One of the best things about having a wedding theme is that it gives you the outline to plan your wedding, from the flowers and décor, to stationery and party favors. This makes it easy to combine the various details in a cohesive manner and make everything part of one big picture.
There are hundreds of wedding themes to explore out there, and even a subtle difference in the colors and elements can help you have a wedding that is uniquely yours. Here, we have rounded up four of our favorite wedding themes and added ideas that can make these themes unique. Get ready to be inspired.
1. Nautical celebration
Whether held indoors or outdoors, a nautical theme wedding is refreshing and just like the open ocean, is full of energy. This theme can be adapted for both formal and informal weddings, by simply varying the style details.
Venue: The true nautical celebration should be held in a sandy beach, beside waves of frolicking oceans that are a sailor’s actual home. Or better, have it on a cruise boat if your budget allows it. Alternately, have a ceremony on the beach, and hold the reception indoors. You can consider an indoor venue dressed up with nautical colors and interesting décor elements like a life-size boat or the captain’s deck, for your wedding. To keep the indoor effect real, it is a good idea to employ dim lighting and recreate the beach feel.
Best colours: Colors of the ocean—light blue, sea blue and navy work well. Navy and white stripes are another signature combination associated with this theme. You can also choose tropical colours like orange and yellow as accents that add colour to this palette.
Food: A seafood-based food platter is a must-have for this theme. A navy and white striped cake resembling a boat or ship would also be great. Desserts can be fashioned after traditional seafaring elements like starfish, clams, anchors, mussels and oysters.
Attractive dress and décor elements: Ropes may be used throughout the décor for that authentic nautical vibe. Wooden décor with anchor and helm motifs can be used to customize stationery. Also, add a personalized anchor photo backdrop in the center. The wedding party is expected to dress in a formal and luxurious fabric like satin for style and elegance. The length of the dresses may be varied between calf and full-length gowns. You can also consider short and fun dresses for a casual beach-style ambiance.
Take it up a notch with the wedding reception on a cruise ship. A pretty buffet table which resembles a sandy beach and contains oysters and clam-shaped cookies with little pearls within. A striped fabric for the ring pillow and bridesmaids in blue and white striped dresses can complete the effect with stunning beauty.
2. Rustic chic
The rustic chic style blends age-old elements that conjure up nostalgia with modern-day style and is always popular. It is the perfect harmony of what is comfortable with what is glitzy and good-looking.
Venue: Barns, outdoor park venues, ranches and even your backyard could be converted into a rustic chic wedding venue. Since this is all about working with the details and adding signature elements, it is possible to get the ambiance right in almost any venue with plenty of natural elements in it
Best colours: Antique or parchment white, burlap, grays and wood are the main highlights of this scheme. Combine this with bright or dark accent colours, but in moderation, for the chic effect to be complete. Colours like peach, navy, cherry red, and purple and metals like silver and gold can achieve the desired feel easily.
Food: A naked cake decorated with fresh, ripe berries, flowers or other original ingredients is a must. Wholesome, hearty meals with plenty of organic ingredients, interspersed with attractive and neatly finished gourmet fare can make a rustic chic wedding menu complete. The arrangement is just as important as the taste. Consider using straw, burlap, wood and plenty of glass for the rustic vibe. Also focus on pops of color with fresh flowers, interesting motifs with fabric and a little glitz in the right doses for the chic aspect.
Interesting dress and décor elements: Wine barrels that double up as serving stations, plenty of distressed and reclaimed wooden settings, twigs, wildflowers, candles, and soft glowing lights can make the scene breathtakingly beautiful. Burlap, jute and other natural hardy fabric, as well as generous doses of chalkboard elements, look great and can seamlessly integrate the less rustic-looking elements into the theme. We can also see the bride and bridesmaids sporting plenty of flowers freshly plucked from the garden, as well as these being used in the centrepieces and décor at the venue. Lace wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses are perfect for this wedding theme.
Take it up a notch with Lace and burlap are a match made in heaven. Ensure your wedding dress has plenty of vintage lace for a stylish but elegant look. Add the chic vibe with small but prominent elements that instantly add extra glamour to the setting. These could be crystal ware or silver candlesticks that will stand out but look fantastic in the arrangement. Mason jars are a design accessory forever associated with this theme. Update this humble accessory by choosing various glass jars in different shapes, sizes and textures for an unusual and unexpected effect.
