Favorite Wedding Traditions Worth Bringing Back in 2026

It's 2026. Wedding trends are always changing. The colors, the styles, and the ideas for each wedding is always unique to the couple, but there are specific trends that stick and other ones that change year by year. When it comes to trends, it's fun to change things up, try different styles, and for different elements to be associated with certain eras in time.

However, when it comes to the heart and the meaning of the wedding, there are traditions that are still as timeless and meaningful as they were since they began. In this generation, there is a tendency to stray away from tradition when it comes to weddings. While I believe there is beauty in doing something unique and having fun with wedding trends, I also believe there is beauty in the classic traditions that truly are worth being welcomed again.

Traditional Wedding Vows

My personal favorite tradition — the traditional wedding vows. While there is something sweet about writing your own personal vows or declaration of intent to your soon to be spouse — and I believe that holds a special place as well if the couple chooses — I also believe that the traditional vows should never be removed. There's something special and sacred about the simple vows that we all know:

“…to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

till death do us part.”

Simple, sweet, and rooted in sincere commitment; declaring intent to enter into marriage on a foundation of faithfulness and lifelong devotion — to commit to this person “till death do us part.”

Marriage as a Communal Event

Marriage is first and foremost about the couple making their commitment to each other as husband and wife. However, witnesses and loved ones being present is also important. Historically, marriage was hardly entered into privately — rather it was witnessed, supported, and upheld by community.

This does not mean having a large wedding. Often in our culture, the reason many people want to marry privately is because they feel the pressure to invite a large guest count. This does not have to be the case. The focus should not be “how many?” but rather “who do I want present to support our marriage?” This can still be intimate and small, perhaps including only parents, siblings, or closest friends. Whatever way this suits the couple, it is meaningful to invite loved ones to witness your commitment, support your marriage over time, and be apart of your special day.

Presence over Performance

Almost every couple knows the pressure to pick out all the things that make their wedding look the best on the outside and to impress others. There are ideas everywhere we look on social media and so many glamorous events to compare to. This is not all bad — it's a beautiful event and you want to make it enjoyable for your guests! It's important, however, to not lose focus on what is most important in the wedding details.

First and foremost, you are marrying the love of your life! You want to be present, have fun, and cherish every moment of this day with your soon to be spouse. What you will remember most is not the type of plates you chose, what you ate for dinner, or the napkin folds… but rather you will remember the beauty of the moment you became husband and wife, the joy you felt as you were celebrated by all of your loved ones, and the memories you made on this special day. Remember to make that the focus of all your wedding decisions.

We do care about the visuals — that is undeniable. Have fun in choosing your wedding details — the colors, your dress, the flowers… it is so much fun getting to put all the aesthetics together. My encouragement to couples is just to not lose focus on the most important thing in the middle of it all. Choose to be present in every moment, soak it all in, and don't give into the pressure to perform. You will only have this day once.

Most Importantly…

Overall, remember this — your wedding is one day, but your marriage is a lifetime. Focus on building your marriage on a solid foundation from day one, cherish every moment with one another, and most of all on the love you have for one another. Your wedding day is a special day you will cherish forever. Let that day be meaningful as you share it with the love of your life and the people you both love, and let it truly show who you are as a couple.