Wedding trends in 2026: The expert guide to the styles, ideas and details for modern weddings

Unconventional wedding venues continue to rise in 2026, driven by couples who want something personal and memorable. Pinterest Predicts has described 2026 as a year of curating rather than copying, which fits perfectly here. Botanical gardens, art galleries, private homes, greenhouses and woodland settings all offer built-in atmosphere, meaning less styling is needed to make them feel special.

Vogue notes a clear move away from one-size-fits-all venues, and Lucia Penman agrees, with a practical caveat. “If a couple wants something different, these spaces can be magic,” she says. “They do, however, need stronger planning, but the payoff can be huge.”

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Library wedding venues are a growing favourite for 2026, especially for couples drawn to romance with a twist. They’re quietly cinematic, full of texture and atmosphere, and pair beautifully with Bridgerton-inspired styling. Shelving, soft light and high ceilings create a sense of occasion before you add anything at all.

That said, the right setting matters. As Lucia Penman puts it, “I’d say yes to this trend if it is Bodleian Library level of drama. If it’s more ‘quiet study corner’, less so. The architecture has to do some of the heavy lifting.” When you choose a library with real scale and detail, you get a venue that feels special without needing much extra styling.

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A sage green wedding theme is still going strong in 2026 because it’s easy to style in a way that feels personal. It can read calm and modern without feeling flat, and it suits almost any venue, from rustic barns to sleek city spaces. The reason it lasts? As luxury planner Lucia Penman says, “Green is basically a neutral at this point, it is not going anywhere.” To avoid a one-note look, she suggests layering: “Think sage with olive, moss, and soft stone rather than ‘one-note eucalyptus’.” Katie Arnott from Rewritten also notes “a rise in springtime sage green bridesmaids dresses,” plus it’s perfect for sage green wedding invitations and accessories.

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Pale blue is one of the most popular trending colours for wedding styling in 2026, especially when it’s paired with monochrome details. You’ll see it in bridesmaid dresses, linens, ribbons and florals, often sharpened with black-and-white stationery or striped menus for contrast. The key is choosing a blue that feels grown-up. Penman recommends going “dustier and moodier, like French blue, chambray, or slate,” then grounding it with “crisp black or warm ivory to keep it elevated.” That balance keeps the wedding colour palette soft but structured, with metallic accents adding polish.

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Luxury wedding planner Lucia Penman rates deep reds as one of the strongest wedding colour trends for 2026 if you want warmth and atmosphere. They’re naturally seasonal too: “Deep reds are especially gorgeous in autumn and winter,” Penman says. For summer, she prefers “a softer take like light mulberry, rosewood, or dusty berry,” with “butter yellow used as a highlight rather than the headline.” Katie Arnott from Rewritten agrees burgundy adds depth, giving a palette “a modern, moody edge” and “a gorgeously rich and elevated feel.”

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Bold colours and stripes are one of the easiest ways to make wedding colour trends 2026 feel more design-led. Stripes are appearing on stationery, runners, napkins, signage and even bar fronts. They add structure and make simple décor feel intentional. They work best when they’re used with restraint. Penman’s advice is to commit thoughtfully: “It takes a confident couple and a confident plan.” She suggests choosing one or two hero moments, “like napkins, a runner, signage, or a bar front,” and then “you let everything else breathe.” Pair stripes with pale blue and monochrome, or deep reds with butter yellow, for confident contrast.

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If you love weddings with a little more atmosphere, gothic wedding decor is having a real moment in 2026. The Standard has highlighted gothic bridal as a rising fashion trend, and it naturally spills into wedding décor too. Think deep-toned florals, candlelight, velvet textures, darker colour palettes and metallic accents that feel rich rather than heavy. There’s also a rise in “witchy” guest experiences like tarot readers or playful mystical moments, which can sit beautifully within the theme without feeling too intense. Done well, gothic décor feels like candlelit romance with a modern edge.

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Black and white wedding decor is trending because it feels timeless, but also very current. It’s crisp, modern and surprisingly versatile. You can keep it sleek and minimal, or add depth with texture through velvet, glossy ceramics, layered candlelight or monochrome stripes. Vogue’s 2026 trend report also highlights a move towards décor that feels more architectural, and black-and-white styling fits that perfectly. It looks intentional even when you keep things simple. Add striped stationery, monochrome table settings and soft lighting, and the whole space feels clean and considered.

