35 Wedding Themes You Must See Before You Start Planning

This list is your wedding theme holy grail—full stop.

Couple hugging each other and smiling surrounded by wedding decor themes

Photos: Ashley Goodwin Photography, Darinimages, La Vie En Rose, Josh & Dana Fernandez, Kate Supa Photography, Lynn Dunston Photography, Mary Claire Photography, Merari Teruel Photography,Stetten Wilson, Stanlo Photography,Design Tiana Crispino

Updated Apr 09, 2025

When it comes to the visual elements of your nuptials, the options are infinite. That's why wedding themes are helpful. Choosing a broad, overarching design style will give you guardrails as you make decisions to guarantee cohesion, but still offer enough creative freedom to curate a singular celebration. Embracing one of the wedding theme ideas on this list (or another that comes to mind) is the first step to honing your event's look and feel and, as you consider elements like venue, season and energy, you will soon work your way through defining a wedding aesthetic and a wedding vibe (the tip of the wedding style funnel). With each phase you complete, your celebration's design will get more refined, layered and personalized.

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Once you've contemplated our comprehensive collection of wedding theme suggestions (jot down your favorites as you read), take our Style Quiz to glean even more insight into your preferred styles of weddings.

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Wedding Theme Tips & Advice: What's a Wedding Theme? | Wedding Theme vs. Wedding Style vs. Wedding Aesthetic | How to Pick a Wedding Theme

What's a Wedding Theme?

A wedding theme is a visual concept that anchors your wedding design and is often informed by location or venue. It ties together the decor elements of your wedding, guiding the overall style direction of your celebration. Even if they're not named outright, themes are present at essentially all weddings. Themes for weddings give very loose guidelines for design, meaning: Just because your wedding has an enchanted forest theme, doesn't mean all of your servers need to don fairy wings (though, they totally could). Rather, it could simply entail that you're using lush moss in your flower arrangements, hanging twinkle lights in your tree-filled venue space and are considering rich green tones during the process of how to pick your wedding colors. Regardless of how intense you go, choosing a general theme will likely make the wedding planning process easier.

According to California-based TV host and celebrity wedding planner David Tutera: "If you want a great wedding that engages guests, it's all about telling a story from the moment they receive the invitation to the last thing they see, which could be the favor. Having a style or a theme helps you choose the story you're going to tell."

1. Rustic

Rustic wedding style with neutral colors and western decor

A rustic wedding theme is all about connecting your celebration to nature. This concept can take shape in myriad ways, from a farm-to-table garden dinner, to a ceremony in a wildflower field, to an intimate vow exchange in a rugged mountain chalet. A focus on warmth and hospitality guides this casual wedding motif. "When I think rustic, I see a color palette of neutral and soft tones with natural elements like organic fabrics, wooden elements, lace, foliage and burlap," says wedding planner Ayanna Stephens, owner of New Jersey-based Designs by Ayanna. And although rustic nuptials are closely associated with farm wedding venues and barn wedding ideas, they're not the only spots you can host your celebration. "The juxtaposition of being in a modern space with a rustic environment inside is a cool way to plan the theme as well," Tutera suggests.

Rustic wedding theme buzzwords: Warm, down-home, relaxed, cozy
Rustic wedding theme invites and website: Gilded Monogram Wedding Invitations | Gilded Monogram Wedding Website

Fresh-Picked Rustic "I Do" Ideas

2. Boho

Couple holding hands surrounded by colorful boho decor

Bohemian wedding decor is bold, textural and a little bit funky, with an emphasis on achieving an inviting, cool energy. In other words, don't get caught up in trying too hard. To create that down-to-earth feel, there's just one place to look: Mother Earth. Tap into natural details for a cool and comfortable experience. And don't forget to incorporate warm, organic materials like rattan, macramé, leather and clay into your day-of decor.

