70 Best Wedding Themes For 2024 + Pro Tips

75+ PHOTOS
100 PRO TIPS
wedding theme ideas
Photo by

Jonathan Borba

What’s a wedding theme? It’s an idea or concept that flows throughout the events and ceremonies. This can be as simple as your favorite color or a song. Or as specific as the styles of your favorite decade or movie.

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Read through some great ideas of wedding party themes and how to decide if they’re perfect for you, or, for quick navigation, you can use our list of wedding theme ideas below.

Newest Themes for 2024

According to wedding planning expert Emma Jordan, these are the trendiest wedding themes for 2024.

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Modern Minimalism

Emphasizing clean lines, simplicity, and a contemporary aesthetic, this theme focuses on neutral color schemes, sleek decor, geometric shapes, and minimalist floral arrangements.

Pro Tips:

  • A few key styling tips to pull off this look center around keeping the clutter on tables to a minimum, going with a neutral color theme and streamlined decorations.

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Vintage Glamour

Inspired by the past, this theme showcases antique details, vintage-inspired dresses, lace, pearls, and glamorous touches like chandeliers, candelabras, and vintage furniture.

Pro Tips:

  • Do think about dark colors such as burgundy, dark purple, browns, and greens
  • Do mix in greenery, pinecones, and wood pieces to centerpieces

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Industrial Chic

Combining urban and industrial elements with elegance, this theme incorporates exposed brick walls, metal accents, Edison bulb lighting, and a mix of modern and vintage decor.

Pro Tips:

  • Do select a venue such as a loft, old factory, or warehouse
  • Do use a color combination such as metallics, moody colors, white, or a muted color scheme.
  • Do use items such as metal containers, wine bottles, and galvanized buckets to complete your centerpieces

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Extravagant Wedding Theme

The overwhelming wedding theme has gained popularity in 2023 due to its ability to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. In a time where people are seeking extraordinary and unique celebrations, the overwhelming theme offers an opportunity to go beyond traditional wedding norms and create a truly extravagant and awe-inspiring event.

Pro Tips:

  • Transform your wedding space into a wonderland of luxury and indulgence with extravagant decor elements like cascading flower walls, crystal chandeliers, and plush velvet drapes.
  • Leave your guests in awe with unique and extravagant details, such as personalized monogrammed favors, interactive food stations, live performers, or a surprise fireworks display.

Old Money Wedding Theme

Step into a bygone era with the ‘Old Money’ wedding theme. Vintage wheels, chic allure, and a French garden vibe weave a timeless tale.

Pro Tips:

  • Opt for classic invitations.
  • Choose a historic venue.
  • Embrace sophisticated florals and muted color palettes.

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Digital Luminaire Theme

This theme combines the use of captivating lighting effects and large digital screens to create a visually stunning and immersive wedding ambiance.

Pro Tips:

  • Incorporate LED uplights, string lights, and projections to add depth and dimension to the space. Use color-changing lights to create different moods throughout the event.
  • Set up large screens or video walls strategically placed throughout the venue. This technique allows you to project custom-designed animations, patterns, or images that bring a sense of awe and wonder to the celebration.

Sustainability

The earth, humans, and animals are at risk, and wedding activities may pose a danger. To avert it, couples now choose eco-friendly ideas for weddings as you’ll see below.

The sustainable style is becoming popular among environmentally conscious people. They opt for digital invites to eliminate the use of paper and in turn, the felling of trees. To decrease waste to the earth, couples consider recycled or reused decor. And they will go vegan to preserve animals, especially the endangered species depopulated by hunters.

Pro Tips:

  • Start by choosing a green venue with built-in decors such as wineries, botanical gardens, and greenhouses with scenic backdrops.
  • Opt for transplantable potted flowers like spray roses, and orchids, or plants like herbs and trees for centerpieces.
  • Wed outdoors in a picturesque vineyard, lush forest, or rolling hills, using natural light.


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Chic Wedding Themes For Fall

Elegantly fashionable is just right for the bride who wants a little something above and beyond the traditional wedding theme. This means staying ahead of (or even setting) trends and taking bold risks. To pull off these modern wedding themes you have to be confident and inspired.

Pumpkin Patch

For late fall wedding themes, think ‘autumn harvest’ with a focus on vibrant, natural colors. Stone, wood, metal, and leafy colors all look amazing against the vivid oranges of pumpkins. Make sure to borrow from the rustic wedding theme for decor items such as barrels, rope lights, and hay bale seats.

Pro Tips:

  • Choose in-season, local flowers
  • Serve hearty, comfort-food meals
  • Never include black in your pallet to avoid looking too Halloween-ey

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Halloween Haunt

Unleash a bewitching celebration with a wedding inspired by the spooky allure of Halloween. Set the scene with pumpkins, flickering candles, and eerie decor for a hauntingly beautiful affair.

Pro Tips:

  • Balance fright and delight: Infuse a sense of fun and charm amidst the spooky elements.
  • Costume-inspired favors: Offer creative and thematic wedding favors to guests.
  • Playful tricks: Incorporate playful surprises and interactive elements for an unforgettable experience.

Wedding Themes For Summer

Summer is a great time of year for a wedding and a theme unto itself. Not just a season, summer represents warmth, light, growth, and abundance. These are the perfect sentiments to back into your wedding and you’re Happily Ever After.

Beach Wedding

The beach is a fantastic wedding theme because it merges (as mentioned above) a destination and a season. Put out any vintage wedding decoration ideas that you can imagine, mix any colors you like, and – just like the sunflowers – the sun and sand will tie it all together.

Pro Tips:

  • Seating should be somewhat shaded or planned for a late afternoon event to avoid the hot sun.
  • Even though you have the ocean as the background you should consider a ceremony backdrop to create a focal point.
  • The location is key since some beaches are public so you will want to make sure you select a location that takes into account some privacy.

