Wedding trends heading into 2026 are all about intention — couples are designing celebrations that reflect their lifestyle, priorities and guest experience rather than following outdated traditions. One trend that continues to grow in popularity is the adults-only wedding. More couples are choosing to host celebrations focused on atmosphere, flow and elevated experiences — and it’s a trend we’re seeing more often at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn.

An adults-only wedding isn’t about excluding anyone — it’s about curating a specific kind of celebration. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic candlelit evening, a lively dance floor or a refined sit-down dinner, this approach gives couples more flexibility to bring their vision to life.

Why adults-only weddings are gaining popularity

Couples today are prioritizing quality over quantity and meaningful experiences over expectations. Adults-only weddings naturally support that shift by creating an environment designed entirely for grown-up celebration.

• A more sophisticated atmosphere: Evening receptions, formal décor and elegant dining often pair beautifully with an adult-focused guest list.
• Fewer interruptions: Important moments like vows, speeches and first dances can unfold without distractions.
• Guest freedom: Adults can relax, socialize, enjoy cocktails and stay late without worrying about bedtime schedules.
• More creative flexibility: Couples can lean into upscale menus, signature cocktails and late-night entertainment.

This trend aligns closely with the rise of intentional wedding planning, where couples design their day around what matters most to them — something we often discuss when helping couples define their guest list and overall vision.

The benefits of an adults-only wedding

Choosing an adults-only celebration often simplifies planning while elevating the guest experience. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Smoother logistics: No need for kids’ meals, activity stations or babysitting considerations.
• More cohesive energy: Guests tend to mingle more freely, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Greater budget control: Guest count decisions directly affect food, beverage and décor costs — something we help couples navigate when building their plans.

Many couples who opt for adult-only weddings also find it easier to create a seamless flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception — especially in versatile venues like Abbington’s ballrooms.

How to communicate an adults-only wedding gracefully

Clear and kind communication is key. Most guests are understanding when expectations are shared early and thoughtfully. Helpful approaches include:

• Including a short note on your wedding website or invitations explaining the adults-only format
• Keeping wording warm and appreciative rather than apologetic
• Sharing local childcare resources if many guests are traveling from out of town

Couples often worry about etiquette, but honesty paired with kindness goes a long way — especially when guests understand that the decision supports the overall experience.

Designing an adults-only wedding at Abbington

Abbington Distinctive Banquets is especially well-suited for adults-only celebrations. Our elegant ballrooms, customizable lighting and polished service create the perfect setting for a refined evening wedding. Whether you’re planning a formal seated dinner or a lively cocktail-style reception, our space adapts beautifully.

Couples also benefit from working with our experienced in-house event planning team, who help guide decisions around layout, timing, menu selections and guest experience — ensuring everything feels intentional and effortless.

Is an adults-only wedding right for you?

There’s no universal rule — only what feels right for you as a couple. If your vision includes an elegant evening atmosphere, uninterrupted moments and a celebration tailored to adult guests, this trend may be a perfect fit.

Whether you’re planning a large celebration near Chicago or a more intimate event in the West Chicago suburbs, Abbington offers the flexibility, experience and hospitality to bring your vision to life. Explore our wedding packages or schedule a tour to start planning a celebration that feels authentically yours.

If wedding planning had an emotional roller coaster, the guest list would be the biggest drop. One of the most common questions couples ask is: “How many people should we invite to our wedding?” Closely followed by: “Who actually needs an invitation?”

The good news? There’s no single “right” number — and many of the so-called guest list rules are more flexible than you think. At Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, we’ve hosted weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Let’s break down how to build a guest list that feels right for you.

Start with what matters most

Before counting names, start with priorities. Ask yourselves:

• Do we want a big celebration or a more intimate experience?
• Is our wedding more about family, friends or both?
• Do we envision a packed dance floor or a cozy dinner atmosphere?

Your answers will naturally guide your guest count. Abbington’s flexible ballrooms can comfortably host anywhere from 100 to more than 1,300 guests, so whether you’re dreaming big or keeping it close, the space can adapt.

Average wedding guest counts (just for reference)

While averages aren’t rules, they can be helpful benchmarks:

• Intimate weddings: 50–100 guests
• Mid-size weddings: 100–200 guests
• Large weddings: 200–400+ guests

Remember — your wedding doesn’t need to match a statistic. It should reflect your comfort level, vision and budget.

The “rule” of family invitations

One of the biggest guest list questions is how to handle family. A common approach is:

• Immediate family: always invited
• Close extended family: invited based on relationship and space
• Distant relatives: optional, especially if you haven’t seen them in years

There’s no obligation to invite every cousin, aunt or distant relative — especially if doing so doesn’t align with your vision.

