2025–26 Wedding Season Trends: Makeup, Dresses & Wedding Day Style
Wedding seasons always bring fresh inspiration, but the 2025–26 season feels especially exciting. Brides are embracing individuality, leaning into personal touches, and moving away from cookie-cutter celebrations. The result? Weddings that feel modern, romantic, and unapologetically unique. And for a makeup artist who has always loved the catch phrase “best version of you”, this feels like my most authentic season yet.
From makeup to dresses and overall styling, here’s a look at the trends set to shape the aisle this season.
Makeup: Radiance Meets Romance, Oh My
If one word sums up this season’s bridal makeup, it’s soft. Think radiant skin, gently defined features, and a look that enhances rather than hides. Can I contain my excitement!!
- Soft glam glow – Skin is dewy, fresh, and polished, with a focus on luminosity rather than heavy contour. It’s about looking like yourself, only more elevated.
- Blush takes centre stage – Pinks, peaches, and berry tones bring a healthy flush that photographs beautifully and adds a youthful, romantic feel. As a person who loves “too much” blush this really lights me up. If blush is something that usually frightens you, I encourage you to try using more at your Bridal Trial. Most brides find that after having blush on for a while, it doesn’t seem too heavy and when looking at selfies or photos of yourself you’ll notice a lot doesn’t really translate in photography.
- Statement lips – While natural lips still have their place, bold shades are making a comeback. Deep berries, modern reds, and even custom-made lipsticks are proving popular for brides who want their pout to be the hero.
- Gloss revival – Lip gloss is back in the spotlight, adding dimension and shine. Expect to see both high-shine glosses and softer satin finishes on wedding days. Whilst from a longevity point of view this perplexes me somewhat, I have to say a glossy lip will always have my heart.
What’s clear is that skin preparation is just as important as the makeup itself. Hydration, gentle exfoliation, and targeted skincare in the lead-up are making that lit-from-within glow possible. If you can start a regime several months before the wedding, your skin will thank you for it. Peels, needling and hydra facials are all excellent options for treatment but the best thing you can do is see a good therapist who can recommend a treatment program specific to your needs. Keeping your skin hydrated in the lead up to the wedding is essential.
Hair: Effortless Meets Elegant
Bridal hair is embracing contrasts – sleek sophistication on one hand, and undone romance on the other.
- Low buns and chignons – Minimalist and elegant, this look works beautifully with structured gowns and statement veils.
- Undone waves – Soft, tousled hair feels modern and relaxed, perfect for outdoor weddings and bohemian-inspired dresses.
- Pearl and crystal accents – Accessories are having a moment, with subtle sparkle woven into hair for a refined finish.
- 90s-inspired updos – Think polished twists and face-framing tendrils for a nostalgic yet chic vibe.
Dresses: Clean Lines & Romantic Details
Fashion is always evolving, but this season brings together two extremes that balance perfectly: minimalism and romance.
- Sleek silhouettes – Clean, architectural gowns with sharp tailoring are dominating runways, perfect for the modern bride who loves simplicity.
- Romantic volume – On the other end of the spectrum, voluminous skirts and dramatic sleeves are making a statement.
- Sheer lacework – Delicate lace and illusion details create a soft yet contemporary look.
- Colour accents – Blush, champagne, and even soft pastel tones are slipping into bridal fashion, giving brides more ways to express individuality.
Wedding Styles: Intimate, Luxe & Personal
The overall feel of weddings in 2025–26 is intentional. Couples are making thoughtful choices that reflect their personalities and values.
- Intimate luxe – Guest lists are smaller, but the details are elevated. Think fewer people, more refinement.
- Destination celebrations – Couples are choosing meaningful locations, turning the big day into a holiday with their loved ones.
- Eco-friendly touches – Sustainability continues to influence choices, with seasonal florals, locally sourced catering, and rented attire becoming more common.
- Statement florals – Oversized, bold arrangements – often seasonal and textural – are creating wow moments across ceremony backdrops and receptions.
The Finishing Touch: Your Perfect Lip
Among all these trends, one theme stands out: personalisation. Brides want their wedding day to feel like them, and that extends right down to the lipstick they wear.
At The Lip Lab Perth, we specialise in helping brides create their perfect custom shade – whether that’s a classic nude, a soft berry to complement blush tones, or a bold red that ties in with a bouquet. Our Signature Lipstick Workshop is a beautiful way to design a lipstick you’ll wear confidently on the day and keep as a memento long after the wedding.
It’s also a gorgeous experience for bridal parties. Many brides are choosing to bring their bridesmaids in for a group lipstick session before the big day – a chance to laugh, create, and walk away with matching or complementary shades.
In conclusion:
The 2025–26 wedding season is shaping up to be one of the most personal and stylish yet. Brides are blending timeless beauty with modern touches, focusing on looks and details that truly reflect who they are.
From softly glowing makeup to architectural gowns, from intimate gatherings to bold floral installations, it’s all about celebrating love in a way that feels authentic. And when it comes to makeup, nothing says personal quite like wearing a lipstick shade that was created just for you.