Designs (top-left to bottom-right): Destination Weddings, Perfect Party Shoppe, Sweet Rain Paperie, MOONDAISY STUDIO, MOONDAISY STUDIO, Magnolia and Thistle Design Co.
Here’s a tip for all you engaged couples out there, courtesy of the Zazzle Ideas team: the secret to a successful wedding or pre-wedding event is a cohesive theme. Without a theme, your wedding – or bridal shower or bachelorette – can feel like a hodge-podge of concepts and designs, lacking the purity of a single, unifying thread. Nobody wants their guests in the dark about whether they should wear sandals, heels, or cowboy boots!
There’s no need to worry about that happening, though, now that you’re reading this article. The themes in vogue change from year to year, but based on our research, the following stand out in 2026 and run the gamut of tones from fun and flirty to quaint and romantic. We’ve categorized these by the event with which they most closely align, but feel free to adapt them as you see fit, or to pair them with the design trends featured at the end of this article. The result will be a fun, consistent experience for both you and your guests, and the next time someone’s getting married, you can be the one sharing tips and secrets!
Trending Bachelorette Themes in 2026
Among the assignments listed in our “Complete Guide to Maid of Honor Duties” article is to plan a memorable bachelorette party or bridal shower. Keeping up with the hottest bachelorette themes isn’t an absolute requirement for the role, but if you want to impress the bride and your fellow bridesmaids, try tapping into the following trends.
This Wife Is a Showgirl
Bachelorettes in 2026 are moving into their showgirl era, based on this latest trend. It suits the bride who wants it all: sparkle, diva energy, and a glitter-soaked bachelorette party. Don your best feather boa in anticipation, and design metallic tumblers and bejeweled bachelorette party signs to “make the whole place shimmer.”
Girls Gone Mild
If this sounds like a rather tepid theme, we promise it’s actually piping hot in 2026. For some, the high energy of a typical bachelorette blowout can be exhausting (especially with a wedding on the horizon). In that case, pamper the bride squad instead by arranging a spa weekend or relaxing getaway. Equip every member with matching tees and honorary favor tags to put them in that cozy, celebratory mood.
She’s a Catch
Has a fun, seaside theme been your white whale for months now? Then we have just the vibe to end your elusive search: nautical bachelorette invitations and bachelorette banners for you and your fellow seafarers. These designs are apt for that escape to Nantucket, Montauk, and other East Coast getaways, but there’s a pinch of Manhattan in there too: the lobsters are a reference to Phoebe’s ‘unique’ description of soulmates in FRIENDS.
Wife of the Party
Some soon-to-be brides are the life and soul of every party, not just their bachelorette weekend. If you’re looking for a theme to match her energy, this could be it: a bold, engaging trend suitable for a bold, trendy engagement. Light up the room – just like she does – with sparkling disco balls, and then see if you can bottle her vivacious spirit with bachelorette party can coolers and wine labels.
Bikinis and Martinis
No bachelorette or bride has ever passed up a trip to the beach – and that’s a trend that continues apace into 2026. Designs inspired by this theme are appropriately fun and flirty: the vibe is poolside glamour, achieved through tropical beach towels and party supplies that activate your ‘Vacation Mode.’ Ride this wave of sun-soaked bachelorette products to Palm Beach and 30A; or, alternatively, check out our deep dive into “Unique Bachelorette Party Destinations.”
Trending Bridal Shower Themes in 2026
The best of bridesmaids are able to throw both a wild bachelorette and a classy bridal shower. For every rowdy adventure described above, then, here’s a cozy counterpart.
Cottagecore
And it doesn’t get much cozier: if the bride would feel more at home in a secluded hamlet than a beachside resort, this is the party trend to go with. Not only is it an elegant, natural theme, brimming with garden party charm, but it’s a lifestyle choice too, encouraging you to slow down and embrace simplicity. Transport your bride squad to the countryside – metaphorically – with paper plates and posters, before you physically retreat to a rustic location for the event.
Fresh Off the Market
The best bridal shower themes can be woven organically throughout your event – and here’s a ripe example of how to do that. Welcome guests to the shower with market-style signage; buoy them with fresh produce to snack on and floral displays to admire; then let them sample your wares with neatly bagged bridal shower treats. Every element will be plump with personality, courtesy of the Zazzle marketplace!
Something Blue
Every bride adhering to tradition will have something blue on their big day – it could be a bouquet, a garter, or a piece of jewelry. But in 2026, blue is also a theme – a new twist on the old rhyme that we’re happy for you to borrow. Because it’s inspired by a classic wedding ritual, the designs combine vintage pearl accents, heirloom motifs, and old china prints. And for your true-blue bridesmaids, our Independent Creators have candy favors, stickers, and lip balm to set the tone!
