The New Rules for ‘I Do’

Whether you’re attending several weddings this year or are planning your own, here’s a look at some trends you’ll likely see more than once. 

More relaxed meals: Plated dinners are still favored by the more traditional, but many are opting for lounge-style or buffet dining that feels less stuffy. You’ll also likely see tasty late-night snacking options to close out the celebration. 

A less public approach: Not all couples are wildly extroverted, meaning not all aspects of the wedding will be up for public consumption in 2026. Think private vows, less-than-grand entrances, quieter cake cuttings and low-key send-offs. 

Documentary-style photos: The shift towards editorial photography continues. Think magazine-style spreads as opposed to overly posed shots.

String quartets: While many people are still arguing over bands versus DJs, other know the sweet spot is choosing a string quartet during the ceremony and cocktail hour. 

All-vibrant-everything: Neutral color palettes are always a safe bet, but you’ll likely see colorful, rich tones in 2026.

You’d think some people were raised in a barn with the stories you hear about wedding etiquette. Whether you’re caught in a sticky situation or just want to arm yourself with the right knowledge, we answer some burning ‘wediquette’ questions. 

Who pays for the wedding now?

Whoever can, or whoever wants to. The old model that dictates the bride’s family covers everything has fallen by the wayside due to the rising costs of these celebrations, the antiquity of the sentiment and the unrealistic nature of the request. Many couples split costs themselves, sometimes with contributions from one or both families.

Is it rude to not invite kids?

No, and the majority of parents prefer the night out, but it needs to be communicated clearly and kindly. The key is consistency (no kids at all, or only kids in the immediate family) and giving guests enough notice to arrange childcare.

Can you skip plus-ones?

Of course, but with some nuance. Married, engaged or long-term couples should generally be invited together. If budget or space is tight, limiting plus-ones after that is OK, but you can’t be upset if you receive a few ‘no’ RSVPs, as many people don’t want to go to a wedding solo. 

Is it okay to have a cash registry?

In this economy? Absolutely. Honeymoon funds, home funds and experience registries are widely accepted these days. Just remember to let your guests know exactly what they’re contributing to instead of creating a catch-all money request on your registry.

Can you ask guests to follow a dress code?

Of course! However, make sure the dress code matches the vibe of your wedding. (Don’t ask for “black tie” attire without a “black tie” experience, and limit hyper-specific themed dress unless it’s a small batch of guests.) 

Is it OK to have a destination wedding?

Yes, but understand that it does shift some of the burden to guests. Don’t take it personally if people can’t come – plane tickets and hotel stays are pricey. 

No matter which season your wedding is in, some blooms will be readily available, while others will require a special order. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few flowers you can expect to be “on the menu” for each season:

Spring: 

Spring weddings have it made – most popular varieties are available around this time. A few include: 

• Tulips 
• Peonies 
• Ranunculus 
• Daffodils 
• Hyacinths 
• Lilac 

Summer:

Summer blooms are typically heat-tolerant and vibrant. They are: 

• Sunflowers 
• Roses 
• Zinnias 
• Lisianthus 
• Delphinium

Fall:

Fall florals are typically tonally rich, lending to the cozy vibes, including: 

• Dahlias 
• Chrysanthemums
• Carnations 
• Hydrangeas
• Roses 
• Seasonal foliage

Winter:

While availability is limited in the colder months, there’s still enough variety to create some dramatic bouquets with: 

• Roses
• Tulips
• Amaryllis 
• Orchids 
• Evergreens

Building your vendor team is one of the biggest and most personal parts of wedding planning. While every celebration looks different, a few core pros tend to anchor the day, while the rest are important, but not always necessary – especially if you’re on a budget. 

While it’s subjective, most would agree that at the top of your must-have list are the venue, the caterer and the photographer; you’ve got to have somewhere to get married, someone to feed guests and someone to capture the day, after all. 

Beyond the obvious, priorities start to shift depending on your vision and bottom line. Florists, for example, can range from minimal offerings to full-scale installations. Music is another flexible category – some couples opt for a live band, others prefer a DJ and some craft their own playlist and tap an extroverted pal to act as emcee of the evening.

Lastly, the nice-to-haves include videographers, photo booths, late night snack options and opulent desserts. The key is to think about what will actually shape your experience – so choosing intentionally is important. 

Honeymoon planning may feel like something you can put off, but it actually works best when it’s treated as an extension of the wedding timeline. Ideally, couples should start discussing destinations and budget about 6-8 months before the wedding, and for popular locations or international travel, booking flights and accommodations 4-6 months in advance can help secure better rates and availability. If you’re considering a peak-season destination, earlier is better. 

For budgeting, a helpful rule of thumb is to allocate around 10–15% of your total wedding budget to the honeymoon, though this varies widely depending on priorities and locations. Couples in Oklahoma often benefit from factoring in flight costs, since most major international trips require a connection.

Timing your honeymoon depends on work schedules, energy levels and logistics. Leaving immediately after the wedding can feel like the traditional route, but it’s not always practical, especially for introverted couples or those who want to save up more funds before heading out. Many couples opt for a “mini-moon” right after the wedding, followed by a longer trip weeks or months later. This approach can also open up more affordable travel windows.

Finally, don’t forget the practical details: check passport validity, consider travel insurance and build in some downtime. A well-planned honeymoon should feel like a true reset, giving you space to celebrate, relax and start married life.