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Nautical Wedding Theme

The nautical wedding theme has been around for a very long time, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. The sea has always been a romantic concept offering adventure and new discoveries. These are great sentiments for a wedding.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use navy blue often
  • Do provide sandals for your guests
  • Anchors, shells, and nets are your friend
  • Do serve seafood, but include an alternative

Simple Wedding Themes For Winter

With winter, you can either dive in and embrace it or warm it to its core. Either way, you have yourself a great wedding theme and some fantastic photoshoot theme ideas on your hands. And one thing that this season has that others don’t; more options! Since it’s cold you can bundle right up with cute cardies, fur stoles, or long sleeve anything.

Winter Wonderland

Cover the ground with fake snow, cover the ceilings with mock Northern Lights, and surround yourself with blue-lit nighttime trees for this ultimate cute wedding themes. Your guests will feel like they just stepped through the wardrobe into Narnia once they hit your venue.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use soft blues, whites, and silver for the color theme
  • Do think about a unique venue such as a museum, estate, or lodge
  • Do think about adding winter details like snowflakes and slay bells.

Candyland Christmas

This is possibly the most fun wedding theme of all. Dress your hall like you would decorate for Christmas. BUT, exaggerate everything and make it romantic! Pine trees, holly, candy canes, and reds and greens every way your head turns. Oh, and don’t forget a generous helping of mistletoe over the bride and groom’s table!

Pro Tips:

  • Do have a large candy buffet for guests to enjoy
  • Do use the colors red and green in your decor
  • Do name your tables after different types of candy
  • Do create signature drinks such as chocolatine, peppermint creme de mint, or cotton candy Champagne cocktail

Wedding Themes For Spring

Greenery, fresh flowers, and outdoor ceremony – when it’s spring, it’s better to celebrate at nature. You’ll totally love our spring wedding themes – check them out!

Desert Chic Wedding Theme

Desert chic wedding themes take the symbolism of harshness, brutal honesty, and resilience and juxtapose it with the common emotions associated with marriage. This is unique, unexpected, beautiful, and poetic.

Meet the expert
ANGIE KELLY
Expertise: Owner + lead wedding officiant
I'm a Las Vegas marriage officiant who excessively uses ellipses...craves Thai iced tea, brakes for desert tortoise, and has no problems 'taking the reins'! With a love language of Acts of Service, I'm an eternal Bridesmaid for my couples.

Nothing is more peaceful than having a desert wedding at sunset, all while being centered within nature! Vast and barren landscapes are a treat that many guests have never experienced! The desert supports a variety of aesthetics very well, such as a boho theme, a contrast of black-tie glam, or even a sleek minimalist vibe. Choose your shoes wisely! Hiking boots, ballet flats, or sneakers are the best choices – hidden under your dress, of course! Also, prepare guests by giving them a weather report and expected terrain conditions with your invite. Don’t forget to grab the sunset! Be flexible with your date, but firm with the time slot, when planning your vendor team. Hire group transportation so that no one becomes separate or lost. We love having fun on a party bus!

Pro Tips:

  • Do use cacti in place of traditional flowers
  • Do provide hand fans and shade for your guests
  • Do be aware of local critters and how to stay safe from them

Secret Garden-Themed Wedding

Imagine stepping into clearing the first few weeks of spring. Out of nowhere, you see table settings, canopies, parasols, and lush plant life arranged just for you. If you have a garden to host all of this, good. If you can secure a private location in the city even better! The juxtaposition of nature against brickwork and cobblestone always makes for a gorgeous photoshoot.

Pro Tips:

  • Do book your wedding at a botanical garden, outdoor venue, or vineyard
  • Do have your florist create large floral pieces that help to play up the garden-style
  • Do use these items like a key, a lock, flower names, and seeds all in your motif

Best Vintage Wedding Themes

How can a vintage theme seamlessly blend tradition and modern elegance?
To seamlessly blend tradition and modern elegance in a vintage wedding theme, consider the following ideas:

  • Invitations and Stationery: Use vintage-inspired fonts, motifs, and colors for your invitations and stationery. Combine traditional elements like calligraphy with modern printing techniques or digital designs to create a unique and elegant look.
  • Bridal Attire: Opt for a vintage-inspired wedding gown with lace, beading, or a classic silhouette. Pair it with modern accessories like statement jewelry or a contemporary hairstyle to add a touch of modern elegance.
  • Decor: Incorporate vintage elements like antique furniture, vintage china, or heirloom pieces into your decor. Mix them with modern elements like sleek table linens, minimalist floral arrangements, or contemporary lighting fixtures to create a balanced and elegant look.

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece is a romantic wedding theme to start our list with. With its unique geography, art, gods, and outfits, Ancient Greece is instantly recognizable and elegant.

Pro Tips:

  • Think of using white green and gold colors and add in gold decor items like large candle holders, greenery swags, and white draping
  • Long flowy dresses in a boho or Grecian style work great
  • Find a venue with columns that will make for the perfect backdrop

The 20s

The Roaring 20s was a special time in North America. The economy was booming, technology was exploding, jazz was born, and the flapper style took the world by storm.

Choose Art Deco designs and colors for your venue, and loose-fitting clothes that just feel fun. For brides who are into DIY, this is one of the cheaper wedding theme ideas since most of your decorations – like vintage tablecloths and table settings – can be found at yard sales.

Pro Tips:

  • Do consider having a large swing-style band
  • Don’t forget to decorate with large feathers, florals, and metallics.
  • Short dresses with lots of beading and decor are ideal
  • Black suits for the men with hats are great

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Movie-Inspired Wedding Theme Ideas

Movie wedding themes are so different and everyone can choose whatever they want. By the way, the Game of Thrones wedding theme is one of the most popular themes nowadays!

Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a very glamorous theme for a wedding. You can incorporate this theme into your wedding celebration in many ways. The many elements we recommend to tie your celebration to the theme are the iconic black and gold colors within your color palette – textiles, stationery, and dancefloor to name a few. Have a fun dress code for your guests to feel as if they are in The Roaring 20s. Sequin Dresses, Feathers, and Tassels for the ladies. A formal black tuxedo for the men. Curate a visual mood board with links for your guests to shop, which will be super fun and interactive for them, – recommends Narelle Janine, wedding planning expert.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use a gold and black color theme
  • Do pick a venue such as an estate or ballroom
  • Do use sequence bridesmaid gowns
  • Do hire a live band

Game Of Thrones

A Game of Thrones wedding theme offers endless possibilities. Your tables, invitations, and other manner of decor can follow the various “houses” of the realm complete with color schemes and emblems. The bride, groom, and guests all get to choose from a variety of long-flowing lace, leathers, furs, and Celtic knot hairstyles. Oh – and you get to get married in a castle!

Pro Tips:

  • Do pick a stunning venue such as a mountain lodge, castle, or woodland space
  • Do wear a long white wedding gown with a cape or shawl with it
  • Do have your groom wear a black
  • Don’t forget to have your hair braided
  • Do add animals such as horses and dogs to your wedding

Harry Potter Style

Photo by:

nikki schell

To many couples in their 20s and 30s, Harry Potter is a deep-seated passion. These fun wedding themes come easy. The tall candles and red napkins define the dining hall where many notable scenes take place. The houses dictate seating arrangements, and there’s plenty of appropriate room for wands and golden snitches. Even non-believers are sure to have the time of their lives!

Pro Tips:

  • Do use long tables for your wedding reception
  • Do select a venue such as a university, library, or gothic-style hall
  • Do incorporate wands in your wedding bouquet and bridesmaid bouquets
  • Do use books in your centerpieces

Rustic Wedding Theme

Maybe fantasy isn’t quite your thing, but you’re still not into the traditional wedding concept. If that sounds about right, a modern rustic wedding theme may be just what you’re looking for! Free-spirited brides and grooms enjoy the best facets of traditional style but pull it off in carefree hippy fashion.

Southern charm

Southern Charm is accomplished by fusing elements of the rustic wedding theme with soft sophistication. The outcome should strive to accomplish a wholesome aesthetic adorned with romantic accents. The foundation of this can be traditional rustic or farm wedding theme iconology like whiskey barrels and exposed-wood structures. To achieve “charm”, add lush greenery, a soothing color palette, and a splash of gold for elegance.

Pro Tips:

  • Complement your aesthetic with a rhythmic/pop-infused version of traditional country music
  • Don’t shy away from color. Traditional southern venues, like country clubs,  are packed with elegant blues, greens, and pinks.
  • Make use of outdoor space as often as possible. Southern Charm has a direct connection to natural surroundings.

French Countryside

The French countryside has a robust history and currently enjoys a reputation for rich food and endless vineyard landscapes. You can capture the romance by striking a balance between luxury and rural humbleness. Have fun with the dress code by choosing between traditional and modern ensembles.

Pro Tips:

  • Take advantage of the theme by serving delicious macarons and crème brulée.
  • If it’s within your budget, book well-manicured chateaux for your venue.
  • Every gown is welcome. However, the French countryside wedding theme calls for a classic A-frame.

Country Theme

A rustic theme – or country – is one of our favorite wedding themes for fall. Planning is a piece of cake with this wedding theme. Vintage decor, choice of music, wedding dress styles, and natural colors all have their place when you decide on the country flare. Couple a gorgeous traditional gown with some cowboy boots, and feel perfectly comfortable draping a denim jacket when the reception kicks into high gear.

Pro Tips:

  • Plan a wedding in a barn or an outdoor rustic setting
  • Make use of burlap, mason jars, and birch
  • Use wood slices for centerpiece holders, place cards, and favor tags.

Barn Wedding

You don’t necessarily need a movie or a time period to define your pretty wedding themes when you have a great venue! A wedding in a barn screams good times and family values. If you have any doubts during your wedding planning schedules rest assured, that today’s wedding planners and vendors know how to perfectly balance the wholesomeness of country living with the exquisiteness of a royal wedding. You can have the best of both worlds.

Pro Tips:

  • Make sure you have proper lighting
  • Make sure it has heat or air for your proper season
  • Do get creative with seating and consider long tables

Winery Wedding

What do Napa Valley, Niagara on the Lake, and Southern France have in common? The wine country of course! But they also bring to mind peace and quiet, natural beauty, and easy living. To some, there’s no better metaphor for how the happy couple envisions the rest of their lives, and it’s a great way to start it! Capture the essence of this lifestyle with natural patterns and textures, and light and breezy fabrics.

Pro Tips:

  • Use the location of a winery and play up the wine motif. Use wine bottles as table numbers, corks as place card holders, and grapes as part of the decor and theme.
  • Book a venue that is a working winery or vineyard
  • Serve the wine from the vineyard where you are getting married

Wedding Color Themes

Sometimes all you need to make your wedding theme your own is a unique color scheme. For example, if you’re trying to plan the perfect outdoor wedding in the Spring fill your day with vivid reds, yellows, and wildflowers to match. Dress in satin and lace, and let your skin and smile shine.

Burnt Orange

The Burnt Orange wedding theme is a cozy and inviting color scheme that blends shades of orange, brown, and red. Here are some tips for brides planning this theme:

Pro Tips:

  • Make burnt orange your main color and pair it with neutrals like beige, cream, or taupe to create a more elegant and cohesive look.
  • Incorporate natural elements such as wood, leaves, or branches to add texture and depth to your decor, and enhance the cozy and intimate feel of the theme.
  • Add metallic accents like gold or bronze to bring a touch of glamour to your wedding.

Pastel

Pastels are the epitome of “classy” when it comes to wedding themes for summer. Flat-powder blues, greens, and seem perfectly at home with outdoor decor and an abundance of florals. Wear the wedding gown of your dreams with a half-up-half-down hairdo and subtle accessories. In our opinion, a pastel looks beautiful while staying politely in the background and let you command the spotlight!

