From unconventional venues like spas to photography that seems straight out of a Wes Anderson film, today’s couples are individualizing their weddings like never before.

That push toward more personal, less conventional celebrations is shaping many of the trends expected to define weddings in the year ahead. The Knot, a leading U.S. wedding technology platform and marketplace, highlights 20 of them in The Knot 2027 Wedding Trends Report.

Built on real-time search, save and spend data from 1.7 million U.S. couples—and validated by The Knot’s Trends Vendor Council—the annual report provides insight into the wedding planning experience of millions of engaged couples.

For caterers and event planners, the trends offer a useful preview of what couples may be asking for in 2027—and where opportunities may emerge to rethink menus, presentation, service and the overall guest experience.

Here are the 20 trends from The Knot’s report that event professionals should have on their radar.

Sophisticated Colors

Predicted primary color palettes for 2027 nuptials incorporate regal merlot, pretty plums, powdery blues and moss greens.

Antique Lace

No longer limited to bridal gowns and veils, this vintage-style fabric is dressing up wedding stationery, tablescapes and décor. “Lace nods to vintage beauty and antique design, yet it feels modern at the same time,” says planner Danielle Elder of Classic Events.

The Beach Club

To-be-weds are now exploring ways to bring the Amalfi Coast to their weddings back home. Think spritz bars for cocktail hour, cabana stripes across patio furniture, lemon-embellished tablescapes and stationery, and textiles steeped in sun-dappled marigolds and Mediterranean blues.

Swans & Balletcore

Couples are dreaming in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, embellishing their weddings with swan motifs and other “balletcore” elements (think ribbons, loose bows, textured draping and crystal).

Monofloral Installations

The Knot Editors have noticed Real Wedding submissions lately entirely involving hydrangea, moss or wisteria installations. Arguably more impactful, depending on the flower type, single floral designs are trending up.

Whimsical Florals

Whimsy is touching everything from wedding fashion to bouquets. The poppy is trending up for this very reason, as are other blooms that present a similar vibe.

The Silver (Ag)e

Silver is making a fresh comeback. The sterling transition metal is influencing wedding accessories, stationery, dinnerware and flatware.

The Arts as Inspiration

Already a point of inspiration, the arts—spanning photography, painting, music, sculpture and more—have influenced the creative direction for weddings and other milestones.

Unconventional Venues

Within the last year, The Knot Editors and Vendor Council have seen weddings hosted at beach clubs, members clubs, townhomes, spas and even sports arenas (ahem, we’re looking at you, Taylor and Travis).

The Wedding Brand

Iconography is now easily identifiable from the moment a guest receives a save-the-date and opens up the couple’s wedding website. Custom crests, bespoke illustrations and personalized pieces of a branding puzzle are in demand.

Prop Surrealism

Creative types are now requesting unexpected texture for their backdrops, design layouts and more. The result is “exciting, playful photo moments for couples and guests,” says Micaela Erickson, director of marketing at Vesper.

Interior Design Weddings

Lately, couples want their guests to feel “at home” (so to speak), so they’re creating a wedding environment that reflects their residential preferences. Table lamps, menu tassels and even coffee table guest books at weddings are a reflection of a focus on luxury interiors and inviting spaces, allowing guests to experience respite.

The Pop-Up… Plus

A fragrance station, a bouquet bar, an espresso martini service and other endless possibilities. Wedding favors are more than just merch; they’re a full-blown pop-up experience.

Playing With Food / Interactive F&B

Roaming apéritif options, such as caviar service and martini sidecars, are already delighting guests. Interactive food and beverage options are giving couples and their guests permission to play with their food.

Cultural Menus

According to The Knot research, 60% of couples find it important to incorporate ethnicity/religion/culture into their weddings. This is translating in 2027 to menus that are deeply personal and meaningful. “We’ve definitely seen a ton of requests to infuse the couple’s culture into their wedding menu to show not only where they come from as individuals, but how they plan to move forward as a couple,” says Carly Katz-Hackman, partner at Pinch Food Design.

Editorial-Cinematic Photos

Couples clearly want to feel like the main character, and they’re treating their photography as though they’re starring in a Wes Anderson movie. “Instead of standard, posed photos, couples want it to feel dreamy, romantic, artsy,” says photographer Lexsey Lanzotti of Zotti & Co.

Experiential Stationery

Couples are getting supremely creative about their paper products, from save-the-dates to the escort cards. Inspiration ranges from custom illustrations and handwritten lettering to pop-up designs on menus and wedding ceremony program fans.

Analog Registries

What’s old is new again—especially with registries. Old-school cocktail glasses, throwback camcorders, the resurgence of hip appliance, and vintage-style record players with modern capabilities are just a few examples of how analog is back.

Hush-Hush Honeymoons

Peace is the premium that couples are willing to pay for when it comes to their honeymoons. The tougher-to-access resorts and destinations are drumming up interest among to-be-weds.

Extending the Wedding

Call it wedding “maxxing.” With the revival of courthouse ceremonies and the sudden appetite for welcome parties everywhere, couples are maximizing every wedding moment and “stretching” their weddings.

The Experts Behind the Trends

The Knot’s Trends Vendor Council includes Danielle Elder of Classic Events, Jason Rhee of Rheefined Company, Lexsey Lanzotti of Camera Witch / Zotti & Co., Carly Katz-Hackman of Pinch Food Design and Micaela Erickson of Vesper.

View The Knot 2027 Wedding Trends Report in full for category breakdowns, data findings and expert insights.