Boho wedding theme buzzwords: Relaxed, effortless, free-spirited, laid-back
Boho wedding theme invites and website: Simple Bohemian Wildflowers Wedding Invitations | Simple Bohemian Wildflowers Wedding Website

Go Boho, Babe

3. Country

A mix of rustic, vintage and Southern styles, a country-themed wedding is full of charm and overflowing with thoughtful, personal details. The main goal of this nice wedding theme is to design an event that honors the casual setting without feeling too informal. A good way to think of it is to imagine your guests are coming over for a summer backyard party (albeit one that takes a little more planning). Elements like wooden cross-back chairs, wildflower-style arrangements, gingham prints and homemade pies are the vision to emulate. Don't feel too confined to the kitschy elements of traditional rustic style (like burlap or tree-stump accents). If you feel stuck, draw inspiration from the cottagecore wedding trend, which is reminiscent of English-country style and a fresh take on this popular motif for a wedding.

Country wedding theme buzzwords: Down-to-earth, pastoral, quaint, bucolic
Country wedding theme invites and website: Western Valley Wedding Invitations | Peaceful Valley Wedding Website

Country Wedding Ideas? "Yeehaw"

4. Western

A Western theme for a wedding is the edgier, more region-specific cousin to the country wedding theme. While rustic textures and details like weathered wood and wildflowers would definitely be at home here, you can also take this in a darker, more cinematic direction. Consider materials like linen, leather and cowhide, and really embrace rich browns (the hue is a major color trend this year, by the way). If you or your partner are of indigenous heritage from this region, you may also incorporate touches of silver and turquoise as a nod to the iconic sterling-and-turquoise jewelry crafted by the native nations of the American Southwest, such as the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and Santo Domingo people. From an elevated ranch to a mysterious saloon, there's so much unique history and design inspiration to tap into with this cool wedding theme.

Western wedding theme buzzwords: Wild, mysterious, storied, rugged
Western wedding theme invites and website: Western Wild Horses Wedding Invitations | Western Wild Horses Wedding Website

Giddy Up for These Western Ideas

5. Modern

Couple holding hands surrounded by modern wedding theme decor

A modern wedding is all about exquisite simplicity—embracing a minimalist mindset to make maximum impact. Meticulous attention to detail is the cornerstone of this less-is-more approach. City dwellers, urbanites and design lovers often gravitate toward a contemporary wedding theme, which embraces a few carefully curated details to make maximum impact. "Lean into interesting surfaces and textures, like marble and rich, matted metallics," Tutera says.

Modern wedding theme buzzwords: Clean, sleek, avant-garde, streamlined
Modern wedding theme invites and website: Accent Arches Wedding Invitations | Accent Arches Wedding Website

Modern? Love!

6. Garden

Flowers are an integral part of almost every type of wedding, but with a garden-themed wedding, flowers are everything. A garden wedding works especially well for April, May and June celebrations—it's one of our favorite spring wedding ideas. You could take this fsmously charming wedding theme in a classic direction (traditional and polished English gardens come to mind), a more romantic, free-form direction (akin to cottage-style gardens) or even down an avenue with a mysterious edge (à la Grey Gardens?). Whatever path you choose, invest in over-the-top bouquets, a blossoming ceremony arch and robust reception centerpieces.

Garden wedding theme buzzwords: Lush, verdant, charming, dreamy
Garden wedding theme invites and website: Opulent Garden Wedding Invitations | Opulent Garden Wedding Website

Fresh-Picked Garden Theme Ideas

7. Vintage

If you spend hours meandering through antique markets, daydream about the elegance of your grandparents' wedding, own a robust collection of trinkets from eras past or constantly turn to previous decades for style inspo, a vintage wedding theme might be for you. This popular wedding theme is sometimes thought of as being interchangeable with romantic and retro wedding themes, but there are a few key differences. For a vintage wedding, you'll want to focus heavily on the '20s, '30s', '40s and early '50s—for starters, think antique cars, classic cake toppers, silver candelabras and champagne fizzing in coupe glasses.