Pro Tips:

  • Do use it for a spring wedding
  • Do use a variety of pastels including pink, green, yellow, and blues
  • Don’t be afraid to mix and match pastels together
  • To create the perfect pallet with pastel bridesmaid colors and your bridal bouquet

Pop-Art

POP is an art style that wowed Western society in the latter part of the 1950s and could be tailor-made for your wedding day. With a distinctive style of glamourizing everyday objects, you can celebrate your big day by celebrating drastic colors, crisp lines, entertaining patterns, and a passion for the simple things in life – like love.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use bold bright colors
  • Do replicate famous works of art for place cards, save the dates, welcome signs, and more
  • Don’t forget to use colored lighting in your venue
  • Don’t overdo the number of colors you are using as it can become a little too chaotic

Bohemian Romantic Wedding Theme

If you’ve come this far and still wondering how to pick a wedding theme, we’d like to ask you a question. What kind of shoes are you planning on wearing? If the answer is “none!’ then the Boho theme is right up your alley. Flower tiaras, long flowing gowns, and barefoot processions are hallmarks of this style, and we love it! Just make sure to supply your guests with hand fans to keep that summer heat at bay.

Boho Theme with Macrame Design

Handmade macrame is a keystone of the Boho style, and for good reason. Adorn your entire wedding with heavy-textured backdrops, table runners, and hanging potted plants to create a unified look for your big day.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use a macrame-style backdrop
  • Do incorporate a boho, vintage feel
  • Do use a white color theme
  • Do consider adding the macrame design to your wedding stationery

Boho Aesthetic Theme

Nature and Boho go hand in hand. The best boho weddings feature tons of leaves, vines, petals, and flowers – the best-being wildflowers. There really is no such thing as “too much” here. So, go crazy with your bridesmaid’s prints, accessories, and venue decor.

Pro Tips:

  • Stunning outdoor venues with all the glamour and grace are the perfect backdrop for a chic wedding in nature. Towering trees and stunning greenery make for the perfect details to round out the natural look with chic twits.
  • Adding dramatic candlelight will also help make this look less rustic and chicer.

Creative Artsy Themes

Some couples are just creative to the core. They have a love for the arts and an affinity for the creative. Put it to good use by shirking tradition and indulge in your favorite art style. In love with Cubism? Paint your venue decor and choose a gown with hard lines. Prefer Impressionism, have your photographer turn your wedding album into truly unique pointillism. You really can’t go wrong if you’re passionate.

Art-Deco Wedding

The name – translated from French – comes from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, and if you’re into elaborate designs this wedding theme is definitely for you. This art form took control of the late 20s and early 30s and maybe your wedding day come true.

There are still plenty of decorations, furniture, and designs left over from this era, and plenty more artists breathing new life into the style every day. So there’s no shortage of inspiration and availability for your big day.

Pro Tips:

  • Think about adding shapes especially sunburst shapes to your decor, stationery, and details. Gold, black, and dark green are the most famous art deco colors so that color scheme works well together.
  • Metallic long bridesmaid dresses are perhaps the best way to go to complete this look.

Modern Art

Modern art consciously rejects the values of the past and enthusiastically plunges into unexplored territory. For couples seeking a break from tradition, there are no better creative wedding themes. The best thing about this theme is that nothing really has to match! Feel free to wear a traditional gown with running shoes, or dip your roses in purple paint. Everything works if you’re having fun.

Pro Tips:

  • Do plan your wedding at a museum or art center
  • Do use bright and bold colors
  • Don’t focus on famous works of art as the only motif

Hero Themed Weddings

Sometimes geeks are lucky enough to find each other, and their childlike charm is what pulls them together like magnets. Fly your freak flag high and embrace the embarrassing things that make you YOU and inseparable from the one you love.

Star Wars

If you’re that big of a fan you probably don’t need much advice. Hang some glow-in-the-dark lightsabers from the ceiling, walk down to the imperial march, and dance the night away to the Cantina Song. Have your ushers direct your guests to the Dark Side or the Light Side, and have the time of your life. “May the Force be with you”.

Pro Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to wear your hair like Princess Leia
  • Do make your wedding cake Star Wars-inspired
  • Don’t forget about the lightsabers
  • Do use the phrase “ I love you” or “I Know”

Marvel & DC Theme

Some people are REALLY into comic books, maybe a little too much for everyday life. But your wedding day is supposed to be the best day of your life, so don’t hold back! Hero decor comes easy – like hanging a Captain America shield on the wall – but when it comes to attire it may be difficult to pull off an official “wedding” look. We suggest the bridal party dawns their favorite hero’s emblem under their suit or gown with a big reveal for the photoshoots. Also, make sure to offer up a simple hero/villain mask to your guests.

Pro Tips:

  • Do play up the Red, White, and blue theme from Capt. America
  • Do have your groomsmen wear character shirts under their suits
  • Don’t forget to add comic-style items to your wedding stationery
  • Do have a wedding cake that is hero-worthy

Video Games

Be honest, even if you’re not the biggest gamer in the world this sounds like a ton of fun! Again, you probably don’t need a heap of advice if you’re already settled on these crazy-themed weddings but here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

  • Link and Zelda wedding cake toppers.
  • Mario Mustache photo booth
  • Minecraft Furniture
  • Dance Dance Revolution’s first dance

Maybe it’s not traditional, but you’ll have the time of your life and start your wedded bliss off on the right foot.

Pro Tips:

  • Do consider using classic video games as a motif
  • Do use video game controllers and names as place cards and table names
  • Do use color such as green, red and blue
  • Don’t forget to have a cake that shares your theme
  • Don’t forget to name your signature drinks after video games

Party Wedding Themes

For those couples that believe a wedding should be a true EVENT, this is a huge step in planning a wedding! This is something that your guests will look forward to. As they attend they’ll be hypnotized by all of the sensations, and be taken away with the interactive nature of the evening.
Guests should be well-prepared for an event like this. Make it very clear that they’ll need energy and enthusiasm to truly appreciate what’s in store.

A Wedding Fiesta

The fiesta wedding theme is all about energy! Vivid colors, fast-tempo music, and celebrating close relationships. Picador isn’t necessary, but they kind of are. The same goes for pinatas and tons of rope lighting if you plan on celebrating into the evening.

