15 Wedding Themes to Set the Stage

One of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process is choosing a wedding theme that encapsulates your vision and sets the tone. Choosing a wedding theme might look easy at first glance. You think you are flipping through some magazines and blogs to find the best theme, but you should keep in mind the practical aspects are more complicated. Each theme is unique and requires its own decorations, space, budget, and colour palette. Here, we will guide you through different wedding themes and what is needed to match your style.

1. Romantic

A romantic wedding theme is all about creating a dream-like atmosphere filled with charm and love. The overall vibe is intimate, whimsical, and filled with expressions of love.

For a romantic wedding, you need soft tones and gentle lighting. You may try pastel colours and hanging lights. Don’t forget about flowers and elegant calligraphy. Focus on your table design and bring out the best flowers and most elegant utensils. For extra effects, hold your wedding outdoors or in a tent.

2. Country

A country wedding theme embodies rustic charm and a love for the outdoors. Think of a picturesque barn, a sprawling farm, or a field surrounded by rolling hills.

Make use of wildflowers as an important decorative element. Bring in wooden chairs and tables, and use leather or cotton tablecloths. Hold your wedding in the backyard, a vineyard, or perhaps a barn.

Add as many country songs to your playlist as possible. Even have a live performance with guitars and banjos. Perhaps include ranch activities such as horseback riding and cowboy hat toss.

3. Vintage

A vintage wedding theme takes inspiration from a bygone era, often drawing on styles from the 1920s, 1940s, or even the Victorian age. One great way to channel a vintage wedding is through your outfit. Find a classic style that reminds you of the past. 

Find an event venue or a building that was constructed during your selected historical era. If you can’t find any, then transform what you have by using antique furniture and vintage decorations. To complete the theme, make a grand exit in a classic getaway car or even a horse and carriage. 

4. Modern

A modern wedding theme is sleek, chic, and minimalistic, favouring clean lines, bold colours, and cutting-edge design. Every element of the day is intentional, elegant, and on-trend, with a focus on making a bold, stylish statement. It is all about the simplest ideas for maximum impact.

A typical venue space for a modern wedding could be an art gallery or even an industrial warehouse. It is up to you and your designers to transform the place into a modern avant-garde space.

5. Rustic

A rustic wedding theme embraces natural elements and the charm of the countryside, but it’s less polished and more relaxed than a country wedding. String lights and mason jars define this theme in the best possible way. Use them to decorate your space and to create a lovely centrepiece.

Barns and farms are not the only places you can hold your wedding. You may even create a rustic environment within a relatively modern venue. It could be even in a mountain lodge or a field ranch. Focus greatly on the choice of food and the way you welcome your guests.

6. Fairy Tale

A fairy-tale wedding theme will make every guest feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook. This theme is something between a romantic and garden wedding theme. The ceremony could take place in a grand ballroom, an ornate church, or even beneath a beautiful arbour of flowers. 

Keep your wedding regal and fanciful. Every detail, from the invitations to the cake, will reflect a sense of wonder and whimsy, making it a truly unforgettable day that feels like it’s straight out of a dream. Choose a pink and white colour palette for your decorations and even outfit.

7. Garden Party

A garden wedding party usually takes place in a lush garden, filled with blooming flowers, greenery, and picturesque landscaping. It is the ideal theme for you if you prefer an outdoor ceremony. 

You can have a great garden wedding if the weather is good and the flowers are in full bloom. Thus, spring is the best season for a garden party wedding. Nevertheless, the main part of your budget should be for bouquets, ceremony arch, and other floral arrangements.

8. Bohemian

A bohemian wedding is all about embracing a free-spirited, unconventional vibe and blending eclectic, natural, and vintage-inspired elements. It is a break from tradition, with non-traditional seating arrangements and personalised ceremonies.

For a bohemian wedding theme, choose simple decor and beautify the floor with an elegant oriental rug. As for the venue, find a place that is peaceful and quiet, like an out-of-town resort or a garden.

9. Gothic

A gothic wedding theme is bold, dramatic, and romantic in a dark, moody way. The overall vibe is mysterious, romantic, and luxurious, with a focus on dramatic lighting and opulent details.  The colour palette is dominated by deep, rich hues like black, burgundy, plum, and gold.

Incorporate moody goth elements into your decor. Find a castle or library as a venue with the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot. Make great use of chandeliers and candelabras and create a dark and mysterious atmosphere.

10. Art Deco

An Art Deco wedding theme is all about glamour, luxury, and the iconic style of the 1920s. Inspired by the Jazz Age, this theme is perfect for couples who want a chic and sophisticated celebration with a vintage twist.

Choose tall centrepieces and invest in your bar offerings. This wedding theme is also identified with champagne towers and large mirrors. The bride’s attire may include a vintage-inspired gown with beading or fringe, while the groom might go for a classic tuxedo or a sleek, tailored suit.

11. Beach

For couples who dream of celebrating with the ocean as their backdrop, a beach wedding is the ideal choice. A beach wedding theme captures the relaxed, breezy, and romantic atmosphere of the ocean, with the sun, sand, and surf serving as a breathtaking backdrop.

This theme is pretty laid-back and relaxed. The experience has to be effortless for guests, and they should have a peaceful time at your wedding. Make sure their food and accommodations are curated well and have plenty of entertainment ready for them.

12. Eco-Friendly

An eco-friendly wedding theme is focused on sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint while celebrating love in harmony with nature. The focus is on creating a beautiful, conscious celebration that reflects the couple’s love for the planet and each other.

For an eco-friendly celebration, try plants instead of flowers as the centrepiece for your tablescape. When it comes to paper for your invitations, pick recycled ones. Hold the ceremony outdoors, thus saving on energy consumption.

13. Tropical

A tropical wedding theme is vibrant, lively, and infused with the exotic beauty of a paradise setting. The overall atmosphere is lively, colourful, and celebratory, with guests feeling as though they’ve been transported to an island getaway.

For a tropical wedding, you don’t necessarily need to go to an exotic resort. You can transform your simple venue into a tropical one using palm trees and conch shells as decorative pieces. The bride’s dress is often light and breathable, perfect for warm weather, with tropical-inspired details like floral crowns or statement jewellery.

14. Celestial

A celestial wedding theme draws inspiration from the stars, galaxies, and mysteries of the cosmos, creating a magical and otherworldly atmosphere. This theme is perfect for couples who love the mystical and awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. It is also great for those who are obsessed with zodiac signs.

Some of the best ideas for a celestial wedding are a galaxy-inspired backdrop, hanging stars, and a constellation guestbook. Keep everything starry and sparkling. If ideal, rent a planetarium and use it as your wedding space. 

15. Literary

A literary wedding theme is perfect for book lovers and bibliophiles who want to incorporate their love of literature into their special day. This theme takes inspiration from classic novels, famous literary couples, and the charm of libraries and old books.

Try to find libraries and bookshops that could be used as venues for your wedding. Use vintage books and antique items for decoration, and get creative with your outfit and style. Every detail, from the invitations to the table names, is inspired by the couple’s favourite literary works, creating a wedding that is both personal and timeless.

A wedding theme should resonate with your own personality and be a true reflection of who you are as a couple. No matter the theme, the most important thing is that your wedding feels authentically yours, a beautiful celebration of your unique journey together.