Your wedding theme is the glue that holds your big day together. It influences your food, style choices, colour scheme, entertainment, and more. Deciding on your theme early allows you to plan easier, helps guests decide what to wear, and overall makes for a more enjoyable pre-wedding experience.
But, with so many themes to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? Is there a ‘best’ wedding theme, or should you just go with what feels right? Keep reading to find the answer to all this and more!
What is a wedding theme?
A wedding theme can be a concept, colour, or mood that touches every part of your wedding decor. The theme of your wedding will underpin all your design decisions and help you create a cohesive atmosphere on your big day. From the invitations to the flowers, and even the cake, your theme will tie everything together, ensuring your big day feels like a well planned and coordinated event, rather than a collection of lots of things you like.
How do I pick my wedding theme?
Picking your wedding theme is easier than you may think, and there are two ways you can go about it:
1) Decision first
The ‘decision-first method’ is great for couples who are decisive or already have a strong theme or idea in their head. Start by choosing a theme that resonates with both of you, whether it’s inspired by a shared hobby, a favourite place, or a style you both love. Additionally, reading inspirational wedding theme idea lists (like the one below!) can spark new ideas or solidify your initial thoughts.
2) Inspiration first
If you’re not sure where to start, the ‘inspiration-first method’ can help. Gather ideas from magazines, Pinterest, and weddings you’ve attended. Pay attention to what catches your eye and makes you feel excited. As you collect these fragments of inspiration, patterns will emerge, helping you narrow down a theme that feels right for your wedding.
Do I need a wedding theme?
All weddings have themes, whether they’re low-key or outright. Having a pink colour scheme means your wedding theme is pink; if you love the look of lots of flowers, your wedding theme could be floral. Being intentional about picking your theme makes the design process easier and more cohesive. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just choose what feels right for you and have fun with it.
25 wedding themes for any style
Looking for some inspiration for wedding theme ideas? Check out this list of 25 creative wedding themes to get the ball rolling.
1) Regency wedding theme
We know Bridgerton is all anyone can talk about right now, and throwing your very own regency-style wedding could be very on-trend. Think elegant ball gowns, lavish decor, sweet macaroon wedding favours, and a classical band playing modern music to really nail the Bridgerton vibe. This theme is perfect for adding a touch of historical romance and grandeur to your special day.
2) Art deco themed wedding
Art deco themed weddings are all about opulent glamour and capturing the vibes of the roaring 20s. Think The Great Gatsby and you’re along the right lines! Throwing an art deco inspired wedding will involve luxurious black and gold decor, geometric patterns, vintage cocktails, and a jazz band to set the mood. Imagine feather centrepieces, sequined dresses, and champagne towers for an unforgettable night of glitz and glam.
3) Garden party themed wedding
Throwing a garden party themed wedding is all about pastel colours, bunting, whimsy, and lots of scones with jam and cream. Picture yourself in a flowy dress, surrounded by blooming flowers, vintage tea sets, and guests playing lawn games. This theme is perfect for a sunny, outdoor celebration full of charm and nostalgia. All that’s left is to ask the age-old question: jam then cream, or cream then jam?
4) Beach themed wedding
Whether you’re actually throwing a beach or coastal wedding, or simply love the feeling of sand between your toes, a beach themed wedding could be just the thing. You’ll need seashell decorations, tropical flowers, and maybe even a barefoot ceremony. What could be more romantic than the sound of waves as your backdrop, beach bonfires, and guests sipping on piña coladas? This theme brings a relaxed, holiday feel to your big day.
5) Old Hollywood glamour themed wedding
Do you love the glamour of old Hollywood? Ready to be your very own leading lady or handsome hero? Think red carpet entrances, vintage movie posters, and black and white decor. Guests can dress to the nines in their best evening wear, and you can even have a “Walk of Fame” with stars bearing your guests’ names. Imagine a glamorous evening of classic cocktails, big band music, and that unmistakable Hollywood magic. You won’t get more glamorous than this!
6) Nautical themed wedding
Nautical themed weddings are similar to beach themed weddings in that they’re all about embracing a more relaxed, undone style. Nautical themed weddings lean a little more into the preppy aesthetic, incorporating navy and white colour schemes, anchor motifs, and boat-inspired decor. If you can swing it, try to hold your reception on the deck of a real sailing boat to really lean into the theme. Anchors away for your happily ever after!
7) Wildflower wedding theme
Wildflower themed weddings are beautiful, low-key, and colourful. You can either have a florist create arrangements that look freshly picked from a meadow or, for a more DIY approach, gather wildflowers yourself. Decorate with a range of brightly coloured flowers, and accent with natural elements like wooden disks, greenery, pebbles, and twinkling fairy lights. It should feel like your guests have just stumbled across a mystical secret garden.
8) Black and white wedding theme
You can’t go wrong with the classic, monochromatic theme. Everything will either be black or white, meaning there’s no risk of colour-clashing or going off theme. Black and white is a foolproof choice for a truly sophisticated affair. You could even have your wedding photographs printed in black and white!