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Second-hand wedding decor is our favourite wedding trend for 2026. Couples are sourcing candleholders, vases, frames and textiles from vintage shops, family collections and online marketplaces to create décor that feels layered and personal. It brings history and character into the space, not just a look. It’s also a more sustainable and often more budget-friendly choice, with many pieces easily reused in your home afterwards. If you’re sourcing second-hand wedding décor in the UK, platforms like Recycle My Wedding are a great starting point for pre-loved styling pieces without compromising your vision.

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Dramatic draping is everywhere in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. It adds softness and movement, but it can also completely change the mood of a space. Hitched has highlighted draped décor rising, and Guides for Brides notes that it’s now being used in more architectural ways, with fabric transforming whole rooms rather than just adding a finishing touch. Draping can frame your ceremony, bring a sense of intimacy to a larger venue, or help a simpler room feel more special. It’s one of those details that makes guests walk in and immediately notice the atmosphere.

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Trending wedding decor in 2026 leans into tables that feel layered, expressive and intentionally styled. Think dream dinner party, translated into wedding form. Vogue’s wedding report highlights linen placemats as part of the look, adding softness, texture and personality without overwhelming the table. Wedding planner Georgie Chenery is seeing it in real weddings too: “Maximalist tablescapes are becoming a key design moment, with linen placemats, mixed glassware, sculptural candles and textured florals layered for impact.” The key is keeping it edited. Richness comes from texture and shape, not from adding more of everything.

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One of the defining wedding decor trends for 2026 is the rise of bold lighting design. From guest arrival through to the evening, lighting shapes the atmosphere rather than sitting quietly in the background. It has become part of the décor itself, helping the space evolve as the day unfolds. As Georgie Chenery explains, “Lighting is doing much of the emotional work: candle walls, warm uplighting and statement installations are increasingly requested, particularly for evening transitions.” Thoughtful lighting creates mood, supports your styling and helps the room change naturally, without a full décor reset.

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Long-stem bouquets are everywhere this year because they feel modern, sculptural and quietly editorial, without needing masses of flowers. Instead of tight, rounded bunches, couples are choosing stem-led designs that show movement and silhouette. Flower expert Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, founder of luxury florists FLOWERBX, is seeing “a strong shift towards long-stem, single-variety bouquets,” often featuring roses, hydrangea, orchids or anthuriums. Without filler, she says they feel “sculptural, defined and photograph beautifully,” letting the flowers and the overall bridal look take centre stage.

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When it comes to wedding flowers in 2026, couples are doing fewer arrangements, but making each one count. Statement florals and floral installations are a major trend, from ceremony backdrops and urns to plinths and sculptural centrepieces. Bromberg Hawkings notes that “couples are choosing one or two major floral moments rather than lots of smaller ones.” She suggests “an urn framing the aisle, or a single, dramatic backdrop,” with a focus on “the pieces that’ll create the images they’ll still cherish in decades.” One strong installation can anchor the whole space and become what guests remember.

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Small wedding ceremonies continue to grow in popularity in 2026, even when a larger celebration follows later. Couples are choosing to keep the ceremony itself focused, personal and emotionally contained. One format luxury wedding planner Lucia Penman often recommends is splitting the weekend. She describes “a Friday ceremony with closest friends and family, followed by dinner and speeches,” before a bigger celebration the next day. “Saturday then becomes the big celebration with a later start,” she explains, adding that everyone feels more rested and “it feels like a weekend rather than a sprint.” It’s a way to give the ceremony its own moment without sacrificing the party.

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Private vows are increasingly popular for couples who want the most emotional part of the ceremony to feel personal rather than performative. That might mean sharing vows during a first look, in a quiet room before the ceremony, or later in the day. Whether private vows are right for you often comes down to personality. As Penman puts it, “If a couple is shy or hates public speaking, private vows can be perfect and genuinely moving without the pressure.” For more confident couples, she adds, “If they love the spotlight, I am firmly in the ‘say it out loud’ camp.” The key is choosing what feels comfortable, not what feels expected.

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Courthouse and registry office wedding ceremonies are also having a moment in 2026, particularly as part of more flexible wedding timelines. They are no longer seen as the simpler option, but as a meaningful part of the story when chosen intentionally. Penman often encourages couples to think about flow, favouring “one location, one story, no travel in the middle.” However, she makes an exception when the setting itself matters. “The exception is when the registry office is genuinely meaningful, or iconic, and the couple want that as part of the narrative.” When the place holds significance, it adds depth rather than logistics.

