Each quarter, I share the key content you need to focus on, all backed with strategy and data. Today, let’s dive into Q3, a time that can either be a busy season or a slower one depending on where you’re located in the U.S. For example, in the South, the summer heat often makes weddings less common, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge, and prep for a bustling fall. But for vendors in areas like New England and the Midwest? It’s back-to-back wedding season!

For couples, summer typically marks a slower period for wedding planning, as many are out of the office or on vacation. Planning picks up again in September, when couples return from their summer breaks and start thinking about their fall weddings.

Q3 is a fantastic time to lean into real-time content that focuses on the events happening around you. While sharing real events should be a part of your content year-round, Q3 is a perfect opportunity to highlight them more. Behind-the-scenes content—especially images and video from your weddings—is a goldmine for engagement and shows your audience exactly what goes into creating a stunning event.

A few ideas for behind-the-scenes video:

• A picture of you at work behind the scenes
• A before and after of the ceremony
• A before and after of the reception
• A quick video of the couple walking together during their portraits
• A detail shot of the flowers

This only takes a few minutes on the day of, and should be added to your wedding day timeline. If you don’t have the time, hire an assistant! You can have someone come for a few hours, help you with your gear or setup, and task them to get behind-the-scenes content.

Looking for info on Q2? Check it out here!

2026 Q3 Trending Topics & Keywords

Every month, we research trending topics and search keywords to create blog topics for our clients. Not surprisingly, many of the trends are around destination weddings. So here are a few that are currently increasing dramatically!

Elopements & Destination Weddings Are Still Leading (But More Strategic)
Elopements are continuing to grow, but with a stronger focus on experience and location-specific planning. Couples aren’t just searching “elopement” anymore, they’re searching how, where, and who to hire.

• Elopement Package +20%
• Courthouse Elopement +10%
• Mountain Elopement +20%
• Elopement Photographers +40%
• Sedona Elopement Photographer +70% (still trending from last year!)
• Mt. Rainier Elopement +70%
• Destination Wedding +60%
• Bahamas Destination Wedding +30%

“How To” Searches Are Exploding (Decision-Based Content)
This is one of the biggest shifts. Couples are no longer just browsing for inspiration, they are actively trying to make decisions. These types of searches are where the highest-converting traffic lives.

• How to Choose a Wedding Venue +4000%
• How to Choose a Wedding Dress +4000%
• Chartreuse and Burgundy Wedding +4000%

Budget & Planning Transparency Is a Priority
With the current “trust recession,” couples want real numbers and clarity before reaching out. Blogs that talk about pricing, templates, and realistic expectations are performing incredibly well.

• Wedding Budget Template +40%
• How to Budget for a Wedding +850% (also trending last year!)
• Best Free Wedding Website +300%

Luxury Is Growing, But With More Education Needed
“Luxury” is a buzzword, but couples are trying to understand what it actually means and what they’re paying for. This is a huge opportunity to educate and position higher-end services.

• Luxury Wedding Planner & Planning +60% and +110%
• Luxury Wedding Photography +140%

Micro Weddings & All-Inclusive Options Are Steady
These aren’t exploding like elopements, but they are consistent and reliable search terms. Couples are still drawn to smaller, simplified wedding formats and venues that handle more of the experience.

• What is a Micro Wedding +40%
• Micro Wedding Venues +7%
• All Inclusive Wedding Venues +7%

Content Creation & Video Continue to Rise
Couples are thinking beyond just photos, they want their wedding documented in a way that feels modern and shareable. This is especially important for younger couples.

• Wedding Content Creator +50%
• Wedding Videographer +8%

Photography Styles Are Shifting (Goodbye Light & Airy)
We are seeing a clear move toward more intentional, editorial, and storytelling-driven photography styles.

