The upcoming season of Married At First Sight is already generating significant buzz, with the 2026 cast marking their final days of singledom through two spectacular and distinctly lavish celebrations across Sydney. As filming commences for the new series, the prospective brides and grooms have indulged in separate hens and bucks nights, setting the stage for what insiders predict will be one of the most dramatic instalments in the show's storied history.
Glamorous Hens Night in a North Sydney Mansion
The brides-to-be embraced the occasion with undeniable style and glamour, gathering at a luxurious private mansion located on Sydney's prestigious Lower North Shore. Arriving in a series of eye-catching party outfits, the women showcased their fashion sense and enviable figures, posing confidently for photographs before entering the exclusive venue.
Standout Styles from the Brides
Each attendee brought their unique flair to the evening. Former journalist Julia Vogl, aged 35, made a striking entrance in a plunging green mini-dress that highlighted her flawless complexion and toned legs, complemented by matching platform shoes and a sleek blonde bob.
Model Brook Crompton, 27, exuded confidence in a daring red ensemble featuring a dramatic split, perfectly showcasing her figure. Meanwhile, Rebecca 'Bec' Zacharia, also 35, looked radiant in a form-fitting blue one-shoulder dress, and Gia Fleur, 35—reportedly dubbed 'the wildest bride in MAFS history' by crew—turned heads in a fiery red, curve-hugging outfit.
Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was celebratory and effervescent, with the women toasting to love, friendship, and the extraordinary journey that lies ahead. Flawlessly styled hair and makeup completed their looks, ensuring they shone brightly on this pivotal night before their televised weddings.
Confident Grooms Dine at Trendy Pyrmont Restaurant
Across the city, the grooms enjoyed their bucks night at the fashionable waterfront restaurant Sala in Pyrmont. Arriving dressed to impress, the men exhibited a collective air of confidence and excitement as they prepared for their final night of freedom before the experiment begins.
A Night of Bonding and Anticipation
The group, including new grooms Chris Nield, Grayson McIvor, David Momoh, Steve Powell, and Luke Fourniotis, was spotted laughing and chatting animatedly outside the venue, appearing relaxed and in high spirits. Their attire leaned towards smart-casual and tailored elegance, with crisp shirts, fitted jackets, and polished shoes being the order of the evening.
Notably, former AFL player Chris Nield, 31, cut a stylish figure in a patterned jacket worn unbuttoned over a white shirt paired with black trousers. The overall mood was one of keen anticipation and camaraderie, as the men bonded ahead of their life-changing commitment to marry a complete stranger on national television.
A Season Shaping Up for Volatility and Drama
These glamorous pre-wedding festivities coincide with the commencement of filming for the 2026 season, which insiders suggest is poised to be exceptionally volatile. Reports indicate that the night of these parties was particularly chaotic, with cast members disappearing, fights erupting, and at least one couple already in turmoil, leaving production staff reportedly frustrated.
This follows stricter curfew measures implemented after last season, where contestants faced deactivated hotel keycards for missing curfews—a policy introduced due to complaints about 'disrespectful' and 'selfish' behaviour from the cast. Relationship expert John Aiken has warned viewers to expect fireworks, describing the new brides as 'fearless' and likely to 'call people out,' leading to fiery dinner party confrontations.
Aiken also hinted that some participants bring a 'TikTok dating style' to the experiment—fast-paced, unfiltered, and shaped by online dating culture—which could further fuel the drama. With the cast characterised as dramatic and fame-hungry, controlling the narrative may prove challenging for producers.
Married At First Sight is scheduled to return to Channel Nine, promising audiences a season filled with high stakes, emotional turbulence, and the unpredictable dynamics that have made the show a perennial talking point. The lavish parties in Sydney have merely set the scene for the spectacle to come.