That’s Amore!
Last year, the ‘La Dolce Vita’ theme was widespread: see our article on “La Dolce Vita Weddings: Tying the Knot, Italian-Style.” In 2026, then, we’re returning to Italy – and specifically, “old Napoli.” Channeling the cozy romance of the Italian countryside, this theme makes bridal showers, engagement celebrations, and welcome parties feel like you’re walking in a dream. Create personalized labels for homemade pasta, or concoct olive oil bridal shower favors for an artisanal detail. Bellissimo!
Trending Wedding Themes in 2026
Many of the bridal shower and bachelorette themes mentioned above could be repurposed for your wedding: spin ‘Cottagecore’ into an ever-popular rustic wedding, or make ‘Something Blue’ a consistent color scheme throughout your rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. Alternatively, check out these ready-made wedding themes (along with the still-relevant 2025 list: “2025 Trending Wedding Themes to Get Excited For“).
A Perfect Match
If you’ve been lucky enough to secure yourself a ‘lifelong doubles partner,’ this could be the trend best suited to your wedding welcome party. Drawing from a preppy tennis and pickleball aesthetic, this sporty theme is easy to ace with polo shirts and country club-inspired wedding décor. Serve up a few Wimbledon favorites (strawberries and cream anyone?), and make sure guests receive pickleball paddles to mark the occasion.
Art Gallery
Next time you’re having an ‘art to ‘art with your fiancé or fiancée about wedding themes, this could be something for them to muse upon. Fine art themes combine old-world charm with ornate details: think rich jewel tones and lots of artistic flourishes. Admission is free, so browse the collections our Creators have patiently curated to discover watercolor invitations, elegant wedding menus, and luxurious signage.
Match Made in Heaven
Is constant wedding planning keeping your head in the clouds? Perhaps there’s a clue to your theme in all that daydreaming. This trend is romantic, whimsical, and even a little bit cheeky – perfect for two starry-eyed lovers celebrating an engagement party or wedding welcome event. To bring this theme to life, cover your venue with pale blue candles, airy white wedding banners, and matchbox favors bearing angel-faced cherubs.
Trending Design Themes in 2026
Wedding trends are always shifting and evolving – that’s part of the fun. Even certain products and designs are in fashion, as we’re about to demonstrate – and as we recently detailed in “The 2026 Wedding Edit: Trending Color Palettes and Personalized Products.”
Pattern Play
Thus far, we’ve encouraged you to play around with these themes and trends, swapping and borrowing elements to create a style that speaks to you and your betrothed. And as it turns out, this experimental approach is an aesthetic in itself. In 2026, couples are mixing their favorite graphics, patterns, and design components to create a brand-new look. Aim for your wedding stationery to feel lively and complementary rather than overly curated and coordinated – ‘Pattern Play’ sums it up nicely.
Stripes
Stripes are among the patterns couples are embracing this year. They might seem a bit basic compared to busy mandalas and damask motifs, but stripes are gaining popularity for their clean, sophisticated, and elegant look. They also pair well with florals and other graphics, creating a pleasing contrast between the symmetrical lines and the irregular shapes. Spread them across your wedding envelopes and wedding programs to witness their strong visual impact for yourself!
Handwritten Notes on Napkins
This romantic trend brings to mind those scribbled notes passed through the classroom to your crush, or charming love letters preserved in a decorative keepsake box. Napkins with fun facts or pet photos are still popular, but for an extra personalized touch, upload a sample of your handwriting to custom wedding napkins (or choose a script font to replicate the effect). Guests will swoon over this heartwarming detail, but be sure to keep a pack for yourself when deciding “What to Save From Your Big Day.”
Retro/Hand-Drawn Designs
This trend brings to mind those scribbled notes passed through the classroom – wait, did we do this already? As you can see, the personal, imperfect touch is absolutely on-trend this year, with couples adding hand-drawn doodles to their tabletop signs and Save the Dates. The effect is warm and playful, recalling the abstract lines and shapes once scrawled in the margins of textbooks – perhaps while smitten with a high school sweetheart.
And on that tender note, our guide to this year’s trending themes and design trends comes to an end. For more inspiration and wedding planning tips, check out “The Art of Wedding Branding: How to Wow with Every Little Detail on Your Big Day” and “Wedding Vision Boards: Mapping Out and Manifesting the Day of Your Dreams.” If you’ve spotted other themes gaining prominence this year or have noticed any design trends taking off, give us a heads-up in the comments below!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
