the travel to your advantage and pack with you a dreamy ensemble that gives you an excuse to dress up. Anything can happen when you’re abroad, especially as venues like Tonnara Di Scopello in Sicily and Hotel Corazón in Mallorca become popular haunts.

“For a destination wedding, practicality is just as important as the style,” Talbot tells me. “You want something lightweight, easy to travel with and comfortable in heat, but still romantic. Soft silks and prints always work beautifully.” Still, there’s something to be said for maximising the contents of your carry-on. “A dress can feel completely different when slung casually on holiday with flats and oversized sunglasses versus styled for a wedding with heels and jewellery,” Talbot says. So why not make the most of this investment and style it both ways?

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3. The Countryside Wedding

Style Notes: Quaint and quintessentially British, the countryside wedding is a charming way to escape the big smoke and revel in verdant greenery and plush landscapes that the United Kingdom has to offer. Rural but by no means less cosmopolitan, this occasion is defined by bouquets of native wildflowers, so embrace the delicateness of the occasion in a dress that reflects your surroundings. Like something out of Alice in Wonderland, a trip down the sartorial rabbit hole will lead you to a warren of watercolour palettes, ethereal blooms and leafy hues.

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4.The Beach Wedding

Style Notes: Long gone are the days when the likes of Pamela Anderson rocked up to get married in an itty-bitty white bikini at her local beach. These days, beachside weddings are balmy affairs straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Under the setting sun and with salt hanging in the hair, these are occasions to embrace your most bohemian and hedonistic sensibilities. Because where else could you wear seashell-emblazoned dresses from Conner Ives with generously sized raffia hats from Jacquemus and call it wedding appropriate?

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5. The City Soirée Wedding

Style Notes: Another common choice for couples is to eschew the big, stuffy ceremony altogether. Focusing on a more intimate service provides the opportunity to go all out with a raucous reception that stretches into the early hours of the next morning. Where dirty martinis are slung all evening, and the paramount concern is convincing the DJ to play your favourite karaoke song, opt for something slinky, sensual and fit for midnight glamour. As Talbot says, “for a city wedding, I’d probably lean slightly more polished with cleaner silhouettes and minimal styling.”

Shop the Look:

Sara Walker is a Who What Wear editor in residence, content creator, stylist, and fashion consultant based in Los Angeles.

I feel so lucky to be having not one but two bridal showers. I didn’t think I’d have any, but my aunt in NYC and my best friend in L.A. both offered to host, and I certainly don’t need an excuse to celebrate. So yes, two bridal showers: one very family-oriented in New York and one very sunshine-in-Malibu in Los Angeles.

I wasn’t initially set on having a bridal shower for a number of reasons. While I love celebrating all things love, it didn’t feel like a priority in the grand scheme of wedding planning. Time has flown by, and there are so many logistics—not to mention my friends and family are spread all over the country. While I’m based in L.A. and most of my friends are here, my family (and some of my closest friends) are on the East Coast. I also didn’t want anyone to feel obligated to travel for this. But thanks to two incredible women in my life who so generously offered to host, I now get to celebrate in two completely different ways, and I feel endlessly grateful.

With that comes two totally different approaches to dressing—something I’ve had a lot of fun thinking through.

NYC Bridal Shower

My NYC bridal shower has already happened, and I had four fantastic options to choose from: a watercolor Altuzarra dress (one of my favorite NYC designers!), a Liberowe fringe tweed mini, a Staud white mini with a matching coat, and a vintage Chanel suit from The RealReal. Each felt very “New York” in its own way—polished, considered, and slightly more traditional. For this event, I really leaned into spring with soft pastels and a more sophisticated, buttoned-up look, literally. I even considered a Ralph Lauren button-down with a pencil skirt, which felt very Upper East Side in the best way. As you can tell, my mindset was more formal and classically bridal, with an emphasis on tailoring and timeless silhouettes.

The Altuzarra Dress I Chose for My NYC Bridal Shower

I ultimately landed on the watercolor Altuzarra dress. I went into the process leaning toward something a bit more traditional and polished, but this felt like the perfect balance—feminine and girly yet slightly unexpected with the soft wash of color. It still felt bridal, just with a bit more personality. I also love Altuzarra as a New York brand, so wearing it in the city made the choice feel even more fitting and special.

Pieces I Considered for an NYC Bridal Shower

L.A. Bridal Shower

For my L.A. bridal shower, I took a completely different approach. I found myself gravitating toward texture, ease, prints, and a more relaxed, playful energy. I’ve always felt that bridal looks can be casual and interesting, especially in a setting like Malibu where everything feels a bit more undone in the best way.

One outfit I kept coming back to was a structured Staud top paired with vintage Levi’s and chic white mules. I loved the contrast of something tailored and polished with lived-in denim—it felt effortless but still intentional, which to me is the essence of L.A. style.

Another option I considered was a Dôen fringe dress. It was a bit dressier but still felt easy and romantic, especially styled with a heeled flip-flop for that slightly unexpected touch. I also kept thinking about the “shark dress” from Staud. While it was mostly white, it had a subtle shark design along the side, and I loved that it didn’t take itself too seriously. Because honestly, who doesn’t want to wear a shark dress by the beach while sipping champagne with all their friends?

The Jacquemus Dress I Chose for My L.A. Bridal Shower

I ultimately landed on a light pink Jacquemus dress. I went into the process wanting something a bit more undone and slightly rebellious—leaning away from anything too traditional or expected. While I explored a lot of those directions, I ended up choosing something that still felt effortless and true to me. It wasn’t white, which I loved, but it still carried a softness and femininity that felt right for the moment. It struck that balance of feeling a little unexpected but still completely natural.

There were also a few other pieces in the mix that almost made the cut—some more traditional bridal options, a few ultra-minimal looks—but ultimately, I kept coming back to outfits that felt the most like me in each setting. That’s really been my guiding principle through all of this.

Pieces I Considered for my L.A. Bridal Shower

At the end of the day, planning these looks made me realize how much style is tied to place and mood. New York called for something polished, classic, and a little more buttoned-up, while L.A. invited a more relaxed, playful, and slightly unexpected take on bridal dressing. I loved leaning into each city’s personality and letting that guide my choices. If anything, this experience reminded me that bridal style doesn’t have to fit into one box. It can, and should, feel like you—wherever you are, whatever that looks like.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"If you ask Chris, he would say he was playing the long game, but I doubt this is what he had in mind our sophomore year in college," says Kelli Orihuela, VIP and influence manager at Hermès, as she reflects on the beginning of her relationship with now-husband fintech sales executive Chris Denci. The two first crossed paths at the University of Delaware, where they were in the same public speaking course. At the time, they only knew each other as classmates. "We barely spoke, but he forced me to pay attention to him during a class exercise where everyone in the audience had to raise their hand and could only put it down when the speaker made eye contact for a few seconds," Orihuela recalls. "When it was my turn, he was the last person raising his hand, and even though I spoke directly to him for a full minute, he refused to put his hand down just to lock in my attention."

It didn't lead to anything at the time, but the moment stayed with them. The night before graduation, the two found each other in line outside the same bar, but only a brief hello came from it—nothing more. Months later, while they were both in New York, fate intervened again. "I was at Vanity Fair at the time and attended a brand event downtown," Orihuela explains. "[I] posted the venue on my Instagram story, and the next day, I received a message from Chris asking if I lived in New York." As it turned out, Denci was staying with a family friend in Tribeca just around the corner from Orihuela's office at One World Trade Center. "He finally asked me to grab drinks, and long story short, we have been together ever since, sharing a bottle of rosé and French fries at Grand Banks," she says.

When it came time for the proposal, Orihuela admits she had a feeling it was coming, but the moment still caught her completely off guard. "It was Christmas Day, and Chris was about a week away from relocating to London for six months, and I assumed he would finally pop the question across the pond," she says. Instead, it happened in a very intimate setting. "We were opening presents in our pajamas alongside our golden retriever, Tucker, when I noticed all of my presents were wrapped in white boxes with white ribbon," she says. It wasn't in the first box but the second, where Orihuela found a glass ornament with a ring inside—the same method Denci's dad used when he proposed to his mom. "I could barely form words and was so emotional, [which is] very off-brand for me," she says. "I am certainly grateful he proposed in our living room!"

Soon after the proposal, wedding planning began, and the couple chose Marco Island in Florida, a location with personal significance and stunning scenery that needed no embellishment. "Chris's parents have had a home in Marco Island for almost 15 years, a place I had never heard of before we got together, but now, I can't live without [it]," Orihuela shares. The two were instantly drawn to Hideaway Beach Club for its effortless charm and miles of private beach. "Every inch of the property was beautiful and new, not only in style but also a first-time experience for all of our guests," she says. Read on to admire the couple's very intentional yet effortless design approach; Orihuela's two-piece Sept wedding look, which she paired with her "something borrowed" veil; the "tropical dance club" after-party; and the handful of other special details that made the weekend feel uniquely their own.

"It was important to us to have some welcome event the day before the wedding as a thank-you to everyone making the trek to South Florida. My twin sister Nicole, who had gotten married a year prior, also said it was one of the best decisions she made so you can catch up with as many people as you can and leave small talk out of the big day. She was exactly right."

"I wanted to go for something more fun and nontraditional for the welcome party, which was my style but in a completely different direction than my wedding dress. With the help of a friend and VIP stylist, Yael Quint, I was connected with Albright Fashion Library, the home of everything from vintage Chanel to pieces from Christopher Esber's newest collection. I had worked with them on many photo shoots and was able to browse their collection a few weeks before my styling appointment since I was cutting it close. They had amazing options and styled me from head to toe. Ultimately, with input from industry friends, I went with a blush sequin knit Magda Butrym stunner with rhinestone straps. The slightly loose fit, satin-matching slingbacks, and simple drop earrings gave it the touch of effortless style I aim for in every outfit.

"Unlike me, Chris knew exactly what he wanted to wear! A loose double-breasted suit à la Seth Rogen's character in The Studio custom-made by Fresco Apparel, founded by Chris's uncle. I chose the olive-tan color, a bit outside his comfort zone, and paired it with his favorite pair of tan Hermès drivers."

"We knew immediately that Island Country Club, where Chris's parents are members, would be the perfect venue for our rehearsal dinner and welcome party. We were able to take over the full upper deck looking over the golf course that has a few firepits and a great view of the sunset. In terms of décor, we let the view do all of the talking."

Details from the welcome party.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Once the festivities start, enjoy yourself, and take it all in! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that goes by faster than you can imagine, so be present, and enjoy the fruits of your labor."

"With my wedding party only being two people, the initial getting-ready group was rather small: my twin sister, the maid of honor; soon-to-be sister-in-law as my only bridesmaid; mom; stepmom; and soon-to-be mother-in-law."

"Creating the invites was one of my favorite and most stressful (self-induced, of course) processes of wedding planning. For all wedding stationery, I worked with Little Black Dress Paperie, based in Morristown, New Jersey, not too far from where I grew up. I knew I wanted something colorful and tonal, giving maximum impact with a minimal approach. It was also very important to me to have the invites, florals, décor, etc., read more like a chic dinner party than a wedding. After creating three different color stories, I went with the color cayenne for the main invitation, a deep red-orange that was fun and unexpected yet very true to the setting, donned with a large [debossed] palm tree and white high-gloss letterpress. I chose a rattan print for the bellyband in the same colorway, which blended everything together perfectly."

"I wore an off-white short silk slip dress from a Bottega Veneta sample sale I scored a few years prior and a floor-length apricot-colored Frette silk button-up robe, which I fully plan to rewear with jeans. The ruffle details on the slip were the perfect amount of frill, while the relaxed style of the robe made me feel like I was getting ready at home rather than at the wedding venue. My glam approach was more red carpet with a sprinkle of sultry, focusing on strong brows, a thick lash line, and a really good lip, something a friend and recent bride had passed on to me. I'm happy I listened!

WWW Weddings Tip: "Check resale websites! I found some of my favorite pieces on Poshmark and eBay for a fraction of the price."

"Dress shopping was certainly a highlight, but I wanted to be extremely mindful regarding the number of appointments I booked. I made a very short list of designers and boutiques I absolutely needed to visit, then a backup list in case I needed to broaden my search."

"Sept was my third appointment, and once I walked into the showroom, I felt how special it was. The collections are not nearly as vast as those of the big bridal brands, which I appreciated because they offer a very distinct point of view. Sept also recently released a collection featuring separates, which really broadened my options. During my second appointment, which I attended alone and was meant to trim down my top options to a final two, I spotted a sheer corset top that was draped to perfection and had a texture I had never seen in bridal before. Matthew, the manager and most amazing sales associate, grabbed a sleek silk skirt with a small train, which balanced the top perfectly. What sealed the deal is that it made me feel everything I wanted to feel on my wedding day: beautiful, timeless, and like myself. When it came to accessories, I wanted to stay true to myself and keep it simple. I wore my grandmother's pearl-and-diamond drop earrings that she and many other women in my family have worn down the aisle, plus a diamond tennis bracelet from my other grandmother."

"Chris wore a black Burberry tuxedo that I had gotten him during my time at Vanity Fair. It fit him like a dream and is made of a magical blend that we have been trying to hunt down ever since. Like most grooms, he really made his outfit special with his accessories: sterling silver oval Tiffany & Co cuff links with his initials engraved, a birthday present I had given him years prior, and custom black velvet tuxedo loafers from a little shop in London. The store offered custom embroidery, one toe with a bluefin tuna and the other with our golden retriever. If you know Chris, you know his two other big loves are deep-sea fishing and our dog! They gave the perfect touch of playful personality but still toed the line of traditional black tie."

"A few hours [into the day], a small group of my closest friends joined to get the party going!"

WWW Weddings Tip: "Be very mindful of who you include in your inner circle for input, whether it's dress shopping, designing your invites, florals, etc. At the end of the day, you always have time to sleep on a decision, then trust your gut."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Start with how you want the day to feel and what you want your guests to walk away with rather than all the physical aspects you want to incorporate. This helped me craft my overall aesthetic and clear the noise in my head when I had to make big decisions."

"Honorable mention to my Etsy witch! I started to look at the forecast a week prior, which started as perfect, but in true Florida fashion, it completely changed to rain all weekend the following day. The wedding would have been a completely different vibe if we were indoors the entire time. Not only did she come through with no rain, but it was [also] the perfect temperature, slight breeze, partially overcast and with the most amazing 20-minute-long sunset."

"The ceremony was clean and simple—not only because it was the shortest part of the night, but the pared-down nature of it symbolized the whole reason for a wedding: love and people! Wicker lanterns at the entryway framed the white sand aisle that led to a round platform that blended seamlessly into the beach. Around the platform were bushels of tropical greenery, the perfect earthy element accenting our ocean backdrop. Chairs and umbrellas to shade guests from the South Florida sun were slightly varying hues of natural wood that were used to support the surroundings instead of taking away."

My florist wrapped my bouquet with a rosary that was made from the flowers at my late grandfather's funeral and a cross brooch as my 'something blue.'"

"I kept my hair down in big, loose curls to break up the material draped by my collarbone and the two-tier veil. The veil I borrowed from my sister had a horsehair trim, which complemented the texture of the top of my dress and gave the veil some structure."

"The bouquets carried by my bridal party of two and me were the only pop of color, minimal in size, and made up of two kinds of sunset-hued stems."

"Chris's cousin Michael was the perfect officiant—thoughtful, funny, captivating—and included the perfect amount of marital advice. The ceremony was the perfect length and a great kickoff to cocktail hour."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Borrow! Not only was this a money saver for small things like frames for the memorial table, but wearing family jewelry and my sister's wedding veil added the perfect amount of sentimental value."

"I loved my dress so much that I was never really interested in a second look, but another advantage of choosing separates was being able to swap out one piece to get a completely different look. After some time on the dance floor, I traded my floor-length fitted skirt for a satin micro mini that was secretly a skort so I could dance the night away. My white satin Aquazzura slingback sandals with crystal bows also got their very deserved time to shine. I also bought an ivory duchesse silk Courtney Zheng bralette to wear with my Sept skirt in case I wanted to give that a new life too, but I spent too much time dancing to change a second time, which is what every bride should do!"

