A memorable wedding is always more than the sum of its parts. Every detail, big and small, contributes to the overall ambiance you create for your guests. Wedding themes and styles ensure that every décor item is on point, the catering and entertainment are immersive, and the photo ops are endless.
A clear wedding theme or style will help guide every step of planning process — from creating your initial mood board to choosing your wedding venue and hiring the right vendors. So much goes into selecting the right aesthetic, so keep scrolling for insider tips and examples of some of our favorite themes from real couples.
How to Choose a Wedding Theme or Style
photo courtesy of & posted by: Christine Janda Design & Events || photographer & posted by: Duke Images || photographer: Bamber Photography | posted by: Edge Design Group
Some couples have been dreaming about their big day since they were children. Others find themselves engaged and have no idea where to start. While a full-scale wedding planner and design team can assist you in creating a mood board, it’s a good idea to have a general conception of how you want your wedding to look and feel before you begin the planning process.
Consider the following factors when deciding on your wedding theme or style:
Personality & Lifestyle
photo courtesy of & posted by: Foxtail Catering & Events || photographer & posted by: Duke Images || photographer: Lindsay Roman | posted by: Storied Events
Every wedding theme is beautiful in its own way, and each has its advantages. None of that matters, however, unless the style resonates with you and your beloved. If you’re more laid-back and prefer spending time in nature, you might prefer a rustic-style wedding. If you gravitate toward the latest trends, a modern or whimsical wedding might be the perfect choice.
Before choosing a wedding theme, consider your likes and dislikes. Even something as simple as your favorite color could determine your overall vibe. For example, neutral tones pair best with a modern or classic aesthetic, while dark and sultry hues perfectly match a moody or romantic look.
Venue Type & Location
photographer: Lena Mirisola Photography | posted by: Boston Athenaeum || photographer: Melissa Stimpson Photography | posted by: Elizabeth Lutz Events & Design || photographer: Matt Rice Photography | posted by: The Colony Palm Beach
Finalizing your venue choice is easily one of the most important items on your wedding to-do list. Your venue will affect everything from your guest count and event flow to the catering and entertainment offerings. It also influences the vibe of your celebration.
Venue types (and even locations) boast different aesthetics; and while a talented planner can transform most venues to fit your vision, it’s often easier to create a theme around the venue itself. For example, a theme that works well in an ornate ballroom might not be as suitable in a lush garden courtyard.
PartySlate makes it easy to narrow down your preferred venues by venue type with our curated Find a Wedding Venue page. Use the filters to narrow your search by ballrooms, museums, rooftops, and so much more.
Guest Experience
photographer: LA76 Strategic Design | posted by: Rafanelli Events || photographer: Michelle Beller Photography | posted by: Revelry Event Designers || photographer: One Love Photography | posted by: Dee Lee Designs
While your wedding day is undeniably centered around you and your beloved, it’s also an opportunity to connect with the most important people in your life. Think about it: How many times in your life will all of your loved ones be gathered in the same room?
Consider the guest experience when choosing your wedding style. Do you imagine your guests decked out in black-tie attire or less formal cocktail wear? Are you hoping to get everyone on the dance floor with a club-style DJ or more interested in a jazz band that still allows for lingering conversations over dessert?
While every wedding style can certainly accommodate a variety of guest experiences, certain themes more easily cater to particular dining, entertainment, and immersive décor arrangements. For example, a Champagne tower will always look classic — but twist tradition with a burgundy wine tower for your moody affair or rosé for your whimsical garden celebration.
Save countless scrolls searching through Pinterest, and find our favorite wedding themes below. Make sure to click “See More Photos” for a deeper look at each style.
Wedding Theme & Style Ideas
Opt for a timeless aesthetic with a classic wedding style. Lean into simple color palettes, round or posy-shaped floral arrangements, and elegant furnishings that will always be popular — regardless of the decade.
Rewrite the wedding playbook with a modern wedding theme. Go for bold colors and striking accent pieces, contemporary materials like acrylic or metal, and dramatic geometric designs.
Lean into an unconventional style with a boho wedding theme. Think neutral pampas grass, lush ferns, and plenty of fringe.
Make your own fairytale come true with a romantic wedding theme. Embrace dreamy elements like blush tones, candlelight, and lavish floral décor for optimal effect.
A rustic wedding style if the perfect choice for couples who want to incorporate natural elements into their celebration. Curate the perfect setting with elements of wood, metal, wildflowers, and lantern light.
Bring playfulness and creativity to your nuptials with a whimsical wedding theme. Delight with bright colors and imaginative design elements that spark joy at every turn.
Indulge in romance and mystery with moody wedding style. Incorporate bold color palettes, lush florals, and lavish candlelight to heighten the drama.
Everything old is new again with a vintage wedding theme. It’s time to rediscover the modern appeal of lace, crystal, velvets, and gilded décor.
Paradise awaits with a tropical wedding theme. Choose plenty of lush tropical foliage like monstera leaves, palm fronds, and colorful blooms — plus wicker details and romantic string lighting.
Garden weddings represent new beginnings and renewal. Recreate the beauty of a tranquil garden space with abundant greenery, sumptuous floral décor, and luminous lighting.
Capture the beauty of the night sky with a celestial-themed wedding. Wow with astrological motifs and décor, dreamy blue color palettes, and creative lighting galore.
Step into a living fairytale with décor that enchants and delights. Consider glittering candlelight, lush foliage, and fragrant blooms.
People Also Ask…
How do I choose my wedding colors to match my theme?
Wedding colors set the tone for your celebration. While there are many factors that go into choosing your wedding color palette — seasonality, cultural significance, popularity — wedding themes may be a contributing element.
Colors and their combinations invariably evoke moods — and are therefore more compatible with certain styles. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting your color palette, the following color schemes are a great starting point. Check out some of our favorite hues for each wedding style:
Do I need to hire a Wedding Planner?
We always recommend hiring a wedding planner before you check off any other item on your wedding to-do list. Luxury wedding planner and Chief Experience Officer of KIS(cubed) Events,
Nirjary M. Desai, tells couples, “The day of your wedding should be one of joy and celebration, free from logistical worries. A wedding planner serves as the conductor of your event, seamlessly managing the schedule, coordinating with vendors, and addressing any unforeseen issues that arise. This allows you to be fully present, relishing every moment with your loved ones. Our presence provides peace of mind, knowing that a professional is handling every detail with the highest level of care and expertise.”
PartySlate makes it easy to find a wedding planner near you. Click on the link to head to PartySlate’s curated directory, and look for the “featured” tags to learn more about PartySlate’s top recommendations. Make sure to click into a preferred planner’s PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work. You can then send an inquiry through their profile or the directory page.
How else can PartySlate help me plan my wedding?
PartySlate is your one-stop-shop for planning a memorable wedding or event. You’ll find helpful directories and curated inspiration — all in one place. Explore some of the ways PartySlate can can help you kick-start your planning process with the following guides.
featured event planner
KIS(cubed) Events
We love how KIS(cubed) Events is a full-service planning agency that focuses on every detail. Based in Atlanta, their team works with clients to design seamless events. photographer: Gareth Davies Photography