The A/W 2026 wedding trends: softer tailoring, richer tones and seasonal florals

From chocolate and camel tailoring to dahlias and trailing amaranthus, autumn/winter weddings are embracing richer colours and softer styling.

As the autumn/winter wedding season gets underway, couples are moving away from rigid, perfectly matched styling in favour of looks that feel more relaxed, personal and connected to the season.

Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, shares the key tailoring and styling trends shaping A/W 2026 occasionwear, alongside Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, who reveals the flowers, colours and textures set to be popular for bouquets and displays this season.

Softer fitting suits
The move towards more relaxed tailoring hasn’t stopped as summer ends. For autumn/winter weddings, men are moving away from ultra-slim silhouettes in favour of softer, more comfortable fits that still feel polished.

“We're seeing men move away from really slim-fitting suits and towards more tailored fits with softer constructions that are easy to throw on and go,” Jess explains. “It doesn't mean the suit looks any less smart; it just feels more relaxed to wear.”

Double-breasted suits are also making a comeback, offering a way to add interest through shape rather than relying on bold colours or patterns. “If you want your suit to feel a little different and current, a double-breasted style is an easy way to do it. The shape gives the outfit enough interest, so you can keep the rest of the look simple.”

Brown becomes the new neutral
Navy may have traditionally dominated wedding tailoring, but brown is emerging as a key colour for autumn/winter occasions.

From chocolate and tobacco to camel and softer neutral shades, brown offers a way to embrace the season without moving too far away from classic tailoring. “Brown is what I call a ‘new neutral’ because there are so many ways to wear it,” says Jess. “It's a really easy way to move away from navy without straying too far from classic tailoring shades like navy and grey.”

The colour also lends itself to tonal styling, with wedding parties increasingly mixing different shades rather than wearing exactly matching suits. “You can keep everyone within the same colour palette but let people wear slightly different shades across their waistcoat, full suit or accessories. It gives everyone a bit more individuality while still looking coordinated.”

Seasonal florals with a little more drama

As tailoring becomes softer and more tonal, florals are following the same direction, with autumn/winter arrangements embracing richer colours, unusual textures and naturally seasonal stems.

Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveals the flowers set to define A/W weddings.

Dahlias: “Dahlias are one of the quintessential autumn wedding flowers. They come in such a huge range of colours and forms, from deep reds and oranges through to softer pinks and purples, so they work beautifully with the richer, more tonal palettes we're seeing across autumn/winter weddings.”

“Their layered petals also bring plenty of texture and depth to arrangements, which works particularly well alongside the softer, more relaxed feel of modern wedding styling.”

Amaranthus: “Trailing amaranthus is perfect for couples who want their flowers to feel dramatic and a little less structured. Its naturally cascading shape adds movement to bouquets and arrangements, and it works beautifully with richer seasonal colours.”

“It can also soften more formal styling, making it a lovely contrast to structured tailoring or a more traditional venue.”

Lilies: “Lilies are having a moment again, and we're seeing them used in a much more contemporary way. Their sculptural shape makes them a great statement flower, particularly for couples looking for something that feels elegant without being overly traditional.”

“White lilies can work beautifully against darker autumnal tones, while softer or warmer shades can be used to create a more tonal palette.”

Asters: “Asters have a lovely quality that adds a different texture to autumn arrangements. They come in beautiful shades of purple, pink, blue and white, making them really versatile for couples who want to introduce colour without relying on the traditional autumnal palette.”

Witch hazel: “For something a little more unexpected, witch hazel can add beautiful seasonal texture. Its delicate, ribbon-like flowers in warm yellow and orange tones bring a natural, almost sculptural quality to arrangements and are perfect for an autumn wedding.”

Winter roses and richer colour palettes

As the season moves into winter, florals become an opportunity to bring warmth and depth to darker days.

“Winter weddings don't have to mean deep reds and traditional festive colours,” Lucy explains. “Couples could play with softer winter palettes too, using warm whites, creams, muted pinks and richer berry tones alongside seasonal foliage.”

“Thinking about the whole colour palette rather than choosing one ‘wedding colour’ can help flowers and fashion feel connected without looking too coordinated. A chocolate suit, for example, can work beautifully alongside cream, burgundy, blush or deeper berry-toned flowers.”

The new approach to wedding styling

Across both fashion and florals, the focus for A/W weddings is increasingly on creating a look that feels coordinated without being overly matched.

From different shades of brown and camel across the wedding party to bouquets combining multiple seasonal blooms and textures, couples have more freedom to create a wedding aesthetic that feels really personal to them.

“It's about choosing elements that work together rather than making everything identical,” says Lucy. “Seasonal flowers naturally give you a starting point, and from there you can build a palette that complements everything from the suits and dress to the venue.”

What to gift the newlyweds

For guests looking for a gift, Lucy also suggests thinking beyond the traditional bouquet. With many couples heading straight from their wedding into a honeymoon or back to work, a longer-lasting or more practical gift can be a thoughtful alternative.

“Flowers are a lovely way to celebrate a wedding, but newlyweds can often come home to a house full of flowers already,” says Lucy. “A curated hamper or a gift they can enjoy together once the celebrations are over can be a lovely way to mark the occasion without adding to the post-wedding flower collection.”