"Cocktail hour is always one of my favorite moments of a wedding, as it can set the tone for the rest of the party if done right. I knew this was where I wanted to start introducing color as a buildup instead of a major moment, especially since the pool deck was so vast. A table hosting the escort cards, printed on the same fresh green as the bar menus, was also a slight nod to our invitations with the palm tree and our initials in script, all printed in a deeper shade of green."

"Sit-down dinner on the beach was my big wow moment! While I love a neutral, I thought a pop of color against the vastness of the beach and pure white sand would create a very impactful moment without having 101 design elements. When choosing the color scheme, I wanted something unexpected yet complementary to the setting, which led me to sunset hues, leaning more toward the orange-red part of the spectrum rather than pinks. Like my invitations, keeping the majority of elements monochromatic can make even the loudest of colors more approachable, which is how I landed on the florals, seat, and table cards all mirroring the orangey-red linens."

"We had our band play a few songs to get the party going, then Chris and I took center stage for our upbeat first dance. A dance with my dad followed to Stevie Wonder's 'Isn't She Lovely,' which my dad famously sang to my sister and me when he held us for the first time in the hospital. He took great pride in choreographing our dance and will always be one of my favorite dance partners. Chris and his mom closed the dances with 'Forever Young,' which everyone sang the chorus to before storming the dance floor."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Don't just look at weddings for inspiration. I found this extremely helpful, especially when it came to color schemes and décor. I drew a ton of inspiration from color combinations found in nature, interior design, and even runway looks. In terms of décor, I shifted my focus from wedding receptions to brand trips, hotels, restaurants, and even birthday parties!"

Details from the wedding reception.

"For the final moment of the night, I wanted to create a tropical dance club. As we walked from the beach, multicolored lights flooded through the ballroom windows, welcoming guests to the dance floor. We also added uplighting in a dark emerald green alongside the walls to the left and right of our nine-piece band. The room's high ceilings allowed for clusters of wicker and rattan lanterns to hang above the dance floor, complementing the clusters of lanterns that framed the stage and were accompanied by large tropical palms. The shift to dark hues completed the color spectrum and symbolized the night's final moment. From start to finish, everyone was on the dance floor, and I even made it onstage. What more could you ask for?"

Wedding Planner: Kelci Leigh Events
Photographers: Kara Jean Lanteigne, Julie Cate Christman, and Joseph Rogero
Videographer: So Loved Films
Hair and Makeup Artist: Unbreakable Beauty
Band: Bay Kings Band
Striped-Linen Designer: Nuage Design
Solid-Linen Designer: Taylor Rental
Florist: West & Rock
Stationery Designer: Little Black Dress Paperie
Furniture Rentals: Taylor Rental and Plíthos Event Rentals

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

Wedding season is approaching quickly, and whilst there are nuptials at all times of year, late spring and summer tend to hold the most celebrations. With that comes the inevitable question: "What to wear to a wedding?"

With different types of celebrations and levels of formality, there's a lot to choose from, and sometimes the best answers lie in this year's fresh alternative wedding guest trends. I'll be the first to admit I don't love dressing up, but this stems from my complicated relationship with dresses. Even at my own wedding, I changed out of my dress and into silk trousers and a crop top.

All that to say, I think it comes down to not being resolute in finding the right dress—but remembering that trousers and plenty of other alternatives exist for looking your best at a wedding. There are so many unique variations, cool fabrics, sleek colours and eye-catching silhouettes that make wedding guest attire so much more fun to plan. An alternative wedding guest outfit can be a major shift away from what you typically wear, or it can be a small change that makes a big impact on how you feel. This list is a blend of those things.

It features colours (like black and red), which weren't always go-to wedding shades, but are becoming far more popular. There are suits and trouser outfits that make sleek replacements for your standard dress. And some alternatives are subtler, like opting for a scarf dress or something with a sheer skirt, two details which make me feel more excited about wearing wedding guest dresses for the evening. There's an outfit for everyone, and with weddings themselves becoming more creative these days, you aren't short on options.

So whether you're like me and aren't a serious fan of the usual wedding guest attire, or you are simply looking to switch up what you typically wear, the following trends will suit you perfectly (pun intended), from black-tie affairs to city elopements to cosy garden dinner parties.

8 Chic Alternative Wedding Guest Trends To Adopt in 2026

1. A Power Suit

Style Notes: Nothing makes my fashion heart happy like a good power suit. As someone who has never loved dresses (and who rolls her eyes at stereotypical gendered expectations of dressing), a suit makes for the perfect alternative wedding guest attire. As London-based creative consultant Alexis Foreman shows, in an earthy neutral, you'll have a stunning outfit for all types of weddings. This alternative is ideal if you prefer not to wear dresses, like a jumpsuit or want something that feels totally different from a gown.

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2. Statement Black Dress

Style Notes: As black-tie dress codes have become more popular for weddings, so has wearing black to weddings. Seeing that this is my favourite colour, I've never been happier. There is something so sleek about a black dress, especially one with flair, like the one Danish content creator, Marie Jedig, is wearing. Black is elegant and sophisticated—think of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and the icon status of the little black dress. This is a superb option if you're a fan of silk and satin dresses or opt for minimal colours in your wedding guest attire already.

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3. Silk Trousers

Style Notes: Silk trousers are a nice wedding guest alternative to a jumpsuit or black dress if you're more of a trousers person. Dutch style blogger Anouk Yve's styling of wrap-style trousers with a halter-neck is very chic. For more formal events, you could pair these with a cape or trumpet-sleeve top. If the wedding theme is garden fête, you could opt for more colourful pairs in green, pink or blue.

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4. Structured Blazer

Style Notes: If it's not a black-tie or ultra formal event, but you love the idea of a suit, a blazer and trousers can be a gorgeous alternative. London-based fashion influencer Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemak's choice of deep purple feels a little more interesting than a black or charcoal blazer. Pointed-toe shoes and a structured bag look lovely against this pairing. For warmer climes or destination weddings, a linen blazer is the perfect swap.

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5. Scarf Dress

Style Notes: Anyone who normally gravitates towards wedding guest dresses with ruffles, layers or fun prints will love a scarf dress—particularly one in a bold hue. This small detail can take a wedding guest dress from pretty to show-stopping. It feels sophisticated, and it works even for warm-weather weddings since the fabric is quite light.

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6. Two-Piece Set

Style Notes: Typically, for a wedding that calls for more relaxed attire, you might reach for a sundress or similar. As an alternative, two-piece sets make for a chic switch. A high-waisted look with a fun texture, like this style seen here, is so elevated. Silk and satin materials work for sleek dinners, but floral prints and bright colours can be fun for tropical destinations or more casual weddings. More neutral two-piece sets can also leave room for you to get more creative with your shoes.

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7. Sheer Skirts

Style Notes: I find some of the best alternatives simply come from reconsidering classics. A little black dress? A straight-cut dress? Classics. With a sheer skirt? It instantly feels fresh. This look is ideal for warm-weather celebrations and destination weddings, whilst also feeling ethereal for white-themed weddings that call for all guests to wear white.

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8. Bubble-Hem Tops

Style Notes: You've probably noticed the return of peplum outfits and the number of styles that have spun off from it. From waisted silhouettes to bubble hems, the last couple of years have brought them back, and they're chicer than ever. If you love a bubble hem dress or anything with ruffles or unique shapes, a bubble hem top and trousers outfit works as a great switch for the wedding you're attending. It's just as sophisticated as a dress but easier to wear (and dance in).

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What makes a great movie? Ask around our office, and inevitably, excellent style throughout and impeccable costuming come up top. A memorable soundtrack plays its part, of course, whilst pacing, dialogue and character arcs all weigh heavily too. But for many, a film’s value lies in its ability to thrill.

Some are drawn to explosive exchanges, and others are pulled towards quieter, tension-laced moments, but for me, a wedding has always been my cinematic kryptonite. Having racked up plenty of hours watching wedding scenes in my time, I've long believed that these moments capture so many of the elements that make a film unforgettable: drama, decadence, costume, passion and, of course, love. And now, as wedding season 2026 gathers pace in real life, I’ve found myself feeling a little more romantic than usual, prompting a desire to delve into some of the most iconic brides ever to grace our screens.

Whether you also love an on-screen wedding and are looking to refresh your watch list, or if you're searching for bridal inspiration for your own big day, below, discover my definitive list of the most iconic brides to ever walk down the aisle on film.

The Most Iconic Movie Brides of All Time

1. Apollonia Vitelli, The Godfather

Style Notes: With two weddings, a funeral, a baptism and more than its fair share of gunshots, The Godfather is hardly short of high-octane drama. Yet my favourite scene across its 175 minutes is one of the film's brief moments of calm: Michael and Apollonia’s wedding, set in a sun-drenched Sicilian town, feels worlds away from the violence that plagues the film. Though their romance burns fast and bright, the ceremony itself is languid, peaceful and steeped in Sicilian tradition. Apollonia wears a cascading lace-trim veil and a classic white gown adorned with delicate detailing. A smaller moment in a film brimming with towering characters, this scene alone is reason enough to revisit The Godfather this wedding season.

2. Jo Stockton, Funny Face

Style Notes: Perhaps one of the most iconic bridal looks of all time, Jo Stockton’s wedding to Dick Avery in Funny Face demonstrates exactly why 1950s motifs remain on bridal mood boards all these years later. Set in the French countryside, Jo’s gown embraces the era’s signature silhouette: a full-circle skirt cropped to mid-calf, paired with a romantic boat neckline and a sheer veil. Refined accessories—cropped gloves and simple stud earrings—work with her classic red lip and defined eyeliner to create a bridal moment that feels as charming today as it did all those years ago.

3. Juliet, Love Actually

Style Notes: No roundup of iconic on-screen brides would be complete without a nod to Love Actually. Juliet’s wedding look, unveiled in the film’s opening scenes, sees Keira Knightley styled in a cascading, subtly sheer gown. The custom design features a gauzy chiffon overlay that wraps softly around a pale, blush-toned skirt. Feathered accents woven through both the dress and her hair lend a sense of whimsy, capturing the playful spirit of the early noughties so perfectly.

4. Carrie, Four Weddings and a Funeral

Style Notes: Though Carrie’s on-screen wedding isn’t to the film’s protagonist—she ultimately chooses a life with Charles, sans vows—Four Weddings and a Funeral still treats us to a memorable bridal moment courtesy of Andie MacDowell. Quintessentially '90s, the bride wore a satin gown topped with a bolero, embellished with sequins and beads. The third of the film’s four weddings, Carrie's wedding scene delivers the charm, romance and English wit that makes the movie such a perennial favourite.

5. Marie Antoinette, Marie Antoinette

Style Notes: If decadence, hedonism and unabashed fancy are what you seek, then Marie Antoinette deserves a top spot on your wedding-season watch list. Sofia Coppola’s imagining of the life of the ill-fated Queen of France leans fully into Rococo fantasy, charting the gilded excess of Marie Antoinette’s life with lavish abandon. Staged at the opulent Palace of Versailles, Kirsten Dunst wears a gown designed by Milena Canonero, replete with embroidery, ribbons and exaggerated volume.

6. Lisa McDowell, Coming to America

Style Notes: As the film begins, our hero, Akeem Joffer (played by Eddie Murphy), flees an arranged marriage in his home country. From there, Coming to America builds patiently towards its grand, joy-filled finale, when the wedding finally arrives. Lisa McDowell’s iconic bridal look: a bubblegum-pink tulle gown, accessorised with an oversized diamond ring, a jewel-encrusted tiara and layers of dazzling adornments, creates a truly fairytale-worthy look. Theatrical and decadent, this easily warrants a place amongst cinema’s most iconic bridal moments.

7. Juliet, Romeo + Juliet

Style Notes: How could one of the most enduring love stories of all time not earn its place here, especially when brought to life by Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio? In Romeo + Juliet, the clandestine wedding offers a moment of pure, fragile joy before the tragedy that follows. Set to the ethereal tones of "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)", Juliet glides down the aisle in a minimalist satin slip dress. Delicate button detailing and a pared-back silhouette lend the look an inherent elegance, perfectly in tune with the film’s '90s sensibility. Unstated but striking, the simple gown allows the couple's inimitable love to steal the scene.

8. Pinky, Bend it Like Beckham

Style Notes: Few films have left as lasting an impression on millennial women as Bend It Like Beckham, and Pinky’s wedding plays a significant role in its cultural resonance. Positioned in contrast to her younger sister’s rebellious streak, Pinky embraces tradition, and when her wedding finally unfolds, it does so in a vibrant celebration of Hindu customs, rich in colour, music and joy. Pinky’s bridal saree reflects traditional Indian attire, adorned with intricate embroidery and layered with gold jewellery. In contrast to the many white weddings that pepper this list, Pinky's nuptials offer a visual feast that honours tradition whilst delivering a joyously memorable wedding scene.

9. Miss Havisham, Great Expectations

Style Notes: Few on-screen brides are as haunting as Helena Bonham Carter’s Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. Forever frozen in the moment of her abandonment at the altar, she remains in her decaying wedding dress, a ghostly relic of a day that never truly was. The gown itself speaks to her deterioration: once opulent silk, now faded and frayed, lace yellowed with time. And yet, I can't deny there's a romance to it; a gothic, melancholic beauty speaking to the darker side of love, heartbreak, obsession and the relentless passage of time.

10. Bella Baxter, Poor Things

Style Notes: Bella Baxter’s opulent, energetic and outlandish approach to bridal styling feels entirely in step with the character's unbridled innocence and exuberance. The film won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and designer Holly Waddington's gown eschews classic bridal codes, instead incorporating a Victorian influence through a surrealist lens. Leaning into exaggerated proportions—including sleeves so inflated they resemble balloons—Bella's gown reflects the avant-garde spirit that runs throughout the film. Whilst vows were never exchanged, the wedding scene offers a healthy dose of visual intrigue, drenched in a rich palette that cements it as one of the most visually compelling on-screen weddings.

11. Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Style Notes: Of course, I have to mention Carrie Bradshaw and her Vivienne Westwood gown. The exaggerated volume, sculptural folds and theatricality make it one of the most recognisable wedding dresses in film (and fashion) history. Paired with that unforgettable bird headpiece, the look mirrors Carrie's unrelentingly bold and playful sense of style.

12. The Bride, The Bride of Frankenstein

Style Notes: Long before modern cinema’s bridal icons, 1935's The Bride of Frankenstein offered up a bridal look that will forever live on. Wrapped in bandage-like drapery and crowned with that instantly recognisable streaked hairstyle, the otherwise-unnamed Bride's look is eerie, otherworldly and completely singular. Between the stark palette (exaggerated by the black-and-white film), the sculptural silhouette and the sheer theatricality of it all, there’s a strange elegance to her look. Decades on, it remains one of cinema’s most referenced and reimagined bridal aesthetics.

13. Maggie Carpenter, Runaway Bride

Style Notes: Julia Roberts's Maggie Carpenter offers up a series of bridal looks in the classic rom com Runaway Bride. The ultimate bride, having already bolted from the aisle three times where the story picks up, Maggie’s relationship with marriage is, at best, complicated. Still, it’s this very journey that makes her final walk down the aisle so satisfying.

Wedding season is in full swing, and I’ve already RSVP’d to what feels like hundreds of celebrations. There’s so much to love about attending a wedding, from seeing the dress to eating the food to the amazing after-party. However, if there’s one element of being a wedding guest that can be stressful (after you've got your outfit sorted, of course), it’s picking out the perfect gift.

