20 Wedding Themes for Every Bridal Style

From modern to tropical, we've got your wedding style needs covered
by Blair Donovan
i

Updated 09/28/19

PHOTO BY CHELLISE MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Picking out wedding themes can be one of the hardest planning pieces that every couple is faced with. Do you want to go
the romantic route, or keep things fresh and modern? Once you pinpoint the theme of your dreams, you can officially
move forward with the rest of your wedding plans. But, if you're still on the fence about which direction you want to go, we
rounded up the best wedding themes for any style and venue, no matter how unique. Use this as a comparative guide to
finally cross this major decision off your planning checklist and set the tone for your big day.

1. Romantic

Soft hues, delicate lighting, and plenty of florals typically make up a romantic wedding. For this theme, envision
pastels, hanging lights (even chandeliers), calligraphy, and a flower wall.

PHOTO BY CINZIA BRUSCHINI

PHOTO BY TEC PETAJA

PHOTO BY LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

2. Alternative
More of an offbeat couple who's never been one to take the normal route? We get you. Buck tradition with an alternative
wedding theme, and roll with it however you see fit. If cool, moody color palettes and creative stand-ins match your style
better than bright floral and been-there-done-that wedding décor, then an alternative theme has your name written all
over it. Push the boundaries as much as you want.

PHOTO BY SARAH FALUGO

PHOTO BY ED AND AILEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY KATIE NESBITT PHOTOGRAPHY

3. Vintage

Draw inspiration from decades past if you want a vintage style for your wedding. One of the easiest ways to channel this is
through your wedding outfit and beauty look. As for the ceremony and reception, you can rely on antique-looking décor,
like weathered doors and worn-in wood seats, to further exemplify a vintage-inspired wedding. For your last hoorah,
finish off the vintage theme by driving away in a classic getaway car, like an old Porsche or Volkswagen.

PHOTO BY SEAN MONEY AND ELIZABETH FAY

GREEN DOOR PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY UNIQUE LAPIN

4. Whimsical

For the whimsical couple, your wedding will be one full of bright splashes of color and quirky, bohemian components.
Incorporate design elements like multicolored balloons, streamers, punchy floral arrangements, and mismatched chairs.

PHOTO BY JULIE MACKINNON PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY SARA MONIKA, PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO BY SASITHON PHOTOGRAPHY
5. Modern

For a modern wedding, think clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimal design. A modern theme knows few bounds, so
channel it however you see fit. Put a modern spin on anything, from your wedding dress (take a break from white) to
your venue decorations, like sleek seats, a cool structural backdrop, or a bold color scheme. We also asked top wedding
planners for their trend predictions, so stay up to date with their ideas, like greenery and cream balloons.

PHOTO BY SONIA BOURDON; PLANNING BY MLLE ARTSY; DECOR BY LA MARIÉE BOHÈME; FLOWERS BY
ATELIER FLORAL ; CALLIGRAPHY BY IMAGINEJOY CALLIGRAPHIE; CUTTING & ENGRAVING BY CENTRAL
STAMP

PHOTO BY CHAZ CRUZ

6. Rustic

String lights, mason jars, twine, lace, and all wood everything contributes to the simple and homey vibe of this theme. If
you're a huge DIY fan, rustic wedding décor will be your cup of tea. Consider a more rural venue, like a chic and intimate
barn, if this is your dream wedding style.

PHOTO BY LAURA MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY LAURA MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

7. Garden Party/Casual

If you envision a more intimate, casual ceremony, opt for an outdoor-garden-party-themed wedding. This laid-back style
is perfect if you have a backyard wedding on the brain and a spring or summer date.

ELIZA MORRILL PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY LAUREN SCOTTI PHOTOGRAPHY

GIA CANALI
8. Bohemian
Calling all boho brides—if this matches your own personal style, then say "I do" to the corresponding wedding theme.
Just like how your wedding dress will most likely look, a bohemian wedding remains cool and carefree, but still
beautiful. Keep your venue decorations simplistically elegant, with oriental rugs lining the aisle and altar, and decorative
pillows or hanging macramé decorations. Take a note from actress Troian Bellisario's wedding, which is the stuff of
boho dreams.

