The Top Event Trends for 2026 are in!
Planning an event in 2026 feels more exciting than ever. As couples, families and corporate teams look ahead, the trends next year are all about intentional design, meaningful experiences and a fresh take on classic style. The main goal of any event in 2026 will be to blend personalization with purpose. Think bold color, immersive décor, amazing food experiences, sustainable choices and simplified planning. Partying in 2026 is going to be a blast.
1. Expect a mix of bold and soft hues when you arrive at your 2026 events. Vibrant cobalt blue, sunny butter yellow, rich burgundy and earthy terracotta will be paired with more subtle partners such as olive, champagne and lavender. These palettes will be both nature-inspired and luxuriously romantic.
This pairing of bold and soft will be accomplished by focusing on the classics – neutral place settings with pops of color and texture through napkins and glassware, Floral accent plates and vibrant centerpieces will pull the tablescape into one coordinating piece of art.
2. Expect any high-end event to be heavily personalized. You might be greeted by an ornate balloon arch with marquee signage, personalized barware or you might be handed a personalized event favor. Some events are going as far as onsite personalization. This has been a popular theme amongst Bar and Bat Mitzvahs as well as weddings. The point is to create a memorable experience for the guests that makes them feel welcomed and special.
3. We love a good theme and 2026 will be no exception as we expect to see themes such as Old Money, European Summer Chic, Vintage and Nostalgic and Ethereal Garden. We envision backyard soirees tapping into the Ethereal Garden theme with a color palette that features milky whites, blush pinks, soft greens, dusty blue and warm beige tones. Floral accents will be a highlight of course, with a tablescape that is both maximalist yet vintage. Cascading greenery, hanging florals, moss and vines will be used to create a lush environment. Mixed textures will include wood, linen, cotton and lace.
Another favorite will be Old Money. Understated luxury will be accomplished with a neutral palette with pops of classic colors like navy and emerald green. A tablescape will feature fine china, silver and rich linens. The food and drink is where this theme brings the A game. The bar will be extensive with champagne, cocktails and fine wines. The food will feature elegant, classic cuisine. Passed appetizers are a must. While the Old Money vibe is all about quiet confidence and a relaxed but refined atmosphere, expect the crowd to be well dressed in rich, luxurious textures and colors.
4. Sustainability is still key. This isn’t really a new trend as sustainability has been on our minds for years, but it is more important now than ever that actions align with words. In the age of online shopping and next day shipping, it is so easy to simply buy anything you need with little thought to what will happen to those items after the event. Consider thrifting for centerpieces for your dinner party or calling your local rental store for linen and dish rentals. Not only can you simply return the items after the event, the event rental company washes and stores the items so they are ready to go for the next end user.
5. Great traditions always have a way of making a comeback and 2026 will be no exception. Glam is back. We expect to see a number of events requesting guests dress in formal wear. This goes hand in hand with a focus on immersive themes and a resurgence of vintage vibes such as string quartets and cocktail towers.
Another tradition that is making its way back is extended celebrations. This may be pointing to the 2026 wedding trends specifically, but multi-day destination weddings are growing and turning weddings into mini-vacations. This has been a tradition amongst many cultures for centuries as family events have always been a place where all are invited to celebrate for the entire duration of the event. (& then some!)
6. Elevated food and drink creates a memorable dining experience outside of the buffet or standard plated meal. Expect to walk into a 2026 formal event and see elegant tablescapes filled with color and texture and amazing centerpieces. Table layouts will be designed with conversation in mind, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere no matter how large the gathering. The meal becomes a journey that is both sophisticated and warm and gives guests a night they will never forget.
7. An introvert’s dream – think warm, low lighting, soft yet luxurious colors, intimate conversation spaces where people can actually converse over the soft background music. The focus at these events will be the people and the space with dedicated lounge seating and conversation tables. Intimate does not have to mean small. This warm vibe can be achieved in any sized event with carefully placed lounge seating and conversation tables.
8. Expect the unexpected. A deconstructed event flow is all the rage in 2026, which goes hand in hand with the idea of personalization. Think chic cocktail parties, live entertainment, lounge seating and roaming food presentations. The focus is all about the vibe, the music and the flow from the moment that guests arrive. No formal cocktail hour or sit-down dinner – the whole evening becomes one flow through event that leaves your guests entertained from beginning to end.
Planning an event In 2026 is going to be an adventure no matter what trend you are leaning towards. It sounds like the most common theme amount all of these trends is centered around creating special memories for those you care about. Corporate parties, weddings, anniversaries, showers, retirement parties…they are all events filled with the most special people in our lives. Hosting a party is a way to give back and say “Thank you!” Which 2026 event trend will you be on board with this year?