Gift shopping for loved ones is always tricky, but it feels even harder for weddings. Not only does every couple have different tastes and aesthetics, but you're essentially competing with the entire guest list to pick the chicest present no one else will have thought of. Well, never fear, because that’s where I come in. I’m not trying to brag, but gift-giving is one of my love languages, and as someone who literally shops for a living, I’m constantly asked by friends and family for advice on the perfect present to buy for the newlyweds in their lives. Luckily for them (and now you), I’ve decided to make things even simpler by collating the most elegant wedding gifts on the market right now, and there’s something to suit every couple’s tastes, lifestyle—and most importantly, your budget.

From customised homeware staples for the interior enthusiasts to travel gift cards for the globetrotters, below, I’ve rounded up 36 of the chicest wedding gifts, all of which are sure to earn you a wordy thank-you card this wedding season.

The Very Best Wedding Gifts to Give in 2026

It goes without saying that your wedding should reflect your personal style, but harnessing that—for what is supposed to be the most important day of your life—is surprisingly hard. Classic, cool, chic, unique: everyone wants to evoke a certain mood and ensure the day is as memorable for the guests as it is for them. But when presented with the choices for all the details (the invites, the dress, florals, cake, music, venue…), the list is truly endless, so even the most decisive people can face chronic decision paralysis.

I spoke to two brides-to-be with very different styles about their desires for their respective Big Day. I know both of them very well, as they're part of the Who What Wear UK team. Poppy Nash, our managing editor and resident bride-to-be with traditional taste, is getting married in late September this year. She, like her style, is sophisticated, minimal and polished—I'd expect her wedding spreadsheet to be as diligently organised, curated and colour-coded as the wedding itself.

Sophie Cookson, our in-house insights analyst and token cool girl, is more alternative. Yes, she works in data, but she's more of an eclectic (though always chic) dresser, a vintage fanatic and lover of colour. Whilst Sophie and her partner Jack haven't yet set a date or found a venue, they have a pretty good idea of what they do (and don't) want.

When you work in a female-dominated industry like fashion, you tend to hear many anecdotes about your colleagues' lives, both the everyday stuff and the big things, too. As such, when one of them (or two, in this case) is planning a wedding, you get to hear about it from the inside. I can vouch that these two women, whilst sharing the same desire to evoke a celebration of love, joy and family, will want to create very contrasting weddings. From the flowers and location to the dress and décor, these are the (very different) elements on their wedding mood boards that will deliver their dream days.

THE "TRAD" BRIDE: POPPY NASH

"When it comes to style, mine is fairly classic with 'pretty' touches. My colleagues joke that I'm allergic to colour at times because my interiors taste and sense of style are so neutral, so it felt right that our wedding reflects this. If I had to describe the vibe, it would be classic, minimalist and English garden, with lots of white linen and simple stationery," says Poppy.

I ask her if there was a famous wedding (celebrity or one on TV or film) that evoked the overall mood. "Probably Kate Moss and Jamie Hince’s wedding in 2011—because of the English garden, boho and romantic vibes—with a sprinkling of Father of the Bride," she tells me.

In light of this, Poppy and her husband-to-be, Jack, chose Updown Farmhouse, a stunning venue in the Kent countryside. "There is no colour scheme, just all white everything," says Poppy, aside from, "Maybe pale-blue bridesmaids dresses, but that's still yet to be decided."

For florals, Poppy has landed on fluffy roses and hydrangeas, but instead of larger arrangements, she's prescriptive about wanting "tonnes of small setups" in—you guessed it—white, that will add to the whimsy and romantic vibe. The invites have been printed on simple, thick white card, with no fussy design, although she admits she "spent hours deciding on the right font." As well as lots of white flowers, for Poppy and Jack, the non-negotiables were "a big band, an acoustic musician for cocktail hour and lots of speeches. Oh, and whilst we didn't ask for gifts [on the invite], we did ask that every guest give us a card that we can read afterwards."

Choosing the dress, as often is the case, came with a lot of pressure for Poppy. "I’ll admit I felt quite anxious. I’m a real dress girl, and I’ve worn so many beautiful ones over the years, but I knew this particular one had to be the best of all time. I struggled to find something in boutiques that felt right; I didn’t want anything too traditional or covered in beading or lace, because that's just not me. Whilst I love those pretty touches, I hate anything overly fussy. I am, however, partial to a puff sleeve, so that may or may not feature. After trying on so many options, I realised that I wanted my version of a big white dress: something very simple but still impactful."

For beauty, Poppy's choices match the natural, romantic vibe of the wedding itself: "simple makeup, lots of pink blush and my hair will be up in a loose bun."

Reflecting on her choice to go for something more traditional, Poppy says she "always wanted that traditional marriage moment."
"Not boring, not cookie-cutter and not traditional in every way, but yes, I wanted to go all in on the weekend. When it came to planning the wedding, I definitely leaned towards a 'big white wedding' vibe, because I want that moment of celebration. I want to go all in on a day to celebrate us and all our family and friends. I felt like we—and all our loved ones—deserve that!"

THE "ALT" BRIDE: SOPHIE COOKSON

Sophie and Jack (yes, her partner is also called Jack) are your classic East London couple. He owns a pie bakery in Leyton, and she works in fashion. Their vision for their Big Day, although not yet set, reflects this to a tee.

"We want two weddings, essentially. The first will be a London registry office with close friends and family, followed by a meal at St John Bread and Wine, followed by a pub or maybe a gathering on a canal boat. Then we’d like to organise a bigger party at a rented house in the Lake District, where everyone can come together and party. Our vibe for the day will be casual, cool, fun and unfussy."

Whilst Sophie hopes the general mood will be very relaxed, the details and décor will be filled with colour and joy. "We’re going to do photo-booth photos for invites, we want an Irish or country band (with cowboy hats and the whole shebang, of course) and lots of colourful blooms. Instead of a cake, we’re leaning towards a larger dessert, something retro and a little kitschy."

Knowing Sophie well and Jack a little (I’m a frequent visitor to his bakery, Win's, in Leyton), I know they’ll both wear something very cool—perhaps a little vintage—but will make it look effortless. "His style is a little edgier than mine, but we’re both pretty eclectic in our tastes; I can see him wearing a bowler tie, and I’m quite keen on wearing a green dress instead of white.

"For the London wedding, I envision something either sequinned or a '70s or '80s vibe. The second wedding dress I hope to be secondhand—I’m thinking something lace, maybe sleek and long-sleeved. I’ll also definitely let my bridesmaids choose what they’re wearing to ensure they’re happy with their look. I don’t think we’ll have them in a singular colour, but there’ll still be a point of difference so they stand out from the crowd. Then, I’m asking all other guests to go OTT and extra; think sequins, feathers… the bigger and bolder, the better."

When seeking inspiration for what she and Jack want to achieve, Sophie cites two pretty iconic weddings. "I loved Blondey McCoy and Jennifer Murray’s wedding; some elements looked pretty traditional, but they did it in their own way and with a lot of personality. It looked so fun, free and just full of love. I also loved Lily Allen and David Harbour’s wedding. I feel like it's a bad omen to say now, considering she wrote a whole album about their break-up, but I love the idea of getting married by an Elvis impersonator and then going for fast food after. Something that feels intimate and carefree."

Adding to the fuss-free and intimate vibe, Sophie and Jack have already enlisted her mum and Jack's uncle to orchestrate the second ceremony in the Lake District, where Jack's family have close ties. They also want to include their beloved dog, Pepito, and will host a hike the next day for those who want to join (and aren't too hungover!).

Since planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, with as many spreadsheets, colour-coded to-do lists and video calls as your actual 9-to-5, we've put together a definitive guide to pulling off the chicest nuptials in 2026, from the nail polish that will take your manicure from bland to bridal to the off-the-beaten-track destinations that will inspire awe in your guests. Think of this as inspiration (rather than a blueprint) for how to host a wedding that is beautiful, memorable—and most importantly, 100% you.

Bridal Brands to Know

For Romantic Brides: WED

Founded by Central Saint Martins alumni Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips, WED has become the go-to brand for brides who want modern romance. Its 2026 collection includes a strapless gown in voluminous, stiff tulle with a draped flag hem trimmed with floral lace, creating the impression of handkerchief-like tiers. Another, also in tulle, features visible boning and is adorned with flattened bows and a semi-sheer layered skirt that both reveals and conceals. It’s less period drama, more Margot Robbie’s Catherine.

For Brides Who Value Craftpersonship: Róisín Pierce

Róisín Pierce’s pieces aren't billed strictly as "bridalwear", but her signature colour palette of fresh whites and focus on artisanal techniques such as crochet, lacemaking and smocking lend themselves nicely to the genre. If you’re looking for a wedding dress with a difference—something textured and sculptural, high-fashion and heritage—Pierce’s exquisite creations, where craft is showcased, you just might find it here.

For Minimalist Brides: Viktoria Chan

Swedish brand Viktoria Chan draws on "structured simplicity" and "modern sophistication", tenets that might ring a bell if your everyday mood is minimal but interesting. One gown has fine straps and a silhouette that gently curves away from the body, stopping at the ankle with an elegant train at the reverse. Another is shaped like a T-shirt, with a boat neck and subtly pooling hemline. Easy to wear yet heart-stoppingly gorgeous, they’ll ensure people see you, not just the dress.

For Glamorous Brides: Taller Marmo

Famous for its glamorously fringed take on kaftans, Taller Marmo’s bridalwear is similarly high-octane. Its 2026 bridal dresses are offered in a sumptuously rich shade of latte and feature ostrich feathers, caped arms crafted from fluid crepe chiffon or a shoulder-framing halter neckline.

It’s All Content

Credit: Content for Brides

A hashtag combining your names is now the bare minimum, FYI. In 2026, couples are hiring content creators. According to wedding planner Katrina Otter, "More couples have been asking about capturing additional content alongside a photographer and videographer. These elements are still the priority, but there’s increasing interest in the spontaneous, behind-the-scenes moments that unfold throughout the day," she says, recommending two businesses in particular: MB Weddings & Events and Content for Brides.

"My clients aren’t necessarily calling it a 'content strategy'; it’s more about making sure the atmosphere and energy of their wedding is captured in real time. Some are hiring dedicated content creators to film short-form, social-ready clips, whilst others rely on guests to share their perspective. It’s less about replacing traditional coverage and more about complementing it with immediate, shareable moments," says Otter.

Don’t Say "Yes" to the (Bridesmaid) Dress

Bridesmaid dresses are usually a point of contention. Chanel’s Haute Couture spring/summer 2026 show offered an alternative, albeit inadvertently, for the age-old question of how to find chic bridesmaid dresses. The answer, apparently, is to side-step dresses altogether (they often look too satin-y and/or insipid in a pastel-themed lineup), and opt instead for a suit. Chanel’s were pearlescent, pink and complete with a semi-sheer column skirt, but if you really want to make sure your girls are suitably comfortable, Bella Freud’s sky-blue trouser suit might just be The One.

The Top Table

Credit: @casadeperrin, Gigi and Olive, Content for Brides, @sofiethompson2

Adding vintage elements—anything from candlesticks to bread baskets—will help to personalise your tablescape. Gigi & Olive, a one-stop shop for the modern bride, has an entire section dedicated to vintage finds, with silverware, drinkware and even hankies (I think the pedestal-foot ice bucket with matching tongs is particularly tempting). Connolly England’s edit, meanwhile, includes a clam-shell plate set from the ‘70s that would take pride of place on any top table.

Instead of thinking in literal terms (cutlery, plates, glassware, bud vases and placecards), why not theme your table setting around your journey? As Laura Hoyos, founder of creative studio Hito Estudio, explains, "For me, curating a table begins with observation, poetics and research. I like to start by asking questions, for example, in the context of weddings, [questions about] your morning routine, how you met or the small moments that make you keep falling in love," she says. "These stories become the starting point. I proceed with research and editorial direction that translates these feelings, memories or prompts into materials, colours and gestures. The table then becomes a reflection of the couple’s poetics; a place where intention, food and taste come together."

Flower Power

Instead of a single trending flower this year, floral arrangements now sit at "dramatic extremes", according to Emily Sritharan, founder of Athlyn, who has made arrangements for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Loewe and Prada. "I've been drawn to delicate, understated arrangements that emphasise the intricacy, detail and beauty of each stem; petite bridal bouquets wrapped in fine ribbon, small piles of fragile pansies or slender arrangements of rare, small orchids." The flipside is "sprawling bouquets—oversized and dramatic, like one of my favourites from the past year for the photographer Annie Reid, with cascading orchids inspired by vintage bouquets," she shares.

And the flowers don’t have to stop at bouquets. In fact, the Dior Haute Couture S/S 26 runway provided a viable alt: an oversized corsage, positioned not at the wrist but the shoulder. Vivienne Westwood has yet another proposition in the form of a new fabrication for one of its iconic wedding dresses, the Nova Bagatelle, which comes printed with falling long-stemmed roses.

The New Places to Get Married

Credit: Getty, Content for Brides

Arguably, some European destinations have been overdone by wedding tourists—Tuscany? Again?—so why not choose somewhere on the continent but slightly more under the radar? Mark Niemierko, luxury wedding planner, suggests choosing somewhere that has resonance. "Couples are no longer picking random locations purely for shallow reasons. Instead, [they're choosing] places with meaning to them. It might be home, somewhere they met, studied or a place tied to family history. We’re planning a wedding this summer in Bulgaria, close to the couple's family home," he says.

Niemierko also name-checks three other destinations that are slightly more unusual. "Seville offers culture, architecture and sunshine, but still feels less saturated than many traditional destination wedding locations. Copenhagen is also interesting, offering a clean, stylish and slightly unexpected setting. And for Medieval charm paired with extraordinary views, Montenegro is hard to beat."

An Out-of-This-World Honeymoon

Credit: Content for Brides

What constitutes a "dream" honeymoon destination will vary from couple to couple, but many will be looking for a mix of activity and relaxation. According to Molly Crow, head of global travel at Audley Travel, "We are seeing a rise in bookings for hybrid trips, with two clear parts. A couple may choose to pair a Tanzania safari with time relaxing on the coast of Zanzibar, or Thailand's beaches with a stay in the tropical rainforest setting of Khao Sok National Park, including a night spent in a floating tented camp," she says, adding, "Adventurous couples may like the idea of searching for wildlife whilst hiking through Madagascar's rainforest, followed by a few days on the tranquil beaches of Île Sainte-Marie."

If you want an otherworldly setting near a tapestry of waterways, lagoons and islands, meanwhile, Abercrombie & Kent’s Baines' Lodge reopened last year after an extensive rebuild. Situated in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, its six private suites rise on stilts from swaying papyrus reeds, with opportunities to spot hippos, painted reed frogs, lions and leopards by motorised boat or canoe in the wetlands.

A Modern Trousseau

Your honeymoon wardrobe shouldn’t be a mere afterthought. Gigi & Olive has collaborated with swimwear brand Away That Day to produce a bridal swimwear collection that will make for chic poolside selfies (the sweetheart-neck one-piece, complete with corsage, is a favourite). Birkenstock’s Arizona sandal recently got the wedding treatment courtesy of bridal label Danielle Frankel, which has edged the sandal's straps with micropearls and chiffon-embellished florals, whilst SKIMS has just launched its wedding shop, including a draped silk-chiffon slip dress that’s perfect for a hot-weather honeymoon. Oh, and don't pack your case without a pair of chic heels from Malone Souliers' wedding edit—the pretty pink-and-gold mules have "party" written all over them.

Something Old

Credit: Knatchbull, Gigi and Olive, Content for Brides

More and more brides are opting to make their "something old" a meaningful part of their bridal look. At Knatchbull, Savile Row’s first and only shopfront exclusively for women, brides often want personal items incorporated into their outfits. "We’ve found that, particularly for brides who no longer have a parent with them, this can be a very meaningful way to include them in the day. For example, we recently worked with a bride who had her late mother’s veil transformed into a pocket square for her bridal suit—a beautiful way to keep her mother by her side on the day," says Daisy Knatchbull, founder and CEO, adding, "I really love the hidden details that we can weave into a bridal suit, whether it’s embroidered messages on the inside of the suit, a personalised lining or something even more tender and secret."

