18 Romantic Wedding Ideas You'll Fall For

Prepare to be head over heels for this dreamy aesthetic

Updated 03/20/20

Bride and groom kissing in garden — Ke-Li Photography

When it comes to all the countless ceremony styles out there, a romantic wedding theme may seem the most appropriate for a day filled with so much love and appreciation. Many couples have fallen head over heels for this dreamy aesthetic, and it's not hard to see why.

To start off planning a big day that's heavy on the romance, look to romantic wedding venues that boast ethereal, fairytale vibes. Alfresco ceremonies in gorgeous gardens and receptions hosted in airy French chateaus undoubtedly convey a romantic wedding theme, but you can really turn any venue into a romantic oasis with lovely, delicate details. Start by sending out romantic wedding invitations featuring classic calligraphy, and go heavy on the florals with lush hanging installations and romantic wedding centerpieces. You can even serve a romantic wedding cake topped with garden-fresh flowers.

For more romantic wedding decor, try a light and airy color palette and illuminate your celebration with plenty of flickering candlelight. The romantic wedding ideas are truly endless—and insanely beautiful.

Ready to fall in love? We tapped the minds of industry experts to help collect these romantic wedding ideas, featuring all things ethereal, floral, and delicate. Read on for our favorites for some seriously romantic inspiration.

Start With Floral Stationery

Floral invitation suite — Cassidy Carson Photography

If you're planning a romantic wedding vibe, why not kick things off from the very beginning. Set the stage with a stunning floral wedding invitation.

Host an Alfresco Ceremony

Go alfresco for your ceremony! "Napa has always held a special place in Suzy and Stephen’s hearts,” explains Lisa Vorce, the planner for this spectacular outdoor wedding at Meadowood Napa Valley. When planning a romantic wedding theme, consider an open-air ceremony space to bring in the naturally beautiful elements of the outdoors. For this Napa Valley setup, a floral chuppah and light wooden chairs kept the overall design soft and ethereal.

Utilize a Garden Backdrop

Couple posing in garden — Krystal Kast Photography

A garden backdrop set a few minutes away from town also creates a serene escape for saying I do. “Add a touch of whimsy to your floral design, and you’ve got an elegant and romantic garden celebration,” says Elizabeth Lane, marketing coordinator at Fearrington Village.

Opt for an Altar Surrounded in Florals

Floral alter wedding ceremony — Jonathan Scott Studio

Match a blooming altar with your ceremony's surroundings. “When capturing decor design, I find the romantic elements translate through the final photos when that design mimics those romantic elements,” says Jonathan Scott, owner of Jonathan Scott Studio. “A chuppah or altar should feel as if it were part of the venue or location itself.”

Use Bold Florals Down the Aisle

Floral alters at wedding ceremony — Thomas Bui Lifestyle

There’s nothing more romantic than bundles and bundles of blooms. “White and pink blooms filled arrangements that marked the start of the aisle,” says Thomas Bui, owner of Thomas Bui Lifestyle, of the lovely ceremony above. “The florals continued effortlessly throughout the ceremony’s romantic design by adorning a tree at the end of the aisle—a focal point for the couple’s I dos.”

Create a Stunning Floral Altar

The lush, colorful florals adorning this ceremony arch just scream spring. Whether you opt for simple romantic touches or a bold color palette, a floral arch will be the perfect fit.

Host a Ceremony Amongst Flowers

Couple getting married surrounded by florals — Alen Karupovic

If you can swing it, find a ceremony location with naturally growing florals and greenery to incorporate. We love the romantic vibes of this ceremony, perched on a hilltop surrounded by blooms.

Think Pink for Your Bridal Party

Bridal party in all pink — Brian Leahy Photography

A favored color amongst bridesmaid gowns (especially for a romantic wedding style), light pink will help to complement each member of your party while adding a softness to the final photos of your day. The deep and romantic green background helped the muted soft pinks of the bridesmaid dresses above really shine, notes photographer Brian Leahy, owner of Brian Leahy Photography.

Add a Simple Touch to Your Bouquet

Delicate white wrapped bouquet — Carlie Statsky

“Adding the slightest hint of blush to an all-white and green color palette creates a thoroughly romantic vibe without being overly precious,” says Jennifer Zukovsky, co-owner of Fionna Floral. Flowing silk ribbon will softly pull together the romantic look you are going for.

Incorporate Delicate Details

Delicately hand-painted fans were gifted to guests at one couple's outdoor wedding ceremony in France. Each fan featured a different painting, making the delicate details that much more special.

Dress up Your Flower Girls

Flower girls with floral crowns — Pasha Belman Photography

What's daintier than a trio of too-cute flower girls? Their matching woven baskets and floral crowns are just so precious!

Bring the Outdoors in With Gorgeous Florals

Wedding reception set up with white and florals — IRIS Photography

For this indoor reception, bringing elements of the outdoors in—like fresh floral arrangements—added a subdued pop of color to the all-white space. Sticking to a clean palette of all-white, with sprinkles of pastel, will give your event a soft and romantic feel.

Keep Your Color Palette Light and Airy

Cozy seating airy at wedding reception — Rebecca Arthurs Photography

"A blush wedding is the epitome of femininity and romance,” says Yumiko Fletcher, owner of Hana Floral Design. "Having a pastel palette throughout your wedding instantly conjures up images of romance, whimsy, and beauty.” For this tented space, soft green and blush fabrics covered an elegant lounge area.

Incorporate Greenery in Unique Ways

Reception table with floating greenery — Natalie Watson Photography

“Suspended florals that cascade and fall organically... are incredibly romantic,” says Becca Knuth, managing partner of Asheville Event Co. Nothing says A Midsummer Night’s Dream more than draping flowers and greenery.

Consider Hanging Floral Installations

Florals hanging above reception tables — Heather Jowett

We love this unique way to incorporate blooms. Trailing garlands of greenery extended to all sides of this outdoor tent, culminating in romantic floral chandeliers running along the center of the space.

Choose Cascading Florals

Wedding cake with cascading florals — Rebecca Yale Photography

To add just a touch of romance, consider a floral wedding cake. “A romantic wedding cake is anything with a soft color palette, elegant details, and a classic design,” says Sherene Hulugalle, owner of Wisteria Lane. “For this wedding, the pastel-colored florals seen throughout other events of the day brought everything together.”

Incorporate Soft Candlelight

Candlelight lighting at reception — Dark Roux Photography

Nothing speaks to a romantic wedding more than the flicker of soft candlelight. “When Laura and Zack wanted to set the tone for a truly romantic day, we immediately knew the mixture of tall tapers, pillars, and votives with low, lush florals would evoke an intimate and romantic feeling for them and their guests,” says Sarah Worsley, owner of Mint Julep Productions.

Add Garden-Inspired Elements

Wedding cake and cupcakes with florals — Mariel Hannah Photography

With soft pink frosting and garden-fresh sprigs of lavender, this wedding cake is undeniably romantic. Incorporate greenery and a bold flower into your display, along with a variety of cupcakes, for a stunning look.