Vintage wedding theme buzzwords: Nostalgic, sweet, classic, refined
Vintage wedding theme invites and website: Vintage Bow Wedding Invitations | Vintage Bow Wedding Website

Something Old?

8. Beach

Dreaming of a seaside celebration? A beach-themed wedding is the way to go. If you want a laid-back, chill day that's reminiscent of a summer vacay, hit the sand for your nuptials. "Beach" is a simple wedding theme that can be taken in so many different directions. The key to planning a beach wedding successfully: getting summer wedding ideas inspired by your location. You could go flirty and tropical for a Hawaii destination wedding, austere and elegant for an affair on the craggy coast of Cali or cozy and pretty for a New England celebration.

Beach wedding theme buzzwords: Relaxed, effortless, breezy, sunkissed
Beach wedding theme invites and website: Nautical Border Wedding Invitations | Nautical Border Wedding Website

Ideas for a Seaside Soiree

9. Forest

Do you feel like you could've been a woodland creature in another lifetime? A forest-themed wedding is just what you need. A whimsical, woodsy fete can embrace natural textures like bark, moss and smooth stones as a nod to the verdant mystery of forest settings.

Forest wedding theme buzzwords: Woodland, evergreen, cozy, welcoming
Forest wedding theme invites and website: Enchanted Forest Wedding Invitations | Through the Trees Wedding Website

Enchanted Forest Venues

10. Romantic

Couple kissing holding champagne glasses surrounded by classic romantic wedding theme decor

Romantic weddings are all about creating a dreamlike setting. Think in layers as you approach planning. Lush flowers and soft fabrics like velvet and satin can work in harmony, all enveloped in the glow of candlelight (seriously, use ALL the candles). We're going for warm fuzzies, with a little bit of gilded opulence—all will bring the feelings you have for your S.O. to life.

Romantic wedding theme buzzwords: Ethereal, elegant, delicate, inviting
Romantic wedding theme invites and website: Romantic Branches Wedding Invitations | Romantic Branches Wedding Invitations

Swoon-Worthy Wedding Ideas

11. Fairytale

And they lived happily ever after. Whether you're a Disney fan or just a devotee of classic love stories, a fairytale wedding theme is an absolute classic. It's a bit more whimsical and giddy than a romantic celebration as far as themed weddings go—like the blend between a romantic, garden and glam wedding theme. Think of a castle: It's historic and elegant, but less serious than an estate.

Fairytale wedding theme buzzwords: Regal, stately, charming, fanciful
Fairytale wedding theme invites and website: Be Our Guest Wedding Invitations | Be Our Guest Wedding Website

Wish-Come-True Wedding Ideas

12. Celestial

Couples who love a good horoscope or have an inclination toward all things mythical will definitely gravitate to a celestial wedding theme. Sun, moon and star motifs will play a huge part in your day, but you could also expand your wedding inspo to other heavenly bodies and specific constellations. Your perfect day will be filled with shimmer and mystery if you embrace this interesting wedding theme, just like a star-speckled night sky.

Celestial wedding theme buzzwords: Starry, sparkling, ethereal, moody
Celestial wedding theme invites and website: Celestial Galaxy Wedding Invitations | Written In the Stars Wedding Website

Starry-Eyed Wedding Ideas

13. Dark

A dark wedding theme brings in goth and moody elements, but doesn't stop there. It also leans into the quirky and eclectic in a way that feels creative and mysterious, rather than sinister. A dark wedding theme is a great option for bibliophiles who want to plan a library wedding or other couples interested in opulent, historic venues with a bewildering past.