Pro Tips

  • Instead of choosing a color theme for your bridesmaids, choose a silhouette and let them go wild with their color choices.
  • Hire a live band if feasible. They’ll bring a whole other level of energy to the dance floor.
  • Rather than large platings, serve a larger variety of smaller portions so guests have more diverse options.

Bar Theme

This wedding theme is fun for couples that met at a dive bar or frequented the pub for date nights. This is a great option for a wedding theme, especially if you rent a pub as your venue. It has comfortable seating, mood lighting, a stage for a live band, and a dance floor. The casual vibe is also quite attractive for brides who desire a nontraditional wedding gown.

Pro Tips:

  • Alcohol isn’t the point. Cheese, popcorn, salad, and dessert bars are all great alternatives.
  • Feel free to add cowboy, rock star, or tropical styling for an additional layer to the wedding theme.
  • Take advantage of a professional bartender by having them make you a truly unique signature cocktail.

Rock Concert

Print your tickets, post your lineup, and treat your guests to the coolest wedding they’ve ever seen. Anchor your wedding to a rock concert theme and expect a lot of leather, loud music, dancing, and a light show. Step it up a notch with some vintage microphone decorations, a glorious pyrotechnics show, and swap cutting the cake with lighting a guitar on fire. Certainly not traditional, but absolutely spectacular!

Pro Tips:

  • Do hire a live band, especially one that plays rock music
  • Do send out save the dates that look like concert tickets
  • Do add guitars and other instruments to your decorations
  • Don’t have a seated dinner
  • Don’t have the music so loud that no one can talk

Folklore

A folklore-based wedding theme has a few options to mix and match. Draw inspiration from Elvish, Celtic, and Pagan customs or combine a few elements. To make it extra special, draw from your own ancestry if you happen to have Druid or Persian (for example) roots. Decorate a church with images of magic and fantasy or, better yet, hold the entire event in a forest for that extra dazzle. To make it authentic make sure to opt for a formal HandFasting ceremony for your I-DOs.

Pro Tips:

  • Do select a woodland or forest wedding venue
  • Do play up the fantasy of the venue and hand lights, drapes, or flags
  • Do add hand-painted details, interesting textiles to tables, and fantasy-inspired centerpieces.

Wedding Festival

We don’t know about you, but we think this is simply one of the best wedding reception styles out there. Proper wedding attire is called for in this lovely outdoor setting. But, instead of oxfords and high heels, rubber boots are in order. No need to worry, today’s rubber boots come in tons of cute colors and prints. The best thing of all? The Bride MUST sport an oversized floral crown which you’ll love putting together during one of your DIY sessions.

Pro Tips:

  • Do have food trucks and different food vendors come
  • Do have interesting dessert stations
  • Do have live music and maybe even a few different bands lined up
  • Do pick an outdoor location
  • Do use tents for food, dining, dancing, and more
  • Do use vibrant colors
  • Do invest in fun activities for guests such as photo booths, temporary tattoo stations, or even a bouncy house

Location Wedding Styles

In the mood for a destination wedding but just can’t sort out the logistics? Bring the destination to you! According to Narelle Janineh, wedding planning expert, this is is a great way to show your guests who you are as a couple and what you love to do together and share that experience with your guests. Incorporate details such as that highlight your love story. For example, if you got engaged in Italy and that is a special place to you both sprinkle some of Italy into your wedding décor, such as incorporating colors reminiscent of the Italian flag, using olive branches in your floral arrangements, or serving Italian-inspired dishes during the reception.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most recognizable cities in the world and a great way to spend your wedding day. Dressed in black tie, your guests can gamble the night away and listen to a lineup of Rat Pack crooners. Step it up by arranging a burlesque performance and circulate the cigar girls.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use neon and bright colors
  • Do name tables after dinner at Las Vegas locations
  • Do incorporate a gambling theme
  • Do have an Elvis impersonator come

NY City

The Big Apple, and the inspiration for so many of our favorite songs. NYC is the destination for many lavish wedding ceremonies, so why not bring it home? The skyline, yellow cabs, and Statue of Liberty will have no trouble finding their way into your decorations. NYC is also the city of high fashion, so make sure you and your guests bring your A-Game.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use the I Love NY motif for decorations
  • Do select a classic NY-style venue
  • Do have an elegant reception
  • Do have a black and white dance floor
  • Do have a live band
  • Do arrive at your reception in a yellow taxi

Paris

Parisian wedding themes: The City of Light, and the City of Love. Home to centuries of culture, history, art, and…pastries! Add the wine, the champagne, the fashion, and you have a wedding theme that no one can resist.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use the Eiffel Tower as your motif
  • Do use Cafe de Paris as part of your wedding decorations
  • Do use a passport as part of the Save The Date
  • Don’t forget Oh La La makes for a great banner
  • Do make Champagne your signature drink
  • Do use a silver and pink wedding color theme

Fairy Tale Wedding Themes

Don’t we all want a whimsical fairytale wedding? Start with what elements of a fairytale wedding you like and want to hone in on and incorporate into your wedding design. You have many opportunity décor wise – ceiling treatments with whimsical hanging flowers, large green trees, play around with florals to make it very whimsical and stationery is a huge decor item as well.Narelle Janine, wedding planning expert.

Disney Wedding

Disney films are mostly (if not entirely) responsible for this sentiment that we’ve carried with us since we were kids. You can mix between all of the various scenes we’ve seen throughout our lives, or take your pick of almost a dozen iconic princesses/marriages.

