Zola’s First Look Report 2026
Quick Answers (save this, send it to your fiancé(e), feel productive)
The average 2026 wedding cost is $36,000 and guest count averages 145—and most couples aren’t downsizing.
TikTok inspiration is mainstream (half of couples use it), and couples want social-first content alongside traditional photos.
Vintage décor + cinematic draping + mocktail menus are rising.
AI is everywhere for logistics (timelines, emails, etiquette), but couples draw a hard line at AI-written vows.
(All stats pulled from Zola’s 2026 First Look Report, published Jan 28, 2026.)
Why 2026 trends look extra good at a winery in Nevada County
Zola surveyed 11,500+ couples getting married in 2026, and the big theme is clear: couples want weddings that feel personal and photograph like a dream.
And honestly? A vineyard venue in the Sierra Foothills (hello, golden hour) makes that combo wildly achievable without you needing a 14-piece floral installation that requires its own zip code.
If you’re exploring winery wedding venues near Grass Valley, Sacramento, or the greater Nevada County area, start with a visual gut-check:
Do you want estate vines behind the ceremony?
A barrel room moment for cozy candlelit photos?
A ceremony lawn that stays gorgeous even when your aunt “adjusts” her iPhone brightness to max?
If yes, you’re in the right neighborhood—literally and aesthetically. Browse real vineyard wedding photos in Naggiar’s winery wedding gallery.
Trend 1: Planning starts earlier (sometimes before the “yes”)
Nearly 1 in 5 couples (19%) enter full planning mode before the official engagement.
Translation: mood boards are basically a pre-engagement sport now.
Winery wedding move: lock the “big rocks” first.
Venue + date (because Saturdays vanish like cupcakes at a dessert table)
Guest count range (even a “we think 90–120” helps)
Your top 3 priorities (photos? food? dance floor? a killer Petite Sirah moment?)
Once you’ve got those, everything else becomes a fun problem instead of an insomnia hobby.
Want to get a realistic sense of what Naggiar options look like? Start with winery wedding pricing and packages.
Trend 2: Budgets are high—and couples are still saying “worth it”
Zola reports the average wedding cost held at $36,000 for the second year, and 85% of couples say it’ll be worth every penny.
Also: plenty of couples are adding events—37% host at least one extra event, and 18% are doing a 2–3 day wedding weekend.
Winery wedding move: build a budget that matches the experience you want.
Instead of “How do we cut $8,000?” try:
What do guests remember? (food, flow, comfort, music, and—yes—open bar decisions)
What do you want photographed? (your first look, sunset portraits, candlelit barrel room vibes)
What can be simplified without anyone noticing? (the 9th signage moment)
If you’re considering something smaller (but still gorgeous), check out micro weddings at Naggiar Winery.
Trend 3: TikTok is reshaping “wedding documentation”
Half of couples now get wedding inspiration from TikTok (up from 41% the year before).
And 21% plan to create social-first content on the wedding day; many ask pros for help capturing it.
Winery wedding move: make “content” easy, not cringe.
Choose 2–3 photo moments you care about: vineyard aisle, barrel room toast, golden hour portraits.
Add a 10-minute buffer after ceremony for hugs + photos (your timeline will thank you).
Assign one trusted friend as the “phone ninja” for behind-the-scenes clips (so you’re not filming your own first kiss—unless that’s your thing).
Pro tip: the best “TikTok-ready” weddings don’t look staged. They look well-timed.
Trend 4: Vintage décor + cinematic draping are in (and wineries were built for this)
Zola calls out a rise in vintage décor and cinematic drapery, with couples leaning into warm, classic settings.
Winery wedding move: go vintage without going “grandma’s attic.”
Try:
Velvet ribbons + antique brass candleholders
A soft lounge vignette (1 couch, 2 chairs, 1 rug—done)
Draping behind sweetheart table or in a barrel room corner for instant drama
Vintage works especially well against vineyard textures: wood, stone, vines, sunset light. Nature is your production designer.
Trend 5: Mocktails are officially part of the party
Mocktail menus are joining bar programs as couples reflect personal values and guest inclusivity.
Winery wedding move: offer 2 signature drinks—1 cocktail, 1 mocktail.
It keeps lines moving and makes everyone feel considered (including your pregnant friends and your “I’m driving” heroes).
Bonus points if you name the mocktail something vineyard-y like “The Golden Hour Spritz.” (No one needs to know it’s mostly sparkling water and excellent branding.)
Trend 6: AI is a planning tool… with boundaries
54% of couples use AI for wedding planning—massive growth year over year.
Top uses include etiquette questions (54%), timelines (44%), and drafting emails (40%).
But couples draw a firm line: 63% say AI has no place in writing vows.
Winery wedding move: use AI like an assistant, not an author.
Great AI uses:
“Build me a 6-hour wedding timeline with golden hour portraits.”
“Draft a polite email asking about vendor insurance.”
“Give me a checklist for a winery wedding weekend.”
Not-great AI uses:
Writing your vows (the whole point is they sound like you, not a motivational poster).
Want to see what these trends look like at Naggiar?
Start with visuals, then get the details:
Explore the Naggiar Winery wedding gallery
Review pricing and package options
Ask about smaller celebrations via micro wedding packages
Then reach out through the contact page to check availability
Pro Tips
Decide your “must-photograph” moments early (vines, barrel room, ceremony lawn) and build your timeline backward.
Keep décor decisions camera-friendly and guest-friendly (pretty is good; “can’t hear across the table” is not).
Common Mistakes
Chasing 12 trends at once—pick 2–3 and commit.
Forgetting non-floral lighting (candles, bistro lights, draping)—it’s the cheat code for warmth.
Treating mocktails as an afterthought; make them as intentional as the cocktails.
FAQs
What are the biggest winery wedding trends for 2026?
Vintage décor, cinematic draping, mocktail menus, documentary-style coverage, and social-first content planning—without losing authenticity.
How much does the average 2026 wedding cost?
Zola reports the average is $36,000 for the second year in a row, with average guest count around 145.
Is TikTok really influencing weddings that much?
Yes—Zola reports 50% of couples get inspiration from TikTok (up from 41% the prior year).
Should we offer mocktails at a winery wedding?
Absolutely. A signature mocktail improves guest experience, inclusivity, and pacing at the bar—without changing your overall vibe.
How are couples using AI for wedding planning in 2026?
Mostly for logistics: etiquette questions, timelines, emails, and inspiration boards. Couples still prefer vows and meaningful writing to stay human.