Friends, coworkers & plus-ones

This is where guest lists get tricky. Helpful guidelines include:

• Invite friends who are actively part of your life
• Coworkers are optional — consider inviting only close colleagues
• Long-term partners and spouses should receive plus-ones
• Single guests don’t automatically require a plus-one

It’s perfectly acceptable to draw boundaries. A thoughtful, intentional guest list often leads to a more enjoyable celebration.

Parents, opinions & expectations

Family input is common — especially if parents are contributing financially. A helpful approach is to:

• Agree on a total guest count early
• Allocate a specific number of invitations per family
• Communicate expectations clearly and kindly

This keeps discussions structured and avoids last-minute pressure.

How budget and venue shape your guest list

Guest count directly impacts cost, from food and beverage to tables and décor. That’s why securing your venue early is so important. At Abbington, our experienced in-house planning team helps couples balance guest count with budget and layout, ensuring the space feels full and vibrant — never crowded or empty.

Smaller guest lists have big benefits

Many couples today are choosing smaller, more intentional weddings. Benefits include:

• More time with each guest
• Higher-quality food and bar options
• Less stress and simpler logistics
• More room in the budget for personal touches

On the flip side, larger weddings bring high energy, full dance floors and the joy of celebrating with everyone you love. Both are beautiful — it’s about what feels right to you.

So… how many people should you invite?

The honest answer? Invite the people who support your relationship, bring you joy and make your day feel meaningful. Forget the outdated rules and focus on what fits your vision.

Whether you’re planning a large celebration near Chicago or an intimate gathering in the West Chicago suburbs, Abbington Distinctive Banquets offers the flexibility, experience and guidance to make your guest list work seamlessly. Explore our wedding packages or schedule a tour to start planning a celebration that feels perfectly “you.”

Your wedding theme shapes the atmosphere, décor and overall vibe of your big day. At Abbington Distinguished Banquets, we love helping couples create celebrations that reflect their personal style. Whether you envision a classic, modern or off‑beat celebration, our elegant ballrooms and customizable packages provide a canvas to bring your vision to life. Here are nine unique themes to spark your imagination.

Rustic Elegance

For couples who love a cozy, natural feel, rustic weddings combine warm wood textures, soft lighting and earthy elements. Picture barnwood accents, mason jars filled with wildflowers and string lights draped across our high ceilings. Complement the look with burlap table runners and vintage lantern centerpieces. Rustic themes pair beautifully with seasonal décor—think fall leaves in October or fresh greenery in spring. Explore our wedding packages to see how Abbington’s versatile spaces can transform into a rustic haven.

Vintage Glamour

Channel the elegance of a bygone era with a vintage or Art Deco theme. Incorporate antique décor, ornate tableware and soft color palettes like blush and gold. Classic cars, feathered centerpieces and jazz music will transport guests back in time. Our grand ballroom—with its sparkling chandeliers and timeless architecture—provides the perfect setting for a glamorous celebration reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.

Modern Minimalist

Minimalist weddings embrace simplicity and sophistication. Opt for clean lines, neutral tones, geometric shapes and metallic accents. A modern theme lets the beauty of your venue shine while highlighting thoughtful design elements such as sleek tablescapes and contemporary floral arrangements. Abbington’s newly renovated ballrooms offer a blank slate where you can create a chic, modern aesthetic without overwhelming details.

Woodland Enchantment

Bring the magic of the forest indoors with a woodland theme. Think lush greenery, moss table runners, twinkling fairy lights and natural textures like pinecones and bark. Use earthy tones of green, brown and cream to evoke a serene woodland feel. Our venue’s outdoor ceremony options and garden‑inspired décor are ideal for couples seeking an enchanted celebration just west of Chicago.

Festival Fun

If you want your wedding to feel like a lively festival, consider a bohemian or festival‑inspired theme. Incorporate colorful textiles, eclectic décor and interactive elements such as food trucks, lawn games or cozy lounge areas. Guests can mix and mingle at picnic tables, enjoy live music and savor unique food stations. This theme is perfect for couples looking to break from tradition and throw a party that truly reflects their fun‑loving spirit.

Royal Romance

Indulge your fairy‑tale fantasies with a royal or fairytale wedding theme. Deep jewel tones, opulent florals, velvet linens and gold accents create a majestic ambiance. Add a dramatic entrance, ornate invitation suites and a grand cake to complete the regal experience. Abbington’s crystal chandeliers, marble bars and gleaming dance floors provide the perfect backdrop for a celebration fit for royalty.

Destination Vibes

You don’t need to fly away to bring your favorite destination to your wedding. Recreate the feel of a tropical beach, Tuscan vineyard or French countryside right here in Glen Ellyn. Use colors, fabrics and décor elements inspired by your chosen locale—such as palm leaves and white sand for a beach theme, or olive branches and rustic wood for a Mediterranean flair. Our flexible venue and culinary team can help incorporate regional cuisine and cocktails to enhance the experience.

