As couples look ahead to the new wedding season, 2026 wedding trends are shaping up to be bold, immersive, and beautifully personal. At Manor By The Lake, our Cotswolds venue naturally embraces these trends with its blend of romantic architecture, lush grounds, and luxurious indoor spaces.
From dramatic outdoor styling to elegant old-money aesthetics, interactive guest experiences, and nostalgic details, these are the Manor by the lake wedding trends set to define 2026.
Outdoor Draping
Flowing fabric installations are one of the most eye-catching 2026 wedding trends, especially for outdoor ceremonies. Our Italian Pavilion is the perfect canvas, with its ivy-clad structure and garden surroundings lending themselves beautifully to soft, sculptural draping.
Couples are choosing sheer chiffon, linen, or organza to add movement and depth to the structure. The effect is romantic and editorial, enhancing both the atmosphere and the photography. Draping is also a great way to introduce colour early in the day, whether subtle neutrals or the bold palettes trending this year.
With added florals or greenery, the pavilion transforms into a truly magical space – one that feels tailor-made for 2026 weddings.
The “Old Money” Look at Manor By The Lake
Timeless elegance is back in full force, and the old money wedding trend suits Manor By The Lake perfectly. Couples are embracing refined, heritage-inspired styling that feels luxurious without being overdone.
Think pearl details, gold cutlery, sharp tuxedos, and elegant, clean-lined bridal gowns. Florals stay classic with roses, hydrangeas, and soft greenery. Add candlelight, ivory linens, and crystal glassware, and the whole look feels effortlessly timeless.
The manor’s Victorian architecture elevates this trend effortlessly. From sweeping staircases to ornate fireplaces, the venue already exudes an old-world charm that blends seamlessly with this 2026 aesthetic.
Guest Experience
Weddings in 2026 are all about creating an immersive experience, and Manor By The Lake’s varied spaces make this trend easy to execute. Guests love celebrations that feel dynamic, where different moments unfold across the venue.
Popular ideas include cocktail-making stations, live entertainment tucked into garden corners, personalised food experiences, and audio guestbooks. Some couples are adding scent-blending bars or keepsake-making stations for a more creative touch.
A magician performing in the gardens is ideal for warm summer afternoons, giving guests something fun and unexpected to enjoy. Later in the evening, the audio guestbook set up in the Ballroom lets loved one’s record messages in a relaxed, intimate space. These little touches create a wedding day that feels lively, personal, and memorable from start to finish.
Bold Colours
One of the most exciting 2026 wedding trends is the return of bold, expressive colour. Manor By The Lake’s elegant neutral interiors provide the perfect foundation for vibrant styling, making it easy for couples to embrace more daring palettes.
Think rich jewel tones, bright citrus colours, and bold colour blocking. These shades are showing up in ceremony backdrops, aisle décor, and reception tables. Colourful candles, patterned linens, and tinted glassware are also becoming really popular for adding a fun, modern touch.
Fashion is following suit too – brides choosing colourful gowns, grooms embracing standout accessories, and wedding breakfasts featuring impactful centrepieces. Bold colour brings energy and personality to the day, making it one of the standout trends for 2026 weddings.
“Same but Different”
Bridesmaid styling is getting a refreshing update with the same-but-different dress trend. Uniform looks are giving way to individuality, allowing each bridesmaid to wear a dress that suits her shape and style while still fitting the wedding’s overall aesthetic.
Couples are opting for the same colour but different silhouettes, or the same fabric in complementary tones. Varied necklines, lengths, and textures add dimension to group photos and give the bridal party more freedom and confidence.
This trend pairs beautifully with both bold and minimal palettes, making it a versatile choice for 2026 weddings at the manor.
Retro Cakes with Modern Flair
Retro wedding cakes are making a big comeback for 2026, bringing a fun touch of nostalgia to the day. Couples are choosing designs inspired by past decades – Lambeth piping, tiered columns, pastel icing, and pretty frills.
These vintage-style cakes look decorative and playful, and they’re easy to personalise with colours and details that match your theme. They also make a beautiful centrepiece in Manor By The Lake’s reception rooms, fitting perfectly with the mix of modern and historic style.
Whether you go quirky or elegant, retro cakes add a unique charm to your wedding breakfast and look amazing in photos.
The 2026 wedding trends forecast promises a year filled with creativity, elegance, and unforgettable experiences. From soft outdoor draping and vintage-inspired luxury to interactive guest moments, bold palettes, expressive bridesmaid styling, and nostalgic cakes, couples are crafting celebrations with more personality and intention than ever before.
At Manor By The Lake, these trends flourish effortlessly. The venue’s grand architecture, lush gardens, and versatile spaces offer endless possibilities for couples dreaming of a stylish, modern, and immersive 2026 wedding.
If you’re planning a trend-forward celebration, our dedicated team is here to help bring every detail to life. Your perfect 2026 wedding begins at Manor By The Lake.
