The most exciting part about wedding planning is choosing the theme. There are so many possibilities and options to decide from once you start the wedding planning process. Whether romantic, bohemian or modern the chosen theme will be a reflection of the couple’s style, personality and taste.
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There’s a lot to take into consideration, such as seasonality and location. But one thing is for sure, the theme sets the tone for the entire bridal experience and will dictate everything from the wedding ceremony, bridal party attire to the wedding reception venue decor.
We have put together a list of 47 wedding decor ideas to inspire and help make your wedding day unforgettable.
Romantic | Bohemian | Modern | Seaside | Garden | Rustic
ROMANTIC & WHIMSICAL
1. Blush & White
Source: Emily Wren Photography
Roses in every shade of blush combined with white drapery achieve a romanticism like no other combination. Think of the arrangement of the newlywed table — place a sweetheart sofa instead of chairs with a floral arch and include soft draping as a backdrop.
2. Ombré Bridesmaids
Source: Vanessa Joy Photography
Take inspiration from your bridal bouquet and select the bridesmaid dresses in an array of soft colors that complement your floral wedding story. Each dress can be different but choose to have a similar element like fabric, print or beading for cohesiveness.
3. Lace & Roses
Source: Julia Rebecca Photography
Dressing the reception tables with delicate lace table runners combined with lush greenery and roses can provide a sublime ambiance. You can also combine with interesting colorful plates and stemware for a special touch.
4. Flower Crowns
Source: Kim Christopher Photography
Flower crowns can give the bridal attire an ethereal feel. Flower crowns represent eternal love, so it is a very adequate symbol for a wedding day. You can even create a replica of yours best-puppy-friend to wear on your special day.
5. Flower Altar
Source: Melissa Hirsch Photography and Sweet Pea Floral Design
Exchange vows under a delicate altar arch adorned with fresh flowers. Lush bunches of flowers and greenery will show-off best. After the ceremony the arch can be an excellent backdrop for picture taking.
6. Signature co*cktails
Source: Radostina Photography
Serving signature co*cktails in soft tones with fruit garnishes can be the perfect pre-reception drink. Think of beverages that will complement your wedding colors. Serve on elegant silver trays for the most delicate touch.
7. Delicate Coasters
Source: Shutterfly
Adding personalized favors to the wedding reception tables can be a great way to get them in the hands of your guests. Monogrammed glass coasters will make a very useful party favor.
8. Elegant Signage
Source: Erin Lane Photography
Welcome your guests to the ceremony with an elegant handwritten sign decorated with precious flowers. Carry this idea into the reception entrance and guestbook table.
9. Delicious Desserts
Source: Shelly Pate Photography
Offer a variety of desserts and display in sophisticated serving trays and tiered cake stands. Plan to adorn the table with votive candles and flowers. Whether donuts, macarons or bite-sized cupcakes, any delicious treat you decide to serve will be awe-inspiring.
BOHEMIAN & ECLECTIC
10. Boho Altar
Source: Ashtyn Brooke
A pampas grass geometric altar can set the tone for the bohemian wedding of your dreams. Pampas grass is a stunning plant ideal for a free-spirited celebration, combine with sage and silver-dollar eucalyptus leaves for the ultimate boho chic decor.
11. Hanging Art
Source: Next To Me Studios
Hanging macramé wedding decorations can be an unexpected surprise for your guests. Play with different lengths for larger hanging pieces, add bold flowers and greenery. Hanging macramé planters throughout the venue can bring the whole look together.
12. Llama Love
Source: Redfield Photo
Share the spotlight with a beautiful llama on your wedding day, ideal for animal loving couples. Llamas are docile animals that make great photo companions and can also help everyone relax and enjoy the moment. A great source of inspiration for other wedding decor details.
13. Eclectic Arrangements
Source: Chelsea Diane Photography
An array of air plants, succulents and protea flowers can make for earthy magnificent arrangements. This combination can be quite unexpected but just as beautiful as traditional blooms. Decor is fitting for a destination wedding in the desert.
14. Paper Flowers
Source: Redfield Photo
Mexican inspired paper flowers can be marvelous cake decor and you can also add them to table centerpieces. Paper garlands in the style of ‘papel picado’ with hearts and marriage references can add a special touch to the reception.
