18 Wedding Themes for Any Style

A wedding theme will set the tone for the big day and guide every aesthetic decision made from that point forward. For that same reason, this can be quite a daunting commitment to make. Do you want to go the romantic route, or keep things fresh and modern? With so many variations and wedding styles to choose from, the choice can be an overwhelming one. But it doesn't need to be.

Consider what elements speak to you as a couple or as individuals. Perhaps certain colors or design aspects resonate on a deeper level or maybe some iconic details have sentimental value. From there you can allow your imagination to run wild and define the theme from those benchmarks.

Just be sure to keep the venue and climate in mind. There's even the possibility to elegantly combine major themes and create a custom-tailored, unique, and personalized experience.

Once you pinpoint the theme of your dreams, you can officially move forward with the rest of the wedding plans. But, if you're still on the fence about which direction to go, we rounded up the best wedding themes for any wedding style and venue, no matter how unique. Use this as a comparative guide to finally cross this major decision off of the planning checklist and lay the foundations of your vision.

Ahead, we've rounded up 18 theme ideas for any wedding style.

Romantic

Soft hues, delicate lighting, and plenty of florals typically make up a romantic wedding. For this theme, envision pastels, hanging lights (even chandeliers), calligraphy, and a flower wall.

Alternative

More of an offbeat couple who's never been one to take the normal route? We get you. Buck tradition with an alternative wedding theme, and roll with it however you see fit. If cool, moody color palettes and creative stand-ins match your style better than bright floral and been-there-done-that wedding décor, then an alternative theme has your name written all over it. Push the boundaries as much as you want.

Vintage

Draw inspiration from decades past if you want a vintage style for your wedding. One of the easiest ways to channel this is through your wedding outfit and beauty look. As for the ceremony and reception, you can rely on antique-looking décor, like weathered doors and worn-in wood seats, to further exemplify a vintage-inspired wedding. For your last hoorah, finish off the vintage theme by driving away in a classic getaway car, like an old Porsche or Volkswagen.

57 Vintage Wedding Ideas

Whimsical

Dinner Menu — Photo by Sasithon Photography

For the whimsical couple, your wedding will be one full of bright splashes of color and quirky, bohemian components. Incorporate design elements like multicolored balloons, streamers, punchy floral arrangements, and mismatched chairs.

Modern

octagon place setting — Photo by Sonia Bourdon; Planning by Mlle Artsy; Decor by La Mariée Bohème; Flowers by Atelier Floral ; Calligraphy by Imaginejoy Calligraphie; Cutting & Engraving by Central Stamp

For a modern wedding, think clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimal design. A modern theme knows few bounds, so channel it however you see fit. Put a modern spin on anything, from your wedding dress (take a break from white) to your venue decorations, like sleek seats, a cool structural backdrop, or a bold color scheme.

Rustic

Intimate barn wedding theme — Photo by Laura Murray Photography

String lights, mason jars, twine, lace, and all wood everything contributes to the simple and homey vibe of this theme. If you're a huge DIY fan, rustic wedding décor will be your cup of tea. Consider a more rural venue, like a chic and intimate barn, if this is your dream wedding style.

Garden Party/Casual

Garden party in Napa Valley — PHOTO BY SARAH FALUGO

If you envision a more intimate, casual ceremony, opt for an outdoor-garden-party-themed wedding. This laid-back style is perfect if you have a backyard wedding on the brain and a spring or summer date.

Bohemian

Calling all boho brides—if this matches your own personal style, then say "I do" to the corresponding wedding theme. Just like how your wedding dress will most likely look, a bohemian wedding remains cool and carefree, but still beautiful. Keep your venue decorations simplistically elegant, with oriental rugs lining the aisle and altar, and decorative pillows or hanging macramé decorations. Take a note from actress Troian Bellisario's wedding, which is the stuff of boho dreams.

Southern-Inspired

Can't resist the charm of the South? Whether you're a born-and-raised Southerner or just want to tie the knot at a venue below the Mason-Dixon Line, ensure that your theme aligns with your locale by adding hints of Southern charm. Treat guests to bites of comfort food and bourbon-infused cocktails, show off your monogram, or walk down the aisle in your favorite pair of cowboy boots, if you're so inclined. Decorate with pops of color in pastel hues and rich blues to channel more components of the South—and don't forget about hospitality.

Formal/Traditional

Ornate wedding décor with hanging chandeliers — Photo by larissa cleveland photography

Considering a black-tie wedding? If you envision you and your guests dressing to the nines, your overall theme will have to match accordingly. For nuptials this grandiose, you'll want to pull out all the stops and include complete table settings (wine glasses and all) with a full sit-down dinner, posh seating, ornate flower arrangements (even on the cake), and an exquisite head table, just to name a few formalities.

Art Deco

This timeless style features Great Gatsby-era lavishness, including robust fonts, ornate gold and sparkles, and plenty of geometric shapes with sharp lines (similar to the modern theme). If you're all about tasteful glitz and jazz-age glam with an ode to vintage allure, then this theme's for you.

25 Art Deco Wedding Ideas for a Jazz Age–Inspired Celebration

Nautical

Whether you're tying the knot at your childhood lake house or are planning a destination wedding, a nautical theme perfectly complements a seaside ceremony. Make waves with blue and white tones (especially stripes) paired with beach motifs like shells, anchors, ropes, and sailboats to exude a maritime style.

Eco-Friendly/Natural

Potted centerpiece wedding ideas — Photo by HEATHER WARAKSA

Just because you want to be mindful of the environment (as we all should be) at your wedding, doesn't mean you have to skimp out on the little things. You can use biodegradable confetti as an alternative to rice for your grand exit, plants instead of flowers as table décor, and invitations printed on recycled paper. If the weather allows, choose an outdoor venue to cut back on energy from lighting.

Celestial

Your love was written in the stars, so translate that mentality into your wedding theme. Even your dress can channel the ultimate celestial vibes. The sky's the limit (literally) with this theme, so get creative with a galaxy-inspired constellation guest book, cake, and ceremony backdrop.

Tropical

You don't need a beach locale to pull off a beautiful tropical-inspired wedding—one couple even incorporated a tropical vibe into their New York City nuptials. You just need plenty of plants (like palm fronds and neon florals), laid-back décor, and a signature beachy cocktail.

Preppy

Bright pinks, greens, and navy blues are the name of the preppy game, which can also go hand in hand with nautical or Southern weddings. A preppy theme allows you to blend formality with fun through bold patterns, tasteful bows, dainty fonts, and cheery flowers. Channel your inner Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer (pearl earrings and all) if this theme is up your alley.

Christmas/Holiday

Christmas ornament décor — Photo by Sara Wight Photography

Take your winter wedding to the next level with holiday-infused motifs. From Christmas tree décor and ornament escort cards to warm winter cocktails, the Christmas wedding options are endless. Hope for a little snow the day of, request "All I Want for Christmas Is You" from your DJ, gift candy canes, or Santa hats as favors, and you're all set.

Travel

Wedding notes — Photo by Birds of a Feather Photography

If you're a jet-setting duo or have friends venturing from near and far for your wedding, incorporate a creative travel theme that guests will also love just as much.

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18 Wedding Theme Ideas for Any Style