Do-it-yourself trends, in addition to repurposing antiques for throwback wedding themes, were among the topics featured Sunday at The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show in Lake Villa.

The show attracted more than 100 visitors and 20 wedding vendors. Visitors could partake of the free large charcuterie board and exhibitor-baked-goods samples.

Maria Roman, who runs Champagne Petal Luxury Floral Rentals with spouse Cameron Grant, said one option for couples is to rent wedding props to save money.

Roman said. “We’ve seen after the wedding, everyone trying to sell all their stuff, and it’s not as easy as you think,” Roman said. “So that’s where we come in. Have us come and set up; have us take it down.

“We’re trying to provide the rental options, so it’s seamless and stress-free,” she said. “I feel like 2026 is starting to trend more vintage. The old-world style is really coming back — more aged hydrangeas, kind of more wispy.”

Another trend is the decline of large wedding cakes, according to Lehmann Mansion account manager Sara Placuszok.

In her veil, Donna, the mannequin head and mascot of makeup stylist and bridal artistry vendor Jaide Janota of Jaide & Co., is part of the table area at The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show in Lake Villa at The Lehmann Mansion on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

“Because weddings are so expensive, I believe tiered wedding cakes will become less popular in the 2026 season,” she said. “A lot of couples have a small cake for them to cut, and then choose to bring in either assorted desserts for guests, or bring in sheet cakes from the grocery store. Both options are less expensive.”

Cake pops and cupcakes were offered at the vendor table of Pink Cupcake Creations, operated by Ashley Savers.

“As a sweets vendor, I definitely think we’re going more non-traditional,” Savers said. “People who still want a cake for nice pictures of the cake-cutting will opt to do a fake cake. The whole cake is fake except for the piece they cut.

“They can still feed each other and take the pictures; nobody else knows,” she said.

Cake pops and cupcakes are offered by The Pink Cupcake Creations, operated by Ashley Savers, at The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show in Lake Villa at The Lehmann Mansion on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

Placuszok said live painters and illustrators “are being used a lot,” while traditional garter and bouquet tosses are becoming “very rare.”

“Most of the time, the bride will dedicate her bouquet to her mom, as the mom doesn’t get highlighted enough during the wedding when, for the most part, the mom is the one doing as much work as the bride,” she said.

“Sweetheart tables are being used most often, rather than the traditional head table with their bridal party,” Placuszok continued. “It gives the couple space away from everyone so they can enjoy dinner.”

QR code seating charts are popular, too.

From left, Brock Lundman of Richmond and his fiancee Madison Thompson of Richmond take a photo through a wedding arch for rent. of, on right, Madison’s mother Dawn Zerbicki of McHenry. Madison and Brock are getting married on Oct. 16, 2026 at The Lehmann Mansion. Taken at The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show in Lake Villa at The Lehmann Mansion on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

“I’ve seen a trend already with couples choosing their favorite albums and using a fake vinyl record to write the names of each person at the tables,” Placuszok said. “Not only does it create a more personalized seating chart, but it looks super cool as well.”

Alana Procknow, the owner and wedding attendant of Wags of Love, said dog lovers are hiring pet sitters and stylists to feature their pets at their weddings.

“They should be included in the big day with no burden really to the family and the friends,” Procknow said. “They can be the ring bearer, the flower dog, the best dog or just the pup of honor.

“Last year, we did 105 weddings,” she said. “Dogs are family, and they deserve their special moment in the celebration.”

As a wedding video plays back on the screen on left, facing, patron Cathy Arends of Gurnee visits with the Maira Ochoa photo and wedding vendor table at The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show in Lake Villa at The Lehmann Mansion on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)

Madison Thompson and Brock Lundman, an engaged couple from Richmond, are planning an October wedding at The Lehmann Mansion and are excited about its historic appeal rather than any recent trends.

“I have no idea what any trend is right now,” the bride-to-be said.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/20/lehmann-mansion-wedding-show/