Research also found the ideal amount to spend on the big day is £36,579
Italy is now the top country for a destination wedding for people in the UK, according to Hyatt’s Vows & Venues study. The nation’s dream wedding now involves 112 guests, a buffet, content creators and a speech from the bride.
Nearly a third said they would ditch the father of the bride’s speech, while more than a quarter would bin the groom’s speech but almost half said they would want a speech from the bride.
The research also found the ideal amount to spend on the big day is £36,579. Nearly half said they would prefer a buffet-style reception.
And couples no longer want the party to be over in one night, with the ideal wedding celebration now lasting three and a half days.
More than eight in ten said they would look at getting married away from the UK. When asked for their perfect reception venue, the most popular choice was a five-star hotel, followed by a beach setting and a fairytale castle.
Michel Morauw, Managing Director at Hyatt, said: “Our study shows that couples in 2026 are seeking celebrations that feel deeply personal to them. We’re seeing a shift towards weddings that blend travel, quality time and meaningful moments with traditional touches and modern twists.”
TOP TEN DREAM WEDDING DESTINATIONS
- Italy — 23%
- UK — 16%
- Maldives — 14%
- Spain — 14%
- France — 12%
- Greece — 8%
- USA — 8%
- The Bahamas — 7%
- Mauritius — 6%
- Portugal — 5%
- Dubai — 5%
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