Ever dreamt of saying ‘I do’ in a real-life fairytale? Alternatively, perhaps it’s your dream to get married in a tiki paradise, a magical winter wonderland, or in the middle of a teddy bear’s picnic? Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of themed weddings.
A themed wedding isn’t just any ordinary celebration — it’s your chance to sprinkle a little extra magic and personality into your big day. From channelling your inner Disney prince or princess to paying homage to your favourite hobby, the possibilities are endless with a creative wedding theme.
Planning your themed wedding needn’t be stressful or daunting. In fact, it’s pretty straightforward when you have the right tools. So, whether you’re planning a colourful autumn bash or a classy tea party, we’ve got you covered with some handy tips and tricks to make your dream wedding a reality.
What is a themed wedding?
A themed wedding is a wedding planned around a specific theme or idea. Themed weddings can be as diverse as your imagination allows, and you can theme a wedding in any way you’d like. Whether you’re hoping to replicate your favourite film, recreate a specific historical era, or showcase your shared interests, a themed wedding is your opportunity to infuse your big day with personality and charm.
Theming a wedding is all about weaving your chosen theme into every aspect of the celebration, from the decor and attire to the entertainment and cuisine. Theming can be overt or understated depending on your preference, and the key is to make it uniquely yours. Don’t hold back if you want a clear theme on your big day. However, equally, don’t be afraid to make it understated — as long as you get it, that’s all that matters.
What are the most popular wedding themes?
According to our 2024 Engagement Report, one of the key wedding trends for 2024 is the rise in popularity of rustic weddings. We found that 39% of Millennials and Gen Z couples are planning rustic-style weddings, including having a barn or farmhouse as their wedding venue. A rustic wedding draws inspiration from the countryside, incorporating elements of nature, vintage decor, DIY touches and warm, earthy tone.
Among Gen Z in particular, very specifically themed weddings are also in, with 6% of these couples planning a themed wedding. Popular themed wedding styles include Disney, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Halloween, celestial, festival and throwbacks like the 80s or TV sitcoms or movies.
That said, one-third of all engaged still prefer a traditional wedding theme.
What are some classic wedding theme ideas?
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve put together some classic wedding theme ideas. These themes can provide inspiration for every aspect of your big day, from the venue and decor to the attire and entertainment. Choose a theme that resonates with you as a couple and sets the perfect tone for your celebration.
Boho/Rustic: Embrace natural elements, relaxed vibes, and a touch of whimsy with a boho or rustic wedding. Think forest ceremonies, wildflowers, dreamcatchers, and mismatched decor.
Vintage/Gatsby: Transport your guests back in time with a vintage-inspired wedding. Think art deco venues, glamorously-beaded flapper style dresses, classic cars, elaborate champagne towers, and jazz music.
Beach/Tropical: Bring the beach to your wedding with a tropical theme. Think sandy shores, palm trees, seashells, and vibrant floral arrangements.
Fairytale/Princess: Fulfil your fairytale dreams with a princess or Disney-themed wedding. Think castle venues, horse-drawn carriages, ballgown dresses, and enchanted decor.
Hollywood/Glamorous: Roll out the red carpet with a glamorous Hollywood-themed wedding. Think black-tie attire, sparkling decor, vintage cameras, and a touch of old-school glamour.
Travel/Adventure: Celebrate your love for adventure with a travel-themed wedding. Think vintage suitcases, world map decor, passport-style invitations, and cuisine from around the globe.
Masquerade/Venetian: Add an air of mystery and romance with a masquerade-themed wedding. Think ornate masks, rich colours, candlelit venues, and opulent decor.
Garden Party: Host a whimsical garden party wedding surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. Think outdoor venues, pastel colors, floral arches, and vintage tea sets.
Planning your themed wedding
Trying to plan a themed wedding? Read on for 8 easy steps on how to plan the perfect themed wedding.
Step 1: Pick your theme
The first step is to pick your theme. As above, themes can be showy or understated, and just about any concept or idea can be made into a theme. For example, you could choose a theme based on your favourite film, book, or hobby, or draw inspiration from elements such as nature, seasons, or cultural traditions.
If you’re stuck for ideas, check out some of these fun themed weddings planned right here on Bridebook by real couples.
- Alice & James’ DIY Festival Themed Farm Wedding
- Beth & David’s Magical Disney Barn Wedding
- Catherine & Robert’s Botanical Houseplant Themed Wedding
- Rebecca & Tom’s Subtly Nerdy Fantasy Themed Castle Wedding
- Joanne & Luke’s Fabulous Lord of the Rings Themed Wedding
- Mel & Andy’s Whimsical Alice in Wonderland Themed Wedding
- Victoria & Chris’ Mythology and Lore Storytelling Themed Wedding
- Jesse & Andy’s Perfectly Enchanting Christmas Themed Wedding
The theme of your wedding will underpin every aspect of your special day, so be sure to pick something which genuinely reflects you as a couple and embodies the atmosphere you want to create for your guests.