15. Black Accents
Source: Sara Monika
Black can be an unexpected color to add to wedding decor, but it can be just the perfect dose of eclectic. Think black chairs, cloth napkins and glassware. An elegant option to enhance any bohemian wedding.
16. DIY Banner
Source: Scarlet O’Neill
Express yourself by making your own banner with a special meaning behind it. It can be a phrase from your vows, a poem or anything your heart desires. This banner can make for a great photo backdrop.
17. Table Signage
Source: Shutterfly
Customize clear acrylic blocks for the ideal table signs. Combine with antique candle holders and geometric floral vases for an eclectic style. Personalization allows for ultimate creativity.
18. Gold Palm Arch
Source: Tree of Life Films & Photography
Create a beautiful hanging altar arch gold painted palm leaves. Intermix with non-painted leaves and hang with clear thread at different lengths for a divine display. The final result will make for a glorious altar perfect for exchanging vows.
19. Colorful Blooms
Source: Ali Vagnini Photography
Floral arrangements in deep and bold colors on the table and hanging over head can make a stunning statement. These color combinations are ideal for evening weddings and can lend itself to incorporate accents in shades of gold and copper.
20. Cacti Chandelieirs
Source: Amanda Alessi Photography
Elevate your bohemian theme by adding cacti chandeliers at your reception. You can also add large palm leaves and flowers for a magical look. Bring the theme into the tables with cacti centerpieces your guests can take home after the celebration is over.
MODERN & GEOMETRIC
21. Balloon Aisle
Source: Alba Rose Photography
For a modern walk down the aisle consider large clear balloons filled with confetti. This can make for understated yet elegant and simple wedding decorations. This idea can be easily transitioned into the reception decor as well.
22. White & Crystal
Source: Brett Charles Rose Photography
An all-white wedding makes for a very modern celebration. Think white floral arrangements, table settings details and crystal stemware. Consider white tent draping and crystal hanging chandeliers. Simplicity is truly beautiful and elegant.
23. Geometric Touches
Source: Evan Rich Photography
Geometric shapes can give any wedding a very modern feel. For a magical look consider hanging geometric crystal candle holders. Consult with your wedding venue for the best way to display.
24. Industrial Location
Source: Jessie Schultz Photography
An industrial venue can be a great canvas for your modern wedding. Think of a location that already counts with art pieces that will enhance your event. Choose clear chairs, candles and geometric shapes as details and accents.
25. Star Struck
Source: Josh Goodman Photogrpahy
Gaze up at strings of colorful stars. Add strings of star shaped lamps across the ceiling to uplift your party, stars can be a wonderful addition to any decor. A splendid idea for either a colorful or monochromatic wedding.
26. Postcard Guestbook
Source: Wild Whim
Have your guests sign a postcard as a remembrance of their wedding attendance. Place geometric glass containers for the postcards to be placed in. Contemporary art postcards could be a nice addition to the celebration.
27. Chic Black
Source: Cari Courtright Photography
If you are a non-traditional couple then decorating in black can be just right for you. Consider a black cake with an acrylic initials cake topper. Take it a step further and have the bridal party wear all black as well, an edgy yet very chic approach.
28. Artsy Neon Lights
Source: Rachel Havel Photography
Nothing says artsy like a neon sign on a wall of lush tropical greenery. This will make a fun backdrop for your guests to take selfies or group shots. The sign can be anything from a tongue-in-cheek phrase to a sentimental one-liner.
BEACH & TROPICS
29. Starfish Aisle
Source: Aislinn Kate Photography
For a beach wedding, consider highlighting the beauty of the ocean. Rope accents with starfish on aisle chairs and on the newlywed champagne glasses can look quite beautiful. Sand-dollars and sea shells would work great to complement the beach décor.
30. Doggie Theme Stirrers
Source: Anna Kim Photography
If your furry best friend can’t be at the celebration then think of ways to include them. Making drink stirrers with tiny prints of their adorable face will do the trick, plus everyone will get a kick out of it.
31. Tropical Table
Source: Shutterfly
Complement a tropical destination with lush green accents on the guest tables. Large palm tree leaves as runners combined with coral stemware is a stunning combination. A menu inspired by tropical flavors can bring everything together.
