Make It Memorable

By Christopher Crown

May 20, 2021 4 min read

When countless weddings among your friends and family are broadcast across social media, it can be hard to feel like yours will be unique. Of course, your ceremony, vows, guests and speeches will be distinctly yours, but you could also lean into the idea of a wedding theme. As this trend grows, wedding planners and vendors are prepared to create themed weddings and excited by the challenge. If you don't want just a wedding-themed wedding, choose a theme that fits your style and dazzles your guests.

Although the theme may seem like a fun add-on, many wedding planners stress the importance of choosing the theme first and planning around it. Third Floor Tailors, a high-end wedding tailor and custom design company, says that doing so allows you to streamline decisions down the road: With seemingly infinite options for dresses, decorations, party favors, food, drinks, etc., a theme narrows down the options significantly and therefore relieves pressure.

One of the first considerations in defining your theme is your wedding season. Most likely, you will have nailed down a general date range, so making a hard-and-fast decision on the season will anchor the rest of your planning process. Bridal Guide writer Kristen Finello recommends throwing a theme that mimics the beauty of nature during that particular season. Go for "Fall Foliage," "A Taste of Winter," "Garden Delights" or "Easygoing Elegance." Now, these are just starting points; you can use the season to determine some of your food and decor and then branch out.

A big part of choosing a theme is knowing how you want the guests to feel when they leave. What atmosphere are you looking to create? For example, if you're imagining an over-the-top party with gaudy decorations and wild outfits, a Roaring '20s theme could be right for you. Select an older, sleek, classy art deco venue with warm lighting, metallic accents, a dance floor and upbeat jazz. Say you want a more formal feel; consider a ballroom with more reserved decorations and a black-tie dress code. Since we've had such a long hiatus from friends and family over the last year, many couples might just want a simple barn or backyard wedding, where they can focus on fun, elegant colors, cozy spaces, intimate decorations and plenty of space to dance and reconnect.

Andrea Fowler of The Knot and Blair Donovan at Brides.com say the following themes have been popular since 2018:

-- Alternative: Think quirky colors, specialized themes (e.g., "Star Wars," music festival, comics), moody palettes and norm-breaking venues (e.g., an old movie theatre, a concert venue, a library).

-- Southern-inspired/country: Classy yet down-to-earth is the idea. Think bowties and whiskey sours, comfort food, pastel hues, barn dances and cowboy boots. An estate or scenic farm would be choice venues.

-- Bohemian/natural: This theme would show minimalist, mismatched, eco-friendly decor including baskets, ropes and twine, plants and canvas. A botanical garden or park would be the perfect setting.

-- Tropical/nautical: Bright blues and sunny colors pair with beachy decor like shells, anchors and ropes for this theme. It's also perfect for a destination wedding.

-- Travel: There are endless options here. Venture out by sampling food and decorations from all over, or focus on a specific region or city. You can even dial in on your honeymoon destination. Fill your decor with postcards, luggage, passport-style invitations or Polaroid stations with backdrops from across the globe.

Allow yourselves ample time to consider what theme will truly make your vision come alive and take your breath away. Which matches the style of celebration you want? How would you like to dress (and see others dressed) for the greatest party of your life? Get creative. Peruse your resources. Consult your friends. Dress up. Have fun. And remember: This is your day.

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