Check out the Wedding Trends for 2026
With 2025 coming to a close, the wedding industry is reflecting on all of the trends that are almost guaranteed to be seen in the year ahead. Many of which are shaped by the new generation and the lengths they will go to assure themselves, their guests, family, and friends are set up for an experience that is undeniably personal, and completely unforgettable.
The trends that are seen all over articles and social media seem to have one common theme. Creating moments beyond tradition. The purpose of writing this blog is solely to inform, but also invite you, to the art of doing things differently, here, at Village Suites Bay Harbor.
I recently read an article published by 3PR Media, featuring insights from Nick Bramer, and collaboratively written by Jen Brown, called “Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026”. A few specific trends caught my attention. The first being weekend-long celebrations. Couples are redefining the traditional wedding ceremony and reception with a getaway crafted, not just for them, but also for their guests. Friday welcome parties have become a norm, and are a more laid-back chance to spend time with family and friends before the big day. And why not throw in a Sunday brunch as a thank-you for your guests celebrating with you over the weekend, and as another excuse to bring everyone together again-one last time before the weekend comes to an end? After all, the whole point is that no one will want it to!
One of our wedding packages includes venues for all three wedding events, tailored to the rise of this exact trend. Sunset Beach is a stunning venue located on the shores of Lake Michigan, and is ideal for a laid-back welcome party, and of course, is also our most sought-after ceremony location. The marina lawn located right on Bay Harbor Lake, is where we host our grand, tented receptions. Elevation is our indoor ballroom, and is a wonderful, centrally located, spot for a Sunday brunch, or even a rehearsal dinner. The flow is effortless, and having various events in different locations, but all within walking distance of each other, creates a personal environment that feels as if you and your guests are taking over the Village. Plus, you don’t have to worry about transportation from place to place when everything is right here- we even offer on-site accommodations!
The best part? You get to make each of our venues your own…
Our venues come as a blank slate, meaning everything is brought in or rented through outside vendors. For those of you that aspire to create a celebration out of the ordinary- everything, down to the tent, is up to you. Your vision. Your wedding. Your weekend. Bring in those bold colors, plan that dessert bar, arrange those late-night snacks, and bring in that floral company that has a special place in your heart. That is the beauty of Bay Harbor!
Another trend that stood out was technology becoming a key-player. Some may have differing opinions on this- but I believe it adds a whole new layer to the experience. More often, you don’t just see a photographer, but also a videographer or even a cinematographer. When couples choose a venue, it is with intention. When a destination has a feel like no where else you have ever experienced, you tend to gravitate toward it. Photo opportunities and guest impressions are taken into consideration. Couples are finding more and more value in the way their special weekend is captured, because to capture an experience so beautifully, is priceless. Drone photography has become one of my favorite things to see after a wedding. No two photographers capture our venue the same way when they do drone shots, and I think that says a lot about a place. There are so many moments that feel so meaningful, and the setting in Bay Harbor frames those moments perfectly.
Perfect enough for professional photographers to think so too, at different moments in time. They tell their own story.
As wedding trends continue to lean toward intention, personalization, and meaningful experiences, Village Suites Bay Harbor naturally rises to meet the moment. From weekend-long celebrations and walkable venues to flexible spaces that invite creativity and breathtaking settings that elevate every photo and memory, it’s a place designed for couples who want more than a single day. Here, weddings aren’t rushed- they unfold. They linger. They become stories your guests will talk about long after the weekend ends. Whether your vision is timeless, modern, bold, or entirely your own, Village Suites Bay Harbor offers the space, setting, and support to bring it to life- beautifully, seamlessly, and differently.