2026 Wedding Decor Trends to Elevate Your Celebration
As couples across Columbus and beyond begin planning their 2026 weddings, the spotlight is turning toward decor that blends personal meaning, breathtaking aesthetics, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’ve just begun your search for a wedding venue or you already know you want a venue with a view, like The Fives in downtown Columbus, this year’s trends offer thoughtful inspiration to transform your celebration into a moment that feels uniquely you.
We're here to share with you the top decor trends shaping 2026 weddings and how you can bring them to life at your celebration at The Fives or your venue of choice.
Our spacious Social Hall set for a summer wedding reception. Photo by Storyteller Adams.
Personalized Guest Experiences
Gone are generic favors and one-size-fits-all seating. In 2026, couples want to make every guest feel seen, valued, and connected to the love story being celebrated. While classic place settings still have their place, thoughtful touches—like handwritten notes or meaningful mementos—continue to gain traction to honor each attendee.
Shannon and Charlie shared a Greek wedding tradition with their guests by gifting them candy-coated almonds, called “Koufeta” - symbolizing long-lasting love and sweetness of the couples’ life shared. Photo by Annie Darr Photo + Film.
At a grand reception hall like The Fives, personalized welcome tables or custom signage near your wedding venue entrance can set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Consider:
Customized cards at each place setting with a note from you and your partner
Locally made wedding favors reflecting Ohio craftsmanship or cultural practices
Interactive guest books or stories about you
These design-forward touches not only elevate the decor but also make your guests feel deeply involved in your celebration.
Carlos and Jim chose to set up a Dia de los Muertos altar to celebrate deceased relatives who could not be there for their nuptials. Photo by The Simmons Photography.
Themes Over Color Rules
The decor of 2026 is less about fitting into a preconceived palette and more about creating feeling and atmosphere. Couples are prioritizing aesthetic cohesion over just picking classic wedding colors.
Rather than matching linens and flowers to a fixed shade like “blush” or “navy,” couples are designing immersive experiences—where color, texture, and mood all work together. This shift pairs beautifully with The Fives’ modern architecture and flexible spaces, from its striking indoor Social Hall to the expansive outdoor Terrace overlooking downtown Columbus.
Ideas include:
Golden hour hues flowing from outdoor ceremonies into reception lighting
Coordinated tabletop textures that echo metallic flecks or deep jewel tones
A curated mix of bold tones with neutral accents for dramatic impact
How about a sunset theme? Pair golden hour hues with moments of gold and candlelight to envelop guests in a warm glow of a reception. Photo by The Fives.
This approach helps make your wedding space feel intentional, tailored, and unforgettable.
Warm, Intimate Lighting
Taper candles are a great way to add warmth and intimacy to a tablescape. Photo by Coley & Co. Photography.
Lighting has always been critical in setting mood—but in 2026, couples are dialing into lighting as decor. Warm, ambient lighting helps turn large spaces, like a wedding reception hall or rooftop terrace, into comfortable, inviting environments.
Trend-forward lighting ideas include:
Clusters of wired Edison bulbs across a rooftop capturing twilight city views
Warm uplighting against architectural features of a ballroom
Lanterns and candle clusters throughout dinner tables to foster intimacy
The result? A reception that feels cozy, romantic, and distinctly yours, even in a large, upscale setting.
Statement Florals and Textured Tablescapes
2026 decor trends are leaning into exuberant florals and richly layered tablescapes that invite guests to feel immersed—not just observe. From sculptural centerpieces to mixed textures on dining tables, decor is becoming a visceral experience.
Feathers, roses, and eucalyptus shoot out of glass vases like fireworks for this New Years Eve-themed wedding. Photo by Red Gallery Photography.
Consider these for your wedding at The Fives:
Tall floral arrangements that direct attention upward toward The Fives’ dramatic ceiling fixtures
Mixed textures like wood chargers, silky linens, and bold botanical elements
Organic arrangements that reflect seasonal blooms of 2026
Florals and tablescapes at this level turn dinner into a design statement—perfect if your venue is already a visual standout.
Kristen and Jake opted for indoor and outdoor settings for their celebration, closing the glass doors for their ceremony on the Terrace, to open them up for cocktail hour in the summer sunlight. Their reception was in our Social Hall, and they ended the night with a private stroll while looking at the Columbus skyline. Photos by Red Gallery Photography.
