23 Wedding Theme Ideas for Any Style

It will guide every aesthetic decision you make.

Macrame ceremony altar for boho wedding theme

Design by Julie Bang

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 certainly doesn't need to be.

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 23 theme ideas for any wedding style.

Regency

Newlyweds kissing at regency-style wedding alter with flowers

Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography

We can thank Bridgerton for the resurgence of this wedding style. With palatial settings, lavish linens, princess gowns, and no shortage of florals, regency-themed nuptials are anything but subtle, so if you can't choose between all the bells and whistles, this regal aesthetic won't make you compromise.

Romantic

Romantic lighting at dark and moody wedding reception reception
Photo by JFK Imagen

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

Alternative

Tented wedding reception tablescape with modern theme
Photo by Sarah Falugo

Are you 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. Feel free to push the boundaries as much as you want with this aesthetic.

Vintage

Vintage typewriter and rustic wedding décor
Photo by Unique Lapin

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.

Whimsical

Colorful whimsical wedding dinner menu with floral illustrations

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

octagonal place setting for modern wedding theme

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. Sleek seats, a cool structural backdrop, or a bold color scheme are all good ways to bring this aesthetic to life.

Rustic

Intimate barn wedding theme with haystacks for escort card display

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 crafting 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

Garden party wedding reception with white linen and greenery

PHOTO BY SARAH FALUGO

If you envision a more intimate, alfresco ceremony, opt for an outdoor garden-party wedding. Ideal for the warmer months, this style is all about fresh florals, lush greenery, and elegant tablescapes—preferably overlooking ornate and fragrant flower beds.

Casual

Red white and blue lobster bake welcome party with sunflowers

Photo by Kate Headley; Event Planning by A Day in May Events; Floral Design by Bloom Floral DesignCompass Floral;

This laid-back style is perfect if you have a backyard wedding on the brain and a spring or summer date. From delectable barbecues and clambakes to Americana picnic picks, casual nuptials are all about the friendly atmosphere and communal connection.

Bohemian

Bohemian wedding decorations with rattan lanterns and pink florals

Photo by WHITNEY DARLING PHOTOGRAPHY

Calling all bohemian couples! If this matches your own personal style, then say "I do" to the corresponding wedding theme. Just like your wedding dress, a bohemian wedding remains cool and carefree, but still beautiful. Keep the venue decorations simplistically elegant, with oriental rugs lining the aisle and altar, and decorative pillows or hanging macramé decorations.

Desert

Desert wedding altar marked with tall arrangements of pampas grass and vines

Photo by Laurken Kendall

While a desert-themed wedding may incorporate some bohemian elements, there is more of a southwestern spin to it. In this case, the venue usually does all the talking but warm color palettes (either muted or bold), earthy features, mid-century architecture, and a surplus of cacti and pampas grass can also bring the style to life.

Southern Charm

Southern inspired wedding décor and desert table

Photo by Kristyn Hogan

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 sweetness. Treat guests to bites of comfort food and bourbon-infused cocktails, show off your monogram, and don't forget about hospitality.

Traditional Formal

Ornate formal wedding décor with hanging chandeliers

Photo by Larissa Cleveland Photography

Considering a black-tie wedding? If you envision 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

Art deco wedding décor with gold-framed seating chart
Photo by Pat Furey

This timeless style features Great Gatsby-era lavishness including robust fonts, ornate gold, luxe 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.

Nautical

Nautical wedding décor with sailboat table numbers
Photo by Sara & Rocky Photography

Whether you're tying the knot at your childhood lake house or 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 centerpieces at natural eco-friendly wedding

Photo by HEATHER WARAKSA

Just because you want to be mindful of the environment (as we all should) at your wedding, doesn't mean you have to skimp on the little things. You can use biodegradable confetti as an alternative to rice for the 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 consumption for lighting.

Celestial

Celestial-inspired wedding décor
Photo by Birds of a Feather

Your love was written in the stars, so let it reflect in your wedding theme. Even your dress can channel the ultimate celestial mood. The sky's the limit (literally) with this aesthetic, so get creative with a constellation guest book, galaxy-inspired cake, and a ceremony backdrop that's seriously out of this world.

Tropical

Tropical wedding cake with a flamingo topper
Photo by Jessica Bordner Photography

You don't need a beach locale to pull off a beautiful tropical-inspired wedding. You just need plenty of plants (like palm fronds and neon florals), laid-back décor, and a beachy signature cocktail.

Preppy

Hot pink couch and preppy wedding décor
Photo by Dana Cubbage Weddings

Bright pinks, greens, and navy blues are the name of the preppy game, which can also pair with nautical or Southern weddings. A preppy theme blends formality with a hint of playfulness 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 calls to you.

Christmas/Holiday

Festive outdoor christmas wedding ceremony in the mountains

Photo by James x Schulze

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, request "All I Want for Christmas Is You" from your DJ, gift candy canes or Santa hats as favors, and you're all set. Don't forget the mistletoe!

Travel

travel-themed wedding postcards

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 love just as much. Instead of table numbers, use the names of your favorite destinations or have loved ones sign a globe in lieu of a guestbook. Either way, your nearest and dearest will definitely understand the choice in a honeymoon fund over a traditional registry.

Cottagecore

cottagecore two-tier white wedding cake with pressed florals

Photo by Belathée Photography

Somewhere between rustic chic and garden-party twee lies the ever inviting cottagecore aesthetic. Think slow-living mentality accented with your grandma's finest linens and china. Humble and sweet, guests will feel right at home amongst the darling simplicity of this enduring wedding style.

Literature

Book covers as Table numbers at literature-themed wedding

Photo by Michelle Scott Photography

Hey bookworms, a poetic love story like yours deserves to be exalted amongst the greats. And, you might be happy to know there are tons of couples who share your passion for prose. From booking libraries and book stores as venues to using vintage books and beloved pages as décor, there's no shortage of creative ways to showcase the wonder in the written word.

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