PHOTO BY PHIL CHESTER

PHOTO BY BRAEDON FLYNN; VENUE: CASA DE MONTE VISTA

9. Southern Inspired

Can't resist the charm of the South? Whether you're a born-and-raised Southerner or just want to tie the knot at a venue
below the Mason-Dixon Line, ensure that your theme aligns with your locale by adding hints of Southern charm. Treat
guests to bites of comfort food and bourbon-infused cocktails, show off your monogram, or walk down the aisle in your
favorite pair of cowboy boots, if you're so inclined. Decorate with pops of color in pastel hues and rich blues (i.e.
your groom's bow tie) to channel more components of the South—and don't forget about hospitality.

PHOTO BY CARRIE PATTERSON

PHOTO BY KRISTYN HOGAN

PHOTO BY JACQUI COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

10. Formal/Traditional
Considering a black tie wedding? If you envision you and your guests dressing to the nines, your overall theme will have to
match accordingly. For nuptials this grandiose, you'll want to pull out all the stops and include complete table
settings (wine glasses and all) with a full sit-down dinner, posh seating, ornate flower arrangements (even on the cake),
and an exquisite head table, just to name a few formalities.

PHOTO BY KATIE SHULER

LARISSA CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHY

TODD PELLOWE
11. Art Deco

This timeless style features Great Gatsby-era lavishness, including robust fonts, ornate gold and sparkles, and plenty of
geometric shapes with sharp lines (similar to the modern theme). If you're all about tasteful glitz and jazz age glam with
an ode to vintage allure, then this theme's for you.

PHOTO BY PAT FUREY

PHOTO BY JILLIAN MITCHELL

PHOTO BY ANDREW MARK PHOTOGRAPHY

12. Nautical

Whether you're tying the knot at your childhood lake house or are planning a destination wedding, a nautical theme
perfectly complements a seaside ceremony. Make waves with blue and white tones (especially stripes) paired with beach
motifs like shells, anchors, ropes, and sailboats to exude a maritime style.

PHOTO BY SARA & ROCKY PHOTOGRAPHY

KAYLA COLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
CHRISTINA SZCZUPAK
13. Eco-Friendly/Natural

Just because you want to be mindful of the environment (as we all should be) at your wedding, doesn't mean you have to
skimp out on the little things. You can use biodegradable confetti as an alternative to rice for your grand exit, plants
instead of flowers as table décor, and invitations printed on recycled paper. If the weather allows, choose an outdoor
venue to cut back on energy from lighting.

14. Celestial

Your love was written in the stars, so translate that mentality into your wedding theme. Kick off the festivities with star-
infused wedding invites, and use your venue to create the ambience of a night sky. Even your dress can channel the
ultimate celestial vibes. The sky's the limit (literally) with this theme, so get creative with a galaxy-inspired constellation
guest book, cake, and ceremony backdrop.

PHOTO BY ORANGE PHOTOGRAPHIE

PHOTO BY LAURA GOLDENBERGER

PHOTO BY BIRDS OF A FEATHER

15. Music

March to the beat of your own drum at your wedding if music makes you and your future spouse's world go round.
Whether you're members of the music industry or just love a good tune from any genre, incorporate your passion through
instrument motif decorations, a vintage mic stand, and plenty of your favorite songs interspersed throughout the
ceremony and reception. And, this should be a given, but enlist the help of your favorite local band to keep the rhythm
alive.

PHOTO BY STOFFER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY CAMBRIA HARKEY

PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAWTELLE

16. Tropical

You don't need a beach locale to pull off a beautiful tropical-inspired wedding—one couple even incorporated a tropical
vibe into their New York City nuptials. You just need plenty of plants (like palm fronds and neon florals), laid-back décor,
and a signature beachy cocktail.

PHOTO BY OUR LABOR OF LOVE

PHOTO BY SHE TAKES PICTURES HE MAKES FILMS

PHOTO BY JESSICA BORDNER PHOTOGRAPHY

17. Preppy

Bright pinks, greens, and navy blues are the name of the preppy game, which can also go hand in hand with nautical or
Southern weddings. A preppy theme allows you to blend formality with fun through bold patterns, tasteful bows, dainty
fonts, and cheery flowers. Channel your inner Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer (pearl earrings and all) if this theme is up your
alley.