Beauty Mood Board

This year’s bride might want to embrace a more experimental beauty look. At Diotima, what resembled a fine, shimmering white powder was lightly spray-painted across one model’s left eye socket, brow and forehead, creating an ethereal kind of shadow that could substitute for a veil. Pauline Dujancourt’s models had lace manicures, and one even had nails that perfectly matched her high-neck, long-sleeved capelet. As for hair accessories, diamanté crowns, worn on the hairline instead of the top of the head, appeared at Simone Rocha. What better way to keep your hair off your face if the weather is windy? And finally, it may be pretty traditional, but we have to mention the blushing-pink lipstick at Erdem, applied to create the perfect rosebud pout. There’s romantic, and there’s next-level romantic.

Old-Fashioned Flower Girls

"Chic" doesn’t feel like quite the right word to describe the intended "look" for a flower girl, but modern brides are turning back to traditional flower-girl dresses with classic silhouettes for an elegant take on childrenswear that doesn't include glitter or rainbows. That’s why the smocked, puff-sleeved and cotton-sateen dresses from Smock London and La Coqueta should be your first port of call for adorable outfits that won't date in photographs.

Whether you're recently engaged or are in the final countdown before your wedding day, it's never too soon to think about your bridal nails. It may be a small detail amongst dress fittings, the seating plan or your wedding-day makeup or hair, but, your wedding manicure is a finishing touch that ties your entire look together. Not to mention, having a bridal manicure that you truly adore makes you feel like the very best version of yourself on your big day, so it's worth considering your wedding nails as you plan the rest of your look.

"Your nails will be in a lot of close-up photos—the rings, the bouquet, the champagne toast—so they should feel timeless and authentically you," says Faye Louise Dennis, a Bio Sculpture manicurist who specialises in wedding nails.

Not sure where to start? Ahead, we've compiled a complete guide to planning your wedding-day nails, from your bridal mani countdown to choosing a nail colour, as well as all the 2026 bridal nail trends to give you plenty of inspiration to be your most polished self. Trust us: these are the nail looks you'll want to say "I do" to.

Bridal Nail Trends 2026

1. "Veil" Nails

The popularity of the milky nails trend translates so perfectly to bridal nails. These sheer white polishes drape a floating veil of colour over the nails, instantly brightening the nail plate to make them look luminous and healthy. "Milky whites, like a thin layer of Biosculpture Gemini Nail Polish in Blanc (£16) or Seafoam (£16), will always be the most timeless bridal choices," says Dennis. Look for sheer, off-white finishes rather than opaque bright whites, which can often look too stark. Translucent finishes, on the other hand, are softer and can be layered up for a milkier finish if you wish, whilst remaining elegant. Westmoreland Cosmetics Vanilla Gloss Glass Gel 1(£25) and OPI Bubble Bunny are great choices for a milky manicure.

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2. French Fancy

The French manicure has had something of a renaissance over the past couple of years, and it's a timeless look for a bridal manicure. You can wear a classic French tip, opt for a micro-French or try a softer French manicure that blurs the pink and white together. "A modern French manicure is also incredibly elegant, especially when it’s diffused and soft," says Dennis.

"To achieve this look, I reverse the order of my French manicure, starting with a pigmented white on the tip, then placing a sheer `soft pink over the top for a natural-looking, 'your nails but better' French tip," she says. "Ombré-French gel manicures are also having a real moment, especially on shorter nails; they were previously mainly created on long acrylics."

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3. Shimmer and Shine

"One of the most noticeable bridal manicure trends is the glazed chrome finish. It catches the light beautifully," says Dennis. Chrome is a great finish to instantly elevate the base of your manicure, whether you opt for a simple pink nail colour or a French tip, leaving a beautiful glass-like effect that will look stunning in your wedding photos. You can only get the glazed look with a gel manicure topped with chrome powder, so experiment with different coloured powders and nail colour bases to find a combination you love the most. Not into chrome? Consider a shimmer nail polish, which will catch the light subtly and add a hint of sparkle to your bridal manicure.

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4. Sheer Blush

If you're stuck on a bridal manicure, many nail techs will urge you to go for a classic pink look. Specifically, soft, sheer pink or blush tones that are natural and make your nails look their very best. Think of them as a skin tint for your nails, subtly blurring imperfections, brightening the nail plate and leaving an expensive-looking gloss. The bonus is that the growout is barely visible, meaning you can get the most wear out of your bridal manicure and not worry about it looking like it needs redoing during your honeymoon if you're jetting off soon after your wedding. Dennis recommends soft pinks like Anthea or Dream from Bio Sculpture for bridal manicures, which lend a dreamy, soft-pink blush. OPI Bubble Bath and Chanel Ballerina are also beautiful choices for an expensive-looking nail colour.

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5. Bespoke Touch

It makes sense to opt for a classic bridal manicure on your wedding day. But if you love nail art, why not incorporate it? Even if you don't normally go for designs, adding some micro nail art can be a fun way to personalise your bridal nails. Perhaps a gold or silver accent to match your wedding band, or some delicate floral nail art on one nail to match your wedding bouquet. A pastel-blue French tip could even be your something blue, or what about lace nail art that matches the design on your dress or veil? Even if you're not into nail art, you can still achieve a bespoke finish by creating your own nail-polish layering combination to create a tailored bridal manicure colour that you can call your own.

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Planning Your Wedding Manicure

"One of the most common mistakes is leaving the booking of the manicure too late or skipping a trial altogether," says Dennis. "Your wedding nails should feel just as considered as your hair or makeup to make sure they look exactly how you would like, which is why I recommend starting at least three months before," she says. However, if you want to grow your nails longer or have damaged nails, she recommends starting earlier and using nail strengtheners and cuticle oils to boost nail health and growth. "Preparation is key, and regular manicures, cuticle oil and gentle nail care make a huge difference," she says.

The type of manicure you choose will also influence its longevity. Using normal nail polish will make chipping or smudging more likely (which aren't issues you want to deal with on your wedding morning), whereas a gel manicure or BIAB manicure will dry instantly under a lamp, remaining chip-free and lasting for several weeks.

"Choosing a nail system that cares for your natural nail, rather than masking damage, makes all the difference," says Dennis. "It has helped my clients achieve their dream nails for their big day," she says. Bio Sculpture also offers a dedicated bridal package that includes three manicures in the lead-up to your wedding. It's a great way to try different shades to find your favourite and ensure your nails are ready for your hen do, wedding day or honeymoon.

"For the actual wedding, have your manicure up to two days before so they’re still looking fresh and aisle-ready," recommends Dennis. "After your manicure, regularly applying cuticle oil is key to keeping nails nourished and glossy. Simple habits, like wearing gloves for household chores and avoiding using your nails as tools, also go a long way in preserving that fresh nail finish," she says.

Choose the Shape

"Ideally, a nail trial should happen at least three months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to test shades, perfect the cuticles and make adjustments to the nail shape if needed," says Dennis.

"Soft, elegant nail shapes tend to be the most flattering and timeless. Oval nails and soft almond nails are particularly popular because they elongate the fingers and look very refined," she says. "A short squoval (a square nail shape with rounded edges) is also beautiful for brides who prefer a more natural, understated look," she says. It's a great option for shorter nail lengths. Keep in mind that almond nails require more length to create a tapered result.

Ultimately, you should choose a nail shape that you already wear and love. But if you're unsure, spend some time experimenting with different shapes and lengths over your next few manicure appointments to find your perfect match.

Choose the Shade

"The goal of a wedding-day manicure is to enhance the natural nail and make the hands look radiant in photos. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so adapting the shade to my client’s skin tone is so important," says Dennis. "Those subtle choices are what make everything feel polished and beautiful."

Pinks and neutrals are timeless, classic nail colours that you won't ever regret for your wedding nails. But if you're faced with an overwhelming number of shades or a sea of neutrals in the salon, there are a few things you can consider to help refine your choice. "For fair skin tones, cooler pinks like Bio Sculpture’s Rose (£16) work beautifully. Medium or olive tones often suit peachy nudes or rosy beiges like Spun Out Of Dreams(£16), which bring warmth to the nail bed. For deeper skin tones, richer caramel nudes look incredibly chic. Lyrics of a Lily(£16) is my go-to," says Dennis.

Also consider the shade of your wedding dress. "If you’ve chosen a crisp white, you may want to complement that tone with a cooler pink, or if you’ve gone for an ivory dress, opt for a warmer tone, as you don’t want the colours and undertones to clash," says Dennis. It can be helpful to time your wedding nail trial with your dress fitting so you can visualise how it looks all together. "However, definitely have fun exploring different styles in the lead up to the big day to see what you enjoy the most," says Dennis.

It's easy to get carried away with wedding planning, focusing on the minute details like the specific floral arrangements, the exact font of your matrimonial stationery or the precise playlist to provide the sonic backdrop for the evening; not to mention the bigger decisions like the dress and rings, meticulously picked out months prior. But ultimately, the most significant part, and the one which should enthral us most, is the person you’ll meet at the end of the aisle.

In an issue centred around the beauty of tying the knot, we felt it apt to turn a spotlight on what’s really the heart of a marriage. Indeed, witnessing the outpouring of love between two people committing to one another—an act usually kept so intimate and private through the everyday minutiae of a partnership—is the most moving element of a wedding, and it warrants a moment of its own.

But how do you know when you've met "The One", really? Is it a feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you see their name flash up on your phone when you first start connecting? The small but uncontrollable smile that breaks out across your face when you see them after a long day, even after you've lived together for a while? Or, is it the deep contentment that washes over you at night, just before you fall asleep, knowing that you get to do it all again, together, tomorrow?

The answer depends on who you ask, which is why we lined up three creative couples living in London to share their real-life experiences of meeting, falling in love, getting married and knowing it was meant to be. Because as Lana Del Rey croons in her ballad "Margaret", when you know, you know…

Real Life Couples on How They Met "The One"

Alex Thomas-Smith and Ciaran Thomas-Smith

• Occupations: Actors
• Star Signs: Cancer and Taurus
• Time Married: 7 months
• First-Dance Song: "We didn’t have a first dance, but we walked down the aisle to 'I Say A Little Prayer' by Aretha Franklin."
• Film or TV Couple They Identify With: "We are definitely Fitz and Olivia from Scandal (without the affair, obviously). The loving puppy dog and the bad b****."

It’s a sure sign that things are meant to be when you know this is your forever person from your first date, let alone from the moment you first lock eyes. For Alex Thomas-Smith, they knew that now-husband Ciaran was "The One" from the outset, even though they met on social media. "It was love at first sight; I definitely felt the spark when I first saw him," they note.

"I met Ciaran after he slid into my direct messages, replying to a story I put up about Princess Diana (that’s how I knew he had good taste). I saw his gorgeous face in his thumbnail, and we ended up speaking every day for a couple of weeks before we actually met. He had, and still has, this magnetic energy that just lights up [my] life. I was quite cynical when it came to love at [that] point in my life, so I tried not to get carried away, but our first date turned into a weekend that turned into two weeks. From the moment we met, all we wanted to do was be together."

So, that’s exactly what they did, proposing the idea of making this a forever thing on their one-month anniversary. "Ciaran, of course, said no, but told me to ask again in a few years," says Alex. "It was like we both knew that this was going somewhere. I knew even then that he was the only person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. When I was with him, everything felt easy, and I wanted to keep that forever and build a life together."

This concept of feeling at peace with one another stands out for Ciaran, too. "There’s a sense of calm that I feel around Alex that I have never felt with anyone else before, an instant feeling of comfort that allows me not only to be myself, but to have the confidence to be the best version of myself," he explains.

"The love Alex and I have for each other goes beyond flowers or chocolates, although [those] are still expected. It’s a love where you know that person will be your biggest champion in whatever you do; Alex is and will always be my biggest supporter in life, and I try every day to show Alex that I will love them, whatever path they take in their life, as long as they are happy. It was deeper than just being 'partners', so it only felt right to get married."

"For me, it’s also so important that queer people get married," Alex adds. "We fought for the right to do so, and it’s something that isn’t lost on me. Our love is just as valid as anyone else’s, and our marriage isn’t just a celebration of our love, but it’s also an act of protest and resilience. Queer love isn’t going anywhere."

Iona Judd and Elliot Mason

• Occupations: Creative director and tailor
• Star Signs: Cancer and Taurus
• Time Married: 11 months
• First-Dance Song: "Set U Free" by N-Trance
• Film or TV Couple They Identify With: She says Seth and Summer from The O.C., he says Woody and Jessie from Toy Story.

There’s this belief that whatever is meant for you will find its way to you, irrespective of the circumstances. Such is the case for Iona Judd and Elliot Mason. It was a third-time's-the-charm affair, after previously meeting twice in passing at various events; the first on the dance floor at a rave in Ibiza super club Privilege (which neither of them says they recall), and the second at a mutual friend’s birthday party (he remembers, she does not) before finally connecting the modern way: Bumble. "Both of us remember that one!" Elliot says of the Sliding Doors-esque scenario.

"Elliot pointed out that we had met a handful of times before on our first date," Iona acknowledges, adding. "I hadn’t put two and two together. Fuelled by nerves, I ended up having one too many negronis and dashed off Cinderella style at the end of the evening, leaving Elliot on the side of the road. I didn’t leave a glass slipper, but I did have to send a damage control text the following day. Elliot had to be persuaded by friends to go on a second date, but the rest, as they say, is history."

Both admit there’s a cosmic feel around their relationship; not star-crossed lovers per se, though certainly something kismet at play. As Elliot says, "It’s no coincidence that the universe kept putting us together. It was meant to be!"

Still, there was a precise moment Iona realised Eliot was The One, during the latter half of their reception. "I think I had an idea quite early on; I finally felt comfortable being my true self, and that’s not something I had felt before," she notes. "Funnily, though, I think the moment I truly knew I’d married the right person was at the end of our wedding."

"We had to be forced off the dance floor at the end of the night, along with a few other stragglers who didn’t want [it] to end. Two of my bridesmaids had missed their taxi, and Elliot, being the extraordinarily generous-spirited person that he is, got in his car (he doesn’t drink) and drove them back to their cottage in the neighbouring village.

"It made for such a silly and special moment. It was the most perfect end to the night and just felt like a sign that I had chosen a man who was kind, open and always has a sense of humour—all the qualities you want in a life partner."

Rose Pilkington and Bryony Llewellyn

• Occupations: Digital artist and consultant
• Star Signs: Gemini and Scorpio
• Time Married: 9 months
• First-Dance Song: "Inner Smile" by Texas

When it comes to describing the process of falling in love with one another, Rose Pilkington and Bryony Llewellyn like to say it was a "can’t stay away from you" kind of thing. "We met in true modern-love-story fashion through online dating, and the amazing thing about it is that we ran in completely different circles and otherwise would have never met," Rose says. "Despite both of our friends' urging us to slow down, we immediately knew [differently].

"We sent voice notes to each other from the first day we matched, and there was immediately something so familiar about her voice. It was like I knew her, and she said the same about me. I think that must mean we knew instantly that we were meant to be together, like we already knew each other, despite only just speaking," explains Rose.

"When we finally met in London Fields on a freezing March day, it was everything we hoped it would be. As I was getting off the bus, it pulled away [to reveal] her standing behind it. I was flustered, thinking how perfect, tall and beautiful she looked." Briony remembers their first meeting with the same fondness. "I saw her running across the road towards me, and I thought, 'jackpot’. She was so endearing, she was flapping and flustered, and I loved it."

The couple say they were on the same page in knowing they were each other's "One" from the beginning. "From the very start, we would talk about marriage and being with each other forever. It’s a really amazing thing to feel so sure of something, and more sure of it every day. We were craving commitment; being girlfriends didn’t feel like enough. We needed to be more to each other and to be a family."

Of the specifics, they say it came down to the little things. "Every experience together felt like doing something new for the first time in our lives, even something like going to a pub or restaurant. Everything was a novelty, so we started doing weird dates just to experience [things].”

