Do you know your wedding themes? If you can’t decide between boho, rustic, vintage and traditional, you need our must-read guide.
Weddings themes are BIG news. In fact, they are the ultimate wedding must-have. The theme that you choose guides all of the decisions that you make about your big day. From your venue and colour palette through to the flowers, stationery and even the cake that you choose, your wedding theme should be at the heart of everything. But, do you know your wedding themes? What are the essential elements for each and what theme will suit you? Read on for our unmissable guide.
A boho wedding theme
Boho weddings are characterised by a really laidback atmosphere and plenty of alternative details. You won’t find guys in morning suits or receiving lines at a boho wedding but you could well see outdoor ceremonies, open neck shirts and food stalls instead. If you’re not a fan of structure, formality or too much traditional etiquette, then a boho wedding theme could well be the one for you.
Image Courtesy of Rebecca Goddard Photography
To create your boho wedding, start with your venue and somewhere with gorgeous outdoor space, quirky details and a relaxed vibe is just want you want. Grand historic houses are out and homely, cosy and super welcoming spaces are in.
Image Courtesy of Grace Elizabeth
From there, add in the details. Brides, go for an unstructured dress, big flower crown and a wildflower bouquet. Grooms, forget the tie (or opt for a bow tie) and keep your look easy. Floral arrangements need to be lose and almost untamed and go for macramé decorations, naked or translucent cakes and mismatched decorations, a variety of fabrics and don’t even think about having waiters serve guests drinks in fancy glasses – cocktails in mason jars and bottles of beer in ice baths are the way to go!
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Image Courtesy of Soul Makes
A traditional wedding theme
If you were to write down all the elements that immediately come to mind when you think of the word ‘wedding’, you’ll probably be describing a traditional wedding. From guests sitting on ‘sides’ during the ceremony and the bride being escorted up the aisle by her father and bridesmaids to formal speeches, a three-course wedding breakfast and the first dance after the arrival of additional evening guests, a traditional wedding theme is definitely influenced by etiquette. If you want your day to include all the quintessential wedding details, this is the theme for you.
Image Courtesy of Danielle Nowak
A grand venue is the place to start and whether you go for a country estate or a city location, your venue needs the wow factor. Think historic touches, sweeping staircases and beautiful architectural details and you’re on the right track.
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The traditional bride needs to accessorise a ballgown or A-line dress with a veil, a sleek updo and a stunning headpiece. Grooms should be in morning dress, black tie or a great suit at the very least (or tails if you really want to go for it!). Go for rose buttonholes and bouquets, candelabra table decorations, a formal seating plan and super elegant tables. Your top table layout should follow the traditional format, you’ll need a champagne and canapes reception after your ceremony and don’t forget to cut your cake at the right moment!
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Image Courtesy of Justin and Mary
A vintage wedding theme
If the past appeals, then vintage is for you. Whether you’re inspired by the Gatsby glamour of the 1920s, the fabulous 50s or the swinging 60s, basing your wedding day around your favourite era is a great idea. Vintage doesn’t just mean one thing, it can be inspired by any period in history so to make your vintage wedding theme work, choose your decade, do you research and try to stay as faithful to the period as possible.
Image Courtesy of JMC Sweeney Photography
Your venue choice will obvious depend on the era you’ve chosen. A 1920s wedding might need somewhere with plenty of glitz with high ceilings, golden details and even some Art Deco flourishes for example. This is why it’s important to know what decade you’re channelling before you start venue hunting.
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Then, it’s probably time to get yourself on Pinterest and start searching for inspiration. A 1960s wedding would include brighter colours, shorter dresses and decorations that include elements that really represent the era such as vinyl records or beehive hairdos! Anything goes with a vintage wedding and they always work if you stay true to the period. Try to choose details that guests will instantly recognise and understand so everyone goes with the feel of the day.
Image Courtesy of Haywood Jones
Image Courtesy of Christina Karst
A rustic wedding theme
Rustic weddings are super popular and with good reason. Barn weddings, countryside inspired details, wooden decorations and a mix of the formal and the relaxed mean that rustic weddings can give you a lot of flexibility. It’s easy to include or exclude any elements that you want and styling a rustic wedding can be a LOT of fun.
Image Courtesy of Mike Plunkett
A fantastic barn wedding venue is definitely the place to start when you’re planning a rustic wedding. Exposed walls and beams, lots of details and a rural setting is just what you need. From here, you can opt for hog roasts, afternoon teas or hearty meals for your lucky guests alongside cocktails, fab entertainment and a great party vibe.
Image Courtesy of Tobiah Tayo
When it comes to details for your rustic wedding, you’ve got lots of scope to bring your personalities to the day. However, wooden signs, modern calligraphy, pretty seasonal flowers, lanterns, fairylights and lots of greenery work really well. Long, bare wooden tables with potted herbs, hessian runners are absolutely ideal and don’t forget the bunting!
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Seasonal wedding themes are also incredibly popular and of course, summer is THE season for weddings. Take a look at the best summer wedding themes for more inspiration.
