When planning their wedding, many couples choose to embrace a theme to guide their design inspiration. In addition to providing a framework to work from, wedding themes are also a way for couples to put their personalities and relationship on display. Perhaps a multicultural couple infuses their celebration with special nods to both of their heritages. Maybe a couple of Star Wars fans add some cute figurines to their centerpieces or plan their big day for May the Fourth. Ultimately, themes are a way to get creative and make a wedding your own.
However, there is such a thing as going overboard on thematic elements. “One of the biggest mistakes that I find couples typically make when opting for a theme is that they have a misconception that it needs to be over-the-top, pop culture related, or even seasonal,” says Kylie Carlson, owner of The Wedding Academy.
Your special day should still feel like a wedding, even with those fun details in place for guests to enjoy. Fortunately, it’s entirely feasible for play with themes while keeping it reined in. Carlson continues: “There are all types of varying themes. A meaningful date, array of colors, or favorite aesthetic are all considered themes if you’re incorporating them throughout your wedding.”
Here’s a rundown from the experts about how to embrace a wedding theme without crossing the line.
Keep it meaningful
“A big mistake couples make when trying to incorporate a theme into their wedding is by choosing a theme that has no meaning for them,” explains Jamie Chang, wedding planner and creator of Passport to Joy. “Many times, couples think they have to choose a theme and so they choose one, but it doesn’t reflect them as a couple or as people. A theme only makes sense if it relates to the couple because a theme without meaning translates to a wedding without meaning.”
Focus on smaller details
JoAnn Gregoli, owner of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli says: “Details matter! If you are hosting a garden-themed wedding, start with eco-friendly paper that can be planted after they are used. Follow that with seedlings as your escort cards or mini herbs used at each place setting. Linens can be floral and serve food that is locally sourced farm-to-table and enhanced with edible flowers.”
“Find a way to incorporate the theme without ever saying what your theme is,” elaborates Laura Maddox, owner of Magnolia Celebrates. “We do this by finding nods to the theme in your textiles and other areas. If you’re having a roaring 20s theme, for example, you would find geometric patterns for your linens, your china would have gold rims, your paper would possible mirror the geo patterns of your linens, you’d have fringe or chandeliers and crystals incorporated in your centerpieces and other pieces around the room. You never said it was a roaring 20’s party. No one piece could make you think this on its own, but when you encompass what the eye will see in the whole room, no guest could miss it.”
Choose the right vendors
“If you are waiting to have your big day until after the pandemic is over, don’t hesitate to take a bit of time and coordinate your vendors that will work well together to produce the theme you are trying to create,” encourages Tommy Waters, event coordinator and owner of The Renaissance. “For instance, if you want an upscale bohemian look and feel, a certain florist may work well with certain décor pieces you are considering. Not every florist can pull off that nouveau bohemian, so take a little time researching the best one for you.”
Get strategic
Kimberly Sisti, head designer, and owner of Sisti & Co., suggests: “When incorporating a theme into your small wedding and trying to keep it cohesive, do this: write every idea down into a list. After you have all your lovely thoughts down, divide the ideas up by when they would be seen. For example, label your ideas as pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour, personal photos/romantics, reception, cake, favors/gifts, and farewell. Select one idea for each areas so you have, at most, 8 ideas. Then, divide that in half. This way, you’re giving subtle hints of your theme without looking overdone.”
Employ technology creatively
“The concept of elevating your big day through the use of technology is going to be especially popular given the continued health and safety guidelines,” confirms Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services. “Think about how you can automate your wedding — whether that’s by utilizing QR codes in lieu of physical menus, embracing the return of the selfie stick for appropriate social distancing photos, or apps that allow you to order your beverages without needing to stand in line.”
Whether you and your partner are passionate alumni of the same college or avid Disney fans, there are plenty of ways to infuse your wedding day with thematic elements that capture who you truly are together. At the end of the day, your planner can help you maintain a healthy balance that blends your theme in seamlessly with other details, ensuring that your wedding design doesn’t go overboard.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
We’ve partnered with OFD Consulting to bring you this great advice from their collective of wedding professionals.
