23 Romantic Wedding Ideas You'll Fall For

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

For more romantic wedding décor, try a light and airy color palette and illuminate your celebration with plenty of flickering candles. The options 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 some seriously romantic inspiration.

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Start With Floral Stationery

Floral invitation suite on green backdrop — Photo by Cassidy Carson Photography

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

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Host an Alfresco Ceremony

Outdoor Wedding ceremony set-up in lush green setting punctuated with pink flowers — Photo by Jose Villa

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

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Utilize a Garden Backdrop

Newlyweds posing in garden — Photo by Krystal Kast Photography

A garden backdrop set away from crowds 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.

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Blend Into the Venue

Floral alter framing stately tree at outdoor wedding ceremony — Photo by Jonathan Scott Studio

Match a blooming altar with your ceremony's surroundings. “When capturing décor 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.”

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Lead With Bold Florals Down the Aisle

Floral alters and white chairs at outdoor wedding ceremony — Photo by 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.'”

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Incorporate Words of Love

love notes hanging in olive tree — Photo by MK Sadler

Scattering romance poems and love notes around your reception is a sweet and memorable touch. Plus, guests can take home this decoration as a favor that will remind them of all the love from your big day.

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Create a Stunning Floral Altar

Floral wedding arch of hydrangeas and peonies on wooden trellis frame — Photo by Norman + Blake

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.

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Host a Ceremony Amongst Flowers

Couple getting married surrounded by florals overlooking ocean — Photo by Alen Karupovic

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

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Think Pink for Your Bridal Party

Bride with Bridal party in all pink standing in front of palm trees — Photo by Brian Leahy Photography

A favored color among 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 green background helped the muted soft pinks of the bridesmaid dresses above really shine, notes photographer Brian Leahy, owner of Brian Leahy Photography.

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Weave a Simple Touch Into Your Bouquet

All-white bridal bouquet wrapped in delicate pink ribbon — Photo by Carlie Statsky

“Adding the slightest hint of blush to a 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.

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Display Delicate Details

Fan and wedding program on ceremony chair — Photo by Ross Harvey

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.

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Dress Up Your Flower Girls

Flower girls with floral crowns in white dresses holding tiny baskets — Photo by 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!

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Bring the Outdoors Inside With Gorgeous Florals

All-white Wedding reception setup with white and pink florals — Photo by 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.

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Use Greenery in Unique Ways

Reception table with floating greenery and fresh table runner of greenery — Photo by Natalie Watson Photography

Bring an otherwise simple reception space to life with bursts of fresh greenery. Here, naked wooden tables flourish with greenery-dense centerpieces that create a living table runner that matches the modern canopy above.

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Keep the Color Palette Light and Airy

Cozy seating airy at tented wedding reception framed by potted sapplings — Photo by 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.

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Consider Hanging Floral Installations

Florals and greenery hanging above reception tables in tented space — Photo by Heather Jowett

“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. Trailing garlands of green extended to all sides of this outdoor tent, culminating in romantic floral chandeliers running along the center of the space.

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Choose Cascading Florals

White three-tier Wedding cake with cascading pink florals — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

To add just a touch of romance, envision 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.”

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Showcase an Ethereal Naked Cake

Three-tier semi-naked wedding cake adorned with fluffy white and pink flowers and greenery — Photo by Heather Waraska

A naked cake is perfect for those seeking a minimalist and romantic look for their wedding cake. The style is stunning with flower accents and has become a popular choice for rustic or garden-themed weddings.

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Illuminate With Soft Candlelight

Candlelight lighting at wedding reception — Photo by 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.

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Mix In Garden-Inspired Elements

Pink single-tier Wedding cake and cupcakes with fresh florals and lavender — Photo by 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.

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Add Sentimental Details

back of groom's black lapel with golden embroidered quote — Photo by Jose Ruiz Photography

Adding a sentimental detail to your wedding-day look is an incredibly romantic touch that you can share with your guests or keep to yourself. This groom had "tu alma gemela," which means "your soulmate," embroidered on his collar that can be seen when flipped up.

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Play Live Music

Female singer in blush dress holding mic while man on guitar accompanies her — Photo by Emma McIntyre Photography

What is more romantic than having your first dance with a band playing your song live as you waltz around the dance floor? Siblings performed romantic ballads at this real wedding as the bride and groom walked down the aisle.

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Drive Off in a Vintage Getaway Car

Bride and groom kissing while sitting in back of getaway car — Photo by Gaby J Photography

Want a flair of enduring, silver-screen romance and grandeur in your day? Plan your exit with a vintage car for you and your significant other to drive off in as guests wave goodbye.

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