Twist on Tradition: Alternative Wedding Day Trends

Trends

Ceremony

Reception

Throw tradition aside and make room for these new, trendsetting ideas

Written by

Sydney Stevens

Published:

Wisconsin Bride Fall/Winter 2026

RESERVATION REQUIRED

As nearlyweds lean into the idea of smaller celebrations, they are also shifting their focus to tying the knot at a places close to their hearts—restaurants and bars. Paying homage to a first date, a meaningful dinner locale or a neighborhood haunt, this allows couples to encompass guests in a particular feeling. “We have seen a rise in inquiries for restaurants and other nontraditional spaces,” says Ellie Reimer, design director of Olive Branch Events Co. “As couples look for ways to step outside the box and create a unique experience for their guests, they are becoming more open to unconventional venues.” Hannah and Bobby’s eclectic wedding at two popular Madison locales was the perfect representation of them as a couple. “Lola’s really helped shape the entire atmosphere of the day,” Reimer says.

Cake: MADISON SOURDOUGH, Florals: LILY FOREST DESIGNS, Music: DJ FUZZY DUCK, Photography: MARI TRANCOSO, Venue: LOLA’S MADISON; CARDINAL BAR, Wedding Coordination: OLIVE BRANCH EVENTS CO

PICTURE PERFECT

Time moves fast. Wedding time moves even faster. So, why waste time posing for photos that can be taken on another day? In many cases, the only opportunity for a significant number of couple portraits occurs during cocktail hour. Why miss out on the hors d’oeuvres and cocktails you tasted and meticulously chose nine months ago? Enjoy the fruits of your planning labor and talk with your photographer about scheduling a separate session for bridal portraits. An added bonus is the opportunity to dress up, wear your wedding attire again, and relive the day with your partner.

Hair & Makeup: THE BRIDAL BEAUTY TEAM, Florals: HELLO HONEY FLORAL, Photography: MEGHAN LEE HARRIS, Venue & Catering: THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AT LAC LA BELLE, Wedding Planning: CELEBRAIT BY KAIT

MORNING WELL SPENT

The first look and first touch have emerged as new traditions in recent years, as wedding aisle reveals have taken a backseat. Each year, couples find new ways to spend more quality time together before the ceremony. Now more than ever, couples are prioritizing their partners on the morning of the wedding day. Whether it is enjoying a cup of morning coffee, forgoing a night apart, helping straighten a bow tie or zipping a gown, couples are leaning toward creating a series of personal moments before guests arrive.

Bridal Attire: NEWHITE BRIDAL from THE WHITE ROOM; A.B. ELLIE; JIMMY CHOO; ZARA, Design, Photography, Planning & Styling: RACHEL LEIGH PHOTO, Florals: SCARLETT + FLORA, Groom's Attire: MARTINPATRICK 3, Hair: COLLEEN CHADWICK, Makeup: SAMUELLE DILLA, Models: EMMIE & LUKE ENYEART, Planning: BRE DENURE, Venue: Private Estate

FLOWER POWER

Family friends’ children, nieces and younger siblings have long been the standard choices for portraying the flower girl role on the wedding day. Children, step aside—there is a new tradition: flower grannies. For Sara and Billy’s funky wedding day, Billy’s grandmas took on the duty with unwavering confidence. “They are two of the funniest, most spirited women you’ll ever meet, which is exactly why I came up with the idea for them to be our flower grandmas,” Sara says. Grandma Ginny and Grandma Nancy, who are best friends, carried flower baskets, each with a photo of their late husbands, as a sweet surprise from the couple. “It was a small way to honor their love stories and have their husbands present with them in spirit,” Sara says. “They completely blew away any expectation of typical flower girl duties.”

Florals: BUNCHES OF HONEY LLC, Photography: WILD ABBY PHOTOS, Venue: CAMP KETTLEWOOD, Wedding Planning: MIRIAM EVENTS CO

FAMILY MATTERS

Foodies rejoice! Family-style dining is on the rise. As opposed to the classic buffet or plated dinner, this style sparks conversation and connection. Often able to feature more dishes, accommodate dietary preferences with ease and create a shared culinary experience, it is easy to see why family- focused evenings have taken the spotlight. This service also supports the overall timeline of the day. “From a hospitality standpoint, it is incredibly helpful to the ease and timeliness of service,” Ashley Kuehnel, designer and owner of Midwestern Bride says. “This is especially true for larger guest counts and venues with complicated kitchen settings or tented situations, as it allows staff to move swiftly and efficiently.”

Catering: GRACIOUS CATERING, Florals: BRIAR LOFT, Photography: STEFANIE KEELER, Rentals: BBJ LA TAVOLA; EVENT ESSENTIALS; STRADLEY DAVIDSON, Venue: WADE HOUSE, Wedding Planning: MIDWESTERN BRIDE