Dark wedding theme buzzwords: Moody, dramatic, spooky, eclectic
Dark wedding theme invites and website: Dark Vintage Fantasy Wedding Invitations | Dark Vintage Fantasy Wedding Website

Cool Dark Academia Ideas

14. Classic

A classic wedding is one of the most elegant wedding themes, and it's not hard to understand why. "A classic wedding is one that is timeless," Stephens explains. "It's usually defined as a more formal wedding with clean lines, white florals and a traditional overall look and feel." In addition to focusing on the ambiance, it's just as important to think about the emotion you want your classic wedding to evoke. "Classic romance weddings have the ability to create an emotional setting, not just for the couple but also for guests," Tutera explains. Lean into refined sophistication with great food and entertainment. Kick off the wedding reception with a champagne cocktail hour accompanied by a jazz quartet, and incorporate details like hemstitch napkins and fine china.

Classic wedding theme buzzwords: Traditional, timeless, elegant, sophisticated
Classic wedding theme invites and website: Gilded Wreath Wedding Invitations | Monogram Branches Wedding Website

Keep It Classic

15. Wildflower

The whimsical little sister of the garden wedding theme, a wildflower wedding theme feels free, whimsical and organic all at the same time. This fun wedding theme feels relaxed, but still energetic, as if you were running barefoot through a field with a cool breeze kissing your cheeks. This theme also lends well to outdoor weddings and presents a wonderful opportunity to use wildflower blooms that are local to your wedding spot.

Wildflower wedding theme buzzwords: Effervescent, whimsical, organic, delicate
Wildflower wedding theme invites and website: Wildflower Nouveau Wedding Invitations | Wildflower Nouveau Wedding Website

Boundless Wildflower Bouquets

16. Whimsical

Tap into your youthful side with a whimsical wedding day. Perfect for hopeless romantics and kids at heart, this wedding aesthetic is all about having fun and creating an uplifting atmosphere. "A whimsical wedding is playful and colorful," Tutera explains. "Think of it as though you're elevating a child's Alice in Wonderland-themed party and translating it into an adult wedding." Think of the whimsical theme as a garden wedding mixed with your favorite fairytale. Your wedding invitations are the best place to introduce any wedding theme, but especially a whimsical one—a quirky motif or bit of wordplay can allude to the fun without giving the whole idea away. Day-of details like mismatched bridal party dresses, thrifted china and creative wedding table numbers will make everything feel unique during your themed wedding reception.

Whimsical wedding theme buzzwords: Enchanting, quirky, fantasy, lighthearted
Whimsical wedding theme invites and website: Mushroom Magic Wedding Invitations | Wildwood Wedding Website

Get Your Whimsy On

17. Regency

With Bridgerton gracing our screens with frothy visuals and steamy romance each season, it's no surprise that a Regency-themed wedding is on your mind. This royal wedding theme is ultra opulent and sumptuous, but light and flirty in feel versus dark and moody. Pull inspiration from the candy-like hues that were en vogue during the time period and select a venue with architectural accents suitable to the era.

Regency wedding theme buzzwords: Historic, ornate, polished, royal
Regency wedding invites and website: Elegant Antique Toile Frame Wedding Invitations | Elegant Antique Toile Frame Wedding Website

Dearest Gentle Couple…

18. Fall

Yes, you can have a fall wedding without throwing a fall-themed wedding. But if warm colors, cozy textures and dappled sunlight call to you, we say go full force into the season. And if you're not partial to bright apples and bales of hay, don't worry. This season is famous for its versatility: The rustic and whimsical side of autumn is just as iconic as the spooky and mysterious side.

Fall wedding theme buzzwords: Cozy, mysterious, nostalgic, rustic
Fall wedding theme invites and website: Fall Wreath Wedding Invitations | Fall Wreath Wedding Website

Fall for This Autumnal Inspo

19. Retro

A retro celebration could lean into Mad Men energy, Grease aesthetics or even Boogie Nights' look and feel. Even if your retro-themed wedding guests can't jive like back in the day, that's what the energy should feel like at a retro wedding. Pull retro wedding theme ideas from the '50s, '60s and even '70s. A few throwback details, like Coke served in its signature glass bottles, are just right to round out the experience—just be sure to use any themed details in moderation.