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Serpentine aisles are one of the most design-led wedding ceremony trends for 2026. Instead of a straight walkway, the aisle curves through the space, bringing guests closer and making the ceremony feel more immersive. The key is commitment. “Curved aisles are instantly more editorial, and they photograph beautifully,” says Penman. “If you do it, commit, make it a statement with florals that follow the line and framing that feels intentional.” Done well, it’s a simple layout change that softens the moment and creates a striking visual impact.

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More couples want guests to feel included, not just invited, and love notes are the simplest way to do that. Think mini letters at place settings, a line on the menu, or a message tucked into the order of service. As Lucia Penman puts it, “These are the personal touches that guests actually keep. It is small, but it lands and adds real warmth.” Illustration and personalised details sit in the same space. “A bespoke sketch, a monogram, a story-led detail can instantly make it feel like the couple,” Penman explains. The trick is keeping it edited, with one or two strong personalised moments repeated across the wedding stationery suite.

Pro tip: If you love thoughtful notes, carry that feeling into your thank yous, too. The Wedding Shop’s Thank you Manager helps you stay organised, so writing thank you messages feels easy, personal, and enjoyable!

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Wedding newspaper formats are one of the most talked-about wedding stationery trends for 2026, particularly in the UK. They’re a relaxed way to share your story and guide guests through the day. Think how you met, who’s who, key timings, and the little details people always want to know.

Some couples go playful with crosswords, quizzes, mini interviews and in-jokes. Others prefer something more polished and design-led, and that’s where the format can really shine. As wedding planner Lucia Penman puts it, “If a couple loves the concept, I would recommend translating it into a high-end editorial style programme, beautifully printed, great typography, proper paper.” It still has the charm of a newspaper, but it feels more like a keepsake guests will actually want to keep.

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In keeping with wedding colour trends for 2026, sage green wedding invitations are still a firm favourite. Calm, modern and beautifully flexible, sage works just as well for countryside celebrations as it does for minimalist city weddings. The secret is in the styling. Penman recommends leaning on typography and tactile finishes to keep it elevated: “Sage can look beautiful if it is modern and typographic, or paired with texture, like embossing, letterpress, or a great paper stock.” Finish it with monochrome accents or subtle stripes, and it feels fresh and intentional, not predictable.

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Graphic details are giving wedding stationery real confidence in 2026. Bold colours and stripes, plus crisp monochrome layouts, add structure and photograph brilliantly across invitations, menus, signage and orders of service. It works best when it feels intentional, rather than busy. “I love anything bold when it is done with intention,” says Penman. “Monochrome is a classic, stripes add energy, and with the right styling, you can make unexpected combinations feel completely natural.” Keep the palette tight, choose where pattern appears, and repeat it thoughtfully for a cohesive wedding stationery suite.

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The Vivienne Westwood wedding dress influence is one of the most recognisable bridal trends for 2026. It’s been a fashion-forward favourite for years, helped along by that iconic Sex and the City moment when Carrie Bradshaw wore Westwood. More recently, it’s had a fresh wave as high-profile brides put their own stamp on the look. Demi Lovato chose Westwood for her Santa Barbara wedding, while Charli XCX brought playful energy to a classic design for her London registry office ceremony.

Even if you don’t wear the label, the Westwood effect is everywhere across trending bridal gowns. Sculptural bodices, soft structure and fluid draping nod to Regency-inspired shapes, updated with modern styling. Whether you keep it pared-back or add a bold veil and statement heels, it’s a look that feels confident and unmistakably bridal.

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Statement veils are having their main character moment in 2026. Hitched’s trend report notes that wedding veils are becoming a focal point of the bridal look, rather than just a finishing touch, with embroidery, lace motifs and custom details leading the way.

Marina Kvasova of Katya Katya London explains the appeal: “We see statement veils growing because brides want a fashion moment without compromising longevity.” She adds, “Many choose a timeless lace gown, then express the trend through a dramatic veil,” often with “cathedral-length styles, embroidery, or bold edging.” It’s part of a wider move towards keepsake pieces, where accessories feel just as special as the dress itself. And if your gown is simple, a statement veil is an easy way to add drama and a little romance without overcomplicating your look.

