There is nothing more magical than a wedding, a day dedicated to all things love and the coming together of two families. The big day gives every couple the perfect opportunity to plan an event that is filled with all of their favourite things and, most importantly, their favourite people. So, how can you make sure that your wedding encapsulates the personalities of you and your partner? Well, it’s all through the theme, of course! So whether you are set on the traditional white wedding or are looking for something a little quirkier, then we’ve put together a host of beautiful wedding theme ideas for inspiration!
What Are Popular Wedding Themes?
Having specialised in photo booth hire in London for many years, we have been lucky enough to attend hundreds of simply stunning weddings across the capital. This means that when it comes to wedding themes, you name it, and there’s a significant chance that we’ve seen it! So, what better way to help newlyweds-to-be on their journey than to share some of our personal favourites? Without further ado, let’s take answer the question of “what are popular wedding themes” and how can you bring them to life.
1. Vintage Wedding Theme
If you adore the beauty of vintage-style clothing and decor, then this most definitely makes for a beautiful wedding theme. From opting for a floating, embellished wedding dress to beginning your new chapter as newlyweds by being whisked away in a VW Campervan, you will not be short for vintage-inspired wedding additions!
When it comes to planning a vintage themed wedding, think of pastel colours, delicate flowers and handmade gestures. Whether it may be making your own invitations or using your creative side to design wedding favours, adopting the handcrafted approach allows you to add a meaningful, personal touch to every aspect of your day. Brown paper, lace and parcel tags are all super affordable supplies and are ideal for creating your vintage wedding stationery or decorations. You could even consider putting together your own delicious table of goodness for the reception based on an afternoon tea theme. Cupcakes, scones and all-time favourite sweets are just some of the many treats that you can offer your guests for a quick boost of energy before they get back on the dancefloor in the evening. The sweets can be stored in retro glass jars with bakes served on tiered cake stands, all complete with bunting and lace for decor. For more ideas on how you can plan the perfect vintage wedding theme, head over to Wedding Wire!
2. Whimsical Wedding Theme
One of the prettiest, most enchanting wedding themes has to be whimsical, all based on the idea of a magical secret garden. A whimsical wedding should be all about embracing the outdoors, incorporating nature into every component while adding a splash of vibrant colours. While they are ideal for all times of the year, whimsical weddings are best suited to those who would like to tie the knot in the summer as to take full advantage of the theme; it is always better to choose an outdoor venue. Marquees, in particular, are a fantastic way to incorporate a secret garden feel, where guests have to walk through a trail of nature before they are welcomed by a tent filled with blossoms and twinkling lights. We have seen many couples decorate their marquee and the surrounding trees with fairy lights and lanterns, making their venue glisten as night falls.
There are absolutely hundreds of ways that you can transform your wedding into a whimsical wonderland, all starting with the decorations. As mentioned above, flowers should remain the focal point of your decor, filling reception tables with extravagant centrepieces, whether this may be in a simple white theme or with pinks, purples and shades of cream. The wedding cake too can be complete with a beautifully delicate flower arrangement, just like those featured in Brides’ article on the prettiest floral wedding cakes!
3. Rustic Wedding Theme
If you love the idea of both vintage and whimsical wedding themes just as much as we do, but can’t choose between the two, then rustic will be the way to go! Incorporating the old-school vibe of a vintage wedding with the enchantment of a whimsical theme, a rustic wedding allows you to have the perfect balance between relaxed yet still filled with everything you could have ever dreamed of.
For those who are searching for the perfect rustic wedding venue, a barn is always the way to go! There are so many wonderful barn venues across the country which have been designed specifically for weddings, which means that they look breathtaking from both the outside and inside. And even better, by choosing a location that encapsulates your theme, decorating your space will become a piece of cake (don’t worry, we’ll get onto the cake very soon)! Simply opt for wooden reception tables, complete with floral table runners and plenty of candles for a cosy, warm glow. You could even consider using logs for the finishing touches, whether these may be as place names, table mats or the cake stand. Talking of cake, we adore the idea of a semi-naked wedding cake for a rustic theme. Covered only partially in buttercream before being completed with the decorations of your choice, a semi-naked wedding cake not only tastes delicious but is designed with a rustic feel in mind.
4. Winter Wonderland
As one of the most popular wedding themes, winter wonderland is an excellent choice if you are eager to say your “I Do’s” over the festive period. Due to the nature of the theme, it will require a slightly higher budget as there will be several components that you’ll need to incorporate the magic of a winter wonderland. When it comes to a venue, we would say the more luxurious, the better. Manor houses, for example, make for a beautiful backdrop, especially if you are lucky enough to enjoy crisp frost and a sprinkling of snow on your big day. Bridebook has put together a super-useful article on 30 of the best winter wedding venues in the UK.
Once you have chosen your venue, it’s time to start setting the scene. Of course, any winter wonderland theme will be based on a simple white colour scheme, complemented by accents of blue, purple and hints of silver. The centrepieces of your tables, in particular, are ideal for incorporating colour through intricate ornaments and candles, accompanied by white flowers. One idea that we particularly love is using large-scale leafless artificial tree around your venue, whether this may be along the aisle or surrounding your reception area, either dusted with snow or decorated with twinkling fairy lights. This will create the feel of an enchanted winter forest, fit for a fairytale.