"We have been together for five years, but getting married has made it feel like we’re just beginning. Our relationship and the dynamic between us haven’t really changed, but there’s this new sense of excitement in our lives, like everything ahead of us is just getting started. It’s such a special feeling because we genuinely can’t wait to experience more of life together, and even the everyday moments still feel new. We often talk about the different phases of life we’ll go through together, and that shared anticipation makes every day so exciting."

Not so long ago, bridal jewellery meant classic pearl earrings, dainty diamond necklaces and, for some, the family tiara. But like everything else in the weddingsphere, the "rules" around wedding-day jewellery have now been quietly set aside.

"We’re seeing a real shift towards individuality and self-expression. Brides are still drawn to timeless pieces, but they’re looking for something that feels personal rather than super traditional," says East London-based jeweller Rachel Boston, as brides are moving away from matching suites and instead choosing jewellery they’ll wear for years to come. "The best bridal jewellery feels effortless, like an extension of your own style. Jewellery is something you’ll keep and wear long after the wedding, so it should feel like something you would have chosen regardless of the occasion," she says.

Not only is it a vessel for life’s most special memories and emotions, and a precious reminder of the big day, but fine jewellery is an investment that should last for generations, so it’s worth choosing with intention. "We often see sapphires chosen as a subtle way of bringing in that 'something blue', which feels both personal and rooted in tradition," says Jessica McCormack, whose antique-inspired designs are worn by the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Margot Robbie and Jessie Buckley.

"For me, it always comes back to how the jewellery makes you feel; if it makes you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful, then that’s exactly what you should be wearing on the day."

From the timeless classics that elevate any wedding look to the versatile styles that can be transformed from big day to every day, these are the wedding-day jewellery pieces that modern brides are choosing to wear now and forever.

The "Old Money" Aesthetic

"The 'old money' aesthetic, which is refined, understated and slightly vintage-inspired, seems to be a favourite at the moment," says Charlotte Freeman, founder of C Heinrich Diamonds. Sofia Richie Grainge and podcaster Alex Cooper frequently appear on her clients' mood boards, thanks to their pared-back yet glamorous bridal looks. "Brides are loving the understated elegance, which feels modern and wearable whilst still making a statement," says Freeman, whose pear-shaped diamond cluster studs in particular channel this Old Hollywood vibe.

Looking for a drop earring that pairs perfectly with a veil? Rachel Boston’s pear-shaped diamond Echo earrings are a fresh take on the old-money aesthetic, adding wow factor to the simplest look.

"Polished, effortless and modern" are the bridal buzzwords in 2026, says Madeleine Sangster, founder of Heavenly London, which creates imitation-diamond pieces to provide A-list style on a more modest budget. As brides are updating classic styles by mixing metals, stacking multiple earrings and choosing more unusual shapes, Heavenly’s emerald-cut or heart-shaped drop earrings tick the "timeless, but with personality" box nicely.

Anyone for Tennis?

Beloved by royalty in the 19th century, diamond rivière necklaces, also known as tennis necklaces, are becoming a firm favourite amongst contemporary brides as the perfect complement to a minimalist gown. "Tennis necklaces are incredibly popular; they strike a balance between classic and statement, and can elevate the simplest bridal look," says Freeman. Her Triple Bezel Tennis Necklace features mixed metals, ticking off another bridal jewellery trend for 2026.

Bezel settings (where diamonds are framed by gold) add a contemporary twist to this traditional style. Jessica McCormack's Signature Button Back Necklace leans into the gothic, antique aesthetic with its signature Georgian-inspired settings and blackened gold, whilst New York jeweller Jade Trau offers a plethora of modern diamond rivières of all shapes and lengths. Those in search of jewellery that packs a punch should start at Anita Ko; her Eternity choker nails the "classic-with-a-twist" style that makes the tennis necklace so popular right now.

Before you baulk at the cost, lab-grown diamond rivières offer a more palatable price point. Monica Vinader’s version features different shapes framed by gold-vermeil bezel settings, and Heavenly London has a lab-grown diamond version of its popular Nocturne necklace, set with 26 carats of lab-grown diamonds.

Modern Pearls

Pearls are a bridal staple for a reason: their creamy lustre flatters every complexion, alluding to radiance and beauty. "There’s something about pearls that feels very pure, fresh and bridal," says Sangster. But today’s designs are far removed from the quintessential strings, as jewellers transform the traditional style into something cool and wearable beyond the big day.

"Classic pearls are getting a cool update; think oversized, playful earrings with movement," says Eliza Walter, founder of Lylie Jewellery. Walter invites any bride-to-be who chooses a Lylie engagement ring to borrow a piece of jewellery for their wedding day, and the Dodola diamond and pearl earrings are the most requested style.

Jessica McCormack’s pearls are a favourite with fashion-focused brides, whether the seemingly random sizes strung together in the Beaches necklace, or the gleaming orbs that hang from the sculptural Rush Hour earrings. Jessie Thomas adds a modern edge to her pearl and diamond drops by pairing creamy pearls with clusters of bezel-set diamonds, and celebrates the organic imperfections of oversized baroque pearls.

Those searching for something wholly unexpected may already be familiar with Japanese house Tasaki, best known for its daring approach to pearl jewellery. Adorned with textured gold accents, its Square Leaf necklace is an eye-catching alternative to a simple string of pearls.

Timeless Wedding Bands

Despite being draped in diamonds at this year’s Oscars, it was Zendaya’s simple gold band that made the biggest statement, confirming that she and Tom Holland had tied the knot. She cemented the shift away from dainty pavé-set wedding rings towards something plainer yet more substantial.

"We’re seeing a strong preference for solid gold over diamond bands at the moment," confirms Freeman, whose undulating Wave band and rounded Puffy band are particularly popular. "It gives a more contemporary, cool-girl edge to a traditional engagement setting." This is proof that fashion's fickle trends and move away from quiet luxury haven't extended to our jewellery boxes, as they remain firmly grounded in longevity.

Transformability and Wearability

"Our brides prioritise versatility over anything else, choosing pieces they can continue to enjoy long after the day itself," says Walter, who designed the Lylie Dodola earrings to be transformable, as the pearl drops can be removed to create a timeless pair of diamond studs. Detachable drops are also popular among Jessie Thomas's clients, who might switch between pearls for the ceremony and diamonds for the evening event.

"We’re seeing brides choose pieces they genuinely love rather than jewellery that only works for one day. There’s a shift away from 'bridal costume' towards pieces that feel personal and wearable long after the wedding," agrees Madeleine Sangster. After all, the gown is a one-hit wonder, the bouquet and cake are soon forgotten, but a pair of classically elegant earrings or a chic pendant can be worn for every anniversary, night out or even coffee date for decades to come.

If you're getting married this year, then I can safely bet that you've got your wedding nails down. But a wedding pedicure is often overlooked in the run-up to the big day. Of course, it's a small detail in the grand scheme of things, and it's probably less important than your nails, which will be in every photo. But if you're wearing open-toed shoes for your wedding, then now is the time to start thinking about what you want your bridal pedicure to look like.

Even if your toes will be hidden away in your wedding shoes, there's nothing like a fresh pedicure colour to help you feel your most confident self on the day. And, if you're heading away on your honeymoon or mini-moon shortly after your wedding, then having your pedi done is one less thing to worry about on your never-ending wedding admin to-do list.

If you're after some wedding pedicure ideas, then you're in luck. I've scrolled through the very best bridal pedi designs to bring you all the inspo you'll need ahead of your salon appointment. Plus, I've rounded up the best at-home products if you're doing a pedicure at home, too. Scroll ahead for the wedding pedicures you'll want to say "I do" to, from classic pink pedicures to the French pedicure, there's something for every bride here.

Wedding Pedicure Ideas

1. Chrome

Chrome is an easy way to add a chic and elevated twist to your regular pedicure colour.

2. Milky Lilac

Milky hues are a huge spring pedicure colour trend right now, but they remain timeless and elegant no matter the season. I adore this milky lilac hue.

3. Classic French

A French pedicure remains a timeless choice as a wedding pedicure if you want something simple and neat for open-toed shoes.

4. Blush Shimmer

A shimmery nail polish in a timeless shade such as pink adds a pretty twinkle to your toes.

5. Pink French

A brighter pink French pedicure makes a great change from a sheer pink base, as this pretty pedicure proves.

6. Milky French

How pretty is this milky pedicure too? This is a strong contender for 2026 wedding pedicures.

7. Pastel Blue French

In need of something blue? Why not try a baby blue French tip on your pedicure? It's the perfect pairing of a classic nail art design with a colour twist.

8. Jelly French

Another stunning French pedicure I've saved, but this time, the base has a jelly-like pink hue. And it's so pretty.

9. Veil White

Why not lean into the bridal vibe and go for white? Off-white shades tend to look best as opposed to bright white, so look for sheer white nail polish and muted white shades that match the tone of your wedding dress.

10. Peachy French

This peachy French pedi would be so pretty for a summer wedding.

11. Ombre Pedi

An ombré pedicure allows you to blend two of your favourite hues together, and looks beautiful in pink and white for a soft French manicure effect.

12. Neutral Pink

A timeless, elegant nail colour such as a blush pink will always be a good wedding pedicure option that you'll never regret.

13. Milky Pink French

Another great choice.

14. Milky + Red Combo

If you're going for closed shoes and jetting off on your honeymoon soon after your wedding, then why not go for a bright red pedicure hue?

15. Neutral French

A neutral or beige-toned colour makes another great shade for the base of a French pedicure.

16. Double French

There's something so satisfying about a matching mani-pedi, and the French manicure and French pedicure pairing is a timeless choice for brides.

Shop Pedicure Products:

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

At a time when distance kept the world apart, Britni Sumida—a model, actress, and fitness instructor—found an unexpected connection with professional skateboarder Sean Malto. The two first met at a mutual friend's 51st birthday during the pandemic, where guests stood six feet apart on curbs in a parking lot. "It wasn't the most romantic situation," Sumida admits, but in that fleeting moment of cautious connections, she took matters into her own hands and broke the ice. "I got down on one knee and asked him to take a shot with me… of tequila." He refused but swiftly explained why. Malto had driven to the soirée, offering to give Sumida a lift to her car instead. "He says that's when he 'risked his life' to be with me because stranger danger during a global pandemic, but love knows no limits," she adds.

From that night on, the two became inseparable. Their relationship grew through a shared love of dive bars and the Kansas City Chiefs and, more importantly, through their family and friends. "Every day we get to spend time with each other is cherished, especially since we both travel a lot for work," Sumida says. And travel they did. For a skateboarding trip to Japan, Sumida had the opportunity to join Malto. Since she is half Japanese and had never visited the country, she had always dreamed of being fully immersed in her culture, and this was her chance. "I made the mistake of thinking we were getting engaged in Italy the year prior and felt slightly defeated when it didn't happen, so I told myself to put the expectation of a proposal on the back burner and focus on Japan and all of its beauty," she says.

After traveling from Tokyo, the couple arrived in Kyoto, checked into their hotel, and prepared for the evening. "I heard Sean pacing upstairs," she recalls. "He asked me to meet him on the second story to take a 'fit pic,' which is extremely out of character." Moments later, everything changed. "I agreed and posed next to him, and before I knew it, his arms fell to his sides, and suddenly, [he] dropped to one knee," she continues. "He asked me to spend the rest of my life with him, and I shouted 'Yesss!' I think everyone in the quiet town of Kyoto heard me. Sumimasen!"

When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple approached every decision with intention. They initially considered locations tied to their roots in Missouri and Arizona, but ultimately, Ojai, California, felt like the perfect choice. They previously stayed at the Capri Hotel, and its grounding, welcoming energy drew them back. "It's a place that didn't feel like his or mine. It felt like ours," Sumida shares. They set a date for October 1, 2025, and leaned into an "elevated backyard party" aesthetic. "Initially, I tried to force a springtime feel for our October wedding, influenced by other events, and I lost sight of what felt authentic to Sean and me," Sumida notes. "A month before the wedding, my amazing florist and coordinator, Britt [Bush], helped me pivot. We traded the bright bunches of flowers designed for our reception tables for bud vases filled with a single red poppy and tea lights that gave the perfect orange glow throughout the evening." Read on to admire Sumida's two-in-one One Of look from LOHO bride and all the small but significant details that made their wedding incredibly meaningful and personal.

"My good friend and longtime makeup artist, Victoria McGrath, did the makeup for my wedding and engagement photos. I wanted to work with someone who knows my face like the back of their hand and would be a grounding energy to spend my morning with. She knows every minor to major detail about my face and skin, which made the entire experience so seamless. It felt like we were just hanging out."

"The [makeup] look we went for was natural and radiant. I wanted warm tones and flushed cheeks."

"Sean wore a custom brown suit from Alba and Gucci loafers. A black suit felt too serious, and white didn't fit the vibe, but all brown? Perfection."

"I gifted each of my best friends a hand-engraved compact mirror and curated at-home spa items so they could get ready with me."

A look at the back of the bride's dress.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Find a moment to ground yourself the morning of the wedding. You are about to have the best day of your life, and it goes by so quickly."

"As a girl who wears all black every day, trying to imagine myself in a white dress was difficult. I thought I knew what styles and silhouettes I liked, but once I was in that fitting room, it was a whole different ball game. Christy from LOHO Bride saw me struggle with talking myself in and out of a dress we both knew wasn't the one. She asked me to sleep on it and invited me to a bridal event they were putting on the following week. When I arrived at the event, I met the designer Patricia Voto from One Of. We immediately started chatting and hit it off. She invited me to meet and talk about creating a custom wedding dress together—easily the second-easiest yes of my life. Over the next eight months, we met on Zoom and flew back and forth between NY and L.A. to create my perfect dress."

WWW Weddings Tip: "The day flies by. Find little moments with your spouse and focus on the pieces that build a core memory—what you hear, smell, see. Otherwise, it's all over in the blink of an eye."

"I loved that Patricia's and Christy's teams listened to every 'what if' and 'I don't know' from me and reassured and guided me to my perfect dress. They even helped me find a beautiful off-white ivory that complemented my skin tone and wiped away any bridal imposter syndrome I was experiencing."

"[The dress] was a concoction of all of the many details I loved from every dress I tried before. I wanted a strapless, corseted bodice with boning that curved in toward my navel to accentuate my waist. We added subtle hip padding to add some more shape and drama to the silhouette. I wanted the top of the corset to feel airy to juxtapose the linear boning, so we added a sheer pleat. I knew I didn't want to wear a long gown all evening, so we created two bottoms: a long skirt with a puddled train and a miniskirt for the after-party."

Sumida and Malto pose with their friends.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Do an engagement shoot or a meet and greet with your wedding photographers before the big day. If you or your partner are camera shy, this is a game changer for your big day. Establishing a relationship with the people who are capturing will only create better photos."

Sumida and Malto pose around the Capri Hotel.

"We wanted every detail to complement the energy and essence of the venue, such as a beautiful backdrop that our good friend and set designer Seth Cook created. It caught the afternoon breeze, and the green-and-white flowers framed us as we said 'I do.' It also doubled as a projector screen during the reception."

"Instead of a flower girl, we had Nuge, the shot bearer. It was an epic pump fake."

Malto hugs the wedding officiant and his mother.

"When it was my turn, I had my best friend since seventh grade by my side. I walked down the aisle to a string version of Paramore's song 'The Only Exception' and tried my best to hold back tears. I really put the Charlotte Tilbury setting spray to the test."

"Waiting for me at the altar was the man of my dreams and the man that introduced us—ironically both named Sean. Sean B's birthday was where this all started, and he brought us into this next chapter. Such a beautiful full-circle moment."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Listen to your gut! An 'obvious' tip but so often overlooked when wedding pressure is added. If something or someone doesn't feel right, change it."

The bride and groom leave the ceremony and head to the reception.

"We have always loved Ojai and have spent the last three years celebrating our birthdays and anniversaries at the Capri Hotel. During our last trip before getting engaged, we were lounging by the pool (avoiding checkout) and both casually said the Capri would be the perfect place for a wedding. When it came time to pick a venue, it was a no-brainer."