Retro wedding theme buzzwords: Nostalgic, campy, moxie, mod
Retro wedding theme invites and website: Groovy Lines Wedding Invitations | Groovy Lines Wedding Website

Stylish '70s Wedding Ideas

20. Black and White

Hot take: Colors can't really be types of themes for weddings, but we'll make an exception for this utterly classic and sophisticated pair of hues. A black and white wedding is understated, yet elevated and totally timeless. Checkered marble floors, fluffy white flowers and black silk ribbon details come to mind immediately. And though the palette is simple, it's not limiting whatsoever. You could make a black-and-white-themed wedding work in a contemporary concrete-and-glass urban venue or at a historic estate with lots of rounded edges and softer accents. (Also, imagine how elegant this theme would look as one of your winter wedding ideas, ahh.)

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Black and white wedding theme buzzwords: Timeless, classic, chic, elevated
Black and white wedding theme invites and website: Timeless Elegance Wedding Invitations | Timeless Elegance Wedding Website

Black and White "I Do" Inspo

21. Las Vegas

You don't need to get hitched by Elvis in Sin City itself (though, we're all for the idea) to have a Las Vegas-themed wedding. Rather, embrace kitschy details from the city's heyday in the '50s along with some showgirl-inspired sequins, glitz and feathers. A vintage neon sign would never be out of place here, nor would a few casino games at your reception (which double as entertainment and wedding reception decorations).

Las Vegas wedding theme buzzwords: Retro, kitschy, flashy, indulgent
Las Vegas wedding theme invites and website: Las Vegas Playing Card Wedding Invitations | Las Vegas Playing Card Wedding Website

Vegas Venues You'll Love

22. Italian

There are so many ways to channel that la dolce vita energy into an Italian-themed wedding (and you don't even have to plan a destination celebration). Lots of lemons, rattan and patterned linens will bring an Amalfi coast feel, while a villa wedding with string lights stretched across a courtyard (where your reception will unfold, of course) will make guests feel transported to Tuscany. We're also partial to a more kitschy take on this theme, where the energy is more your favorite red sauce joint than red wine at a vineyard. (Elevated red-and-white checkered tablecloths, anyone?)

Italian wedding theme buzzwords: Romantic, passionate, immersive, traditional
Italian wedding theme invites and website: Romantic Vineyard Wedding Invitations | Romantic Vineyard Wedding Website

Say "Ciao" to This Theme

23. Gothic

Thinking about getting married on Halloween? Keep things spooky with a gothic-themed wedding. A mostly black color palette, with hints of dark purple and antique gold or silver is the ticket here. We're all for a fall wedding in a library (or in another killer option from our list of gothic wedding venues) with black taper candles and purple signature cocktails. Imagine dining on matte-black plates under a crystal chandelier as a candelabra of long taper candles slowly burns as part of the centerpiece. How could you ever RSVP with regrets to such an event?

Gothic wedding theme buzzwords: Spooky, eerie, mysterious, dark
Gothic wedding theme invites and website: Gothic Gate Foil Wedding Invitations | Gothic Gate Wedding Website

Get Your Goth on

24. Victorian

Lovers of period dramas and the dark academia internet aesthetic are perfect candidates for a Victorian-themed wedding. This is one of the most ornate options on our list of wedding themes. The Victorian era covers essentially the last two thirds of the 19th century, so any historic details from this era are fair game. Ornate patterns, tufted velvet furniture, gilded picture frames, crystal chandeliers and luxe textiles can all make an appearance.