Pro tip: Ask your guests to dress all in black to really nail the monochromatic theme.
9) Autumn wedding theme
An autumn or burnt orange wedding theme is all about embracing the cosy and warm vibes of autumn. Think burnt orange, deep reds, and golden yellows and incorporating rustic elements like pumpkins, hay bales, and lanterns. This is the perfect way to show your love of this snuggly season and embrace the beautiful colours of nature. You could even serve autumn-inspired treats like warm cinnamon rolls, toffee apples, or hot chocolate (if it’s cold enough!).
10) Winter wonderland wedding theme
A winter wonderland wedding theme is ideal for anyone getting married in the shoulder season between November and February. Transform your venue into a winter wonderland with sparkling fairy lights, frosted decor, snowflake confetti, and a pale blue, white, and royal blue colour scheme. You could even have a customisable hot chocolate bar with different ingredients and toppings to keep your guests warm. Finish off the night with a magical firework display for a magical night to remember.
11) Disney wedding theme
A dream is a wish your heart makes, and if your dream is to have a Disney themed wedding, you’re in for a magical experience.
Planning a Disney themed wedding isn’t as difficult as you may think. Your wedding theme could be low-key with just a few hidden Mickeys, based on your favourite film, or even based on your favourite park. Picture a Beauty and The Beast themed wedding with elegant rose centrepieces, gold and blue colour schemes, and a grand ballroom setting.
Alternatively, imagine a Cinderella-inspired wedding where you arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, and your reception features a sparkling glass slipper atop your cake. If you’re looking for something more subtle, consider Mickey-shaped confetti, Disney-themed table names, or Dole Whip desserts.
If you’ve always dreamt of being a prince or princess on your special day, this could be the theme for you. Check out our post all about planning your own Disney themed wedding for more ideas and inspiration!
12) Tuscan vineyard wedding theme
A Tuscan vineyard themed wedding is all about wine and rustic elegance. If you’re a couple of wine lovers, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Picture long wooden tables adorned with lush greenery, grapes, and candles. Serve Italian cuisine, cheese board desserts, and keep the red wine flowing. For a venue, try and find an actual vineyard wedding venue (there are a few dotted around the UK) or beautiful outdoor space, or consider going abroad!
13) Celestial wedding theme
Was your love story written in the stars? Pay homage to your infinite love by creating a celestial wedding theme. Imagine deep blue and gold colour palettes, constellation motifs, and starry fairy lights. Incorporate telescopes for stargazing, moon-shaped decor, and galaxy-inspired desserts like star-shaped macaroons. This theme is perfect for couples who feel their love is truly cosmic.
14) Bright and beautiful wedding theme
Although muted tones and neutral colours seem to be in fashion right now, a bright and beautiful wedding colour scheme will never go out of style.
The great thing about a bright and beautiful theme is that you can incorporate all your favourite colours without worrying about clashing. Think vibrant floral arrangements, colourful linens, and bold bridesmaid dresses. Add fun, eye-catching decor elements like rainbow balloons, multicoloured confetti, bright flowers, and colourful cocktails.
This theme is perfect for a joyful, lively celebration that reflects your vibrant personalities. This theme looks the most beautiful in the height of the wedding season — think spring or summer when the sun is shining and the Pimms is flowing. The sun will dance off the brightly coloured decorations, making it look even brighter.
15) Travel wedding theme
If you and your partner have both caught the travel bug, a travel themed wedding could be just the thing. You can easily incorporate a general love of travel or draw inspiration from the specific places you’ve been during your trips. Think about using maps, globes, and vintage suitcases as decor. Have each table named after a destination you’ve visited, with photos and little stories about your adventures. Your invitations could look like passports, and your favours could be small travel-themed items like luggage tags or mini compasses.
This theme is perfect for showcasing your shared wanderlust and reliving your magical travel memories.
16) Fun fair wedding theme
Bring all the fun of a fair to your special day with coconut shies, candy floss, fun fair games, and colourful bunting. Fun fair weddings are ideal for an outdoor or rustic venue, with decorations that include striped tents, fairy lights, and vintage fairground rides. You could serve classic fairground treats like popcorn, hot dogs, and ice cream for your guests to snack on, and set up game booths and entertainment to keep them out of mischief. Think jugglers, fortune tellers, or stilt walkers.
This playful theme is perfect for couples who want a whimsical and nostalgic celebration that feels like a day at the fair.
17) Literary wedding theme
Bring your love of all things literary to your big day. Consider naming your tables after your favourite books or authors, incorporating vintage books into your centrepieces, or using pages from classic novels for your invitations. Decorate with typewriters, quills, and inkwells for an old-world literary charm. You could even have a reading nook where guests can relax and enjoy some of your favourite passages. This theme is perfect for bookworms who want their wedding day to be a storybook romance.
18) Farm-to-table wedding theme
If you’re throwing an outdoor, rustic wedding, and really want to learn into the country aesthetic, consider throwing a farm-to-table wedding. This theme emphasises locally sourced, seasonal food, served in a beautiful rustic setting. Think long wooden tables decorated with colourful fresh vegetables, pretty wildflowers, and mason or jam jar centrepieces. You can have your guests sit on hay bales, encourage people to wear wellies, and have a country band playing acoustic guitar to really set the scene.
