Top Wedding Decor Trends for 2026

While wedding trends come and go, they serve as great inspiration to help focus on what suits you and your partner best. That’s why we put together this list of wedding decor trends for 2026 to help you narrow down some ideas especially if you're looking into booking an industrial wedding venue like High Line Car House. Take what works for you and leave what doesn’t – this is your special day, and we’re here to help you celebrate it, however you like! 

Write a note for each guest 

Recently, couples have been taking time to write personalized notes to each guest who attends their wedding event. This special message placed at a reception dinner seat can speak to the gratitude of the guest’s presence, the impact they’ve had on the couple’s relationship, or even a goofy inside joke that just can’t be put to rest. 

Particularly a special gesture for small weddings, this is a 2026 trend that can be incorporated no matter what decor you choose. It serves as both a generous gesture and a piece of memorabilia for guests to take home.  

You don’t always have the time to talk to everyone at your wedding reception. A personalized note is a thoughtful way to let guests know how happy you are they’re there. Photo by Annie Elizabeth Photography.

Aesthetic over color 

Couples over the past few years and into 2026 want to give their guests an experiential evening. One that focuses on aesthetics over shades of pastel or pairings of blues and burgundies.  

Although “wedding aesthetic” reigns supreme, color does play a role in pulling off a theme! This year we hosted an event for Wedding Pro, planned by Columbus event planner, Tracy Castrejon, who chose a “golden hour” theme for the event. Hues of red, orange, and gold filled our venue like a sunset – the effect was stunning.  

High Line Car House adorned in every shade of sunset for the perfect “golden hour” theme. Photos by Matt Erickson Photography, planning by by Tracey Castrejon Events, florals by Lemonwood Floral and Floral V Designs.

Another wedding event we hosted this year used a theme to tell a story – Olivia and Kyle’s enchanted forest celebration immersed guests in a daytime woodland wonderland for their ceremony and a romantic forest understory for their reception. The sheer curtains in our Grande Hall divided the room so guests could be surprised by the transition from “day” to “night" after cocktail hour. The whole environment was nothing short of magic.  

Olivia & Kyle’s woodland forest celebration from day…

….to night! Photos by Every Atom Photography.

Warm, intimate lighting 

Especially at our industrial wedding venue, we’re seeing couples opt for warm lighting, particularly for their reception. It’s a great way to add a layer of intimacy to the celebration. We can’t help but think of Carly and Zach’s spring reception with us in March for this trend. Our Event Producers worked with their day-of planner, Meredith Browning (of Auburn & Ivory), to purchase dozens of warm table lamps to line down the long banquet tables, bringing their guests together in conversation for dinner.  

Our tall historic walls were the perfect canvas for making Carly & Zach’s reception extra cozy with our divider curtains and warm table lighting. Photo by Gretchen Wittry Photography.

Bold, abundant tablescapes 

Tying the Knot (or Bow)

Understated on the stem of a glass or dramatically draped off a table, bows are here to stay in 2026. Photography by Lauren Shelton Photography.

Setting the Table

Abundance can look as simple as a few vegetables sliced open on a bed of florals. The beauty of nature speaks for itself! Arrangement from our in-house caterer, Together & Company.

Still Life Centerpieces

Art-inspired centerpieces are a growing trend this year and lush arrangements like this one are no exception! Photo by Every Atom Photography.

In 2026, everything is connected, and tablescapes are no exception! As couples lean towards thoughtful, experiential touches to their big day, there comes a wedding trend that adds dimensionality to dinner – adorning tables with fresh ingredients and deep, bold color tones that draw inspiration from the menu being served.  

Instead of sticking just to florals and greenery as centerpieces, couples want to add a sense of opulence to moments where guests spend a lot of time – conversing over dinner, listening to speeches, and sharing a moment with the newlyweds as they make their rounds before the dance floor opens. If food centerpieces aren’t for you, this can also be achieved through details like bows and lush fabrics. 

Silver and glittery moments 

From the silver platters and candelabras of the Gilded Age to metallic textures and glittering decor of the 1980s, silver is here to make a sparkling splash for weddings in 2026. We’ve seen it recently in brides’ reception looks, and it’s starting to spill into wedding decor as well.  

Silver touches are perfect for memory tables or displays – add a touch of shine with a photo frame or choose a silver multi-tiered tray for your cookie table. And we’re really hoping that the disco reception dress moment is here to stay!  

While “disco vibes” may be a trend, we believe “dancing queen energy” is timeless. Photo by Chris Bowman Photography.

Silver cookie platters for the win in 2026! Photo by Lauren Shelton Photography.

Caterpillar seating and food displays 

Serpentine seating adds a friendly playfulness to an elegant wedding reception.

As a wedding venue with catering included, we’ve noticed this trend tick up, with some couples breaking away from the traditional round tables or banquet-style seating and adding a “twist”, so-to-speak, to their seating layouts. “We’re seeing a trend in caterpillar seating, especially for more casual weddings,” says our Manager of Client Experience, Josh Shipley.  

“We’re seeing a trend in caterpillar seating, especially for more casual weddings.”

— Josh Shipley, Manager of Client Experience

 Caterpillar (or serpentine) seating is perfect for couples wanting their guests to get to know each other. It brings people together in a comfortable way during the reception, highlighting another growing trend: couples wanting to bring guests into their story for the evening.  

Textured textiles and lace 

It’s amazing when a simple backdrop can make such a dramatic impact! Planning by The Finer Things Event Planning, photo by Laura Witherow Photography.

Again, with the callback to the 1880s and 1980s! Victorian era laces and weaving in fabric textures beyond table linens is something couples are playing with for their wedding aesthetic in 2026. 

One of our recent brides and her partner worked with their wedding planner, The Finer Things Event Planning, to interpret this trend in a modern way. A textured canvas panel served as the backdrop to their wedding ceremony, framing the couple as they shared their vows. The sharp edges contrasted beautifully with the slight wrinkle of the fabric, creating a simple yet dramatic setting for their nuptials. Jaws were dropped!  

Choose trends that tell your story 

We hope that this list helps you to determine your own decor style for your 2026 marriage and reception. Whether it’s a top wedding trend of the year or a special touch you’ve been thinking about forever, however you choose to celebrate will be the way to go – because it’s yours! 

Drop us a line 

If you need a second opinion or are inspired by photos of our downtown Columbus wedding venue, get in touch with our team! We’re happy to give you a tour and bounce some ideas around.  

Photo by Derk’s Works Photography.

If you want more help planning your wedding in Columbus, check out our Columbus, Ohio Wedding Planning Checklist, full of our favorite vendors and an easy timeline download to get you sorted for your big day.