Victorian wedding theme buzzwords: Opulent, historic, mysterious, romantic
Victorian wedding theme invites and website: Antique Victorian Wedding Invitations | Antique Victorian Wedding Website

Stunning Victorian Wedding Ideas

25. Nautical

A celebration by the sea (or a destination wedding on the coast of New England) calls for some serious Cape Cod and Nantucket inspiration. Anchors and sailboats aren't the only seafaring details for this wedding theme. Breezy linen fabrics, lighthouse motifs, Breton stripes, oyster-shell escort cards and blue watercolor stationery help to form this coastal, relaxed style. Treat guests to a seafood bar featuring local catches, like lobster rolls or fresh shrimp cocktails, to give them a true nautical experience. While you don't need to plan a beach wedding to incorporate a nautical theme in your wedding, a waterfront view will really bring together this maritime-inspired theme.

Nautical wedding theme buzzwords: Beachy, "coastal grandmother," maritime, preppy
Nautical wedding theme invites and website: Elegant Lighthouse Wedding Invitations | Elegant Lighthouse Wedding Website

Get Your Coastal Granny on

26. Disco

The '70s are calling, and you've got to boogie on down. A disco-themed wedding is fun and fresh enough to entice party-focused pairs, with a kick of nostalgia that guests will love. You can go full '70s with funky retro fonts and a light-up dance floor for guests to move and groove on in their platform shoes, or simply sprinkle some sparkly disco balls across your tables and on your cake to get the point across. And of course, suspend one (or a whole cluster) of disco balls from the ceiling of your venue.

Disco wedding theme buzzwords: Groovy, funky, bold, retro
Disco wedding theme invites and website: Disco Love Wedding Invitations | Disco Love Wedding Website

Groovy Wedding Ideas, Baby

27. Nature

This wedding theme is focused on—you guessed it—nature-inspired elements like fresh flowers, animals, trees and other botanical components. We like to compare the concept of a nature-themed wedding to the forests of the Pacific Northwest: equal parts moody and magical. You could also tap into some serious summer-camp energy here. No matter the direction you take this cute wedding theme, invest in sourcing locally for your wedding. From a farm-to-table menu to ethically sourced flowers, think of Mother Nature first when spending your budget.

Natural wedding theme buzzwords: Ethereal, organic, woodland, fanciful
Natural wedding theme invites and website: Mountain Wildflowers Wedding Invitations | Mountain Wildflowers Wedding Website

Peak Mountain Wedding Ideas

28. Travel

Listen up: A travel wedding theme isn't the same as a destination wedding. A destination wedding doesn't have to have a travel theme, just like a travel-themed wedding can be local. It's all about embracing the idea of travel as a concept to inspire the decor and wedding aesthetic, whether or not travel actually takes place. Think: using postcards from all of the places you've traveled together as table numbers or names. Is that not one of the sweetest wedding reception decoration ideas you've heard?

Travel wedding theme buzzwords: Globe-trotting, jet-setting, voyage, wayfaring
Travel wedding theme invites and wedding website: Retro Boarding Pass Wedding Invitations | Retro Boarding Pass Wedding Website

Take In These Travel Trends

29. Art Deco

Reminiscent of the Roaring '20s, an Art Deco-themed wedding is all about glitz and glamour. Energetic jazz music should be a main focus, so we highly recommend finding a live band to get your guests on their feet (bonus points if anyone can dance the Fox Trot or the Charleston). Geometric details are another major component of Art Deco wedding style, mimicking the architectural designs of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings constructed in the late 1920s. If this avant-garde aesthetic speaks to you, you might consider hosting a Great Gatsby wedding in particular or getting married on New Year's Eve. An Art Deco wedding also calls for dramatically tall centerpieces, luxe tablecloths and an impeccably styled wedding party. But, arguably the most important detail of an Art Deco theme is a jaw-dropping wedding champagne tower.

Art Deco wedding theme buzzwords: Flashy, opulent, geometric, gilded
Art Deco wedding theme invites and website: Vintage Hollywood Wedding Invitations | Vintage Hollywood Wedding Website

Get Your Gatsby Going

30. Japandi

Japandi style is a mainstay in the interior design world, and definitely a must-know as far as ideas for wedding themes go. It's unusual, chic, but also still comfortable and cozy. The design style combines influences from simple and homey Scandinavian design with the natural textures and warmth of Japanese design. The resulting combination feels modern, earthy and elegant, just like your Japandi wedding would.

