Choosing a wedding theme is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Your theme sets the tone for the entire day, influencing everything from your décor and colour scheme to your attire and venue choice. But with so many styles to choose from—classic, rustic, bohemian, modern, vintage—it can feel overwhelming.
Rather than picking a theme based purely on what’s trendy, it’s important to consider what truly reflects you as a couple. Your wedding should be a celebration of your unique love story, personalities, and shared interests. To help you narrow down your choices and find a wedding theme that feels authentic and meaningful, here are some key questions to ask yourself.
What Atmosphere Do We Want to Create?
Before diving into specific themes, think about the overall mood and atmosphere you want your wedding to have. Do you envision an elegant and romantic celebration, a laid-back and intimate gathering, or a lively and vibrant party?
Some couples prefer a black-tie affair with candlelit dinners and glamorous décor, while others love the idea of a casual outdoor wedding with fairy lights and picnic-style seating. Your wedding should reflect how you want your guests to feel—whether it’s formal, whimsical, relaxed, or sophisticated.
Think about previous weddings you’ve attended or seen online. What kind of weddings have left the biggest impression on you? What elements made them special? By identifying the kind of atmosphere that resonates with you, you can start shaping your theme around that vision.
What Colours Are We Drawn To?
Colour plays a huge role in shaping the look and feel of your wedding. Your colour palette will guide your choice of flowers, table décor, bridesmaid dresses, and even stationery.
Consider what colours you naturally gravitate toward. Do you love soft pastels, bold jewel tones, or neutral, earthy shades? If you’re unsure, take inspiration from your wardrobe, home décor, or favourite artwork. These are often great indicators of the colours that make you feel happy and comfortable.
It’s also helpful to think about how different colours align with specific themes. For example:
Romantic weddings often feature soft pinks, blush, ivory, and gold.
Bohemian weddings incorporate warm tones like terracotta, rust, mustard, and earthy greens.
Modern weddings tend to favour monochrome palettes, metallic accents, or minimalist shades.
Rustic weddings work well with natural hues like sage, taupe, and dusty rose.
Once you have a general idea of your preferred colours, you can explore wedding inspiration boards to see how they work together in a theme.
Where Will the Wedding Take Place?
Your venue can significantly influence your theme. A grand historic manor is naturally suited to a vintage or classic wedding, while a beachfront setting lends itself to a tropical or nautical theme. Choosing a theme that complements the venue will make the décor feel cohesive and intentional.
If you already have a venue in mind, consider how its existing features can enhance your wedding theme. For example:
A barn venue works beautifully with rustic, country, or bohemian themes.
A hotel ballroom is perfect for glamorous, modern, or black-tie weddings.
A garden or outdoor venue pairs well with whimsical, botanical, or nature-inspired themes.
A warehouse or industrial space is ideal for minimalist, urban, or contemporary weddings.
If you haven’t chosen a venue yet, think about whether you want to find a location that fits your theme or adapt your theme to suit the venue.
What Time of Year Are We Getting Married?
Seasonality plays a big role in shaping your wedding theme, as different styles and colours work better during certain times of the year. While you’re not restricted to seasonal trends, incorporating seasonal elements can enhance the overall experience.
Spring weddings are perfect for pastel colours, floral-heavy décor, and garden themes.
Summer weddings work well with bright, cheerful tones, outdoor venues, and tropical or beach themes.
Autumn weddings lend themselves to warm, rich colours like burgundy, burnt orange, and deep greens, often paired with rustic or woodland themes.
Winter weddings suit deep jewel tones, icy blues, and elegant, cosy aesthetics with candles and fairy lights.
If you have a particular season in mind, use it as inspiration when finalising your theme.
What Are Our Shared Interests & Passions?
Your wedding is a reflection of you as a couple, so why not incorporate elements of your personalities and interests into the theme? Think about the things that bring you joy as a couple—whether it’s travelling, music, books, or a particular era in history.
Do you love travelling together? A destination wedding or a travel-themed wedding with vintage postcards and luggage tags might be perfect.
Are you both food lovers? A farm-to-table wedding with gourmet catering or a street-food-style reception could reflect your love of cuisine.
Do you have a favourite era? A 1920s Gatsby-inspired wedding or a 1950s vintage celebration could add a unique twist.
Are you nature lovers? A botanical or woodland theme with lots of greenery and sustainable décor would suit your style.
Incorporating elements of your relationship into the theme will make your wedding feel more personal and meaningful.
Do We Want a Traditional or Non-Traditional Wedding?
Some couples prefer a wedding that follows classic traditions, while others want to break the mould and do something unique. If you’re drawn to timeless elegance, a classic white wedding with traditional elements like a church ceremony and formal reception might be the best choice.
If you want to put your own spin on things, consider alternative wedding themes that reflect your creativity:
A festival-style wedding with live music and food trucks.
A bohemian wedding with barefoot vows, tipi tents, and wildflower bouquets.
A modern, minimalist wedding with simple décor and sleek, contemporary styling.
Think about how traditional or unconventional you want your wedding to be before settling on a theme.
What Kind of Dress & Attire Do We Envision?
The type of wedding dress and attire you’re drawn to can help determine your theme. If you imagine yourself in a flowing lace gown with flower crowns, a bohemian or woodland theme might be a great fit. If you love the idea of a sleek satin gown and black-tie attire, a modern or glamorous theme could be ideal.
Similarly, consider how your theme will influence your bridal party’s outfits. Would your bridesmaids look best in mismatched, relaxed dresses for a rustic wedding, or coordinated, elegant gowns for a formal affair? Does your partner prefer a classic tuxedo or a more relaxed, casual suit? These details will help guide your decision-making.
What Is Our Budget?
Your wedding theme should align with your budget. Some themes, like luxury, black-tie, or elaborate fairytale weddings, require significant investment in décor, florals, and venue styling. Others, like minimalist or rustic weddings, can be executed beautifully on a smaller budget.
If you have a limited budget but love an opulent theme, consider prioritising statement pieces—such as a stunning floral arch or elegant tablescapes—while keeping other details simple. DIY elements, second-hand décor, and hiring items instead of purchasing can also help bring your dream theme to life without overspending.
How Will This Theme Age Over Time?
Trendy wedding themes can be tempting, but consider whether you’ll still love your chosen style in 10 or 20 years. Your wedding photos will be cherished forever, so choose a theme that feels timeless and reflective of who you are. If you love a specific trend, incorporate elements of it rather than basing your entire wedding around something that might feel dated later on.
Conclusion
Choosing your wedding theme is a deeply personal decision that should reflect your style, personality, and love story. By asking yourself these important questions, you can narrow down your options and create a wedding that feels both meaningful and visually stunning.
Once you have a theme in mind, everything else—venue, décor, outfits, and even stationery—will fall into place more easily. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself and choose a theme that makes you feel excited and joyful.
With the right theme in place, your wedding will be a beautiful and unforgettable celebration of your love!
