The Complete Wedding Playbook

From cinematic photography to a focus on A+ entertainment, weddings in 2026 are all about creating unforgettable moments while staying mindful of costs. Couples are investing in what matters most: guest experiences, strong fashion statements and meaningful details, while trimming unnecessary extras. Our guide also includes tips for handling Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather, curbing post-wedding blues and learning proper etiquette for every role in the celebration.

What’s hot, what’s not? What’s classic, what’s cringey? It changes by the hour … but here are some trends we think might stick around this year. 

Editorial photography: Documentary and editorial-style photography remain a popular choice for couples in 2026. Think less posed, more ‘in the moment,’ emotional and atmospheric snapshots.

A courthouse wedding experience: Many couples are choosing to get legally married in a more low-key manner – still dressed to the nines, of course. Social media posts of said event then garner even more traction and buzz for those couples still planning a larger party for guests. 

Live ceremony music: While reception bands are as hot as ever, more folks are choosing live music for the ceremony, too. Think dreamy string quartets playing romantic versions of your favorite hits. 

All color, all the time: While there’s something to be said about keeping things sleek and muted, couples today are going all out with color – bold florals, painted cakes, colored veils and bright suit jackets – you name it! 

A hyper-local focus: Think native flowers, goodie bags with local swag and utilizing Oklahoma-produced spirits at the bar.

Weddings are expensive, no matter where you are, how big your guest list is, or how much budgeting you do. However, in 2026, many are splurging on some must-have elements, while saving money and DIYing on others. We explore just a few of the options. 

Splurging on:

• Photography and videography: Cinematic or editorial-style documentation of the wedding is becoming non-negotiable.
• Guest experience: Think signature cocktails, welcome gifts, personalized touches and top-of-the-line entertainment.
• Fashion: From “getting ready” outfits to chic wedding gowns, luxury accessories and reception outfits, fashion is everything, baby! 
• Design-forward florals: Flower installations are looking more like pieces of modern art these days – adding to that rich ambiance with stunning colors.
  
  Cutting back on:

• Large guest lists: Many couples are opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings while providing a richer per-guest investment. 
• Bloated wedding parties: While your second cousin might get their feelings hurt if they aren’t a bridesmaid, couples are taking that risk with smaller wedding parties. This helps cut costs like bridesmaid favors, additional dresses and tuxes, make-up and hair services and other hidden costs. 
• Traditional extras: Many are skipping a formal cake-cutting moment, overly elaborate dinner services or over-the-top desserts. 
• Printed goods: Cheaper and more eco-conscious, couples are choosing to send digital alternatives for wedding programs and save-the-dates. 

Weather-Proofing Your Oklahoma Wedding

I’ll save you the long-winded (wind – get it?) spiel on how unpredictable Oklahoma weather is and just get down to brass tacks: You need to have contingency plans and preparations in place to deal with it. Consider: 

• Heat: If you plan to get married in Oklahoma between June and August, barring a miracle, it’s going to be a scorcher. For outdoor weddings, make sure you have hydration stations with things other than alcohol, alongside handheld fans, misters or shaded awnings. You can also time your ceremony during cooler moments in the day. For those with hair that reacts poorly to humidity, make sure your stylist knows in advance. 
• Storms: Storms are inevitable in Oklahoma. If a thunder storm is predicted on your big day, make sure you secure a designated indoor space for your wedding – or at least have a covered location on standby. More luxurious preparations can include a full tent with flooring, umbrellas for everyone or transportation/shuttles for guests to avoid getting drenched. 
• Ice: If you’re marrying in the winter, Oklahoma may surprise you with an apocalyptic snow storm. If that’s the case, make sure your communication with guests prior to the day of is as consistent as possible, and encourage carpooling to get less cars on the road. Salt walkways to avoid falls, and splurge for some large heaters if any elements of your ceremony are outside. Bonus idea: Serve hot drinks upon guest arrival! 
• Wind: We’re known for it, after all. If the breeze is extra steady on your wedding day, make sure you have secured all your decor tightly – whether that’s linens, candles or florals. Choose wind-friendly hairstyles, and opt for weighted signage that will stand firm against gusts. 

After spending months, or even years, planning your “biggest party ever,” it may hit you harder than you thought when everything is said and done. Instead of wallowing in the sadness, try one of the following:

Space out your wedding from your honeymoon. Taking a week or more between the events will keep your anticipation high – and give you a chance to rest up. 

• Host a farewell brunch. If you aren’t quite ready for the joy to be over, invite family and friends to a post-wedding brunch for a final goodbye.
• Set up scheduled mini-moons. Plan sporadic weekend getaways with your partner somewhere close by to keep the newlywed vibes going.
• Schedule a wedding highlights night. Plan an evening with your spouse in which you watch your wedding video, peruse celebration photos, read through your guest book, re-read your vows and relive your proposal night.
• Work on thank you notes together. You’ll  be ticking off two things at once – fulfilling a wedding duty and reminiscing with your spouse about all the amazing presents you received. 

In a society that loves to say “you don’t owe anybody anything,” you do, in fact, owe people proper behavior – especially at weddings. While the most heinous offenders of behavioral issues are often the wedding guests, we offer suggestions for everyone involved in the big day to ensure you’re minding your Ps and Qs:

Do’s:

• Attend all required events, like the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
• Support the couple throughout planning with encouraging texts and favors here and there. 
• Help guests feel welcome and comfortable on the day-of. 
• Be proactive about solving minor problems without bugging the bride or groom unless necessary.

Don’ts:

• Dominate the spotlight – it’s the couple’s day.
• Complain about expenses … at least publicly. 
• Make assumptions about family dynamics or seating arrangements.
• Post behind-the-scenes photos or shots of the couple without permission – they may want to be the first to post! 

Do’s:

• Support the couple’s choices, even if they differ from tradition or your own ideas. 
• Offer help with logistics, budget or family coordination.
• Encourage positive interactions between guests, families and vendors.
• Help coordinate travel with out-of-state family members. 

Don’ts:

• Wield budgetary involvement as a means to control certain aspects of the wedding. 
• Show disappointment publicly if the wedding doesn’t match your expectations or vision. 
• Attempt to manage the wedding day yourself – enjoy your time and let the couple or planner lead.

Do’s:

• Communicate clearly about expectations with your wedding party, family and guests – whether that’s dress code, gifts, plus-ones or social media posting during the wedding. 
• Send thank you notes out within an appropriate time frame.
• Plan moments to enjoy the day together as a couple, and don’t let obligations keep you apart. 
• Respect your guests by honoring your start and end times, and by taking time to greet and thank them – even briefly.

Don’ts:

• Forget to eat and hydrate! 
• Stress your wedding party and guests with overly complicated requests or last-minute changes.
• Micromanage every detail at the reception –it’s best to trust your planner, your wedding party designates or your venue staff.

Do’s:

• Dress according to the code – no experimenting! 
• Arrive early, but not too early. The time on the invitation is typically when the ceremony itself begins.
• Bring a gift, or contribute to cash funds / honeymoon funds. 
• Be courteous to vendors and staff – they may be working, but they are not your personal butlers for the evening. 

Don’ts: 

• Bring uninvited plus-ones or children unless they’re on the invite. 
• Post photos or videos on social media before the couple does unless they’ve given the green light.
• Monopolize the couple’s time during cocktail hour or reception.
• Give unsolicited advice on marriage, wedding planning or parenting.