19) Retro wedding theme
If you love the poofy skirts of the 1950s, the big hair of the 1980s, or even the grungy vibes of the early 90s, a retro wedding could be just the thing for you. Decorate your venue with vintage posters, vinyl records, and retro furniture. Have a vintage car for your grand entrance or exit, and consider a jukebox for your music. Encourage your guests to dress in attire from your chosen era, and serve classic cocktails and snacks that were popular at the time.
20) Black tie wedding theme
A black tie wedding theme is different from a black and white colour scheme in that it emphasises formal attire and an upscale atmosphere. Guests are, of course, welcome to wear black and white. But, the main focus of a black tie wedding is upscale glamour. Think elegant evening gowns, tuxedos, and luxurious decor. This theme is perfect for couples who want their wedding to be a glamorous, formal affair.
21) Gothic romance wedding theme
The theme of gothic romance is all about embracing the mysterious, the dramatic, and the beautifully dark. Picture a setting inspired by classic gothic novels and architecture, with deep, rich colours like burgundy, black, and deep purple. Hold your ceremony in a historic castle, a grand old church, or an enchanting forest for an authentic, gothic feel.
For decor, consider using candelabras, antique lace, velvet drapes, and a range of dark, moody flowers. This could include black roses, deep red dahlias, and dark calla lilies. Use dim, romantic lighting with lots of candles and fairy lights to create an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere. Add touches like gothic arches, wrought iron details, and vintage mirrors to complete the look.
22) Mediterranean wedding theme
Whether you’re dreaming of a wedding on the shores of the Mediterranean or simply want to capture the essence of this beautiful region, a Mediterranean wedding theme could be perfect for you. Think vibrant citrus colours, lush greenery, and the warmth of the sun as you celebrate your special day. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the delicious, fresh taste of Mediterranean food. Work closely with your caterer to design a menu that’s both authentic and delightful, with dishes like grilled seafood, fresh salads, olives, and a variety of cheeses.
23) Rainbow wedding theme
If you simply want a vibrant and joyful celebration, a rainbow wedding theme could be just what you need. Think bold, bright colours incorporated into every element of your wedding. From the invitations to the decor, cake, and even the bridal party’s attire, rainbows can be beautifully woven throughout.
You can go subtle, with rainbow accents, colourful confetti, or sweet little touches like rainbow ribbons on bouquets and boutonnieres. For a bolder approach, consider rainbow-coloured table linens, a stunning multi-tiered rainbow cake, and even a rainbow arch for your ceremony backdrop. Your rainbow theme can be as understated or bold as you’d like; the most important thing is that your special day is filled with love, joy, love, and all the colours of the rainbow.
24) Minimalist themed wedding
Keep things classy and understated with a minimalistic themed wedding. This is perfect for couples who appreciate clean lines, simple decor, and an uncluttered aesthetic. Opt for neutral colours, sleek and modern design elements, and an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Think elegant table settings with minimalistic centrepieces, a simple yet stunning wedding dress, and a venue that speaks for itself without too much added decoration. This theme is all about letting the love and joy of the day shine through without any unnecessary distractions.
25) Americana themed wedding
If you love classic Americana style, this is the wedding theme for you. Think nostalgic, rustic charm with a touch of vintage elegance. Incorporate elements like a red, white, and blue colour scheme, star-spangled banners, and classic American icons like Route 66 or vintage cars.
Decorate with authentic mason jars, wooden crates, and bunting, and serve classic American fare like a BBQ, apple pie, and lemonade. You could even have your bridesmaids and groomsmen with leather greaser jackets or have them dress up as the pink ladies! This theme is perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love with a nod to timeless American traditions and a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between a wedding theme and a wedding colour scheme?
Your wedding theme is the broader vision for your big day, while your colour scheme is the group of colours that bring that vision to life. Your colour can contribute to your theme, and in some cases may be the theme. But, the theme encompasses much more than just colours. It includes the overall style, decor, and sometimes even the dress code, for a cohesive look.
What theme is best for a wedding?
The best theme for a wedding is the theme that means the most to you and your partner. It should reflect your personality, interests, and the story of your relationship. Try speaking to your partner about what they feel will be the best theme for your wedding and go from there.
What is the most elegant colour for a wedding?
Elegant colours are generally considered to be cream, champagne, sage green, and blush pink. Think soft, understated colours to create a timeless and refined atmosphere.
Pick your perfect wedding theme with Bridebook
Your wedding theme encompasses the overall look and feel of your big day. It touches every aspect of your wedding, from the food to the dress to the overall decor, so it’s a good idea to pick your theme early and let it guide your decisions.
Whether you’re dreaming of a classic fairy tale, a chic modern celebration, or something uniquely you, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Check out some of our posts about real-life couples and the themes they chose. Alternatively, keep pictures of all your favourite themes in our handy Scrapbook feature and see how they come together. Sign up to Bridebook for free today!