Much like the vintage wedding theme, the perfect finishing touch to your winter wonderland is delicious treats to enjoy at the end of the evening. Many of our clients opt for hiring our Belgium chocolate fountain in London, complete with tasty dipping foods such as marshmallows and strawberries. Just like you would sit around a fire, snuggled up in the winter toasting marshmallows, guests can enjoy a sweet treat covered in chocolatey goodness!
5. Bohemian Themed Wedding
For the super laidback, carefree couple, this one is for you! Celebrate your wedding in the great outdoors, surrounded by vibrant colours, good food and even better company with a bohemian theme. When it comes to the boho-style wedding, there are no rules, meaning that you can add a touch of personality to every aspect. We particularly love the idea of taking a relaxed approach to catering, and instead of planning a three-course, sit-down meal, give guests the opportunity to help themselves. While a BBQ is by far the most popular choice, why not consider a grazing table? Filled with fresh cheese, various meats, chutneys and fruits, everyone can help themselves to as much or little delicious bite-sized treats that they wish. Head over to Good Housekeeping for more ideas on how to create the perfect grazing table to meet the tastebuds of every guest!
For the colour scheme of a bohemian wedding, the more vibrant, the better. Whether you opt for boldly patterned chair covers, an array of different flower bouquets or pompoms to hang from the trees, you most definitely will not be short for ideas. To make sure that every moment is captured, an excellent idea is to place instant print cameras around the venue with a photo board where guests can take snaps and hang them up. Simply grab a large piece of wood, attach some string and some crocodile clips, then voila, you have a handmade photo display that can be kept forever!
6. Tropical
So many couples dream of a wedding on the beach in the sunshine and to be honest, we don’t think anyone can blame them! So, whether you have been lucky enough to jet off abroad for your big day or have your fingers crossed that you are blessed with British sunshine, there is an abundance of ways that you can plan the ultimate tropical-themed wedding.
When you hear the word tropical, you think the monstera leaf, pink hibiscus flowers and the white sand beaches, so this is what your decor should be based on. And even if you cannot venture to the beach to tie the knot, there is no reason why you cannot bring the beach to you! One of the most popular ways to incorporate the tropical theme is to frame the area that you plan to say your “I Do’s” with a leafy ceremony arch, complete, of course, with beautiful colourful flowers. This makes for a simply stunning backdrop for photos and looking fabulous against a white wedding dress. You can then continue this theme when decorating your reception tables with a floral arrangement complemented by rose gold dinnerware and cutlery. Why not even swap your glasses for coconut cups complete with a straw?
7. Traditional Fairytale
No guide to the most popular wedding themes would be complete without the traditional fairytale-inspired day. Set in a luxury stately home decorated with ornate flower arrangements and finished with a three-course, sit-down meal, the fairytale wedding takes you to a setting that only seems possible in a world of dreams!
Every fairytale wedding begins with the most magical of ceremonies, which means that your chosen location must provide the perfect backdrop. It is entirely your choice as to whether you opt for an enchanting outdoor ceremony venue or an extravagant indoor space filled with luxury. Either way, for a setting fit for royalty, a long aisle complete with white drapes and roses will be essential. If you’re stuck for inspiration on where to begin your hunt for a fairytale venue, take a look at Bride Magazine.
For traditional wedding decor, there is no such thing as too luxurious – if you can’t go OTT on your wedding day, then when can you? So whether you want a space filled with chandeliers, floral centrepieces draped with crystals or gold decorative dinnerware, then your big day is the perfect excuse. One of our personal favourite for a white wedding is our LED light-up letters, which can be personalised to you. The letters are freestanding and equipped with white lights, making them a gorgeous finishing touch for your venue. For more information on our venue decorations available for wedding hire in London, do not hesitate to contact our team!
8. Beach Themed Wedding
Last, most definitely not least, is a beach themed wedding! This theme is great whether you are beside the beach or in the middle of the city wanting a glimpse of the sunshine. One of our favourite ideas is to feature a floral arch, preferably pink or white at the end of the aisle; alternatively, you can feature it above the main wedding table to create a centre stage. Much like some of our other wedding theme examples, fairy lights are also an addition that we highly recommend when trying to create this theme. Adding wooden beams where you can wrap the fairy lights around the top, or drape over some white curtains for a beachy vibe.
While you may want to maintain a stunning and elegant wedding, for the reception, you can go all out to make sure that everyone enjoys the beach themed wedding. For example, for the food, you can have a BBQ with a selection of meats and fish that take you back to the Caribbean or have a drinks van to refresh your guests. If there are children at your reception, then you can even include a sandpit, some blowup beach balls and loads of other fun beach-themed activities.
Plan The Wedding Of Your Dreams!
There is nothing more exciting than planning your big day, and deciding on the theme is most definitely one of the best parts! Your theme should always be a representation of you and your partner so that your wedding can be filled with all of the things and the people that you love the most. From the venue itself to all of the finishing touches, there are a wealth of different ways that you can incorporate your theme. And if you need a helping hand with the entertainment, then our team at The Big Collective are just a phone call away. Including photo booths, food entertainment and our digital graffiti wall in London, you most definitely will not be short for ideas!