Nautical Chic

Perfect for couples who love the water, a nautical theme features navy and white stripes, anchors, rope accents and seashell décor. Consider incorporating lighthouse figurines, sailor knots and brass details into your centerpieces. Nautical themes can be elegant or casual depending on your styling, and they pair beautifully with maritime-inspired menus and cocktails.

Alternative & Personalized

Sometimes the best theme is one that’s entirely your own. Whether you share a passion for comic books, love a particular decade or want to celebrate your cultural heritage, an alternative theme allows you to tailor every detail to your personality. Let your hobbies, favorite movies or shared experiences inspire your décor, attire and entertainment choices. Abbington’s experienced team will work with you to design a custom celebration that feels authentically “you.”

Ready to bring your theme to life?

No matter which theme resonates with you, Abbington Banquets offers the perfect canvas for your dream wedding. Our experienced planners can recommend trusted vendors, customize décor and craft menus that match your vision. If you’re searching for wedding venues near Chicago, banquet halls in the West Chicago suburbs or private event venues in Glen Ellyn, we’d love to help. Visit our website to schedule a tour and start planning a themed celebration your guests will never forget.

Embrace the magic of winter and let your love sparkle like freshly fallen snow. At Abbington Distinguished Banquets, we understand that a winter wedding can be every bit as enchanting as a summer soiree. As the season blankets Glen Ellyn in white, our venue becomes a wonderland of elegance and warmth.

Snowy‑outdoor ceremonies

Imagine saying your vows against a backdrop of glistening snow and towering pines. Our picturesque grounds provide a natural aisle lined with snow‑covered trees, turning your ceremony into a real‑life fairy tale. With heating options and contingency plans, you can exchange vows outdoors and then move seamlessly into our warm ballroom.

Silver and gold palettes

Enhance your winter palette with shimmering silver and gold accents. From table linens to chair sashes, these metallic touches add sophistication and warmth to your celebration. Combine them with crisp whites for a wintry feel that captivates the eye.

Evergreen table décor

Bring the outdoors inside with evergreen centerpieces. Pinecones, sprigs of pine and miniature Christmas trees infuse the room with natural fragrance and rustic charm. Our floral team can customize arrangements to match your vision, blending seasonal greenery with elegant blooms.

Candlelight corners

Nothing says romance like the flicker of candlelight. Create intimate corners with candelabras, lanterns and tea lights. The soft glow warms the room and highlights our venue’s grand architecture, inviting guests to linger and enjoy each other’s company.

Tree table centerpieces

Channel the winter forest with mini tree centerpieces adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments. These conversation‑starting displays bring whimsy to your reception and serve as unique keepsakes for your guests.

Reserve your winter wonderland

Winter wedding dates at Abbington fill up quickly. If you’re searching for wedding venues near Naperville or banquet halls in the West Chicago suburbs to host a magical winter celebration, we invite you to tour Abbington. Explore our wedding packages, learn how seasonal décor transforms our space and contact us to secure your date. Let us turn your winter wedding dreams into a spectacular reality.

There’s something undeniably romantic about the crisp air and rich colors of autumn. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that embraces the warmth and coziness of fall, Abbington Distinguished Banquets offers the perfect canvas. Transform our elegant ballrooms into an intimate haven that captures the essence of the season.

Warm and rustic décor

Set the mood with warm, earthy tones like deep reds, burnt oranges and golden yellows. Incorporate plush throws, wooden accents and flickering candles to create a setting that feels like a warm hug. Our team can help you select linens, chair covers and décor pieces that reflect your vision.

Seasonal florals and textures

Choose florals that mirror autumn’s beauty. Think rich burgundy dahlias, golden sunflowers and lush greenery to enhance the seasonal atmosphere. Add textural elements like burlap or lace for a rustic touch.

Comfortable seating and inviting ambiance

Encourage guests to relax and enjoy the celebration by creating lounge areas with plush seating and intimate table setups. This layout fosters conversation and adds a cozy element to your reception.

Magical lighting

Enhance the romance with string lights or fairy lights draped across the ceiling. The soft glow makes our ballroom feel like a dreamy escape, especially when paired with candlelight on tables.

Create your fall haven at Abbington

Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath a canopy of autumn leaves or dancing the night away surrounded by warm hues, your wedding at Abbington will be a celebration of cozy elegance. If you’re searching for banquet halls near Naperville or wedding venues in Glen Ellyn that capture the spirit of fall, explore our wedding packages and fall menu ideas. Then contact us to schedule your tour and start planning a cozy celebration your guests will remember.