ersonalization, intention, curation: three words driving wedding demand in 2026— and hotels are all too well aware of it.

Alt weddings are in; traditional weddings are out and a move toward“ microweddings” with fewer guests and smaller venues allows couples to reallocate their budgets toward experiencedriven elements that aim to reflect their personalities and stories rather than logistics.“ Bold color palettes, dramatic floral installations and more immersive decor, make an elevated visual impact,” said

Allie Hobbs, director of events and planning at the Tides Inn hotel in Irvington, Va.“ There is also a departure from longstanding traditions, such as pie or ice cream in place of the traditional cake.” Hobbs said that even beachfront resorts are moving away from the obvious“ beachy” look by minimizing décor and highlighting natural elements and scenery instead.

Like any event, cost is an issue. Couples might choose one photographer rather than two, for instance. With this, there has been a shift toward more flexible and customizable packages to design a celebration

that reflects their priorities while maintaining a high level of quality and service.“ This means offering a well-defined and strong baseline package, but, at the same time, offering curated add-ons that allow couples to tailor their experience within a budget,” said Hobbs.

Food and beverage is getting its own unique twist— think coffee bars with unusual syrups and enhancements; interactive dining that includes making your own key lime pie; or standout photo moments, such as a tiramisu champagne tower, noted Abe Liao, VP of operations at EOS Hospitality.

More specific preferences have shifted toward locally sourced seasonal ingredients, more casual dining experiences and

Allie Hobbs, director of events and planning, Tides Inn Hotel

62 hotelsmag. com May / June 2026