If you’re planning your 2026 wedding in Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal, you’ll want to know the trends that are shaping next year’s celebrations. Weddings are evolving, and couples are leaning into elements that feel personal, playful, and editorial rather than fleeting fads.
As an editorial planner, I’m always on the lookout for emerging trends, but my eye isn’t only on weddings. I look to the fashion world and its brand experiences, because fashion pushes creativity forward across so many industries: bridal, event design, architecture, décor, and more. Some of the most exciting ideas I’ve discovered come from these intersections, and they’re helping my clients make their weddings unique in ways that have never been seen before. I’m constantly chasing that next best idea—or sometimes it’s a random spark that pops into my head—that becomes the perfect concept for the right client.
So without further ado, here’s my insider perspective on the wedding trends worth your time and investment as we head into 2026.
Architectural STATEMENTS
Toast Events + Lace & Luce Editorial
Designing large-scale floral, draping and floor plan installations is not easy—it requires artistry, engineering, and vision. In 2026, we are moving away from scattered arrangements on pedestals, florals on tables and toward bold focal points that define a space. Think massive hydrangea clouds or sculptural floral towers that act as the pièce de résistance of your celebration. It’s the wow factor your guests first see when they walk into the room.
When I guide my clients through the concept of transformative florals, draping or furniture, I always recommend keeping the tablescape extremely pared back, minimal candles, clean lines so the focus isn’t on the table itself but on the art installation we’ve created within the room. For couples in Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal, working with luxury wedding florists means you can design an immersive, editorial space where a single monumental piece, a living floral sculpture or a dramatic installation of hundreds of candles at varying heights, becomes the statement. Yes, this can be a super bold design move and it isn’t for everyone. But I’m all about unforgettable experiences where guests loose themselves thinking there anywhere but where they are. One of the best comments i’ve ever received was….
“ I don’t know how you did it, but I literally felt like I was on vacation in Italy”.
For that specific wedding I had converted and old dusty abandoned church into a reception space and took all the church pews outside on the front lawn for the ceremony. Mind you this was 2016 and very forward for its time. I still hear about this wedding through the grapevines on occasion.
Cafe Cocktail hour
Forget the standard “cocktail hour with canapés.” Lately, I’m absolutely living for the rise of the café cocktail experience a trend that flips the script on what cocktail hour can look like. Instead of only martinis and hors d’oeuvres, couples are blending crafted cocktails with artisanal espresso drinks, coffee creations, and sweet bites. Think cappuccinos served alongside champagne, lattes paired with delicate pastries, and yes, even the wedding cake making its grand debut during cocktail hour paired with your cake cutting.
I’ve done this done countless times in Europe since 2014, and every time, it creates the most magical, unhurried atmosphere. Guests sip, snack, and settle into cozy café-style seating like little bistro tables sets, velvet lounge corners, and intimate nooks designed for real conversation. It’s chic, it’s European-inspired, and it sets the tone for a wedding that feels both elevated and effortlessly relaxed.
What I love most is that it turns cocktail hour into an experience instead of just a transition. Guests aren’t rushing, they’re savoring, coffee, champagne, cake, and each other’s company. And honestly? I think it’s only a matter of time before this becomes the new “classic.” Im officially setting the trend!
Cocktail Theater
This is what I mean about interesting drink garnishes!
Cocktails Hour (and mocktails!) are becoming curated experiences, and honestly, I’m here for it. We’re seeing couples go all in with custom glassware, personalized napkins, branded drink accessories, designer ice cubes, and even infused sodas in custom cans—every sip feels intentional. And with so many younger guests leaning away from alcohol, mocktails are getting just as much love. Think infused syrups, dried garnishes, playful flavor pairings… it’s basically a tasting experience that feels just as elevated as the real thing.
And because I’m obsessed with accessorizing bars (no messy bottle displays here), I make sure everything looks gorgeous and editorial. Picture crystal decanters, a chic bar menu, and bowls of olives, nuts, or candies so guests can help themselves. At a recent wedding at The Cape, I went full “snacking queen” mode (if you follow me, you know that’s my thing). We had a very millennial crowd, so I stocked crystal snack bowls with fan-favorites like Gushers, Dunkaroos, and Fruit by the Foot. Let me tell you—people went crazy. It’s those little touches that make the bar feel not only luxe but also ridiculously fun and personal.
Last but not least the a la minute roaming canapés experience of Caviar Clouds, Hand Crafted Cannolies, Oyester Towers,
Latenight guest activations
I always tell my couples: don’t let the energy dip after dinner. Late-night guest activations (that’s the industry term, but honestly, I just call them the fun stuff) are having a major moment. Think of them as little surprises that keep guests laughing, mingling, and feeling like they’re part of something unforgettable.
One of the coolest things we’re seeing right now? Merch Tables. Instead of the traditional one-size-fits-all wedding favor, couples are setting up a pop-up merch booth where guests get to choose what they want to take home. I’m working on one right now and the ideas are ridiculously cute—I’ll drop a pic below so you can see the vibe.
Toast Events Mood Board for clients wedidng Merch Table
Another fave of mine is the Aura Reading Photo Booth! Lip Bar. Guests can customize a gloss or lipstick shade that actually works for their features and skin tone, and then use it throughout the night for touch-ups.