Japandi wedding theme buzzwords: Organic, sophisticated, minimalist, contemporary
Japandi wedding theme invites and website: Simple Modern Wildflowers Wedding Invitations | Simple Modern Wildflowers Wedding Website

See What Colors Will Work

31. Alternative

Calling all eclectic couples, an alternative wedding theme is for you. If you're into going against the grain and thinking outside the box, then this is what you need to do with this creative wedding theme: think about your favorite hobbies and theme-ify them, even if you don't think they could work at a wedding. Any interest from Star Wars, to The Grateful Dead, to pickleball can inform this unusual wedding theme. The further outside the box you think, the better. It doesn't have to be serious either: take this wedding theme in a funny direction with cheeky wording on your stationery and other giggle-inducing touches.

Alternative wedding theme buzzwords: Eclectic, funky, far out, unexpected
Alternative wedding theme invites and website: For Like Ever Wedding Invitations | For Like Ever Wedding Website

Out-of-the-Box Ideas

32. Maximalist

Calling all couples who believe too much is never enough: Maximalist weddings lean into abundance and a celebration of everything, everywhere, all at once. Lean into investing in extra entertainment beyond just music. You can't go wrong with neon signs, bright acrylic, painted flowers and textured linens. Alternative entertainment ideas like a live painter, tarot card reader or acrobat will add to the abundant energy too.

Maximalist wedding theme buzzwords: Over-the-top, exuberant, overflowing, bold, bright
Maximalist wedding theme invites and website: Golden Age Wedding Invitations | Golden Age Wedding Website

Take It to the Max

33. Minimalist

Less is more. A minimalist theme for a wedding leans into a pared-down aesthetic to ensure each and every element shines in a sleek and refined manner. Understated doesn't mean forgotten, instead it's a chance to lean into quiet luxury and invest in high-quality items. Focus on top-of-the-line food and drinks.

Minimalist wedding theme buzzwords: Sleek, elegant, understated, subtle
Minimalist wedding invites and website: Devotion Wedding Invitations | Devotion Wedding Website

Less Is More

34. Moody

A moody wedding theme is always in, isn't it? This dark and sultry style feels ultra romantic and mysterious. To embrace a modern iteration of this theme, opt for luxe, draped linens and an infinite number of candles sprinkled around piles of stone fruits and flowers. The result: a wedding that looks like a piece of fine art worthy of The Met's walls.

Moody wedding theme buzzwords: Dramatic, sultry, mysterious, luxe
Moody wedding theme invites and website: Midnight Floral Wedding Invitations | Midnight Floral Wedding Website

Get In the Mood

35. Glam

Couple kissing surrounded by colorful glam wedding theme decor

Do you have an affinity for the finer things in life? For the lavish and the luxe? A glam wedding is the way to go. It's all about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your loved ones through top-notch service and attention to detail. "A glam wedding is a shiny wedding," says Tutera. "It can be in any color scheme, with white as a predominant base color. It should be rich with sparkled details, candles and luxurious textures."

Glam wedding theme buzzwords: Luxe, Sparkling, elevated, sumptuous
Glam wedding theme invites and website: Romantic Calligraphy Foil Wedding Invitations | Romantic Calligraphy Wedding Website

Ready to Sparkle?

Wedding Theme vs. Wedding Style vs. Wedding Aesthetic

Wedding themes, wedding styles and wedding aesthetics all function as methods to define and execute the visual details—broad and minute—of your celebration. You likely have a good idea of what the theme of a wedding is at this point, but use the section below to understand how wedding theme names differ from the various types of wedding styles and the aesthetic of your wedding.