PHOTO BY MINK PHOTOGRAPHY; PLANNING & DESIGN BY PERFECT THE EVENT; FLORAL DESIGN BY THREE PETALS; RENTALS
BY SOMETHING BORROWED PARTY RENTALS

PHOTO BY CHLOE LAPEYSSONNIE

PHOTO BY DANA CUBBAGE WEDDINGS

18. Christmas/Holiday
Take your winter wedding to the next level with holiday-infused motifs. From Christmas tree décor and ornament
escort cards to warm winter cocktails, the Christmas wedding options are endless. Hope for a little snow the day of,
request "All I Want for Christmas Is You" from your DJ, gift candy canes or Santa hats as favors, and you're all set.

PHOTO BY SARA WIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY SARA WIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY SARA WIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

19. Animals

It's hard not to be an animal lover, and it also makes for a creative wedding theme that hasn't been overdone. If you have
your own pet, incorporate it into the wedding (puppy ring bearer, perhaps?) and rely on more wild creature motifs
to liven up your table settings and invitations. Take it one step further and make your grand entrance atop a horse, or hop
on the llama wedding trend (yes, this is a real thing).

PHOTO BY TPOZ PHOTO

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL ZASKEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY MACKENZIE NEVILLE

20. Travel

If you're a jet-setting duo or have friends venturing from near and far for your wedding, incorporate a creative travel
theme that guests will also love just as much. This couple wanted to honor their heritages (he's from Montreal, she's from
Norway) and their array of international guests in their California nuptials. They featured a sign detailing how far their
friends and family had traveled, and a freestanding white wall decorated with assorted globes that read "Where to Next?"
They also transformed luggage tags into escort cards and used postcards as a guest book.

PHOTO BY BIRDS OF A FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY BIRDS OF A FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY BIRDS OF A FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY BIRDS OF A FEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY

If no one theme speaks to you, there's nothing stopping you from incorporating pieces from several themes or choosing a
completely original style. It's your wedding, so play by your own rules.

The top 10 wedding themes for 2019

Share
By Elise

It’s that time again where we take a look at the most popular themes of the year to come and see what sorts of trends,
colours and themes we can expect over the next 12 months.

Wedding themes are becoming more and more popular over a simple colour scheme, as more couples choose to balance
their aesthetic across the themed elements. But what we are noticing is that mixed themes, such as rustic luxe or classic
vintage weddings, are becoming much more popular than the simple singular theme.
What do you plan to do with your dress after the wedding?

Store & save it

Donate it

Sell it

Trash the dress

VOTE AND SEE RESULTS

With many of the wedding themes set already, this is how we’re seeing couples make their theme their own and add a
little bit of a twist on the traditional.
 Image by Mitch Pohl Photography. See the real wedding.

Primary vs secondary themes

Before we take a look at the most popular wedding themes overall, it’s interesting to note which themes are more
popular as a primary or secondary focus.

Rustic weddings have been the most popular wedding theme for the last three years and have again taken out the first
spot here. But, as mentioned above, we’re seeing couples play with this and add a secondary theme to the mix to give
their rustic wedding a bit of a unique feel. This is where rustic luxe, rustic vintage, and rustic boho weddings come into
play.

Romantic weddings, garden/outdoors, vintage, DIY and boho chic weddings for example, are all more popular as
secondary themes than they are as the primary focus. So while you might be hosting a garden or outdoor wedding, many
couples wouldn’t say that’s the primary focus of their wedding theme.
What is a event concept?
If you've spent serious time in the events industry, you've seen — and created — a lot of clever event concepts. ... To
attract new attendees, you need an event concept (the what, where, when, who, and why of your event) that will appeal
to your audience, highlight your offerings, and build plenty of buzz.
 Image by Rick Liston. See the real wedding.

