How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Theme: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you start planning your wedding, one of the first questions that arises is: What style do I want or imagine for my big day? This is often a difficult question for many couples to answer. Sometimes, you don’t know exactly what kind of wedding you want, or you can’t agree, or even feel overwhelmed by the variety of options available. After all, there are thousands of inspiring images on Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding magazines, but which one is the perfect style for you?
It’s totally normal to feel like many wedding styles appeal to you, or that none of them truly stand out. Some couples want something different, but don’t know exactly what that unique touch should be. This is especially common for brides, who often have many ideas but don’t know how to make them a reality.
Our role as wedding planners is to help couples define that unique style that reflects their personality and dreams, creating a truly special wedding. One of the aspects we enjoy the most is working on the style and decoration of the wedding, seeing how everything gradually starts to take shape. It’s also part of our job to guide and advise couples on how to find the right style, and then create a decoration project that matches their needs, style, and budget (the last point is key because, without a clear budget, the decoration budget can quickly get out of hand!).
Key Factors for Defining Your Wedding Style:
To help you start defining your style, here are some things to consider:
1. Ceremony and reception: Think about whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and the same goes for the reception and party. The venue and setting are crucial elements in choosing the style. For example, if you’re getting married in a garden, you may not need much extra decoration, but if your wedding is in a hotel ballroom, there are more decoration options to explore.
2. Formal or informal? Decide whether you want your wedding to be formal or more relaxed, as this will also influence the type of menu you choose. A more formal wedding typically calls for an elegant menu, while a casual wedding may be perfect for a cocktail or outdoor meal.
3. Time of year: This is a very important factor. The time of year affects not only the weather, but also the lighting, colors, and, most notably, the flowers. For example, it’s impossible to find tulips in the summer or hydrangeas in the winter. Plus, flowers have different prices depending on the season, which can affect your budget.
4. Day or night: Consider whether your wedding will be during the day or at night. Lighting plays a fundamental role in decoration, and it can transform the entire atmosphere of your wedding. A good investment in lighting can be more impactful than a beautifully set table, especially if your wedding is at night. But if it’s during the day, elaborate lighting may not be necessary.
5. The environment: The venue where you’ll get married can be a great starting point for defining your wedding style. If the space already has natural beauty, like a garden or a property with stunning views, you may not need much decoration. Also, check if the venue already has furniture and lighting that you can use, so you don’t need to rent additional items.
Five Questions to Help Define Your Wedding Style
1. Will your wedding be a destination or local?
This is one of the most important factors. The location of your wedding (whether in your city or at a dream destination) will set the tone for choosing the right style. If it's a destination wedding, like on a beach or vineyard, it will influence your decoration choices and the overall wedding atmosphere.
2. Do you want a daytime or evening wedding?
The time of day significantly impacts your wedding style. If you’ve always dreamed of a candlelit wedding, an evening wedding would be perfect for you. For daytime weddings, you might opt for fresher colors and more natural decor.
3. How many guests are you expecting?
There are more wedding options than ever depending on the size of your guest list. If you have a smaller guest list, you might consider a boutique wedding with exclusive details and a more intimate feel. For larger weddings, you can get creative with installations and decor spread across different areas of the party.
4. What is your budget?
Budget is a crucial factor to consider when choosing your wedding decor. A clear, realistic budget will allow you to choose options that match your vision without getting out of hand. Remember, you don’t have to go for extravagant details to make your wedding beautiful; creativity and planning are key.
5. How do you want your guests to feel?
Talk to your partner about how you want your guests to experience your day. Do you want a unique culinary experience? A relaxed atmosphere? A touch of sophistication? This point is the most important one that both of you need to define together to create a wedding and experience that will be unforgettable for your guests.