Step 2: Set your budget
The next step is to set a budget for your big day. Although it can be difficult to narrow down all the exciting possibilities, having a budget in mind will help you make decisions which align with your financial situation. Start by determining how much you’re willing and able to spend overall, then break down your budget into categories such as venue, decor, attire, catering, and entertainment.
Pro tip: If your budget is a little tighter than you anticipated, consider asking your parents or family if they’d be willing to contribute. If you’re struggling to approach the conversation, check out our guide to asking your parents for a donation towards your wedding.
Step 3: Pick your venue
The next step is to pick a wedding venue which aligns with your theme. For example, if you’re planning a whimsical or fairytale wedding, consider viewing forest or castle venues. Equally, if you’re hoping for a more rustic or vintage-themed wedding, look into countryside or barn venues. Your venue sets the stage for your themed wedding and can greatly enhance the overall atmosphere of your big day.
As you explore potential venues, keep in mind not only how they look and feel, but also how they’ll work for you and your guests. You’ll need to consider the parking situations, bathroom facilities, catering options, accessibility, transportation, and more.
Take your time while viewing potential venues. Your venue arguably has the biggest impact on the theme and feel of your big day. So, take your time, ask lots of questions, and trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to that feeling. Keep searching until you find the perfect match.
Step 4: Pick a colour palette
You should then turn your attention to your colour palette. Changing your colour palette is a great way to subtly incorporate a theme or specific mood into your wedding. For example, soft pastels will lend themselves to a romantic or whimsical theme, while brighter colours are better for modern, summer, or tropical themed weddings.
Think of your wedding colour scheme as a spice in your favourite dish. It should be sprinkled throughout your big day without overwhelming the decor or distracting from the overall ambiance. You should also consider how your chosen colours will interact with the other elements of your wedding, such as the venue, decor, attire, flowers and everything else. For example, if the walls of the venue are a light green, bright orange tablecloths may not be a great choice.
Step 5: Pick your caterers
Your catering is another simple but effective way to add to the overall theme and ambiance of the big day. For example, if you’re planning a tropical or beach themed wedding, try opting for fresh seafood, tropical fruit, or exotic flavours. Equally, if you’re planning a whimsical tea party, cucumber finger sandwiches, scones with butter and jam, little bowls of crisps, and strawberries and cream are all great choices.
Be sure to work closely with your wedding caterers to make sure you’re happy with the menu on your big day. People always remember the food, so it’s important you get it right.
Step 6: Bits and bobs
Congratulations! That’s all the big bits organised! The venue, budget, food, and colours are generally considered to be your ‘big ticket’ elements when it comes to planning a themed wedding, and can be the trickiest, but also most important, parts of wedding planning to finalise. These decisions will impact all the other choices you make, so it’s important you pick these first before moving onto the smaller aspects or details of wedding planning.
Other details might include wedding rings, your own dress and that of your bridesmaids, decor, flowers, a wedding cake, and so on. Individually, these are smaller decisions compared to the venue or budget. However, all together, they add up to a significant part of your big day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the planning, try making use of Bridebook’s free, easy-to-use wedding planning tools and advice. This includes a wedding to-do list, a guest list planner, great educational and/or inspirational articles, and pop-up alerts to help you keep on top of all your wedding planning.
For a little decor inspiration, we’ve got a host of brilliant DIY wedding decor ideas to help inspire your themed wedding and get your creative juices flowing, plus ideas for wedding table decorations and ideas for wedding centrepieces.
Step 7: Finalise the logistics
The second-to-last step is to pull everything together. It’s time to wrap up all those little details and make sure everything flows seamlessly on the big day. This step is all about dotting the Is and crossing the Ts to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly.
First things first, let’s double-check any contracts with your vendors. Make sure everyone’s on the same page about delivery times, setup needs, and any special requests. It’s all about avoiding those last-minute surprises!
Next up, let’s nail down that timeline. From the ‘I dos’ to the last dance, does everyone know where they need to be and when? This will keep everyone organised and prevent stress on the big day.
Then, a quick check on your transport and you’re good to go. Everything’s in place for the most special day of your life.
Step 8: Enjoy your special day
Finally, take a moment to soak it all in. Your themed wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment, surrounded by friends and family. It’s one of the most magical days of your life, so cherish every hug, every laugh, and every dance as you embark on this incredible journey together. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and may your themed celebration be everything you’ve dreamed of and more!
The bottom line on themed weddings
Themed weddings are a great way to infuse your personal style, hobbies, and interests into your big day. Your wedding theme can be overt or subtle depending on your preference, and can easily be tweaked to match your unique personalities as a couple. From picking the perfect theme that speaks to you, to bringing it to life through your venue choice, decor, attire, and cuisine, every step of planning is your opportunity to make your big day uniquely you.
So, get your thinking cap on and let your creative juices flow. Once you’ve got your venue, theme, budget, and colour scheme down, you’ll be surprised how easily the ideas come to you. But, if you’re struggling to pull it all together, check out the free Bridebook app. It has handy reminders, great articles, and some brilliant examples of other themed weddings to inspire your creative process.
What are you waiting for? Time to get planning!
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