Indoor-Outdoor Blending
One of the best parts of an ind00r-outdoor ceremony space is your guests can be in the shade while still enjoying that summer wedding breeze. Photo by Brookmade Photography.
One of The Fives’ greatest strengths as one of the premier outdoor venues in Columbus is how easily you can blend indoor and outdoor celebrations. Especially if you want to have your wedding in the summer months, your guests will want to experience the outdoors as well as take respite in an air-conditioned space.
This trend emphasizes fluid transitions between spaces:
Offer welcome cocktails on a rooftop terrace with sunset skyline views
Host your ceremony under the open sky followed by dinner indoors
Choose soft drapery and lighting that unify the indoor and outdoor spaces
Let the city backdrop play a starring role—especially if you’re hosting a rooftop wedding with a view of downtown Columbus. It’s a trend that makes your “venue with a view” not just a setting, but a defining part of your wedding aesthetic.
Bold Texture and Luxe Finishes
Wedding decor in 2026 celebrates contrast and texture. Think luxe metallics, sculptural elements, and tactile fabrics that make each vignette feel curated and rich. This pairs beautifully with The Fives’ design-forward interiors and urban-chic vibe.
Some ideas:
Metallic chargers or accents against soft linen
Velvet or silk accents in lounge areas
Sculptural lighting or art-inspired installations as conversation pieces
We love a metallic charger moment. For this safari-themed reception it contrasted beautifully with the neutral khaki texture of the linens. Photo by Kimberly Potterf Photography.
These details bring depth and elegance to every corner of your wedding space, helping transform your reception into a luxury experience.
Immersive and Interactive Moments
2026 couples are prioritizing experiences—not just beautiful backdrops. This trend extends to things like interactive food stations, experiential lounges, and immersive installations woven into your timeline of events.
At a venue like The Fives, you can create moments that spark joy throughout the evening:
A late-night dessert bar with local Columbus favorites, like Little Ladies Soft Serve food truck.
Interactive cocktail experiences inspired by your story – espresso martini, anyone?
Curated lounging spaces with plush seating and custom accents.
These elements make your celebration feel dynamic and memorable from start to finish.
Photos by Annie Darr Photo + Film, Amy Ann Photography, and Storyteller Adams.
Curated Ceremony Vignettes
While many couples focus heavily on reception details, ceremonial decor is trending toward intentional, atmospheric statements. Whether you choose a traditional indoor ceremony space or choose a venue with a view (The Fives has both!), consider ceremony vignettes that frame your vows as the heart of your event.
Options include:
The lush, floral columns Yana and Taylor selected for their rooftop ceremony served as both a dramatic and soft background to their celebration. Photo by Derk’s Works Photography.
A sculptural floral arch that doubles as an art piece
Draped textiles for ceremony spaces that echo your color palette
Soft lighting that enhances emotional moments as daylight shifts
These thoughtful touches make your ceremony decor feel even more intentional, which deepens the meaning behind the moment.
Trends That Remain Timeless
Overall, 2026 wedding decor trends are all about authentic moments, intentional design, and rich guest experiences. From warm lighting and immersive tablescapes to interactive experiences and personal touches, these trends help you craft a wedding that feels like you, which is something that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re ready to bring these ideas to life, there’s no better time than now to start exploring The Fives and turn your wedding vision into a celebration your guests will never forget.
“We got married and had our reception at The Fives this past June. This venue is gorgeous! The view from the ceremony space on the 3rd floor, the gallery on the 2nd floor to see the reception from above, the Social Hall on the first floor, and the suites downstairs—I cannot speak highly enough about our experience and our guests’ responses. Free parking on site, delicious food options, close to Hotels, we couldn’t ask for more. Thank you all so, so much!”
The Fives: The Perfect Backdrop
Choosing the right location shapes how all of these trends come together. As one of the top large wedding venues in Columbus, The Fives offers:
Versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces that accommodate intimate gatherings and large celebrations alike.
Stunning skyline views and rooftop access that elevate your ceremony and photos.
Contemporary design and amenities that can harmonize with modern decor trends without competing with them.
Tailored, luxury wedding packages that simplify planning while enhancing your vision.
Laura & VJ celebrate with their guests after their rooftop ceremony at The Fives. Photo by Storyteller Adams.
Whether you’re dreaming of a chic urban celebration or an outdoor-infused gathering, The Fives blends the best of both an outdoor venue experience and indoor elegance, making it one of the most compelling options for a wedding venue search.
Photo by Coley & Co. Photography.
