As we approach 2026 (and 2027 - I mean, it is already July!), weddings are evolving into deeply personal and unforgettable experiences. Brides and grooms are embracing modern elegance, custom details, and eco-conscious choices to create celebrations that feel unique and meaningful. Whether you're planning your own wedding or simply love keeping up with the latest trends, here's a curated guide to the most exciting wedding trends for 2026 and 2027.
1. Pearlcore: The Modern Bride's Obsession
Pearls are here to stay in bridal fashion. From pearl-studded wedding dresses to delicate veils and pearl-adorned accessories, this timeless trend adds a touch of sophistication to any bridal look. We love the modern baroque, or natural shape pearls for that modern edge. Consider incorporating pearl earrings or a pearl-embellished wedding headband to elevate your ensemble.
KINDRA PEARL BOW BRIDAL EARRINGS
2. Statement Gloves & Vintage Glamour
Long satin or lace gloves are adding an Old Hollywood feel to modern wedding looks. Brides are embracing this vintage touch for the ceremony and then switching to a second, more relaxed look for the reception. This trend offers a blend of tradition and contemporary style, perfect for the fashion-forward bride.
3. Bridal Accessories: Capes, Custom Veils, and More
Bridal capes are taking centre stage in 2026, becoming one of the most talked-about trends in modern weddings. Whether sheer and ethereal or bold and colourful, these off-the-shoulder accessories offer brides a powerful way to express personal style beyond the traditional gown. Customised capes and veils, embellished with embroidery, colour, or even text are transforming into wearable declarations of individuality and vision. As Vogue notes in their 2025/26 bridal trend report, “Designers are increasingly embracing capes as a modern, high-fashion layer that adds drama and elegance without overshadowing the dress.” From romantic garden weddings to city rooftop vows, the cape is becoming a signature for the bride who wants to make a statement—her way.
PINK BRIDAL FLORAL HAND PAINTED CAPE
4. Bridal Mini Dresses for the Afterparty
More brides are choosing a second dress—often a fun, flirty mini—for the reception or afterparty. It's the perfect way to let loose and dance the night away in style. Consider pairing your mini dress with bold bridal accessories to complete the look.
MESHKI SILVER EMBELLISHED MINI DRESS
5. Scent Your Vows: The Wedding Perfume Trend
In 2026, the most personal wedding trend isn't something you see—it's something you smell. Brides are now choosing a dedicated perfume exclusively for their wedding day, creating a powerful scent memory that will instantly transport them back to that cherished moment for years to come.
Our sense of smell is directly linked to the memory and emotion centers in our brain. By selecting a new, unique fragrance, you're bottling the joy, love, and excitement of your wedding. Every time you wear it, those precious memories will come flooding back.
For the bride seeking a scent that is as unique and consciously crafted as her love story, we recommend Seraphina by AEL ESTE. This fresh, green floral is a fierce and unapologetically feminine Eau de Parfum. Sustainably made in Adelaide by a small, all-female team, Seraphina is created from the finest ingredients. With top notes of Petitgrain and Mandarin, a heart of Peony and Night Jasmin, and a Vetiver base, it’s a refined composition perfect for year-round vows. Choosing a boutique perfume like Seraphina means investing in a scent with meaning and sentimental significance—the perfect olfactory "something new" for your big day.
SERAPHINA BOUTIQUE AUSTRALIAN MADE PERFUME
6. Vintage Silhouettes & Textures
Vintage silhouettes and textures are making a strong comeback. From drop waists and gathered skirts to corsets and antique lace, these elements blend the contemporary with the vintage-inspired to create something unique. Detachable or removable pieces are also trending, allowing for multiple looks throughout the evening.
7. Black Tie Revival
Formal is back in for bridesmaids and guests, with black tie dress codes making a big comeback. This trend brings a chic and sophisticated backdrop for the day's other palettes and makes things more sustainable for the wearers. Elegant black gowns for the bridal party can be invested in and re-worn to events for seasons to come.
8. Sustainable Celebrations
Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of weddings. Couples are prioritising eco-friendly choices, from biodegradable confetti to locally sourced flowers. The focus is on reducing waste while maintaining elegance, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward environmental consciousness.
Incorporating these trends into your wedding can create a celebration that's both stylish and deeply personal. Remember, the best weddings reflect the unique personalities and values of the couple. Choose the trends that resonate with you, and don't be afraid to make them your own.
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Ready to find your signature scent and style? Let's play!
Here at AEL ESTE, we've been living and breathing weddings for over 13 years. Styling is our passion, and we'd absolutely love to help you create your dream look.
Our kind of bride? She’s the one ready to rip up the rulebook. The one who daydreams beyond the traditional and wants to walk down the aisle in a way that feels authentically, unapologetically her. If you're ready to embrace your true style and create some magic, we're your people. Let's chat!
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Lots of love
Ashlee Lauren x
