Here’s how to hop on the casual wedding trend

It’s no secret that the party landscape is evolving, and while we love a traditional wedding, we also love seeing people turn this meaningful celebration into something that fits their specific story! 

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As the prices for venues and vendors go up, we’re seeing more and more couples opt for non-traditional or more laid back wedding celebrations. 

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In fact, data from our 2026 Pregame Report shows that 67% of survey takers prefer DIY or affordable options for events in general, a trend that is starting to reflect in the wedding world as well. 

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Quick facts:

• 71.2% of survey respondents saw outdoor or nature-inspired locations becoming more popular for wedding-related events in 2026.
• 52.4% saw unique or unconventional venues like art galleries or warehouses growing in popularity.
• 49.7% believe that intimate home gatherings are on the rise for weddings specifically. 
• On the flip side, only 19.2% of people indicated that they thought luxe resorts or destination locations were going to become more popular, signaling a shift towards more laid-back or, at least, budget-friendly festivities.  

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Whether you’re switching up your location or opting for crowdsourced or handmade details, a casual wedding is a great way to inject your specific style while sticking to a budget that works for you. 

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Think you might want to have a non-traditional wedding? We’ve rounded up trends and themes to get you inspired! 

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Top casual wedding trends

1. Creative desserts

It’s no secret that the image of a tiered wedding cake is simply iconic when it comes to the wedding day. Well, that icon may have met its match in the casual dessert trend! Couples are swapping the wedding cake for desserts that feel more “them” — like a colorful pavlova, a table-length tiramisu, or a cart that makes fresh donut holes on-site! 

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2. Private vows 

It’s not just the food and decor that changes with a casual wedding, couples are also opting to rethink what a “ceremony” looks like. Not interested in having all eyes on you? Try exchanging vows over morning tea for two or reading your vows to each other in private before you head out for your party. 

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3. Late-night cravings

Swap a seated dinner or even a traditional buffet for your favorite foods. If you’re having a local event, see if your favorite divey restaurant or food truck does catering. Or, order a bunch of pizzas and swap them into custom pizza boxes with your initials as a monogram.  

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Our favorite version of this trend? Go for a “high-low” look at your non-traditional wedding event and throw sleeves of fast food french fries on some silver trays that can be passed or laid out on a table at your event. These are always a crowdpleaser. 

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4. Disposable cameras 

Not planning to hire a formal wedding photographer? Let your guests capture the day through their own eyes! Laying out a few disposable cameras is an easy way to collect memories and get that gorgeous film-quality photography on a budget! Feeling fancy? You can even order custom wraps on Etsy to make the cameras fit the theme or look of your event. 

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Pro tip: After your photos are developed, you can share them all in your Invitation’s shared photo album so everyone can see the results of their handiwork in one place on Evite!

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5. Mismatched tableware 

Whether you’re borrowing dishes from friends or thrifting unique ceramic pieces, the mismatched tableware look is already in (just ask Instagram and Pinterest). Bring this trend to your wedding by intentionally mixing up your glasses, plates, and silverware. 

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6. Unexpected rugs 

If you told us a few years ago that rugs were going to become the ultimate chic, effortless wedding accessory, well, maybe we would have believed you. No doubt, layered rugs are on the rise as wedding decor— from DIY dance floors to entire aisles made out of thrift store rugs. 

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7. Enlist your baker friends

If you’re not quite ready to give up the cake for good, ask a few friends (or members of your wedding party) to bake a single layer cake for your event! Your loved ones will feel like they played a key part in your special day, and there will be a variety of different flavors for guests to choose from, so everyone is happy! 

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8. Grazing boards 

A grazing board (basically an elongated charcuterie board) is an easy DIY that can really level up your event! Try a classic spread with cheese, fruits, and crackers, or make it your own. A few ideas to start? A full table of different kinds of breads, a hot dog-lover’s spread with fries and dips to go with, or even a dessert version—the world is your oyster! 

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9. Self-serve bars 

Skip the bartender or hefty tab, and opt for a self-serve bar station. You can set this up at a table, or get creative with the location (for example, out of the back of a pick-up truck, if that’s your style). Leave out a grid of glasses and bottles of champagne (or your preferred liquor) for guests to pour and sip from, plus add a potted mint plant and sliced lemons for easy accompaniments. Another version of this we love? Dirty martini fountains—AKA liquor and olives right from a gallon dispenser. 

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10. Make it a picnic

Park weddings are in, and picnic parties may be the next big thing in the casual wedding space. Work in classic picnic elements like plaid tablecloths and wicker baskets, but don’t be afraid to give them a bridal spin with white ribbon or “something blue” gingham—this is still your big day, of course! Picnic weddings also make it easier for guests to bring their kids if you want to make it a family affair, but you should feel totally empowered to keep your guest list adults-only if you want. 

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Get inspired by these unique themes 

1. Backyard Beloved 

The backyard wedding is here and happening. Transform your childhood backyard or a friend or family’s space into an outdoor experience with DIY details and a homegrown feel. Not only does this eliminate the need for a venue budget, it allows you to tie in a sentimental location to your wedding day celebrations. You can keep “formal” elements by creating your own aisle for your ceremony, or you can make it fully casual with picnic games and a laid-back dress code. Whatever your style is, the backyard is a perfect blank canvas for a simple, but special event. 

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2. Lanes of Love 

Trade the aisle for the lane! Make your wedding festivities memorable by throwing some fun and games into the mix. Find a retro bowling alley near you and invite friends and loved ones to celebrate over delicious bar snacks and some friendly competition. This is a great opportunity to weave in your personal style through attire and music and is sure to stand out in your guests’ mind as a boldly unique celebration of love! Plus, ask the venue bar if they’ll serve customized specialty drinks on your big day, and see in advance if they have a photobooth that you can give guests tokens to use! 

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3. Lovers’ Chalet 

Rent a cabin and use your love story as an excuse to gather friends and family for a weekend! With a traditional ceremony, even if you have everyone in one place, the couple of honor doesn’t always get that much dedicated quality time with the guests. If you’re looking for a weekend of connection and celebration with your people, try booking a cabin for a few days (don’t be afraid to add a crowdfunding option to your Evite to help cover the event) and let the memories begin. 

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4. Vineyard Vows 

While not everyone has time (or budget) to rent out a fancy vineyard for a whole weekend, local wine bars are popping up in cities across the country and make the perfect backdrop for a casual, yet classy wedding event! Bring the vineyard right to your city with a wine bar wedding. Mix casual and chic by laying out platters of olives, parmesan, and dark chocolate (all of which you can grab from the grocery store) to pair with a wine flight or tasting for a true foodie experience. 

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5. Gallery of Love

Another unconventional venue that makes for an incredible wedding party? An art gallery. Try hosting a simple cocktail party, and hang framed photos from your relationship throughout the space. Even guests who are a little skeptical of the whole “casual wedding” trend will be impressed by this chic and artistic setup. While you can absolutely plan for a casual dress code, this venue is also a great excuse to mix high and low by hosting a non-traditional party and asking guests to dress their best! Everyone loves an excuse to wear that fun outfit they’ve had waiting for the right event, and if you throw in a film photographer, your event is sure to go down in wedding history. 

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Think the casual wedding trend sounds right for you? Start planning your event with Evite’s Wedding Invitations! Or, discover your personal wedding style by taking our wedding quiz.