Pro Tips:

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  • Do use the castle in your motif
  • Do select a venue at one of the Disney resorts
  • Do consider having a Cinderella theme
  • Do incorporate the Mickey Mouse ears to your decor
  • Do select a gown that represents your favorite Disney Princess

Frozen

Frozen is one of the more modern (and highly popular!) Disney princesses, and pure joy to pull off. Set the stage with soft blues, sheers, and icicle ornamentation. Serve up cool treats like snow cones, and maintain a Happily Ever After ambiance all night long with a frost (dry ice) machine.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use an ice blue, silver, and white color theme
  • Do plan your event at a winter venue
  • To create an icy look to your decorations
  • Don’t let your guests get cold if your venue is outside
  • Don’t forget to wear your hair like your favorite character

Mermaid

If you are looking for a solid excuse to wear a mermaid-cut wedding dress, there’s no better reason than a Little Mermaid wedding theme. Call the dress code “aqua”, hire a tin drum band, and set loose the bubble machine to arrange a delightful wedding theme that will really make you stand out.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use a green and blue color theme
  • Do use under the sea style decorations
  • Do select a mermaid style wedding dress
  • Do have a bouquet made of seashells
  • Do select a beach style venue
  • Do use a mermaid tale or starfish in your motif

Whimsical Modern Wedding Themes

So maybe you don’t want to feature wizards and wants at your wedding, but you do want it to be magical. Take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Overdo your use of plants and nature. Oversize your flowers and balloons. Over-indulge in your sense of reality, and live life the way you deserve.

Glitter And Gold

You ever hear someone say “I feel like a Million bucks”? Well, that’s how you should feel on your big day. If you want to do this literally there’s no better way than to surround yourself with glitter and gold. This can be simple and classy with stark whites accented with gold. Or, it can make King Midas jealous with gold draped from ceiling to floor. You decide how much to sparkle.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use gold centerpieces
  • Do add glitter to your candles and vases
  • Don’t overdo the glitter as it can be too much
  • Do use gold and glitter in your wedding stationery
  • Do work the theme into your wedding cake
  • Don’t make everything gold – you need something to play off it like white, silver or cream

Fantasy Wedding Theme

Step into a world of enchantment and create a wedding that captures the magic of your favorite fairy tales. A fantasy wedding theme allows you to infuse whimsy, imagination, and a touch of otherworldly charm into your special day. Here are three tips to bring your fantasy wedding to life.

Pro Tips:

  • Look for a venue that reflects the ethereal ambiance you envision, such as a castle, garden, or woodland setting.
  • Opt for wedding attire that embraces the fantasy theme. Consider a floral crown or even costume-inspired elements like medieval-inspired sleeves or embroidered motifs to bring your fantasy to life.
  • Incorporate elements like fairy lights, hanging lanterns, mossy accents, and lush floral arrangements to create an immersive and mystical atmosphere.

Alternative Wedding Themes

Avant-Garde. Counterculture. Fringe. No matter which way you say it, it means intentionally outside of “normal”. If the thought of a traditional wedding makes you cringe, don’t compromise. We both know that just because you may not have any desire to star in the next Disney movie doesn’t mean you’re not a princess in your own right.

Punk

Punk rock is an unmistakable style that fits amazingly well into a wedding theme and photo shoot. The rugged exterior of leather and kilts, mohawks, and army boots against the soft sentiment of true love’s kiss is a beautiful thing that will melt anyone’s heart.

Pro Tips:

  • Do have your groomsmen wear cutoff sleeves with their jackets
  • Do encourage pink, green, and blue hair
  • Do wear a leather or jean jacket with your wedding look
  • Do wear combat boots
  • Don’t forget to dress your bridesmaids accordingly
  • Don’t forget to select linens that work with your color theme
  • Do select a wedding dress that fits your style

Goth

Goth is romantic by nature. It’s a callback to the 14th to 15th Century period when art and architecture shed formality and focused on emotion. Back then “Gothic” was an insult meant to mean unrefined. Today’s goth takes that as a compliment and is most commonly represented by black and dark red fabrics. Take any measure of both definitions and embrace the differences.

Pro Tips:

  • Do use black as your major color
  • Don’t feel you have to pick a black wedding dress – you can select white and add black details
  • Do hand candlelight on all the tables
  • Do select a bouquet that is dark red, dark purple or black in color
  • Do consider a dark chocolate wedding cake
  • Don’t assume all guests will dress in black
  • Don’t make the food too different than a normal wedding meal

Organic Theme

For the love of nature, and everything about the planet, an organic-themed wedding could be a divine choice. For a couple who hold eco-friendliness and saving the planet close to their heart, this would be a very apt theme to go with. A really interesting theme to work with for a wedding, an organic-themed event will naturally be filled with greenery as well as energy-saving appliances and biodegradable products. While all of this might not sound like much fun, an organic theme could be really interesting to plan for all types of weddings.

Botanical bliss

Most wedding themes incorporate flowers into the design scheme. With the botanical bliss approach, however, flowers are the theme. Brides love this luxe approach to garden parties and adore the process of selecting from countless combinations of venues and leafy decor. There is always a little bit of magic in the air of a botanical bliss wedding, so this is a great opportunity for fairytale wedding gowns.

Pro Tips:

  • Use wood and metallic elements to compliment the natural beauty of flowers.
  • Make use of local options to maximize scent and color intensity.
  • Popular outdoor venues book quickly. Plan early to get the best time of year.

Pampas Grass

For a couple having a spring or fall wedding, pampas grass could be great for the decor and overall organic theme. This new trend introduces the long feathery plumes of the pampas grass in all its golden and pink glory to the wedding decorations themes. Both organic and neutral; just a few stalks in a vase used as a center or corner piece, can change your entire set and introduce a lovely and yet calm texture.

Pro Tips:

  • There is something so delicate about Pampas Grass that it makes for the perfect wedding theme. Adding Pampas Grass as your wedding backdrop along with adding it to your wedding centerpieces is an easy way to make this beautiful wedding theme stand out.
  • Featherweight delicacy along with a wonderful neutral color theme makes this the perfect theme for a rustic, boho, or country wedding.

Woodland Theme

A woodland theme can be both enchanting and beautiful. A truly magical theme for a breathtaking wedding. Couples tending towards a bohemian lifestyle would love the rustic otherworld feel that comes with a woodland theme. According Narelle Janine, wedding expert, florals make a huge impact in your overall wedding décor – with a gardenesque and enchanted forest theme – play up your florals. Incorporate lots of greenery in your floral arrangements, candle light to mimic the stars and large green trees.

