A Guide to All-White Wedding Decor

There's something undeniably classic and timeless about an all-white wedding, which is why it's been a go-to for brides for decades. But just because an all-white color palette has been popular forever doesn't mean you can't reinvent the wheel. In fact, we encourage you to do so! There's so much you can do with white. Think white dresses for your girls, white tableware on the tables, and white flowers at the altar.

And beyond where you can use white, there are different types of things you can do with the same color. Take white flowers, for instance, because you can find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. You can mix and match white blooms of different textures (or even add greenery!) to create something unique, or you can choose to stick to a single bloom to make an unexpected statement on its own (see the ranunculus garland below).

Also, we want to note that white wedding decor doesn't always have to read formal and traditional (as it's often done). That's why we included fun, whimsical ideas (in white, of course!) to give you inspiration. We especially love the idea of including your guests in the color scheme by giving them an all-white dress code. We've found that implementing a specific dress code actually excites guests and makes it easier for them to choose their wedding-day attire, so no need to stress if you go that route!

Seating

At this outdoor affair in Colorado, the bride draped bistro chairs with garlands of clematis to match her bridal bouquet. The resulting look was romantic but not overdone, and it didn't take away from their statement altar!

Table Settings

This couple was inspired by the Spanish moss dangling from the trees at their Charleston venue and recreated that beautifully-draped look in their reception space with moss, white delphinium, and astilbe flowers. Below the floral hanging display, long tables were blanketed in natural linens, white gauze runners, delicate arrangements of pillar and taper candles, and surrounded by bud vases.

Cake

At their reception, these grooms had a statement cake display featuring four white, frosted cakes in a variety of flavors (like almond rose!), organic arrangements of soft white roses, and simple white linens. And notice how the white calligraphy ties in perfectly as well.

Bridesmaid Dresses

Actress Carlson Young's wedding-day squad all matched the bride in white dresses by Rachel Zoe. "I wanted white gowns for everyone," she says. "I just thought it was an elegant, classic look."

Decor

In an effort to create an intimate setting at this real wedding, guests were seated at long tables beneath a tent lit with string lights. Mismatched white ceramic urns and bowls lined the tables, and were filled with clematis, Lysimachia, and ferns. Decadent ivory velvet napkins topped each white charger, adding a surprising and luxurious texture to the all-white space.

Here, the decor was romantic and lush, with antique chandeliers covered in ivy and a garland of thousands of ranunculus blooms lining the table. And beyond the statement-making garland, this look feels fresh and cohesive thanks to the simple white candlesticks and modern white china at each place setting.

Venue

Now, this looks like a Gatsby-esque party! This couple, who married at the same venue as Kim Kardashian, asked their guests to arrive in all-white attire. They also kept the theme going with the decor as they lined the walkway with a white runner and white pillar candles.

Candles

Again, simplicity rules. This bundle of white pillar candles is clean, sleek, and perfect. We recommend recreating this look around your reception entrance or exit.

Centerpieces

This couple’s all-white wedding reception takes all-white to the next level. Traditional centerpieces were replaced with cascading overhead installations of white roses, white bougainvillea, and hanging Edison bulbs. The bare tables were set with striped white glassware, and hundreds of candles glowing in perforated votive holders.

Floral Arrangements

This ceremony scene was set with a garland lining the aisle and two over-the-top arrangements of hydrangeas, stock, delphiniums, snapdragons, and roses. We love the textures of these blooms combined with olive branches.

Bouquet

For the bridal bouquet, this bride put a twist on a classic rose bouquet by choosing the long-stemmed variety in a soft white. We love this idea, especially when you're using such a classic flower like the white rose.

Confetti

Confetti always adds a pop of fun to any wedding and makes for beautiful photos. Take a cue from this couple and release white confetti for your post-ceremony walk down the aisle. You could also save it for the reception: either to welcome the newlyweds with a confetti blast or on the dance floor to cap off the night! Pro tip: Incorporate confetti during your photoshoot with the bridal party for that perfect, faux-candid picture.