"Our grand entrance was one of my favorite parts of the night: walking into the reception hand in hand with my husband while the dreamy 'Could Heaven Ever Be Like This' by Idris Muhammad played softly behind us. Then we did a little spin-dip moment, and the song changed to Mac Dre's 'Feelin' Myself' as Sean lifted me back up. We made our way to the sweetheart table—hugging and laughing with everyone on our way down."

"As much as the wedding was focused on Sean and myself, we really wanted the day to highlight and champion all of our friends and family that have been by our sides. We wouldn't be who or where we are without the community of incredible people around us."

"Essentially, we wanted an elevated backyard party. I didn't want anything to feel stuffy and too formal. We had long family-style dinner tables set up so that other rows could still mix and mingle. The centerpieces were minimal to avoid obstructing the view of the person across from you, and the lighting was dim and romantic. I opted for a giant tiramisu instead of a cake. Nothing is more upsetting than seeing a gorgeous cake untouched at the end of the night. No one can resist tiramisu, especially if it's made by Kelsey Brito at The Dutchess."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Gift your guests something they will keep or use throughout the wedding weekend. We made custom shirts that read 'I only party with the best' and custom matches that said 'Maltos 2025.'"

WWW Weddings Tip: "Expect and plan for the wedding to go into overtime when you're booking your venues, vendors, photographers, etc. I missed out on having the after-party [professionally] photographed, but trust—fun was had."

Photographers: Phil Chester and Sara Byrne
Men's Stylist: Misha Rudolph
Makeup Artist: Vix Mcgrath
Wedding Coordinator and Florist: Florestead Co.
Venue Décor Designer: Seth Emery Cook
Dessert Baker: The Dutchess

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

Hollywood is always a place of glitz and glamour, but never is a time when this is more apparent than during the annual Academy Awards. However, for the 2026 Oscars, it wasn’t chintzy sequins, naked dresses, or bold bombshell looks that paid homage to the Golden Age of cinema that dominated the red carpet—though all of those were present—but a slew of bridal white looks.

It’s a fitting move considering an industry that’s been dominated by matrimonial discourse over the past few weeks since Law Roach dropped that bombshell alluding to the fact Zendaya and Tom Holland might’ve tied the knot. For her part, the actress did not choose to honour her possible new nuptials by wearing a white gown as she did at Louis Vuitton’s autumn/winter 2026 collection presentation during Paris Fashion Week, though she did spend the weekend that just passed at Las Vegas’ Little White Wedding Chapel promoting her upcoming A24 dark romantic comedy, The Drama.

Of course, with so many iconic movie brides to reference—Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate! Sophie in Mamma Mia!—Juliet in Love Actually—it’s only fitting that this trope gets thrust into the spotlight on film’s night of nights. Leading the charge was none other than Emma Stone, who arrived in a bespoke Louis Vuitton gown. Featuring an open back, shimmering details, and severe capped sleeves that emulate the Empire era, the two-time Best Actress winner arrived at the Dolby Theatre to mark her seventh nomination at the ceremony.

Later in the evening, Gwyneth Paltrow, who recently made her comeback to the screen as a past-her-prime actress in Marty Supreme, made an appearance to add another entry in her canon of memorable red carpet looks. But rather than wearing a blushing pink taffeta Ralph Lauren number or burgundy velvet Tom-Ford-for-Gucci suit as she did in the ‘90s, she took a far more risqué route in an ivory silk Giorgio Armani Privé gown that featured an exaggerated slit up the side.

And whilst there were plenty of more bridal white looks and pseudo wedding dresses to take note of, including Nicole Kidman, Priyanka Chopra and Mia Goth, the most breathtaking was Elle Fanning in a custom Givenchy dress designed by Sarah Burton. The strapless gown was nothing short of ethereal, with a cloud of silk taffeta following the first-time nominee as she made her way into the Dolby Theatre.

Speaking to VOGUE, Fanning revealed that the dress also held sentimental value as it was embroidered with wisteria motifs that paid tribute to the flowers that clung to her childhood home in the American South. Continuing the botanical illusion, she paired the look with a wisteria necklace from Cartier that dates back to 1903.

Ethereal, elegant and looking of love, scroll through for the best bridal white looks that dominated the 2026 Oscars red carpet. (And the after party to boot!)

All the Bridal White Looks on the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favourite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"We met during the pandemic, when the world was turned upside down. As restrictions started to lift, we went for long walks and got to know each other the old-fashioned way. Walking side by side in the countryside. No drinks or restaurants, just us and the muddy footpaths in front of us. Our first meal together was a picnic on a park bench with homemade supplies.

When Mike first told me he loved me, we were at a vineyard in Alfriston, so it was the perfect place for our proposal. He proposed to me in a secret corner of the vineyard, amongst the vines and with the Cuckmere valley surrounding us. We practically skipped our way around the vineyard after getting engaged, and then sat together eating bread and drinking wine in the September sunshine."

"I got ready with my mum, my sister and my dog, Nala. My sister wrote me a handwritten letter for my wedding morning, so I sat with her as she read it to me. It was a special moment I’ll cherish forever. I did my own makeup, and I had my hair done by Katya Valentina in a half-up, half-down style. I wanted my hair down because my dress was a bandeau, but I knew we were going to be by the coast, and it was sure to be breezy! So having it half up allowed me to know it would be practical too. Mike got ready in the room next door with his mum, and there was a lot of laughter back and forth as we tried to avoid bumping into each other in the corridor before our first look."

"When we first got engaged, we found out that one of my best friends had got engaged on the same day! What are the chances? So we made a dream become even more dreamy; we caught a train to Paris and went wedding-dress shopping. It felt like a scene from a movie; walking into the bridal boutiques in Paris, the rails of exquisite dresses urging us to try them on, with the sounds of the sewing machines whirring away in the rooms next door.

"I found the most stunning Calais lace fingerless gloves. They were my first wedding wardrobe purchase. The delicate lace with scalloped edges on both sides was so intricate and delicate. They instantly elevated any of the dresses I tried on, so I knew I had to have them. I built my wedding day outfit around these."

"I designed my wedding dress with AYM. I drew out many designs and shapes, but kept circling back to the shape that finally became my dress. I knew I wanted something timeless, elegant and subtly sculptural. I opted for a bandeau that would allow my shoulders to be bare, something I think is extremely chic. We created a corseted bodice with boning in the sides to hold the shape together. I wanted to feel comfortable but also have a shape that was a little bit sexy too, so I created a gathered section over the tummy, so that we could tighten the fabric around the waist and allow it to flow over the tummy area, creating a silhouette that feels flattering and still empowering.

"It’s always a challenge to create a fit around the hips that isn’t tight around the lower tummy but has a shapely fit around the bum. With a lot of back and forth with Gabby, we created a shape that fit beautifully, allowing for comfort in case of bloating and a shape around the back that felt feminine and sculpted. I opted for no slit in the dress as I didn’t want it to blow open; I wanted to be able to focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about holding my dress (and my dignity) together."

"For the shoes, I brought in something blue and went for a pair of Jimmy Choo [Elsy 70s] in a soft powder blue. I also wore our styling scarf, draped softly over my shoulders for an added layer of easy elegance."

"The bouquet was designed by Zara of Zara Flora. I wanted cascading lilies wrapped with pearls, so it felt like jewellery; a delicate finishing touch that tied the whole look together."

"The wedding band and engagement ring were from G Collins. When I met Mike, he was helping his cousin work on the G Collins workshop, so it felt like a full-circle moment when he designed my engagement ring with them. He created a stunning emerald-cut sapphire with step-cut trapezoid diamonds on either side. Our wedding bands are simple, also from G Collins."

"Mike's outfit was an earthy-brown suit from P Johnson. His shoes were from Russell and Bromley. P Johnson has a casual suit option. Mike wanted something that felt relaxed and to bring a bit of his personality into his outfit, especially as we were planning to walk around the countryside after our ceremony. Inspired by the earthy palette of the landscape we were going to explore on our wedding day."

"We rented a house in the countryside for a week and stayed there with our mums and sisters. The house had never been used for a wedding before, but the hosts were incredibly accommodating when we reached out to them and asked if they would be happy for us to host a small ring ceremony.

"The house is a traditional Kent Oast house, featuring a round Oast section that lends it considerable character. As our legal wedding was so intimate, with just our mums, we didn't host any welcome events. But we all had a cosy dinner at the cottage the night before, and we had a pamper night. Mike included!"

"We had our invitations created by Lindsay at TPel Paper & Press. The invitations featured woodland scenery inspired by our home. We’re renovating stables in the English countryside that are surrounded by ancient woodlands, so we wanted to bring our home into our invitations. We had two woodpeckers on the front, and silver birch leaves decorating the archway motif with draped branches. We wanted our guests to be able to interact with our invitations, so we created layers that could be opened like little chapters in a book, revealing different details of the day."

"We got married in Eastbourne Town Hall. It’s a stunning building. Very grand and has this gorgeous staircase lit by a stained-glass window. We chose the Mayor’s Parlour, as it was only four of us! We got married with our mums as our witnesses. It was incredibly intimate."

"Following our legal ceremony, we went to the beach. It was stormy, with the waves being whipped up into big frothy splashes of white, and we had to take our shoes off to manage on the cobbled beach. (My Jimmy Choo's didn’t like the cobbles very much!) I absolutely loved walking along the cobbled British beach as newlyweds; people must have thought we were totally bonkers."

"We spent the rest of the day driving around in a vintage car, with a picnic and enjoying the landscape around the South Downs. We walked down to the Seven Sisters, and Benjamin took the most magical photographs of us in the stormy weather."

"We got absolutely drenched by the rain, so we drove back to the house we were staying at and did what any sensible couple would do: pushed a little rowboat out into the pond. We paddled through the rain, just the two of us floating there on the reflection of the trees."

"We wanted to embrace the elements of the Sussex countryside, from spending time by the sea and enjoying the rolling hills of the South Downs, to being outside as much as possible."

"The wild ruggedness of the Seven Sisters cliffs especially resonated with us. Inspired by these surroundings, I loved the idea of bringing sculptural elements into the dress. The earthy tones that Mike picked for his suit complemented the palette perfectly."

"When we returned from Seven Sisters, I changed into the Gaia Dress. It felt like the perfect transition piece: effortless, romantic and made for movement. I wanted something that felt lighter and freer, a dress I could truly live in. The Gaia Dress offered the perfect balance of elegance and ease, so I could enjoy every moment in complete comfort."

Bride: @aliemackintosh
Groom: @mikejb22
Photography: @benjaminwheeler
Venue: @uniquehomestays
Hair: @katya.valentinahair
Dress: @aym.studio
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Flowers: @zarafloraflowers
Catering: Pip & Seed
Stationary: Tpel Paper & Press

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

Like many modern love stories, this one began with two swipes, a match, and an instant connection—one that was soon tested when the pandemic brought them together under one roof. "A tale as old as time… We met on Hinge," Jamie Schneider, the senior beauty editor at Who What Wear, recalls of her meet-cute with her now husband, account executive at Morning Brew Isaac Chevron. "We had been dating for only a few months when the pandemic hit, and I headed to my parents' house in Texas for what I thought would be a two-week stint," she says. "Once we realized we would be sheltering in place for much longer, Isaac flew down, and we spent the first six months of our relationship sleeping in my childhood bedroom." Things got serious quickly, leading them to move in together shortly after their return to New York.

Four years later, Chevron proposed to Schneider on Mother's Day. "I was under the impression we were going to brunch with his family in Connecticut, so I was getting ready to head to Grand Central Station," Schneider says, reflecting on their engagement. "Isaac ran out to grab us coffees and a Mother's Day card from CVS but was actually setting up rose petals and champagne on our rooftop. I walked out of the bathroom to find a note on our dresser: 'When you're ready, meet me upstairs.' When I found him, we were both in tears before he could even drop to a knee. It was perfect."

Schneider was aware that an engagement was imminent—she had been involved in the ring-design process—but the moment still caught her completely off guard. "I genuinely had no idea he would propose that day—I didn't even have my nails done, if that tells you anything about my level of surprise," she says. "The night before [the engagement], Isaac wanted to make sure I stayed off my phone so I wouldn't check Find My Friends and notice that my parents' and siblings' locations were conveniently unavailable, so to the theater [to see Challengers] we went!" According to Schneider, Chevron was on edge the entire time, consumed by the question he was about to ask her. To this day, he still has no idea what happened in the movie," she jokes "I, of course, was completely oblivious to his internal spiral. Great movie!"

Soon after the proposal, the couple began planning their wedding, approaching every decision with purpose. They selected Texas—the place where their relationship grew—as the setting for their November 2025 celebration, and the Austin Proper Hotel as their venue. "Designed by Kelly Wearstler, it had a ballroom that didn't feel like a ballroom—a far cry from the cold, business-conference vibes I was afraid of—and it was a bonus that guests could stay on the property, since most of our guests were flying in from New York," she says.

The same sense of intention extended to the beauty and fashion details. Schneider approached her wedding look with a discerning eye, choosing Chloé's Atelier de Fleurs Cedrus Intense as her wedding-day perfume, a woody, musky scent with a touch of bohemian flair that complemented her custom bell-sleeved gown and her softly worn, loose waves. Read on to admire the handful of other meaningful details that made this wedding special.

"We hosted a Friday-night welcome dinner at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden in Austin. While the wedding would be indoors (I had enough pre-wedding jitters without throwing weather uncertainty into the mix!), we wanted to welcome everyone with an alfresco dinner party. November in Texas can be hit-or-miss, but we lucked out with the most gorgeous, 75-degree sunny day."

"Guests arrived at golden hour and were greeted by live-fire cooking from our dear friends at Firewild, who specialize in Texas-meets-Mediterranean fare. Everyone roamed the sculpture garden during cocktail hour with pomegranate margaritas in hand before we all sat for a family-style dinner at long, banquet-style tables."

"I wore the Grace Dress designed by Marta Martí. I wanted my look to match the ethereal vibe of the sculpture garden, and when my bridal stylist, Nicole Amarise, DM'ed me a photo of the dress, I was instantly obsessed. I adore the drop waist and sash attachment, which can be worn in so many different ways: long and flowing, draped from the crook of my elbow, wrapped around my shoulders, etc. The Marta Martí team is also incredible. They run an independent atelier in Barcelona, where each piece is hand-sewn and meticulously crafted. Even from our Zoom fitting, I could clearly see how dedicated they are to slow, purposeful fashion. The whole experience felt so couture. Isaac wore a chocolate brown Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit with a white Oxford and—the real star of the show—his tricolored Aimé Leon Dore penny loafers. We decided to tuck in a paisley pocket square—also from Ralph Lauren—at the last minute, which turned out to be the perfect finishing touch."

Details of the welcome dinner.

"For accessories, I wore Madamorpho's Pink Pointe Pumps, a gold Dolce & Gabbana bag sourced from eBay, and my late grandfather's Chopard watch. He was always dressed to the nines—I legitimately never saw him without a suit and tie—and I knew I wanted to incorporate his impeccable style into my wedding weekend. Before even having a dress, I knew I was going to wear that timepiece."

"My hair was inspired by Molly Gordon at the New York premiere of Oh, Hi. She had this half-up bun situation that looked so effortless, and my own hairstylist, Marisa Rose, replicated it perfectly."

"I didn't have bridesmaids—aside from my younger sister, who was my maid of honor—but I hosted a girls' brunch the morning of the wedding with my closest friends. To that, I wore a vintage 1930s mini slip underneath a long, antique dressing robe from Nicole's archive. I paired it with Sandy Liang Recital Socks and Manolo Blahnik mules sourced from eBay."

"The Manolo Blahniks were such a good find—the Victorian-brocade pattern and rainbow buckle embellishment felt so girly and fun."