Pro Tips:

  • Do select an outdoor rustic venue
  • Do hang little white lights to bring a little romance
  • Don’t assume all your guests will be able to make it to a remote location
  • Do use a neutral color theme to lighten up the woods
  • Do use birch, wood, branches, and stumps in your decor
  • Do use greenery, moss, and rocks as part of your decorations

Glamorous Wedding

Being the bride or the groom at a wedding gives you celebrity status for the day whether you are actually a celebrity or not. Some words to describe glamorously are jaw-dropping and over the top. So if you’re the type of couple who love the red carpet and would like to wow guests, glamorous and classy wedding themes would be the right fit for you.

Metallic Details

Metallic details create just the amount of shine and oomph that a glamorous wedding dictates. Metallics are dazzling, captivating, and depict luxury. What is glamour without luxury? With a glamorous theme, you either go big or go home. So, think metallic detailing when you’re considering centerpieces, colors, tablecloths, general wedding table themes, chandeliers, and even chairs.

Pro Tips:

  • Metallics are perfect for a wedding theme but you have to make sure you don’t overdo it. The best thing to do with a metallic theme is to balance it out with another color that can tone down the metallic look. The best metallics to work with are gold, silver, bronze, rose gold.

Pearl Decor

For that vintage, glamorous, and yet dreamy wedding, you’re going to not want to forget to include pearl decor. This is for the couple with class and style. An ivory white bridal bouquet with pearl detailing, floating pearl centerpieces and pearl pew bows on beautiful white tulle, wedding napkin rings strung with huge pearls, and sparkly burgundy balloons. These and many others are the kinds of pearl decor that would adorn a glamorous wedding.

Pro Tips:

  • Works perfectly for a formal event
  • Adding pearl details to invitations, textiles, dresses, and veils
  • Use the creamy white color to be your dominant wedding color
  • Wear pearl jewelry and make it a part of your bridesmaid look as well

Geometric Wedding Theme

For a truly contemporary and modern couple who love adore their clean lines and keeping colors separate, wondering, what should my wedding theme be. A geometric-themed wedding might just be a perfect choice. There are numerous ways to achieve this clean and perfect finish in your wedding decor and even personal styles. This would include bright colors, the incorporation of geometric shapes into the environment, and edgy monochromatic designs.

Floral Geometric Style

Geometric-shaped hanging installations intertwined with flowers produce a simple, yet chic effect. Flowers used for centerpieces and even the bridal bouquet can be layered to produce a distinct shape, and bright or pastel colors should be carefully chosen to fit the theme. The ceremony backdrop should definitely fit the geometric wedding theme in geometric shape or shapes, which can be enhanced with strategically placed or draped flowers.

Pro Tips:

  • A delicate and feminine theme that works well at any venue for a spring or summer wedding.
  • Do have a geometric floral backdrop
  • Create an invitation that uses a floral motif with a geometric pattern
  • Do create levels on your table with different styles of geometric decor pieces
  • Do have the place cards, wedding menus, and programs cut into a geometric shape

Himmeli and Terrarium Decor

Geometric sculptures and decorations are great for table centerpieces, hanging decorations and even backdrops. Himmeli and terrarium can be bought or hand made if you’re thinking cheap wedding theme ideas, and used in a variety of ways. Looking their best when combined with flowers or plants as air plant decor, their geometric shapes make them perfect for a geometric themed wedding. If you’re thinking pretty wedding themes, you’ll do well to consider using himmeli and terrarium in your decor.

Pro Tips:

  • Use a gold color theme
  • Set your table decorations with several different styles and sizes of himmeli orbes
  • Mix flowers and candles into your wedding decorations along with a mix of himmeli orbes and/or terrariums
  • Do mix in moss, wood slices and glass table numbers to your tables

Expert opinion
What is a minimalist wedding?
Minimalist weddings channel aesthetic simplicity while honoring what is important and meaningful. In essence, you just need your fiancé, an officiant, and a marriage license to legally tie the knot, without the extra clutter. We like to think of minimalism as releasing the pressure of lavishness, eliminating frills, and choosing only what matters the most to become a part of your special day.

Wedding Themes With Animals

Wedding themes come in all different styles so it is not surprising that one popular theme is adding some touches with animals. See how you can incorporate fun animal wedding themes with our helpful guide.

Safari Themed Wedding

Inspired by nature and the beautiful animals, a safari theme can be a stunning wedding theme choice.

Pro Tips:

This look works well when you combine an outdoor venue with details such as animal prints, large trees or greenery and camp-inspired details.

Llama Wedding Trend

Who doesn’t love a llama? If you want to bring a unique twist to your wedding you can hop on the llama wedding trend.

Pro Tips:

Don’t have a llama you can bring to your wedding? Rental companies are now popping up allowing you to rent a llama for your wedding day as a live decor item.

Pet-Themed Wedding

Include your pets on your wedding day! Don’t forget to put someone in charge of overseeing the pets for the day.

Pro Tips:

  • Do dress them up with floral collars, cute bandanas, or fancy leashes
  • Don’t forget they will need a shady place to hang out if your wedding is outside

Classic Wedding Themes

Classic weddings are a theme that no one can deny, after all they have stood up to the test of time. From classic romance themes to a traditional white wedding you can’t go wrong with a classic wedding theme.

Romantic Wedding Theme

Classic romance is a perfect theme for a wedding since all weddings are filled with beauty and romance. If you would like a classic romantic wedding theme consider hosting your event at an outdoor spot such as garden venue, vineyard or classic estate.

Pro Tips:

Tall candlelight will help to pull off this classic theme while round tables with long tablecloths pull the look together.

Classic Traditional Wedding Theme

Traditional wedding themes will never go out of style. There is a great feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes with doing things the way our ancestors did, and for all the right reasons. That doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own.

