As wedding planning continues to evolve, a new survey provides insight into the priorities, values, and emerging trends that are reshaping modern celebrations.

The research, conducted by Austen & Blake, comes from a survey of 1000 respondents in the UK, to reveal the traditions of 2026.

Firstly, 30% of Brits think that the three-month spending rule on engagement rings is outdated, and 28% think asking parental permission before proposing should be a thing of the past.

The long-standing tradition of getting down on one knee when proposing may also be losing its place in modern romance, with 19% citing this as an outdated tradition. 

Choosing engagement rings should also be done together according to 18%, who say this should no longer be a solo mission.

The wedding traditions being sacked off:

Parents paying for the whole thing – 26.50%

The bride wearing white – 16.20%

The first dance – 14.60%

Speeches – 14.50%

Throwing the bouquet – 14.30%

AI takes a front seat

Although the new trend of ‘phone free’ weddings has emerged from the research, the use of technology when it comes to preparing for proposals and the main event is still a top priority for Brits.

According to the research, 31% would consider using AI to organise the perfect proposal, and 25% sadly (depending on how you look at it) admit to being open to using AI to write their vows. Men are more likely to use AI to write their vows (18%) than women (10%).

AI is also being used when it comes to planning, with digital wedding planning including the use of apps and AI (30%) taking over traditional forms of planning, such as wedding journals (17%) and wedding planners (25%).