If you’ve been planning your wedding for more than half a second, chances are you’ve probably read an article (or twenty) talking about how to pick your wedding themes. Here’s the secret: of course, you don’t have to have a theme. Weddings already come with a laundry list of to-dos, so don’t feel bad for not wanting to add another to your plate. You can keep it simple and maybe choose a really awesome backdrop and move along. But sometimes it’s easier to pick a central ideal for your wedding, because then all other decisions can flow from that one, in true #LazyGirl style. And some folks just really like a full-on themed wedding (and we’re very much here to admire their handwork, and hope for an invitation to one of these bashes). So if you perk up at the idea of a wedding theme, we’ve rounded up some killer ideas.
Now, how do you pick a wedding theme that’s actually you’re going to love? You might know right off the top that you’re going, say, full Harry Potter, in which case, we have some cool weddings to show you. But for everyone else, you can start by looking into general styles that interest you: Are you thinking outdoorsy and rustic? Do you prefer a little vintage glamour? Are you and your partner a nerdy power duo who wants games and magic front and center for your nuptials?
To inspire your decision, we set out on a search for some of the best new wedding themes on the net. From neon to midcentury modern to Candy Land Christmas—we found some sixty-five wedding themes that cover a little something for every couple.
Here’s a quick list of the wedding themes we love (scroll down for more deets and inspiration shots):
Vintage Wedding THemes
Photo by Eric K Choi Photography via Wedluxe
ancient Greece: This styled shoot was inspired by Ancient Greece. Create a party fit for a goddess or god with gold filigree, over-the-top centerpieces, and dainty arm cuffs.
Photo by Axioo via Rock N Roll Bride
Eighteenth century: This Indonesian bride turned her love of Marie Antoinette and the eighteenth century aesthetic into her dream wedding theme. Guests were transported to another world with their colorful and whimsical wedding.
Photo by Josh Goleman of The Wedding Artists Co. via 100 Layer Cake
the 20s: Dawning authentic 1920s wear by day and dining by candlelight by night, this wedding is straight out of an heirloom scrapbook. The bride and groom searched through flea markets to find things like vintage lace tablecloths to make their day uniquely antique.
Photo by Lara Hotz Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
the 70s: This disco chic wedding brings together all the best parts of the 1970s aesthetic. Integrate orange and berry hues into your venue decor, then all you’ll have left to do is grab a disco ball and head out to the dance floor to catch that Saturday Night Fever.
Photo by Cameron Ingalls via Green Wedding Shoes
the 80s: Instead of going for the typical 1980s neons, try toning down your colors with a Miami Vice–inspired color palette. With a lighter color scheme, you’ll have more room to play holographic and geometric designs.
Photo by Elaine Palladino Photography via Every Last Detail
The 90s: This couple celebrated their wedding like true ’90s kids! Each of their table numbers featured popular sayings from the 1990s (i.e. “Get Jiggy Wit It”), a Nintendo was set up for guests to play, they had cassette escort cards, and their reception was held in a converted gymnasium.
Photo by Steve Cowell Photo via 100 Layer Cake
mIDcENTURY MODERN: The retro feel of midcentury modern can suit many different couples. You can go super minimal with just a few pops of midcentury elements or mix in lush greenery for a midcentury garden feel.
Photo by Peakography via Rock N Roll Bride
Cogs and gears: The lovechild of industrial and steampunk, the cogs and gears theme gives off a cool vintage feel but with plenty of edge.
Photo by Chellise Michael Photography via Ruffled Blog
Great Gatsby meets Steampunk: Achieve this theme with vintage furniture, a horn section, a classic car, and lots of love. Or make it your own by adding your own unique steampunk elements.
Photo by Cameron Ingalls via Green Wedding Shoes
vINTAGE cIRCUS: Celebrate big love under the big top with a vintage circus themed wedding. Bring together elements like fascinators and classic circus fun. Consider calling a few stilt walkers or acrobats too, while you’re at it!
TV and Movie Wedding Themes
Photo by Nirav Patel via Green Wedding Shoes
Harry Potter: Grab a wand transport all your friends and family to Hogwarts for one magical night. Go all out with the decor to an otherworldly feel. Guests can even dress up to represent their magical persona.
Photo by Carly Romeo via A Practical Wedding
Wes Anderson: As a tribute to Wes Anderson, a favorite director of the couple, the bride and groom decorated with Anderson’s iconic pastel color palette. Even the guests felt like they were in a movie.
Photo by Konstantin Semenikhin via Mon Cheri Bridals
Alice in Wonderland: Mix elegance and eclectic whimsy (think timepieces and teacups) to create your very own Alice in Wonderland wedding. This bride and groom had larger-than-life blooms made to give their ceremony a fantastical feel.