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Bubble hems are back, and they’re bringing plenty of fun with them. Hitched highlights bubble hem dresses as one of the key trending wedding dresses for 2026, especially paired with structured bodices for that perfect blend of nostalgia and modern style. This silhouette is ideal if you want a dress with movement, and it’s brilliant for second looks and after-party styling too. A bubble hem gives you drama without the weight of a huge skirt, and it adds a playful energy that feels very 2026 bride. If you want something fashion-forward that still feels joyful and wearable, this one is well worth trying on.

Credit: Olana, Own Studio, Divine Atelier

Lace is also evolving within this more considered, design-led approach. As Marina Kvasova puts it: “Lace never goes out of style, it simply evolves. Brides are drawn to its romance, texture, and craftsmanship, especially in a world of fast trends.” She’s also seeing brides ask for something lighter and more wearable: “We see brides asking for lace that feels lighter, more refined, and wearable, rather than heavy or overly ornate.” Lace remains a favourite for a reason, too, because it photographs beautifully and still feels emotional and special.

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Short wedding dresses are everywhere in 2026, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Minis are popping up for ceremonies, after-parties and outfit changes because they feel joyful, modern and beautifully effortless to wear. They’re also a dream if you want to move comfortably, hug everyone, and actually enjoy every part of the day.

Modular styling makes this trend even more exciting. As Marina Kvasova explains, “Rather than changing gowns entirely, more brides are opting for modular looks, removable sleeves, overlays, capes, and second-look layers.” A short dress with an overskirt or cape for the ceremony, then revealed later, gives you two distinct moments while still feeling like one cohesive bridal look.

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Non-traditional wedding dresses are rising in 2026 because couples are giving themselves permission to wear what feels right. Vogue’s 2026 trend report reflects that broader shift away from doing things purely because they’re traditional, and bridal fashion is responding in a really joyful way.

Pinterest Predicts also points to brides feeling more confident with colour, with icy blue tones showing up more and more. If you’re drawn to something moodier, gothic bridal styling is becoming much more mainstream too, with deeper shades and dramatic details reading romantic rather than intimidating. Pinterest Predicts sums it up with its “Vamp Romantic” aesthetic for 2026. The key is that it still feels special and celebratory, just more personal.

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Few colours make an entrance quite like red. Red bridesmaids dresses are one of the biggest shifts for 2026, bringing confidence, warmth and a touch of glamour. Bridesmaids expert Katie Arnott from Rewritten says the trend is growing because “red feels confident and intentional,” as couples move away from overly soft, expected palettes and towards colours with a bit more presence.

She also points out the practical side: “Wine, deep reds and burnt oranges also photograph beautifully across seasons,” which makes red a brilliant choice if you want something striking but still timeless. In enquiries, she’s seeing brides ask for shades that feel wearable beyond the wedding day, like wine, burnt orange, terracotta, or cinnamon, rather than novelty brights. And red is perfect for modern mix-and-match, too. As Arnott explains, “Brides are choosing different silhouettes in the same red tone so each bridesmaid feels comfortable,” with dresses that can be reworn for future weddings or black-tie occasions.

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Blue is another bridesmaids dress colour having a real moment in 2026, and it’s showing up in two distinct directions. Cobalt blue feels modern and confident, while pale blue tones are softer and romantic. The bridesmaids expert puts it simply: “Blue offers versatility. From bold cobalt to soft, pale blues, it fits a wide range of aesthetics while still feeling elevated.” She also notes that “there’s a growing desire for colours that feel calm, modern, and wearable. Blue hits that balance perfectly.”

Rather than sticking to one exact shade, couples are leaning into tonal palettes. “Brides are often asking for tonal blue palettes rather than one exact shade,” Arnott explains, and she’s seeing lots of interest in pairing “pale blues with pastels and deeper green shades,” which adds depth without feeling overly coordinated. And blue works brilliantly for mix-and-match styling too. As she says, “we encourage mixing multiple shades and silhouettes within the bridal party,” so everyone can choose something they’ll genuinely feel good in (and actually rewear long after the wedding).

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For couples who want to relive the day immediately, wedding content creators are one of the fastest-growing wedding photography trends for 2026. Their role is to capture behind-the-scenes moments, outfit changes and candid snippets that work perfectly for next-day reels and stories.Rather than replacing a photographer or videographer, content creators add a more informal layer. You still receive your polished gallery later, but you also get instant footage you can watch the morning after. This is especially popular for wedding weekends, where there’s so much happening beyond the ceremony and speeches.