• Cinematic Wedding Photography +60%
• Film Wedding Photography +40%
• Drone Wedding Photography +40%
• Timeless Wedding Photography +40%
• Fine Art Wedding Photography +40%
• Light and Airy Wedding Photography -30%

Top Destinations Right Now
We’re seeing a mix of major cities, U.S. destinations, and international locations continuing to trend:

• NYC
• Houston
• San Diego
• Los Angeles
• Charleston
• Florida Keys
• Napa
• All of Hawaii
• Italy
• Mexico
• Greece
• Costa Rica

 

July: Tips

• How to Plan a Wedding Weekend Without It Feeling Overwhelming (Real Timeline + Costs)
  Wedding weekends are becoming the norm, but most couples have no idea how to structure them without it feeling chaotic. This is your chance to walk them through a realistic flow of events, timing, and what each piece actually costs. Position yourself as the expert who not only makes it beautiful, but makes it make sense.
  • For photographers – talk about your different packages.
  • For planners – talk about why you should have your planner help you plan additional events.
  • Florists – talk about how to design these additional events.
  • For venues – talk about spaces you have that are available for smaller pre- and post-wedding events.

• What’s the Difference Between a Micro Wedding and an Elopement?
  Elopements are so hot right now. So make sure to talk about them! Micro Weddings continue to be a popular search as well, so this can help you capture both audiences. (Pro Tip: “Micro Wedding” is often more searched than “Intimate Wedding” in the USA, while in Europe/Australia, “Intimate Wedding” is often more searched.)

• What’s Included in an Elopement Photography Package (For Photographers)” “Elopement photographer” is a high-growth keyword, but couples don’t always understand what they’re paying for. This is your opportunity to explain coverage, planning support, location scouting, and experience, not just hours. It builds trust and helps justify your pricing before they ever inquire.

 

 

August: Trends & Details

• The Best Wedding Venues with On-Site Accommodations in [City] (For a Full Wedding Weekend Experience)
  Couples are prioritizing convenience and guest experience, which is why this search is trending. Instead of listing venues, curate them and explain why they work well for a full wedding weekend. This positions you as a trusted local expert, not just another vendor.
• Where to Get Married in [Location]: A Breakdown of Venue Types, Costs, and Guest Experience
  Destination and location-based searches are exploding, but couples don’t just want pretty options, they want clarity. Break down different types of venues, what they cost, and what the experience actually feels like for guests. This kind of transparency builds immediate trust and keeps people on your site longer.
• The Most Important Questions to Ask [Wedding Vendor Type] Before You Book
  Couples are often unsure what they should be asking, which can lead to mismatched expectations later. This topic allows you to educate them on timelines, communication, pricing, and experience, while reinforcing the value of working with a professional. It builds trust early and attracts clients who are more thoughtful and ready to invest.

September: Back To Basics

• How to Choose a Wedding Venue
  “How to choose a venue” is skyrocketing, but most content focuses only on looks. Shift the conversation to logistics, flow, and guest experience, which are the things couples often overlook. This positions you as someone who understands the full picture, not just the visuals.
• 6 Month Wedding Planning Timeline: We know that couples are planning weddings much quicker than in years past. So no wonder this is trending as a search! Create a comprehensive 6-month timeline – perfect for planners or stationery artists. For stationery, you can talk about a quicker ordering process for invitations and day of paper.
• Luxury Wedding vs. Standard Wedding: What You’re Actually Paying For
  “Luxury” is a trending keyword, but many couples don’t fully understand what it means or if it’s worth it. Break down the differences in experience, service, and investment in a way that feels honest and informative. This helps attract clients who value quality and are willing to invest.

Outsource Your Writing

Not a fan of writing? You need Ava And The Bee! Blogging is our love language, and we do it all with strategy + SEO in mind. At Ava And The Bee, we help wedding pros create a consistent content strategy using proven SEO methods. Since 2018, we have helped over 850 wedding vendors with their marketing, blog dozens of blogs per month, and helped clients get from page 8 to page 1 on Google – without spending money on Ads. Reach out today, and let’s get writing!