"It's beneficial for couples to choose either a theme or a style, if not both," says Stephens. "The theme and/or style helps with a few things: It creates the opportunity for a cohesive design for your wedding, it sets the tone for the type of experience your guests will have, and it also helps to inform your budget."

Wedding Style

The term "wedding style" is often used to refer to themes, but if you really want to get into the minutia here, you could think of styles for a wedding as the broadest visual categories you can consider. While a wedding style does inform the design to a degree, think of it more as a way to define an event's level of formality. One wedding style can group together a handful of different wedding themes. For instance, an elegant or formal wedding style would umbrella over theme wedding ideas such as Regency, Art Deco or even minimalist, depending on the decor.

"The words theme and style represent two distinct aspects of your wedding," Stephens explains. "Style is more related to the overall look and feel of the wedding. On the other hand, a theme is related to a specific subject that contributes to the details of the wedding design."

Wedding Aesthetics

You've probably seen different wedding aesthetics (and fashion aesthetics and design aesthetics) floating around on Pinterest quite often these last few years. And despite the term's digital, microtrend-based origins, it's proved to be a lasting way to define the look and feel of your nuptials. A wedding aesthetic is a fuller wedding vision that encompasses tangible visual elements like decor as well as perceived actions to create a cinematic moment in time that you can see in your mind's eye like a film. This visual view of your celebration accounts for the cohesive visuals of a wedding theme and adds specificity and a situational aspect. Keeping with the formal style to Art Deco wedding funnel, your wedding aesthetic could be Great Gatspy. Along with the general Art Deco decor elements, deeper experiential connotations would come through that you might not find at another wedding taking inspiration from the 1920s. Think: frothy, overflowing champagne towers, an especially raucous swing band and shimmery streamers that look like the ones in the Baz Luhrmann film adaptation.

How to Pick a Wedding Theme

Now that you're familiar with a bevvy of the best wedding themes, the next task is selecting the one that speaks to you most. It's not that hard and it's really fun—you essentially just need to daydream about your celebration. If you aren't sure how to choose a theme for a wedding, start with thinking about your desired season and the setting (both the region and the venue). These two elements should be your guiding light. Holidays in your desired wedding season can also provide some wedding inspo:

"Finding a venue that's realistic to your vision can seem challenging, but it's the most important part of wedding planning," says New York-based wedding expert Alyssa Pettinato, owner of Alinato Events. "Then, every decision that comes after locking in the venue will contribute to the theme or style of your day."

Nailing down your wedding style first can also be another way to back into the kinds of wedding themes you should consider. And to find your ideal wedding style, you should take how you'd like everyone in attendance to experience the day into account.

"Selecting the right style can also be related to the type of experience you want for your guests," Stephens explains. "For example, a classic wedding tends to be more formal, while a boho wedding is usually less traditional. It's important to narrow down your overall style and the experience you want to create."

Ultimately, the best wedding theme or style inspiration comes from your relationship. "Themes are great because they help to personalize the wedding," says Stephens. Adds Tutera: "A wedding theme is great if it makes sense to the couple's perspective on how they want their wedding to look. So, if you're obsessed with a certain theme and it makes sense to who you are, it's great to have—but it's not a necessity, especially if a general style resonates more with you. It's important to pick what best represents you as a couple."

What's the Least Common Wedding Theme?

While every couple has the ability to make a popular wedding theme their own, there are a few relatively uncommon wedding themes on this list that you should take note of if you're hoping for something out of the ordinary. Celestial is one of the more unique wedding themes in our collection, but it's still prevalent enough that you won't have too much trouble centering your celebration on this wedding motif. Additionally, Japandi weddings are just starting to appear as part of a crop of interior design-influenced wedding trends, so this wedding theme would be the ultimate cutting-edge choice. Finally, a glam wedding theme was all the rage in the early 2000s (ahh yes, the era of bling), but has lost popularity in recent decades. Is it time for a glam renaissance? Explore some wedding inspo and let us know.

Additional reporting by Hannah Nowack.