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Aerial coverage is becoming more common in 2026, especially for venues with a real sense of place. Drone wedding photography adds scale and context, capturing sweeping views of the setting, outdoor ceremonies, confetti moments and golden-hour walks.It suits countryside weddings, coastal locations and destination-style celebrations in the UK and abroad. The best part is that, when it’s done well, drone footage enhances the story rather than stealing the focus. If you’re considering it, check your photographer’s experience and permissions in advance, so it all runs seamlessly and safely on the day.

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If you want something seated but still warm and sociable, a supper club-style wedding dinner is a lovely option for your 2026 wedding. The vibe is an intimate dinner party rather than a formal banquet, with candlelight, thoughtful table details and food served in a more conversational way. Sharing platters, tasting menus, roaming courses or a chef-led moment all feel special without feeling stiff. It also works beautifully alongside lounge areas, so guests can drift, chat and graze rather than staying in one spot all night. This style is perfectly suited to private homes, vineyards and countryside venues where the setting already feels inviting.

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Wedding food van catering is having a big moment in 2026 because it’s easy, relaxed and genuinely good fun. Food trucks work brilliantly for late-night snacks, informal receptions, or that second-chapter after-party moment when everyone wants something tasty and nobody wants another sit-down course. More flexible wedding timelines make it even easier to slot them in wherever they fit best. Whether you go for pizza, tacos, bao buns or comfort-food favourites, a wedding food van keeps things social, keeps people moving, and always feels like a treat.

Credit: Alex Wysocki Photography

The rise of the one-tier wedding cake reflects a broader move towards intention and simplicity. Instead of choosing multiple tiers out of habit, couples are opting for smaller cakes that feel considered and reduce waste. Vogue's wedding trend report notes that sculptural one-tier cakes are becoming centrepieces in their own right, often paired with plated desserts or dessert displays for guests.

Chenery is seeing the same thing in real weddings. One-tier cakes and dessert displays “work well for couples prioritising atmosphere over ceremony, and they pair naturally with multi-day weddings or informal receptions.” She also notes that couples are leaning into “smooth icing, subtle texture, or a single bold detail,” letting the cake design do the talking.

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Dessert displays are everywhere in 2026, and they’re changing how cake fits into the celebration. Rather than one formal slice-and-serve moment, couples are creating a full sweets experience. Mini cakes, layered desserts, doughnuts, tiramisu towers and nostalgic favourites served in glassware invite guests to wander, choose and enjoy.

Many couples opt for a one-tier wedding cake for the cutting moment, then let a dessert table handle the rest. Chenery has also noticed more cakes being finished or decorated in front of guests, calling it “interactive and unpolished in the best way.” This trend is especially popular for food-led celebrations and destination weddings in Italy and France, where food is part of the wedding day theatre. 

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Audio guestbooks are one of the most emotional wedding entertainment trends for 2026. Instead of written messages that can get tucked away, guests leave voice notes you can replay for years. You hear the laughter, the advice and the little pauses that say everything. They’re also ideal for guests who struggle to write but are happy to pick up a phone and talk. Set one up in a cosy corner with a simple sign, and it becomes both entertainment and a keepsake, capturing voices you’ll never want to forget.

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Portrait stations feel like a grown-up take on the photo booth. Guests still get the fun experience, but the result is something far more lasting, a beautifully lit photograph or even an illustrated portrait they’ll actually want to keep. With flattering lighting, a clean backdrop and relaxed direction, they never feel awkward or staged. They work perfectly during cocktail hour and come into their own later in the evening too. If you’re thinking guest-first, portrait stations are an easy win: entertainment, a takeaway and a confidence boost all in one.

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Wedding music in 2026 is less about filling silence and more about setting the mood. With Bridgerton-inspired weddings still influencing styling, string quartets are especially popular for ceremonies and cocktail hours, instantly creating atmosphere. More broadly, couples are being far more intentional with their music choices. Instead of generic playlists, they’re choosing songs and performers they genuinely love and creating a clear shift between day and night. Whether classic, modern or mixed, the goal is simple: make the soundtrack feel personal.

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Throwback guest experiences are trending because they’re instantly fun and social. Think arcade-style games, vintage-inspired photo moments, sticker favours or playful details that tap into nostalgia. They work especially well during the in-between moments of the day, giving guests something to do and an easy way to connect. It’s also a good reminder when planning wedding entertainment in 2026: it doesn’t have to be complicated to work. Often, the simplest ideas are the ones that make people smile the most.

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