The most popular wedding themes

Rustic
The rustic wedding has almost become the traditional wedding theme of modern day couples. Rustic settings such as
older buildings, farms and cellar doors really play with this theme and give it a more relaxed charm. With more couples
choosing to have their day focused on them and having fun, this relaxed feel is becoming increasingly important.

We’re also seeing more styling pop up that is designed to give that rustic look even if it is new. So it’s the perfect
combination and theme for someone going for an older venue on a budget, or something new that still gives the vibe
they want.
 Image by Jewel Chenoweth. See the real wedding.

Romantic
If you’re describing your wedding you do want to think of it as romantic, and a lot of weddings are starting to use this as
their theme. Think natural golden lighting for your photos, and elements such as warm festoon or fairy lighting
throughout your wedding and venue to add that romantic and magical touch.

Romantic weddings have a bit of the traditional element to them as well, focusing on the love of the couple and using
traditions such as the first dance to highlight these.
Image by Bird & Boy Photography. See the real wedding.
Garden/Outdoors
With more of a focus on rustic weddings it makes sense that garden and outdoor weddings are growing in popular as both
a primary and secondary theme to complement the outdoor elements. With the popularity of dark and moody colours
couples are forgoing the winter elements to capture those deep and moody wedding photos.
 Image by Folk + Follow. See the real wedding.

Classic/Traditional
There will always be a place for the traditional white wedding and this is it. Classic and traditional weddings are the
second most popular theme when it comes to looking at primary wedding themes alone.

Steeped in tradition these are more likely to be hosted at a dedicated reception centre, where 36% of weddings are
hosted. And while a church or chapel might be considered the most traditional, classic outdoor ceremonies are also
popular for couples focusing on this theme.
 Image by Cinemotive. See the real wedding.

Contemporary and glamorous

Also known as luxe weddings, contemporary and glamorous themes are being used more as the primary focus of a
wedding. Couples who really want to add that wow factor and give their guests something to remember are focusing on
those glam elements and aesthetics.

Large floral installations are big when it comes to what is considered modern at the moment, and these are being paired
with those big moments such as pyrotechnics on the dancefloor.
 Image by B Captured by Ky Luu. See the real wedding.

Vintage
Fewer couples are having vintage weddings than in previous years. However, some of the most popular themes such as
rustic and boho chic weddings focus on including these vintage elements in weddings.

Vintage details pair well with the rustic elements to create a well-rounded aesthetic, while bohemian weddings focus on
vintage furniture and old-word lace designs that are very vintage-esque.
 Image by Tamika Lee Photography. See the real wedding.

Boho chic
Bohemian weddings are still a bit hit and growing in popularity as boho elements are incorporated into more weddings
and styles.

One particular style we’ve seen rise in popularity over the last year is not just the boho chic look, but the boho beach
wedding. Arbours, greenery and bare feet pair well with beach settings so it’s no wonder that we’re seeing more couples
choosing this when it comes to their wedding style.
 Image by Ross Wallace Photography. See the real wedding.

Beach
Look, we get it. Australia is surrounded by beaches, but our weather can be a bit unpredictable depending on where you
are. So while there are some areas of the country that are incredibly popular for beach weddings, others are less so.

That said, beach weddings still make the top 10 list and are a lot more popular here than they are around the world.
When you’re surrounded by gorgeous coastline though, who can blame us?
 Image by Fame Park Studios. See the real wedding.

D-I-Y
While a lot of couples wouldn’t consider their wedding as DIY themed, they are looking at DIY as their secondary focus.
This usually comes down to a lot of decorations and styling for the big day as influences like Instagram and Pinterest
make us want to show off, without the price tag.

If you are looking at DIYing some elements of your wedding though make sure you’ve looked into your purchase, hire
and DIY options. Some elements may actually end up costing you more if you do them yourself.
 Image by Daniel Milligan Photography. See the real wedding.

Vineyard
Rounding off the list of our most popular wedding themes are vineyard weddings. While they may be less popular that
they previously were, winery weddings still make up 19% of all wedding venues as the second most popular type of
venue.

The difference is that more couples use the vineyard as their setting rather than incorporating it into their theme. They
might still classify their wedding as rustic and romantic, rather than solely focusing on the vineyard.