Pro Tips:

  • Do serve a tiered cake
  • Do wear white
  • Do feel free to alter the traditional way of doing things
  • Don’t be scared to introduce some unexpected entertainment

Travel-Themed Wedding

Many couples love to travel together so why not make a travel theme your wedding theme! A travel theme can fit perfectly for couples who want to host a vintage-inspired or worldly style feel.

Tropical Wedding Theme

If you love the summer and ocean breeze, choose the tropical wedding theme. Transorm your wedding venue into a charming tropical paradise!

Pro Tips:

  • Do use tropical plants such as palm trees
  • Do select a beach style venue
  • Do use local ingredients for your drinks

Vintage-Inspired Travel Wedding Theme

Vintage luggage pieces, classic destinations and maps are all perfect decor items that make a vintage-inspired travel theme come to life.

Pro Tips:

Adding vintage-inspired modes of transportation like trains and planes helps to really bring this theme to life.

Modern Wedding Themes

Modern weddings come in many shapes and sizes and allow couples to craft a day that is totally different and unique. A modern wedding does not mean the theme has to look one particular way it just means the couple is planning a wedding that reflects what is currently in style.

Maximalist Feminine

Feminine Maximalist wedding themes lean into the ‘girly’ aspects of weddings as much as humanly possible. Traditionally feminine qualities like the color pink and an abundance of flowers are emphasized with quirky and charming attributes for this theme. This is a very celebratory wedding theme, inviting loud and daring decor choices.

Pro Tips:

  • Many people are sensitive to stereotypes these days. Abandon those notions and plunge into everything that’s traditionally feminine.
  • This wedding theme is the perfect opportunity to indulge in oversized layers of tulle or feather ball skirts
  • Brides are free to choose a pink gown without the fear of being judged.

Celestial Wedding Theme

Transform your wedding into a celestial wonderland, inspired by the ethereal beauty of the cosmos. Embrace the enchantment of starry skies and celestial elements, incorporating shimmering accents, celestial-inspired decorations, and celestial-themed lighting to create a celestial ambiance.

Pro Tips:

  • Set the celestial tone from the beginning with starry night-inspired invitations and stationery.
  • Create an enchanting atmosphere by incorporating celestial elements into your decor, such as hanging starry lights and moon-shaped centerpieces.
  • Choose a celestial color palette with deep blues, shimmering silvers, and celestial gold to infuse the celestial ambiance throughout your wedding.

Preppy Wedding Theme

A few modern summer wedding themes are embracing the yacht and country club aesthetic. Although country clubs are stereotypically viewed as stuffy and traditional, this wedding theme combines fun, exclusivity, and modernity. Out-of-season flowers and limited-production fabrics are a big plus. The vibe is a feeling of exclusive haute couture without taking yourself too seriously.

Pro Tips:

  • Make clean, sophisticated choices, but always include a splash of fun.
  • Contrast traditional patterns with bright accents.
  • For decor and wardrobe alike, choose eclectic embellishments.

Dark Wedding Themes

Dark wedding themes typically incorporate a rich, moody color palette with dramatic elements to create an edgy and elegant atmosphere.

Tim Burton-Inspired Wedding Theme

A Tim Burton-inspired wedding theme can be a lot of fun and quirky! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Pro Tips:

  • Decorations: Incorporate lots of black and white stripes, red roses, and creepy crawlies like spiders or bats. Use old books, antique candlesticks, and candelabras as centerpieces. Hang black chandeliers from the ceiling, or use white paper lanterns to create a whimsical feel.
  • Entertainment: Hire a live band or DJ to play eerie music throughout the night. You could also have a photo booth with Tim Burton-inspired props like fake scissors, striped bow ties, and oversized top hats. Finally, consider screening one of Tim Burton’s films in the background to keep the spooky vibe going all night long.

Dark Romance

A dark romance wedding theme is perfect for those who want to add a touch of drama and mystique to their special day. Here are some ideas to help you bring this theme to life:

Pro Tips:

  • Color Palette: Choose a dark color palette with shades of deep red, black, and purple. Add touches of gold or silver for a luxurious feel.
  • Wedding Dress: A black or dark red wedding dress would be a bold choice for a dark romance theme. You could also opt for a white or ivory dress with black lace or embroidery.
  • Decor: Use lots of candles, candelabras, and lanterns to create a moody and romantic atmosphere. Black flowers like black dahlias, black roses, or black calla lilies would be perfect for the centerpieces. Use dark tablecloths and velvet chair covers to add to the gothic vibe.

Black Wedding Theme

A black wedding theme is a classy and chic option that can add an air of sophistication to various aspects of a wedding. Check out these suggestions for incorporating a black wedding theme into your special day:

Pro Tips:

  • Start with black wedding invitations adorned with white or metallic text to set the tone for your wedding.
  • For a bride who’s daring and unconventional, consider donning a black wedding dress instead of the classic white or ivory.
  • Allow your bridesmaids to wear black dresses of varying styles that complement your black wedding dress.
  • Use black and white as your primary color scheme for your wedding decor, from table linens and centerpieces to floral arrangements.
  • A black wedding cake can be a showstopper and create a unique look when matched with white flowers or metallic accents.
  • Create a dramatic and romantic ambiance for your reception with black lighting.

Brides often ask:

What theme is best for wedding?

The best theme for a wedding is subjective and depends on the couple’s preferences. Popular themes include rustic, vintage, modern, beach, and botanical.

How do I find my wedding theme?

Find your wedding theme by considering your personal style, interests, and the overall atmosphere you envision. Look for inspiration in your favorite colors, seasons, and shared hobbies with your partner. Pinterest and wedding magazines can also be helpful in discovering themes that resonate with you.

What are some different wedding styles?

Wedding styles vary, including traditional, modern, rustic, vintage, bohemian, beach, and destination weddings, among others.

Now that you’ve seen a few traditional wedding themes and plenty of nontraditional examples, we’re hoping that you have a solid understanding of what kind of bride you are, and what best represents your Happily Ever After. If you’re still not 100% certain take a few days and revisit this post or move on to tons of our other ideas. We’re always here to help.

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