One favorite we have just done this summer is the Midnight Glitter Bar, with rhinestones, gels, and appliqués for a festival-inspired glow. Guests applied these themselves once the dancing started. If you want to up the anti you could also have a makeup artist on-hand to give your guests a little Coachella glow-up with neon eye liner, a bold eye shadow and lips etc. Honestly, these little extras flip a switch for guests, they stop feeling like they’re “at a wedding” and start feeling like they’re at an epic celebration. They get playful, relaxed, maybe even a little silly, and that’s when the real memories happen.
Fashion as a Statement Experience
Toast Events Chandelier Tights designed and hand-crafted by Elise Schmitz
Wedding fashion in 2026 is no longer a one-woman show, it’s an ensemble moment. Bridesmaids aren’t just “matching” anymore; they’re styled like their own mini fashion editorials. The look is cohesive as a group, but each bridesmaid has her own main character energy. Think high-end dresses with slightly different cuts, chic clutches, cute heels, pearl-dusted hairpins, or jewelry that feels curated to their vibe. It’s luxe, it’s intentional, and it makes everyone feel like they belong in Vogue’s wedding issue.
And brides? Oh, they’re stepping fully into designer mode shopping working closely with smaller bridal designers where brides can work face-to face with their designer to create custom fashion pieces for their wedding day. Think custom getting ready attire, bespoke wedding dress with overlay skirt, cocktail mini, dancing onesie etc.
We’re also seeing a rise in DIY luxury starting with sleek, blank-canvas gowns or accessories and then elevating them with Swarovski crystals, hand-sewn pearls, or even playful rhinestone appliqués. One of my favorites I created was what I call the “chandelier tights” hours of hand-stitching rhinestones . The same can be done with a clutch, veil, or even a basic pair of satin pumps.
💡 A note if you’re a guest: these trends are very welcome on the dance floor too. Just remember my golden rule: never wear red or white unless the dress code specifically asks for it. Red steals the spotlight, and white… well, that’s obvious. Stick to the vibe, elevate your look with playful accessories, and you’ll fit right into the editorial energy of the day.
Wed-cations
Couples are embracing full-weekend celebrations that feel like a mini vacation for guests. Welcome parties, brunches, lakeside events, or casual sporting tournaments like bocce or pickleball are all part of a curated weekend experience.
Whether it’s a destination wedding or wedding stay-cay in Montreal at local estate- Toronto or Ottawa, or somewhere in Europe, wed-cations allow guests to connect, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the celebration. This approach creates a relaxed, thoughtful, and elevated experience that goes far beyond the typical single-day wedding.
The (Contested) Content Creator
Content creators are increasingly becoming part of luxury weddings. The key is coordination with photography and videography to ensure no vendor monopolizes the couple’s time. Clear expectations, shot lists, pre-determined music, captions, and style direction allow content creators to deliver playful, personalized media while keeping the day seamless.
I often encourage couples to think of content creation as a behind-the-scenes lens: immediate, unpolished in the best way, and completely different from what a photographer or videographer captures. It’s the fly-on-the-wall footage—the laughter between portraits, the quick dress fluff, the cheers before the ceremony—that couples can choose to share the next morning or keep entirely private. It’s both an instant highlight reel and a personal keepsake, adding a new layer to wedding storytelling without replacing the artistry of traditional photo and film.
Videography Gets a Voice (Literally)
Wedding videography is evolving into so much more than a highlight reel, it’s becoming a true storytelling medium. One of the most exciting new trends I’ve seen is the rise of documentary-style films paired with a narrator’s voiceover! Instead of relying solely on the bride and groom’s speeches or family toasts layered over a montage, this approach offers a curated, cinematic storyline that feels both witty and intentional. Think Budapest Hotel. Wes Anderson Style
Leading in this medium is Bach Films, Life Sketch Weddings. You need to check out this video!
For couples, this style adds a fresh narrative layer that is equal parts personal and editorial. With a planned storyline in place, videographers are able to capture moments with purpose, crafting sequences that are playful, heartfelt, and deeply memorable. The result is a wedding film that feels modern, elevated, and endlessly rewatchable, a keepsake you’ll return to again and again, not just to relive the day, but to experience the story behind it.
Venue as the Statement: The Rise of “Wedding of Vibe”
Couples are increasingly letting their venue set the tone. Instead of heavy décor, the architecture and ambiance of the space take centre stage.
Luxury venues allow couples to create celebrations defined by quiet elegance. Every detail—florals, linens, lighting—works in harmony with the space, resulting in timeless, immersive, and elevated experiences.
The Rise of the Editorial Wedding Planner
Planning has evolved, and I’m seeing the rise of the hybrid Planner-Designer. While Toast has always championed a seamless wedding experience, let me break down what this means in finer detail.
Traditional wedding planners focus on the logistical backbone of an event—vendor management, strategy, and flawless execution. But the new wave of planners following Toast’s approach emphasizes editorial and creative direction. These require two distinct skill sets.
At Toast Events, clients receive the expertise of both. Editorial planners do far more than “make it look pretty.” We design immersive environments and craft experiences that fully engage guests, telling a story through every visual element. Every detail is intentional and cohesive with the overall vision. This can include orchestrating moments for photography and videography, and designing events that feel cinematic, curated, and unforgettable.
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