Spring 2026 Wedding Inspiration

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​When planning a wedding, it’s important to combine the tastes of the bride and groom, to incorporate their values, and to make the guests feel a part of the celebration. To that end, many brides and grooms are opting out of longstanding traditions and opting into new ways of celebrating, saying, “I do.” It isn’t to dismiss tradition altogether, but rather to make the tradition more their own.

1. The rehearsal dinner is revamped as the “Night Before.”

2. Weekend celebrations over a single night celebration

3. First looks that include family and special friends.

4. Mocktail menus over cocktail-heavy events

5. Food that reflects shared taste

Rehearsal dinner revamp

While many couples are retaining a rehearsal depending on the complexity of the ceremony, many couples are rethinking the rehearsal dinner completely. Many special event venues are booked all weekend nights, so it can be challenging to hold a rehearsal the night before an event. What many couples are doing instead is a simple walk-through with the key parties on the day of the event.

At Royal Affairs Ballroom, that would work easily since your rental includes the full-day use of the venue.

Brides and grooms, along with the bridal party, could easily schedule a walk-through of the ceremony during the day once all of the setup and fun events are passed. These gentle walk-throughs generally ease any pre-wedding jitters that the bridal party may have.

Weddings are generally very straightforward, and as a result, most participants can quickly figure out what to do. Simple walk-throughs lower the stress of all involved. What are people doing instead?

Many couples are choosing a pre-wedding celebration instead. This usually involves a dinner with the bridal party and closest family members to celebrate the big day to follow. Drinks, dinner, and time to actually visit with the most treasured guests are a meaningful way to spend the night before a wedding. Everyone leaves feeling peaceful and happy about the events of the next day.

Weekend celebrations

Continuing with the rehearsal dinner revamp, weddings are turning into a weekend affair. Rather than sending everyone off without a formal goodbye, the weekend begins with a nice meal, the wedding follows, and then everyone has a breakfast sendoff to celebrate one last time. Some special occasions even involve more robust activities like a hike, a zipline adventure, or breakfast on the beach, depending on your location and activity level.

Some organized brides and grooms are also opting for pictures to be taken before the wedding rather than spending a lot of reception time during the ceremony with photos. In general, we love this idea as it removes the pressure from the wedding reception and any time constraints that the bride and groom may feel.

First looks

Traditional first look photos involve just the bride and groom, but some brides are bringing in mom and/or dad along with other special friends to share their “first look” photos. Their captured reactions are priceless memories. This is a fun take on the first look photos.

Mocktail menus

Many brides and grooms are choosing mocktails more frequently than ever before. There are several reasons this trend is increasingly popular. First, there is a cost benefit. Offering wine, beer, and liquor at a wedding reception can be expensive. Even with more cost-effective options available, opting for a dry wedding is a smart financial move. Second, more brides and grooms want to experience every moment and every detail of their wedding. They want to be fully present. Recognizing that alcohol impairs being present is a reflection of this generation of young adults and the way they have grown up. This combination of mindful consumption and financial savvy doesn’t make it boring. The mocktail menus are exceptional and exciting.

Food that reflects shared taste

Rather than choosing a standard menu from the caterer, more couples are considering food options that reflect their shared tastes. The bride and groom plan their meal favorites to offer guests alongside cherished family recipes and trays of sweets. Have a taste for cinnamon rolls? Add those to the dessert table. Love your grandmother’s macaroni and cheese recipe? Add it to the menu. Brides and grooms are choosing their favorite items to share with guests on their special day.

Whatever you desire for your wedding celebration, whether it is full of tradition or adventuresome with fresh ideas, we would love to work with you to make your dreams come true at Royal Affairs Ballroom. Call us today at 972-221-6565 to schedule your private tour and connect with our expert staff.