"I kept my hair down and loose to maintain the boho effect. Effortless waves was the goal, which is actually the opposite of effortless for my normally 2c curls. Marisa understood the assignment, giving me the dreamy 'ghost bends' I craved. I typically don't wear much eye makeup, and when I do, I steer clear of jet-black pigments, which look harsh on my features. My makeup artist, Sophia Escobedo, used only brown liner and mascara, with pearly (not shimmery—there's a difference) eye shadow, a rosy-mauve lip, and a generous sweep of blush. The look felt really natural—so me, which is exactly how I wanted to look on the big day. It's easy to get caught up in what you think you 'should' be doing for wedding-day glam (va-va-voom lashes, spray tans, and the like), but I'm so glad I stuck with my gut."

Details of the bride's getting-ready look.

WWW Weddings Tip: "If you can swing it, try to get all the planning done a week or two before the wedding. Obviously, little things may come up, but I was glad I had a few days to (try to) relax and soak in all the love."

"It's funny that the boho bride is very in right now because that's just always felt like me. Late '60s, early '70s references were all over my mood board. I knew I wanted a bell sleeve and an open back, and I absolutely loved lace, but all the lace options I tried on felt too capital-B bridal, if that makes sense. I think I tried on 25 dresses before deciding to ultimately go custom. Nicole connected me with Patricia Voto at One/Of, who sources deadstock fabric from luxury houses and creates the most beautiful, bespoke designs. She actually doesn't reproduce any of her pieces so that they remain completely one of a kind. I think that's what I loved most about One/Of—that and Voto's stunning showroom, which I genuinely want to live in. I wouldn't just be the first to wear the design; there won't ever be another one like it. It's precious, just like my relationship with Isaac."

WWW Weddings Tip: "I recommend finding your ceremony dress first before thinking about your other looks, unless you have a super-specific vision in mind for your after-party or rehearsal dinner. I was searching for all three at once, but I didn't feel comfortable buying anything when I wasn't sure what the ceremony vibe would be. Once I knew the silhouette of my wedding dress, it was easier to base my other looks around it and ensure they wouldn't be too similar."

"The entire [wedding-dress-design] process took around nine months, from January to October. First, we kicked off a call to discuss my overall vision and any references I loved. Luckily, I had a full Pinterest board to share, and two silhouettes would not leave my mind: Rabanne's lace jersey maxi dress, which effortlessly blends lace and satin, and a piece from Inbal Dror's fall 2017 bridal collection, which had these gorgeous lace tiers and an open back. From there, Patricia presented four different sketches based on my mood board, and we had another meeting to review details and narrow down a final design. I wound up combining elements from two of her sketches. Then it was time for a prototype fitting, during which we perfected the silhouette and landed on lace patterns and the perfect shade of creamy ivory. I had three fittings after that to tweak the dress. Designing your own wedding dress can sound daunting, but I had a very specific vision going into it, which made it feel less overwhelming. It was truly the most creative I've ever felt, and Patricia was a dream—patient, warm, and so, so imaginative. No idea was too 'out there.' My mom cut the sleeve of her own wedding dress, which we wrapped around my bouquet of white calla lilies."

"A couple of months before the wedding, I asked Isaac to draw what he thought my dress was going to look like. We both burst into tears during our first look, then he twirled me around and said, 'I was so wrong!'"

Details from the couple's first look.

"When we exchanged gifts the morning of our wedding, I gave him an embroidered handkerchief ('I love you forever. — J') to place in his outside breast pocket. He's a crier—so I knew it'd be put to good use!"

"Isaac knew he wanted to wear a classic tuxedo for the wedding, ultimately choosing one from John Varvatos and embroidering our wedding date on the inside breast pocket. He paired it with black leather Gucci Jordaan Loafers and Santos de Cartier Cufflinks."

WWW Weddings Tip: "If budget allows, I cannot recommend a bridal stylist enough. Nicole took the time to understand my personal taste and source pieces from European designers and vintage markets that I would have never been able to find on my own. The bridal scene can feel like the Wild West, so having a partner like her through it all was a dream!"

"I was originally very against a hotel ballroom. Such a big, bare space overwhelms me. I wanted to choose a venue with décor I already liked rather than a completely blank canvas I would have to dress up a ton to feel warm and full. The Austin Proper, designed by Kelly Wearstler, had a ballroom that didn't feel like a ballroom. There was natural light via floor-to-ceiling windows, interesting chandelier fixtures, and the retro-funky cocktail bar of my dreams. The space is just so cool—a far cry from the cold, business-conference vibes I was afraid of—and it was a bonus that guests would be able to stay on property. Since most of our guests were flying in from New York, I liked that they wouldn't have to shuffle around too much during the wedding weekend."

"Isaac and I both wanted to share public vows during the ceremony, as listening to vows is always our favorite part of any wedding. You get such an intimate glimpse into the couple and a deep understanding of their love. That said, I was so nervous to speak. It's hard to bare your soul! The thought of speaking so vulnerably in front of 200 people genuinely triggered a fight-or-flight response. Interestingly, the vows turned out to be my favorite part of the entire wedding. I always scoffed when people would say that everything melts away the second you walk down the aisle, but believe a type A introvert with a habit of overthinking: It's true. All I saw was Isaac, and I've never felt calmer or more confident as I read aloud. Hearing all the laughs and sniffles in the background only made the moment more special."

"Fragrance is so important to both of us. I've amassed quite the collection as a beauty editor, and Isaac and I often share each other's scents. At the reception, we had a table set up where guests could top off their own fragrance using our personal wedding-day scents—mine being Chloé's Ateliers de Fleurs Cedrus Intense, and Isaac's being Tom Ford's Eau d'Ombre Leather. It was a huge hit. I even convinced multiple friends to buy their own Chloé bottles!"

"Isaac and I wrote a note for each guest at their place setting. It was definitely a labor of love (we not only handwrote each one but also hand-stuffed them into wax-sealed envelopes), but it was so worth it to see many of our friends and family brought to tears. We frequently leave each other handwritten notes around the apartment, so we printed a few of our favorites onto cocktail napkins.

"While guests were finishing up their main courses, Isaac and I danced to 'Moon River' by Frank Sinatra. Those long swells always make me so emotional. Isaac knows to put it on whenever he wants to dial up the romance."

WWW Weddings Tip: "If you're hoping to incorporate personal touches to your décor, like handwritten notes, start earlier than you think. We started writing our place cards three months before, but I honestly could have used more time."

"We wanted the reception to feel like a warm, moody dinner party. Hence the large candelabras, silver platters, and fruit and vegetable arrangements for the tablescapes. I told my wedding planner, Rachel Urban, that I essentially wanted The Bowery Hotel vibes in Austin, and she understood the vision immediately. She's based in NYC and has planned her fair share of celebrations at The Bowery! Rachel is not only the most organized person I've legitimately ever met but also has top-tier taste. She didn't just make sure the train ran smoothly—she was a creative partner at every step of the design direction, which I definitely prioritized when selecting a planner."

WWW Weddings Tip: "All of our speeches, aside from my parents, were during the Friday night welcome dinner. I'm glad we did it that way to maximize time on the dance floor during the reception!"

"Hannah Sexton of Rude Cakes made our cake: an Earl Grey buttermilk cake with lemon curd, white chocolate ganache, raspberry filling, and Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. It was as incredible as it sounds!"

The bride and groom dancing before the after-party.

"Finding a second look was difficult! I initially wanted to wear another white ensemble and really commit to the lacy bridal look, but I couldn't find anything I loved enough to take off the ceremony dress of my dreams. Then Nicole sent me the Sandy Liang Martini Confetti Skirt as an out-of-left-field pick, thinking I might like it. I couldn't stop staring at it, wondering if I should hard-pivot from lacy bridal to funky glam. It was such a departure from my ceremony dress, which is ultimately why I went for it. To this day, I can't look at it without smiling! I also loved the fact that both my wedding-day looks would come from New York–based designers. You can take the girl out of NYC…"

"I paired the skirt with a white Norma Kamali minidress that I was floored to find out was, in fact, a minidress (I'm 5'1, and the hem reaches my hip bones) and Alaïa's ice-blue Cube Wedge Mules. I kept on the same jewelry, aside from a beaded necklace from Nicole's archive, which I wore as a double-wrapped anklet. "

"After the band's last song, we followed the horns to the cocktail bar, where a vinyl DJ was set up for some late-night dancing."

The couple poses one last time.

Details of the bride's second outfit.

"I want to relive this night again and again. Vow renewal?!"

Planner/Designer: @apricityevent.co

Photographer: @ashleehuffweddings @ashleehuff

Videographer: @emileeguidorzi

Stationery: @thekfdstudio

Florist: @idamayesfloral

Makeup Artist: @sophiaartistry

Hairstylist: @marisarosemph

Stylist: @nicole.amarise

Band: @jordankahnorchestra

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favourite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"We met five years ago, and our first date took place during the pandemic. Cevin picked me up to go drifting, and afterwards, we ended up at his agency, sharing a glass of wine. The funny part? It was technically our first date, but I stayed over that night, and in a way, never really left.

"The proposal happened on my 30th birthday in Ibiza. We had rented a house with my closest friends, and Cevin surprised me with the proposal out on the terrace. It was completely unexpected (as we were still a little hungover from the night before), but it turned into the most beautiful moment, especially because we got to celebrate it with my friends right afterwards.

"Everything about our story has always moved fast. We already have a two-year-old daughter, and now, after just five years together, we are married. From the very beginning, we’ve been living life at full speed—like going 270 km/h in the fast lane—and that energy has carried us all the way here."

"Our wedding had a pastel theme, inspired by Cevin’s art, which is full of soft, colourful tones. I designed the invitations myself in lavender and soft pink to introduce the [colour palette] right from the start."

"On the morning of the wedding, I got ready at the Chateau Royal in Berlin, which was also where we spent our wedding night. I was joined by my best friend Antony, who was also my best man, and we even shared our first glass of champagne, making the morning full of laughter, excitement, and special moments."

"I chose to have my dress custom-made by Berlin designer Franziska Burgert. One of my closest friends had previously had her wedding dresses designed by Franziska, and I had always been impressed by her work. I wanted something special, something tailored exactly to my body, rather than picking a dress off the rack"

"My makeup was done by Patricia Hoos, a talented makeup artist from Berlin who came highly recommended. Since I usually wear very little makeup, I wanted something a bit stronger for the wedding but still natural, and Patricia executed it perfectly. Originally, I had planned to wear my hair down, but in the end, I opted for a sleek braided updo so that my scarf and the corsage of my dress could really stand out."

"Originally, [I planned to] wear white wide-leg [trousers] with a crop top and maybe a cropped blazer. But as the process unfolded, I realised that this was such a special day, and I wanted to wear a skirt instead. Franziska tried a corsage on me just to see how it would feel, and the moment I put it on, I fell in love. From that moment, it was clear that I wanted a corsage with this skirt.

"The final look was the perfect fit for me: elegant yet cool, sexy but not overdone. I wanted to avoid a traditional “princess” vibe and instead go for something edgy and modern, something that really fits the Berlin spirit. The outfit was completed with a scarf, adding an extra unique touch. I wore silver Jimmy Choo shoes, and for jewellery, I wore my engagement ring, wedding ring and additional gifted pieces from the day, all from Tiffany & Co., which beautifully completed the look."

"Cevin wore a custom-made suit from SteelSupply, featuring black trousers, black shoes, and an off-white double-breasted blazer paired with a bow tie. His look perfectly complemented mine. Together, we looked amazing."

"Originally, the plan was to have a small civil ceremony in Berlin and then host a larger celebration in Mallorca. But as the planning unfolded, the Berlin ceremony kept growing, and before we knew it, we had nearly 60 guests. At that point, it felt natural to embrace it as our main wedding celebration, especially since it allowed our families in Germany to be part of the day.

"We chose Hallesches Haus in Berlin, which turned out to be the perfect setting. What makes the venue so special is its beautiful outdoor space. Having dinner outside was non-negotiable for us as we wanted one long table where all of our guests could sit together. That sense of connection and togetherness was the most important thing: no separation, no small groups, just one big table of conversation, laughter and joy."

"Since our ceremony was civil, we had limited space and could only have 15 people inside. That meant it was just our closest family and our daughter, Ida. She was our adorable ring-bearer, bringing the rings to us after we exchanged vows. It was such a sweet and memorable special moment."

"A funny moment happened with the music. I had prepared a USB stick with a song for our entrance, but I didn’t realise that the old sound system could only play one track at a time. I had actually created a folder on the stick with the song labelled 'Song for Ceremony'. When we entered, the official plugged in the USB, and suddenly a groovy house track started playing!

"Everyone was surprised and a bit confused, and my mom even came out to ask if this was really supposed to happen. For a moment, I panicked, thinking the moment was ruined. But in hindsight, it was so funny, and actually perfectly fitting, since it was a song I normally play as a DJ. It added a natural, playful touch to the ceremony that made it even more memorable."

"Despite the small space and the unexpected music, the ceremony was incredibly beautiful, intimate and emotional. We even exchanged a few personal words with each other. Normally, civil ceremonies are said to be very formal and 'dry', but ours felt deeply personal, romantic, and truly memorable. A moment we will always cherish."

"After the ceremony, we had our couple’s photoshoot, and in the afternoon, the reception began at the venue. A singer performed acoustic versions of some of my favourite songs from Rihanna, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. When we joined later, the singer performed 'Freed From Desire', and everyone sang along. It was an incredible vibe!"

"As mentioned, our wedding had a pastel theme, inspired in part by Cevin’s artwork, which is full of bright and cheerful colours. We wanted the day to feel joyful and lively, and the pastel palette set the perfect tone. The dress code for our guests was also pastel, creating a cohesive, colourful look that would shine in photos and make the celebration feel extra vibrant."

"Our florist tailored the flowers to match the pastel theme, using soft pinks, lilacs, creams and delicate dried blooms. The flowers complemented the charming courtyard, with its green chairs and leafy walls, creating a beautiful, harmonious overall look. Candles in pastel shades added warmth, whilst the menus were printed in soft lilac tones, perfectly matching the table décor. With everything from the flowers to the table linens and candles working together, the result was a stunning, cohesive setting that felt both elegant and playful—a perfect reflection of our vision for the day."

"As a special 'personality gift', each guest received a bottle of wine from Rheinhessen, selected by winemaker Juliane Eller, with our logo on it. In addition, we wrote personal letters to every guest, sharing heartfelt words and memories. These were placed on their plates just before the meal, and seeing everyone’s reactions—tears, smiles and hugs—was incredibly moving. It was such a meaningful way to show our appreciation and connect with our loved ones on a deeper level."

"Dinner followed around 6.30 pm, served family-style at one long table, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The mood remained playful throughout, with a funky '70s and '80s house playlist. Guests were already dancing—some grabbing the microphone—and an impromptu dance circle formed outdoors. Around 10 pm, we moved inside to cut the pastel-coloured cake, inspired by Cevin‘s artwork.

"One of the most special moments of the evening was the speeches by our respective best friends and witnesses. Both gave absolutely beautiful speeches, finding exactly the right words, and everyone was completely captivated and emotionally moved."

"Our first dance was a highlight of the evening. I have danced my whole life, and Cevin also has a dance background, so we prepared a small choreography with three different songs. It was completely unexpected for our guests, and their surprised, excited, cheering reactions made it an amazing, unforgettable moment. After that, the party continued all night with incredible energy and unforgettable joy."

Bride: @maddi_bu
Groom: @cevinparker
Photographer: @erikxwinter
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Hallesches Haus Berlin
Ceremony Dress: @franziskaburgert.atelier
MUA & Hair: @patricia.hoos
Flowers: @schokohama

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"We met, or well, didn't meet, at my 21st birthday party," RLT Brand Director Sophia Winnikoff tells Who What Wear, reflecting on how their love story with Mikayel Nguyen, a producer at Dazed Studio, began. "Our mutual friend thought we would get along but didn’t know I was in a relationship at the time," they added. Nguyen attended Winnikoff's celebration with the friend but rather than meeting them, he met their dog, Kato, and then left soon after.

