Couples are transforming the way they marry, moving away from long-standing wedding traditions to more personal, expressive celebrations, according to new research commissioned by Hyatt1.

In fact, many of the “big day” rituals considered essential are no longer seen as special, according to the 2,000 people who were asked what their ideal wedding looks like. Just over half (51%) of people said they wouldn’t have the famous Here Comes the Bride playing down the aisle; around a third (31%) wouldn’t include a confetti toss and nearly a quarter (21%) said they wouldn’t wear a white wedding dress.

Speeches - typically a centrepiece of the reception - are also undergoing a shift. Almost a third (29%) of respondents said they would remove the father-of-the-bride speech, and a quarter (26%) would drop the groom’s remarks. By contrast, 42% said they would include a speech from the bride.

As part of the great wedding rethink, a quarter (26%) of people said they would instead involve a pet in the ceremony, a fifth (21%) would incorporate a choreographed group dance, and nearly a third (30%) would even have content creators present - in addition to a photographer and videographer.

When it comes to the important wedding meal, tastes are also changing, with buffet-style dining (48%) proving most popular ahead of multiple food stations (22%) and silver service (20%). Others wanted family sharing platters (20%), while almost one in five (17%) would opt for a barbecue, and 15% liked the idea of an afternoon tea.

Despite these shifts, some core elements remain non-negotiable. Cake cutting (81%), family photos (77%) as well as a first dance (73%) remain cherished markers of the celebration, according to those surveyed.

The Hyatt Vows & Venues study, looking into changing wedding and honeymoon preferences, also found that people believe the ideal amount to spend on the “big day” is £36,579.

The modernisation of wedding culture also comes with a reimagining of the format itself. For example, you can forget the idea of a wedding being just one day. In fact, according to respondents, the ideal 2026 nuptial celebrations now span three and a half days, marking the rise of a “wed-cation” where a destination blends seamlessly into an extended, holiday-style experience for the entire guest list.

When it comes to this trend, 16% said they’d plan to cover the cost of all guests’ travel, and a further 8% said they’d honeymoon in a different hotel to the rest of the wedding party. Amid this rise in travel-first weddings, Italy emerged as the nation’s top dream location for tying the knot (23%), with the Maldives (14%), Spain (14%) and France (12%) also high on people’s lists.

When asked about the perfect venue for their wedding reception, the most popular choice among respondents was a five-star hotel (32%)2. Almost a fifth (16%) wanted to be on the beach, and one in 10 (11%) would opt for a fairytale castle.

Among those who chose a hotel as their preferred venue, several factors influenced their decision-making. Affordability was the first concern for over half (53%) ahead of space to accommodate all guests (45%), whilst a quarter (26%) wanted scenic views and one in 10 (11%) were after an on-site wedding planner.

Knowing the run-up to nuptials can be stressful, pre-wedding relaxation plays a growing role in planning. A third said they would decompress by organising a spa weekend (31%) or an afternoon tea (22%), whilst 16% would go on a solo break and 11% on a fitness revival.

Michel Morauw, Managing Director North EAME at Hyatt, said: “Our Vows & Venues study shows that couples in 2026 are seeking celebrations that feel deeply personal to them. We’re seeing a shift towards weddings that blend travel, quality time and meaningful moments with traditional touches and modern twists. At Hyatt, our focus is on helping couples bring their unique wedding vision to life - whether that’s an intimate beachfront ceremony abroad or a multi-day itinerary with all their friends and family.”

Morauw added: “Hyatt is well placed to serve this demand across its portfolio of properties in Italy, the UK, the Maldives and beyond, offering the space, service and expertise to host destination weddings, honeymoons as well as the celebration moments in-between. With breathtaking venues, dedicated wedding specialists, bespoke packages, and unrivalled hospitality, we create unforgettable experiences designed to reflect each couple’s vision.”

TOP DREAM WEDDING DESTINATIONS

Italy (23%)
UK (16%)
Maldives (14%)
Spain (14%)
France (12%)
Greece (8%)
USA (8%)
The Bahamas (7%)
Mauritius (6%)
Portugal (5%)
Dubai (UAE) (5%)