32. Fruits As Décor
Source: VID Studio
Fruits can be beautiful options to decorate a beach wedding. Think pineapples, coconuts and kiwis for a tropical theme. Whether scattered on a table or placed in wicker baskets around focal points of the event, fruits can help create just the right ambiance to your wedding day.
33. Colorful Wine Station
Source: Shutterfly
Create an area for a self-service wine station, add personalized decanters with the couple’s initials. This idea works particularly well for small celebrations. Invite guests to fill up a glass and pick up their table number at the same time.
34. Banana Leaf Table Runner
Source: Sky & Reef Photography
Giant banana leaves can make for great tropical table runners. Even better, they can do double duty by functioning as table seating charts. Simply write each guest’s name with white ink in an elegant script and position exactly in front of each place setting.
GARDEN & OUTDOORS
35. Pet Participation
Source: Ali Vagnini Photography
An outdoor wedding can be ideal to have your pets participate in. Dress them up as a best-man and maid-of-honor for ultimate cuteness. Their presence will surely delight your guests.
36. Nature’s Perfect Altar
Source: Buena Lane Photography
Sometimes natures provides the most ideal and heavenly altars. Woodsy weddings have the advantage to have large trees as stunning backdrops, all you have to do is add soft white fabric draped between them to soften things up a bit.
37. Happy Yellow
Source: Christine LeGrand Photo
Yellow is a happy color that can brighten up anything and everything. Incorporating craspedia flowers into the groom’s boutonniere and bride’s bouquet is a beautiful way to maximize the natural beauty of this bright yellow bloom. You can also easily incorporate them into the table centerpieces for the reception.
38. Outdoor Seating Charts
Source: Greg Fink
A wonderful way to utilize outdoor space is by creating a wine-box bookshelf. Fill up with books that will direct your guests to their seating arrangements. This can also be a great prop for photos opportunities.
39. Lush Greenery
Source: Melia Lucida
A lush green garden can be a stunning place to exchange vows. Find ways to incorporate strings of crystals and chandeliers to create an enchanting setting. Bring that shimmer into the reception by adding crystal-like adornments on the wedding cake.
40. Love Poem Aisle
Source: Pure in Art Photography
Write out your favorite love poem in a series of wood boards to be placed down the aisle. A meaningful way to make the day extra special and a powerful reminder of the love shared.
41. Dessert Wall
Source: Brook Borough Photography
An outdoor dessert wall is a delicious way to display the sweet treats. You can place shelves on a black wall and fill with fun desserts like donuts and pastries.
RUSTIC
42. Flower Lanterns
Source: Josh and Aleah Photography
Flower filled lanterns make the most beautiful centerpieces. This idea can be incorporated into a winery wedding. A simple yet elegant arrangement.
43. Quirky Photo Booth
Source: Allisha Linnea’ Photography
Plan to have a fun and quirky photo booth for your guests to keep mementos of your special day. Make sure you provide fun props and plenty of printing options.
44. Your Love Story
Source: Nikkis Plate
Share your love story with your guests on a simple wood board. Include the date you met, when you each met the parents and even when you adopted your first pet together. This is a great way for your friends and family get to know you better as a couple.
45. Rustic Cake Display
Source: Southern Sisters Photography
If your wedding is taking place at a farm, winery or barn then you want to make sure that elements of the venue are maximized within your wedding decor. Think of displaying your wedding cake on a rustic wheel wagon table while the cakes rests on a wood log base.
46. Barn Elegance
Source: LisaAnne Photography
A barn can lend itself to the most unique lighting and can be a perfect canvas for refined details. Think of a table full of colorful flower arrangements with hints of gold, elegant color glassware and linens – just the right mix for an elegant barn wedding.
47. Lavender Dreams
Source: KPC & Co Photography
Simple bouquets of lavender for the bride and her bridesmaids can be such a refreshing and elegant touch to a wedding. It can even inspire you to use every shade of purple and lilacs in your decor. Plus, lavender can keep everyone relaxed and calm on what can be a very busy day.
Once you decide on a theme, the rest of the planning will follow. The wedding planning process should be fun and enjoyable, start recruiting friends and family to help. Keep in mind that it is never too early to start working on your wedding ceremony script as the vows that will be exchanged will be one of the most memorable moments of the day.