While the timing wasn't exactly right, the interest was there—and curiosity followed. That summer, when Winnikoff was no longer in a relationship, Nguyen took to social media to connect with them. "He followed me on Instagram—the best way to keep tabs on someone in 2018," Winnikoff says. "We started chatting via DM over music. Messages became calls, and calls became a date."

That summer, when the two were both living in California—Winnikoff in Santa Barbara, helping care for their terminally ill mother, and Nguyen in Los Angeles—they met at Winnikoff's grandparents’ house in Malibu. "On our first date, Mik whipped up some handmade pappardelle, and I brought homemade cookies," Winnikoff shares. "We sat under the stars talking about everything and nothing, and then walked down to the nearby seaside. Little did I know that day over seven years ago, Mik would propose to me in the same exact spot."

The two didn’t officially start dating until December of that year due to distance and Winnikoff's family loss, but they spoke almost every day, continuing to connect over their shared love of film. "Mik persisted with understanding and patience—a true mark of his personality," Winnikoff says. When it was time to propose, Nguyen brought Winnikoff back to their first-date spot. "I was incredibly nervous, as it was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision," Nguyen shares. "There was a special moon that night, a super blue moon, also called a sturgeon blue moon. I had Sophia go ahead with Kato to the beach as I collected myself. Upon catching up with Sophia, I found that they had slipped down the incredibly smooth, slippery Malibu stairs and gotten a little bruised. Between the slip and running into other dogs who kept wanting to say hi to Kato, I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but the people cleared away, and the sun began setting, creating the perfect runway to propose."

The location they chose for their wedding was equally sentimental. The two decided on Winnikoff's childhood home. "It felt extraordinarily special to commit to one another in a place that has held so much love," Winnikoff shares. "A vital part for me was to honor my mother and have her presence felt, and we decided there was no better place to get married than at the home she built from the ground up with my father. I’m so grateful to my dad for opening up his home and for his patience and generosity." Read on to admire Winnikoff's three dresses, including the wedding look that was in their closet all along, the ways the couple honored Vietnamese and Jewish traditions, and the handful of other special details that made this wedding uniquely theirs.

Sophia Winnikoff: "Getting ready was always a portion of the day I felt nervous about. The lack of my mother’s physical presence loomed especially large, and I wasn’t certain how I might feel leading into the evening. We chose not to have wedding parties, but I wanted a few of my close circle to be present with me in this special, albeit bittersweet moment."

SW: "I wore my mother’s nightgown—I didn’t give too much thought as to the old, new, blue, but it didn’t hurt that it is my favorite sky blue."

SW: "I am so grateful for Chanel’s [my hair and makeup artist] guidance and calming energy. Day of, we decided to change up my hair and makeup look to a slicked back bun and slightly darker makeup to match the rainy energy."

SW: "Anyone who spoke to me about my wedding unfortunately learned about my frustration in finding 'the right' look—probably because, in true form, one look wasn’t going to cut it for me. The funny thing is my wedding look was in my closet all along. I found my ceremony dress on Ruby Lane two years prior. I had been on the hunt for a 1930s silk nightgown, and the $80 non-returnable risk felt relatively small. No measurements, two mannequin photographs, and somehow it fit perfectly. I tried on a few other dresses, but none of them felt right. I wore the piece backward with the lace in the back. One of the few references I had was Martha Plimpton at the 1989 Academy Awards, and the gorgeous, aligned draping of the ivory silk really sealed the deal. I felt a veil would overcomplicate the look, and I paired the dress with simple white Maison Margiela Tabi shoes to modernize it. For jewelry, I wore my mother’s pearl and diamond earrings, paired with a simple diamond stud—a gift from my mother-in-law."

Mikayel Nguyen: "I used to work in costumes for film and television, so my wedding suit was very important. I knew I wanted a bespoke suit but was unsure of the specifics. I am a huge admirer of my now-tailor High Society. I hit it off with David, the owner and designer, and he guided me through the process. We initially started with the fabric, considering black, white, and possibly green. After consulting Sophia, we settled on a lovely brown. From there, we talked cut and settled on a double-breasted jacket that was slightly cropped and straight-legged pants with a slight flare and a half break. After two fittings, it was and is the best suit I've ever tried on and owned. For shoes, I wanted to move away from wingtips or loafers but still wanted something with a heel. I had been fixated on the Bode Opera pumps for a minute and ultimately pulled the trigger on them."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Always bring your dog!"

SW: "Megan’s vision [our florist] with the florals went far beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. I knew I wanted to lean more toward produce over traditional florals, focusing on sculptural elements and prioritizing edible arrangements. I had a pretty set color palette of white, green, and almost-black purple. Megan even grew special dragon tongue beans, the ones that were in my bouquet, because otherwise they are extremely hard, if not impossible, to come by."

WWW Weddings Tip: "I’m stealing this tip from my friend Rachel, but have a first look with your father! It’s such a tender moment and really nice to have that little bit of time just the two of you before the day races away."

The couple's first look.

The bride and groom pose with their friends.

SW: "Before the ceremony, we signed our Ketubah. My brother’s fiancée was kind enough to officiate, and it was signed by my mother’s best friend, Suzi, and mine, Molly. It took a long while to find a modernized Ketubah that properly honored our promises to each other as well as our identities and personal views."

SW: "Once we decided to have a formal wedding, it felt as though there was really only one venue that would work—my childhood home. It felt extraordinarily special to commit to one another in a place that has held so much love. A vital part for me was to honor my mother and have her presence felt, and we decided there was no better place to get married than at the home she built from the ground up with my father. I’m so grateful to my dad for opening up his home and his patience and generosity."

Details of Winnikoff's childhood home.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Do not take the weather for granted. You can get married in the ‘most beautiful time of year’ in the American Riviera, and it can still rain! Shouts out to Katie [our wedding planner] for her quick thinking, and thank you to our guests for rolling with the weather."

SW: "My father, brother, and (dog) son, Kato, walked me down the aisle. Mik’s parents walked him. Four of our closest friends held the chuppah."

SM: "As an homage to my mother, Megan crafted the most beautiful bouquet of lilies and sweet peas, two of my mother’s favorites, in a vintage silver champagne ice bucket. It was an unspoken but tender gift for my family."

SW: "Our chuppah was crafted from my father’s tallit—one of our most prized possessions. It still has my mother’s lipstick on the corner, so it felt like she was blessing our union."

SW: "One of my closest (and most talented) friends, Siobhan, was kind enough to act as our videographer and film the day on a mini DV cam. To be seen by someone we love and have them capture our day with such care and vision was such a gift."

SW: "Our wedding bands were matching organic matte white-gold bands from Marisa Mason. We love being able to engage locally with artists and craftspeople, and they were the perfect weight and finish."

The couple says "I do."

SW: "I wanted to honor my partner’s heritage with my second look. In Vietnam, brides often wear red. I had always been taken with Shereen Mohammad’s work since I came across her Ishq set. She was kind enough to work with me on a custom neckline, an off-the-shoulder scoop neck, in homage to my own mother’s wedding dress. The ruby set and scarf truly exceeded my wildest dreams."

Guests making their way to the cocktail hour.

SW: "I wanted to ensure every guest felt seen and taken care of. For the table cards, I sourced vintage photographs that Mik and I paired with each guest. For favors, I sourced vintage handkerchiefs with each guest's initials. I wanted our loved ones to have a physical token to take home but one that would be of use and provide an intimate memory."

SW: "Because we had to push our ceremony a half hour (hello rain!), speeches were made in cocktail hour rather than at dinner. And it worked out, as many surprises do, for the best."

MN: "My sister originally was not going to make a speech but was inspired during the lead-up speeches. I have to say, for a last-minute speech, they killed it. I’ll never forget it."

Champagne being served during cocktail hour.

Friends of the couple enjoying cocktails.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Some people dream about being a bride—and some don’t! The planning process became much more comfortable when I accepted that I didn’t want to have all the traditional bells and whistles. Your wedding is your and your partner’s best day, so don’t pressure yourself to make it someone else’s dream."

SM: "In planning, I kept referring to the event as a big sexy dinner party rather than a wedding. Katie was pivotal in guiding us and seeing the vision through. I wanted it to feel like a '90s Oscars after-party and an alfresco night in Tuscany had a baby."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Prioritize having solo moments with your partner and ideally a sweetheart table. Give yourself time to actually eat and bask in the presence of the people you love and the energy of the evening. You will be able to connect with folks after, but you will never get this moment back."

SM: "Katie worked her magic and came up with the most beautiful table settings. Perfectly balancing my desire for simplicity while maintaining interest and beauty."

SM: "My third look was also found by chance—online and vintage. I knew I wanted to wear pants for at least one of the looks (I did not anticipate having three), and I always dreamed about a suit with no shirt. In one of my many long scrolls, I came across a silk Giorgio Armani ivory suit pictured on a bed lying flat. No measurements, no size. I ordered it with a prayer and was so surprised to find one of the most beautifully crafted suits I had ever seen. I went to Mik’s tailor, David at High Society, and they were able to adjust it just so while maintaining a wide leg and overall comfort. It was the ideal piece for dancing and staying warm as the end approached. I am so excited to wear these pieces for years beyond."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Think outside the bridal salon! Shopping secondhand and/or vintage can really expand your options. I loved that many of my pieces were on the more affordable side, which then allowed me to splurge elsewhere and also invest in the perfect set from Shereen. I also love that I can wear each piece in the future, and look forward to all the further memories I will create in them."

SM: "Dinner ran just long enough, and then Mik and I had our first dance, along with a shared parent dance."

Sophia and their father sharing a dance.

SM: "I would be remiss not to highlight our phenomenal photographer, Jes Workman. Jes captured the energy, beauty, and love impeccably while maintaining stunning energy and composition. We feel so fortunate to have had her."

SM: "One of the highlights of the evening was when my brother’s fiancée, Anna, took it upon herself to get us all up and going for the hora, which had been nixed due to the rain delay. Mik had his first flying chair experience, and it felt as though no one else in the world was happier at that moment."

Details of the tiramisu.

SM: "Dancing was followed by both our favorite desserts: tiramisu and berries and cream."

Planner and Designer: @kcdeventco

Photographer: @jesworkman

Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: @chanelcross

Videographer: @shivvmccarthy

Caterer: @lamorrapizzeria

Florist: @megan_gray

Paper Goods: @olivejuicedesignco

Calligrapher: @kei.haniyacalligraphy

Sound: @secondsong_official

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

There are certain items of clothing that you remember forever. In a Proustian sense, the memory of when and where you wore it is proverbially stitched into the very material of the piece. Unequivocally, a wedding dress is one of them.

“A wedding dress is so much more than clothing—it’s the tangible expression of someone’s identity at the exact moment they step into a new chapter,” explains Annelise Sealy, the founder of London-based contemporary bridal boutique The Fall Bride.

“It holds emotion, history, personality and intention,” Sealy continues. “At The Fall Bride, we see brides choose pieces that capture how they want to feel: powerful, modern, romantic, effortless. A wedding dress anchors the narrative of the day and becomes part of their personal story.”

But how to actually make it to the aisle wearing a piece you adore as much as the person you’re meeting at the end? And what wedding dress trends are on the rise for 2026?

“2026 is shaping up to be the year of romance reimagined. Silhouettes feel fluid and feminine, but beneath that softness lies impeccable structure and considered craftsmanship,” Sealy notes on the overall mode set for bridal fashion.

Even more so, the limits for what constitutes a wedding design are blurring in 2026 and beyond. Your design could be the dress you’ve been dreaming of since you were a girl, something that arrived via DHL Express the evening before or something you plucked from the high street set in the weeks leading up to the big day. Either way, the notions around what constitutes a wedding dress are becoming quite antiquated.

Still, there is so much pressure to find The One, even if you are armed with the information about the key emerging trends and styles that could be read as dated in a few months' time. On that, Brigitte Stepputtis, design director of couture at Vivienne Westwood, suggests newlyweds-to-be should “let go of the myth of the ‘perfect’ dress. She continues, “If the dress shifts your posture, sharpens your confidence and makes you feel slightly more yourself, that’s The One.”

This is a trait we’ve seen a lot of already from Charli xcx's leg-baring, off-the-rack Vivienne Westwood gown for her Hackney Town Hall civil ceremony to Lana Del Rey’s Victorian-inspired custom Cinq creation for her ‘Love on the Bayou’ themed nuptials. These are pieces that are considered in the sense that they capture the quality of who they are, but are equally carefree in their approach. In fact, a dress chosen without the pressure of selecting something perfect will actually be the most precious of all.

And in an era where exchanging vows can sometimes feel like a performance for a digital peanut gallery, there’s something so liberating about intentionally embracing a wedding dress that solely caters to you—your tastes, your history, your traditions and your future. “In essence,” Sealy adds, “2026 brides are embracing softness, but it’s with intention, designed with the precision of couture and the poetry of eras past”.

But this is only helpful in theory. So, whether you have a date set, are in the nascent stages of planning or are still simply picking out engagement rings, keep scrolling below for the 8 expert-approved wedding dress trends of 2026.

The 8 Key Wedding Dress Trends of 2026

Style Notes: It would be remiss to discuss the key 2026 wedding dress trends without beginning here. As the brat songstress said, everything is romantic, and one of the biggest trends encourages brides to embrace this sensibility through a refined lens. “2026 is shaping up to be the year of romance reimagined,” explains Sealy. “Silhouettes feel fluid and feminine, but beneath that softness lies impeccable structure and considered craftsmanship.”

Rosie Williams, co-founder and creative director of The Own Studio, a contemporary bridal studio located in the heart of Shoreditch, echoes this. “For 2026, we’re seeing a balance between structure and softness,” she says. “Think: hidden corsetry and structure with fluid draping on top. It’s all about having that really amazing, containing feeling on the inside, but still an element of romance and fluidity in the fabric.” Tender touches like stitching a quote into the lining of your train—perhaps in a robin's-egg blue in an homage to that traditional “something”—or upcycling a family member’s gown for your veil are ideal ways of expressing this trend.

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Style Notes: Whilst predicting future trends can sometimes feel like gazing into a crystal ball, take solace in knowing that there’s a rich history of fashion trends to mine, especially if looking too far ahead feels daunting. “Vintage references are coming through with unprecedented subtlety,” says Sealy.

“Rather than overt costume, we’re seeing whispers of the Baroque, the opulence of Rococo, and the sculptural femininity of the Belle Époque translated into modern silhouettes: ornate brocade reinterpreted as lace motifs, elongated corseted waists softened with fluid drapes, and embellishment that pays homage without imitation.”

A designer who excels at the New York City-based modern bridalwear maven, Danielle Frankel. Establishing herself as a definitive destination for contemporary women seeking something cool and with couture sensibilities, the brand’s latest collection draws inspiration from illustrations by Erté, the 20th-century Russian-French artist known for his hand-crafted costumes.

Slightly Art Nouveau, slightly Art Deco, the designs render a century-old tradition with a new outlook. “Trapunto stitching, corded trellis embroidery, boned bodices and hand-painted facades are just a few of the signature details that make up an imaginative compilation of cinema-like pieces, each with its own personality,” the brand says in a press release, which also reflects a desire for weddings to play out like an event. “Brides want their wedding day to unfold like theatre,” explains Stepputtis.

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Style Notes: Though the aforementioned trends speak to the overall vibe for 2026 wedding dress trends, bridal designers are also forecasting the return of specific elements. Draping is one of them. “Draping continues to play a pivotal role, bringing movement, softness and dimension to gowns that feel both contemporary and timeless,” explains Michelle Aznavorian, the founder and creative director of ready-to-wear and occasionwear label Misha.

More specifically, designers are embracing draping that feels “poetic rather than fussy”, as Sealy notes. “Soft folds that skim the body, cascades of silk that ripple as the bride moves, and sculpted ruching that gently shapes without ever feeling rigid,” she continues. “It’s sensual, but never showy, a quiet luxury with a decidedly modern hand. This is shown through corseted bodices with a fluid drape through the gown, sculpted without looking stiff, and deeply flattering and romantic.”

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