How to Choose a Wedding Theme for Your Special Day

Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, but you want to make it stand out even more with a cohesive theme. Whether you have a city hall wedding in New York or a rustic wedding in the country, it’s important to incorporate a theme that makes the day special for you and impresses your guests.

Discover how to choose a wedding theme in this guide and use the ideas below as inspiration for your dream wedding.

Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with white tables adorned with large floral centerpieces in pink and purple, complete with fine dining ware and champagne glasses.

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Theme

You might not think that your wedding needs a specific theme and should just be a celebration of your love and the sanctity of marriage. Choosing a theme does not mean that you have to go over the top with your choice of decorations. However, you should select a vibe that you want the wedding to have and tie that into your choices.

But how can you pick the theme for your big day? Below are helpful tips that any bride should consider.

Lean Into the Season

Some couples don’t have to wonder how to choose a wedding theme and instead let their wedding date decide it for them. One of the easiest ways to narrow down the options for your special day is by leaning into the season when you’re getting married. Focusing on seasonal colors can help you establish the type of floral arrangements you have, attire choices for your bridal party, and other small details.

You can do this no matter what time of year you plan to tie the knot. Seasonal inspiration may include:

  • Winter: Embrace a cozy atmosphere with lights and decorations like evergreen arrangements or pinecones glittering with fake snow.
  • Spring: Celebrate the blooming season by giving guests flower seeds as favors and incorporating bright pastel colors around the venue.
  • Summer: Beach weddings remain one of the most popular themes and are easy to pull off. Subtle details like shells or starfish in your centerpieces can bring the beach to your venue.
  • Fall: Many rustic weddings take place in the fall and utilize warm colors like burgundy or burnt orange.

Incorporate a Holiday

Rather than just focusing on the general season when your wedding takes place, you can tie in an upcoming holiday. For example, October brides might opt to get creative and add elements that relate to Halloween such as a trick-or-treat candy bar for guests. December weddings could use a classic Christmas theme or lean into the glitz and glam of New Year’s.

Use Your Venue as Inspiration

If you want to know how to choose a wedding theme, look no further than your venue. You can always take the vibe from the venue’s decorations and architecture and enhance it with your own personal touch.

Are you getting married at a park or botanical garden? Use nature as your inspiration when it comes to selecting your flowers, accessories, and decorations. On the other hand, nature-inspired decor might not translate as well if you’re getting married at a grand historic castle.

Think About What’s Important to You

Many couples select a wedding theme that draws on their love stories. Not only does this idea make your wedding unique but also incredibly personal. You’ll be able to give your guests a closer look at your relationship as they celebrate your union.

Not sure how to choose a wedding theme that incorporates you as a couple? You can use subtle details that have special meaning for the two of you together and as individuals.

For example, if you love to travel, you could make DIY seating cards that resemble airplane tickets. If one of you has an interest in photography, a photo booth for your guests can be a great addition.

Look at Trends

Wedding trends come and go, including certain themes. If you need inspiration for your big day, research current trends that are taking the industry by storm. You can see how other brides execute their theme and see if it’s something you can envision for your wedding.

If your wedding is over a year away, be on the lookout for select trends that wedding experts predict will be all the rage in the months to come. You might be able to jump on board with popular themes before they become overdone.

Pick a Color Palette and Go From There

Choosing a wedding theme doesn’t have to be difficult. For some brides, it’s as easy as picking their favorite color. If there’s one thing most weddings have in common regardless of theme, it’s utilizing a certain color palette for florals, decorations, bridal party attire, and more.

You can start by picking one color that you want to highlight the most, such as blue. You can then watch the minor details of your wedding come together as you build a palette around that signature color.

For example, say you choose navy blue for your bridesmaid dresses and table linens. You can complement this signature color with white or light blue florals and gold accessories like table runners. The key is to select non-clashing colors.

Keep It Simple with a Traditional Wedding

Are you still not sure how to choose a wedding theme? That’s okay! When all else fails, you can always go with the traditional wedding look.

Timeless weddings often use neutral colors like black, white, or silver and involve formal decorations and menus. This type of event won’t just impress your guests, but it will never go out of style. If you’re worried about selecting a theme you might come to regret, don’t overthink it and go with the traditional style.

Now that you know how to choose a wedding theme, discover how to pull off the perfect day on a budget with tips and tricks from City Hall Wedding. Explore our blog for more wedding ideas, such as practical ways of including your dog in the ceremony, selecting table centerpieces, and much more. Submit our online contact form to connect with a wedding expert who can simplify your planning process.