We spent a day at the National Wedding Show soaking up the inspiration and seeing what brides-to-be are excited about right now. We weren't exhibiting this time, so we had the chance to wander every aisle. Five wedding trends kept appearing, and here's how to bring each one into your own day.

1. Pearl Wedding Details

Pearls were everywhere: on veils, in hair accessories, stitched into bodices, scattered through table styling and even on cakes. This classic wedding trend feels romantic without being fussy, and it photographs beautifully.

How to wear it:

• Start small with a pearl hair pin, drop earrings or a pearl detail on your bouquet wrap.
• Choose one or two statement pieces rather than pearls everywhere, so the look stays elegant.
• Pearls suit almost any dress, so they're a good way to add interest to a simple silhouette.

2. Personal Touches 

This one made us smile, because it's what weddings are really about. Couples are moving away from what they're "supposed" to do and towards details that feel like them: handwritten vows, a signature cocktail named after the dog, a favourite song for the first dance, family recipes on the menu.

How to do it:

• Pick two or three meaningful details rather than trying to personalise everything.
• Look for the small moments guests will remember, such as a handwritten note at each place setting.
• Make familiar traditions your own. A custom confetti blend in your wedding colours, for example, turns a classic photo moment into something that's yours. (Shop Pick & Mix).

3. A Pink and Burgundy Wedding Colour Scheme

If one palette stood out, it was this one. Soft blush pinks paired with deep burgundy feel rich, romantic and a little moody. It works in any season, from a spring celebration to a cosy autumn wedding.

How to use it:

• Let one shade lead. Burgundy as the main colour with blush as the softener (or the other way round) keeps it balanced.
• Repeat the palette across florals, stationery, ribbon and bridesmaid dresses so it feels cohesive.
• Add cream or ivory to give the darker tones some breathing space.
  

4. Shorter Wedding Dresses

Short wedding dresses are firmly in fashion, and not just for the evening. Brides are choosing them for the ceremony, the reception or both, in styles from sleek minis to vintage-inspired tea-length skirts.

Why it works:

• They're easier to dance in, and perfect for relaxed or outdoor venues.
• They're a brilliant way to show off a gorgeous pair of shoes.
• Many brides are wearing a longer gown for the ceremony and changing into a shorter second look for the party, which gives you two outfits and two sets of photos.

5. Olive Green Weddings

Sage has been a wedding favourite for a few years, and it looks like it's growing up. At the show, the greens leaned deeper and earthier: olive took the lead, with sage as a softer supporting shade. The result feels richer, more grown-up and a little more editorial.

How to style it:

• Olive goes with everything. We saw it paired with blush, burgundy, cream, terracotta and soft gold.
• Try olive bridesmaid dresses, deep green table linen or foliage-led bouquets.
• Add a touch of sage to keep the look soft, especially in lighter, brighter venues.

A Quick Note on Confetti

If you're planning your confetti moment, it's a lovely way to tie your chosen trend together. Freeze-dried petal confetti photographs beautifully and comes in colours that suit any of the palettes above. It's also worth checking your venue's rules early, as many now restrict confetti. Biodegradable confetti is usually the easiest option to get approved, and a good choice if you're planning a more eco-friendly wedding.

Final Thoughts

What we loved most about the show was seeing how many couples are planning weddings that feel personal, romantic and full of character. If there's a trend you've been eyeing up, our advice is simple: pick the ones that feel like you and skip the rest.

For more honest planning advice, our Real Talk with Bride series is full of stories from real brides. We'll see you at the Spring show.