Our inspirational guide to wedding themes

The world really is your oyster when it comes to wedding themes, so how do you choose? Remember, this is your chance as a couple to show who you are, what makes you smile or laugh and what you truly love. So think of your wedding celebration as the perfect opportunity to let your personalities shine through.

And, with so many wedding themes to choose from, the most important thing is to be unique, be you and make your wedding day all you want it to be.

Start your journey...

There's so much to discover when it comes to wedding themes. So whether you're just starting out or you've already decided on the main elements, there are still plenty of amazing ideas to inspire you! Create a scrapbook or invest in a beautiful notebook and jot down your thoughts on everything from colour schemes to photography styles. It's fun to do this together and it also helps you bring your ideas to life. Remember, your wedding theme will set the tone for your whole day.

Be inspired by others

Take a look at our real brides' stories too. We've handpicked a few of these exceptionally beautiful wedding stories below to inspire you but, whatever your style, we have a real wedding to match!

Joanna and Mike

When we asked our brides-to-be about their wedding themes* 9% told us they were going for a relaxed bohemian style, while 39% were planning a modern, contemporary celebration. The majority of our brides-to-be are choosing a vintage theme with a huge 41% planning a wedding with a romantic and nostalgic vibe. Finally, 10% of our brides are going away for their wedding and choosing a destination abroad.

You'll find all these styles and more in our real brides' stories. For example, fans of rustic romance will love Liam and Natacha's beautiful barn wedding or this party in a luxury chateau in the heart of the north of England. If you're heading abroad you'll adore the stunning scenery in this Santorini celebration.

Suit your style to the season

With so many wedding themes to choose from, thinking about the time of year can also be a good place to start. When we asked our brides-to-be what season they were getting married in* 43% had booked a summer wedding. An equal 23% were marrying in spring or autumn while 11% were having a winter wedding.

Each different season offers something magical. For example, for a spring wedding, you can make the most of the beautiful blossoms while in summer you can capture stunning photographs together in the soft evening light. In winter use the chill to your advantage with a roaring log fire and glasses of mulled wine.

Aimee and Ben

No matter what the season, it's handy to always be prepared. A pretty brolly is perfect in spring if showers appear and in summer, if it's super hot, you'll be glad for the shade!

Shannon and Matthew

Even on the warmest days, the evening can turn chilly so, in any season, a beautiful bridal jacket is a perfect cover-up. Plus it'll also give you a new, head-turning evening look!

Francesca and Jamie

Still not sure where to begin? We've picked a few of our favourite themes to get you started...

Modern fairytale princess wedding themes

Full of romance and magic, look no further than heroic tales of fairy tale princesses for inspiration for your modern princess wedding themes. Think rows of twinkling fairy lights, rose petals sprinkled down the aisle and hundreds of beautiful hanging lanterns.

For this look, your wedding dress should be equally whimsical and dreamy, so take a look through these fairy tale inspired styles. For even more serious princess style, read more about Tiana, our exclusive Platinum Edition ball gown. Its tumbling mass of ivory tulle ending in a decadent train will glide you down the aisle in regal style.

Tiana

Don't forget to give your princess dress that extra va va voom with an underskirt (or two for extra volume!). This will give your dress shape and lift, keep your legs cooler and make it easier to walk.

And of course, every good princess needs a tiara. Our Amixi collection is a treasure trove of beautiful bridal accessories to complete your enchanted theme.

Boho wedding themes

Mixing elements of nature, along with plenty of romanticism and individuality, a bohemian-styled wedding is a super versatile theme. The words ‘boho chic’ conjure up images of loosely arranged wildflowers and gorgeously relaxed decor. Get the look with plenty of feathers and ribbons alongside pretty tea lights and paper lanterns.

Your dress should be suitably soft and unstructured to match. Our Heidi Hudson collection blends elements of modern, informal styling with vintage romance - perfect for free-spirited brides. Read more about boho wedding dresses here.

Alicia

Keep your hair loose and carefree - effortless is what you're trying to achieve. Braided, flower bands or whimsical headpieces are bang on trend too. This look is all about freedom and creativity, so set your artistic spirit free!

For a truly festival chic feel, we just adore the teepees at Donna and James' festival inspired celebration.

Donna and James' teepee paradise

This look can be very homemade so get family and friends involved and create your own rustic DIY decor. For example, these glass jars with seasonal flowers make cute cost-effective centrepieces.

Chantel and Ashley's DIY decor

You can also never have enough bunting! DIY it with bunting made from fabric scraps, hang homemade paper pom poms or string up lots of photographs. Rows of images of all your special memories are wonderful to share with your guests.

Vintage chic wedding themes

If you love Old Hollywood glamour than channel the elegance and style of Grace Kelly for a 1950s-themed celebration. Our sophisticated ball gown wedding dress, Isabella, with its luxurious mikado fabric and delicate lace appliqué, is a contemporary twist on this classic style (read more here).

Isabella

Wear it with an elegant chignon hairstyle combined with a hairband, like Regency, to complete the look. It's the perfect style for a romantic, golden era feel.

Cheryl and Steven's unique luxury chateau

Vintage themes also go hand in hand with lace. It's stunning and nostalgic and adds an elegant and romantic feel. So make lace patterns and shapes central to your theme by adorning your invitations, using them for tablecloths and runners and tying your flowers with lace ribbon.

Another way to bring a vintage theme to life is with an afternoon tea complete with delicate teacups and saucers, cake stands and birdcage decorations. A few metallic details or a pop of bold colour will add extra interest and glamour.

Harriet and Nathan's Romantic Day

Your style, your way

We hope we've inspired you with a few more ideas for your big day mood board. No matter what wedding theme you choose, just make sure your personality shines through. And remember, the one top tip we hear from so many of our real brides is simply to enjoy every moment because it really does go so fast!

* Statistics based on brides' answers from competition entries between July and October 2017