Classic celebrations
A wedding theme that will never go out of fashion or look dated in any era, the classic wedding theme is an eternal favourite. Following the traditional setup in terms of venue, décor, dressing and style, the classic wedding focuses on traditions and formal practices that haven’t changed even remotely, over the years. This is the style that you can always find plenty of examples for, and everyone is familiar with. However, this doesn’t mean it is boring, as the traditions of these weddings have been passed down from one generation to the next, only because they are truly timeless.
Venue: Classic weddings are best held in banquet halls, hotels or historic venues. The venue should have a magnificent feel, either by itself or because of the choice of accessories used to dress it up. Luxury and style are trademarks of these wedding styles, which should set the tone for your celebration.
Best colours: There are no specific rules about the colours that can make a classic wedding work. Solid, bold colours mixed with plenty of neutrals are usually suitable for classic wedding themes. The idea is to have an interesting palette, but one that isn’t too loud or cluttered. Mixing of metals like gold and silver can add more sophistication to the color palette.
Food: A classic wedding must have a plated meal,as a buffet is definitely off the cards. Depending on your budget, the number of courses may be three or five. Signature dishes may form the menu, but traditional favourites are popular choices at classic weddings. These are also safer choices than gourmet dishes, which everyone may not appreciate. Although the classic tiered cake was a regular at this type of wedding, nowadays, couples opt for more miniature couture cakes instead. This doesn’t hamper the style, though.
Attractive dress and décor elements: Large chandeliers, elaborate centrepieces with luscious blooms and lots of metallic pieces, like candle stands and silverware are expected. The party lighting will be serious and ballroom-style. The wedding party will stick to formal dresses, with the men in tuxes and women in full-length gowns. Bridesmaids may either wear gowns in the signature colors of the chosen color palette or opt for neutral-coloured dresses. Hair and makeup will be formal, with accessories like silver and pearls preferred over coloured gemstones and fabric accessories.
Take it up a notch with elaborate arrangements like lush carpets and huge flower balls for décor. Nevertheless, classic doesn’t always have to be big and bold. It is also classic when the details at the party are intricate and carved out with careful thought and consideration. Every detail is done with a touch of class, which extends to the flowers and menu presentation. Classic is all about traditions, so planning the ceremony and reception details to showcase the cultural practices in the best light can go a long way in capturing the essence of this theme.
Colorful Garden Wedding
Venue: Another great venue for a romantic wedding, the garden wedding has and continues to be a big hit in spring and summer. More geared towards the casual style, the garden is a fun location that equally appeals to the young and old. With the natural landscape forming a brilliant backdrop, pretty accents can be added with colorful flowers to make this type of wedding really spectacular in every way.
Best colours: Almost every colour goes with green as the background. However, for maximum impact, we suggest wonderful pops of vibrant colors like pink, orange, yellow and blue. These liven up the scene and make it fun and exciting. The other colors that look good in the garden scene are the all-time classic white and pastels.
Food: The garden venue is best suited for weddings in the spring and summer and particularly best for those held in the afternoons or early evenings. Skip the traditional dinner for an exciting and hearty brunch buffet or afternoon tea. Not only is this more cost-effective, it also gives you plenty of time to party with your favourite guests after the formal function is over. For desserts, consider fresh fruit assortments and cakes like the Bundt cake, which is a pleasant deviation from the traditional tiered style.
Interesting dress and décor elements: The chosen décor should naturally blend in with the surroundings. Comfortable seating can be arranged with throws and cushions scattered on large garden mats. We also love to see rustic elements like candles in mason jars and flower garlands decorating the venue. Gardens have to have flowers, and this is one area where the couple should ideally splurge. Short chiffon and lace dresses are beautiful on both brides and bridesmaids and are more practical than the long floor-length gowns. The men can opt for light shades like white and grey instead of black for their suits.
Take it up a notch with impressive decorations at the altar. Don’t worry about going overboard with the floral details, it will only enhance the beauty of your natural landscape. Flower crowns for the bride or for her girls-in-waiting are a perfect accessory for this event. Share the joy with the guests as well by arranging to have extras for them to wear as well.
So, that brings us to the end of our favourite list of hot and happening wedding themes. Which of these is your favourite? Or do you prefer something different? If so, do let us know in the comments section.
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