Creating the ultimate theme wedding can be a creative and fulfilling way to make your wedding dreams come true. However, deciding on a theme and choosing the perfect décor, menu, flowers, and wedding ensembles can be a little tricky. Luckily, we’ve compiled some expert tips that will help you get started. Whether you’re planning a tropical destination wedding or a jovial medieval celebration, we can help you prepare for a special ceremony and reception that will dazzle your friends and family. We hope you enjoy this quick guide to planning the perfect theme wedding:
1.) Tropical Destination Wedding Tips
Many couples decide to plan a destination wedding, for a variety of practical - and romantic - reasons. Palm trees, mango-scented breezes, and white-sand beaches can make this sort of wedding unforgettable…as well, it can be less expensive to plan a destination wedding, as there are usually fewer guests to feed and entertain. The most important thing you need to know about planning a tropical destination wedding is how to get organized well in advance. Save the date cards should be sent out months before the event, and follow-ups should be sent out regularly – use Facebook or Twitter to stay in touch.
Also, be certain to get comprehensive travel and medical insurance, and try to choose a venue or resort that is positively reviewed and rated by customers and trade associations alike. Once you know your RSVP numbers and have a workable game plan, you can begin to think about the fun stuff.
Simple, lightweight wedding attire will be most appropriate – a thin chemise or slip-dress can be a perfect, inexpensive wedding gown…the groom will look great in a white linen shirt and pale beige linen trousers. Flowers in the bride’s hair should be linked with your location – a colorful hibiscus or elegant orchid may be all you need. Makeup and hair should be beachy, tousled, and fresh looking. Aim for a sun-kissed glow.
For décor, use nature…it’s already there, and it can provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. Consider a sunset beach ceremony, with a few burning torches or a pretty trellis strewn with blossoms. Guests should wear anything light, colorful, and festive – keep it casual and relaxed. Your dinner should feature fresh seafood, roasted or barbecued meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to keep foods local for an authentic feast. Consider a Hawaiian-style luau or Caribbean-inspired menu (jerk chicken, plantains, etc.) Offer a typical wedding cake to keep a sense of tradition.
2.) Medieval Wedding Tips –
These fun weddings hearken back to the days of brave knights and fair damsels. You’ll need to do some serious planning to get a “period” effect at your wedding. Watch films from this era (Much Ado About Nothing, The Other Boleyn Girl), and TV shows, such as the Tudors. Remember, you’re aiming for romance and historical accuracy. Consider renting costumes for your wedding party –you can probably negotiate a group rate, and this will add an element of masquerade and whimsy to this sort of wedding. If you’re going Medieval, it helps if your guests come along for the ride.
For the bridal gown, look for empire waist dresses or corseted styles. Cap sleeves or long, bell-shaped sleeves can also be very lovely for the bride. Look for bridal jewelry that captures old-fashioned elements – Irish or Celtic engagement rings often feature ancient symbols that look perfect with Medieval outfits. Use ancient symbols to add flair to wedding favors, invitations, and place settings – for example, classic Trinity Knots are a symbol of the Holy Trinity, and they look beautiful when added (perhaps in a nice bronze metallic paint or ink) to wedding invitations or vases.
For your wedding ceremony, choose Medieval poetry or Olde English wedding vows to add a sense of authenticity. The groom can be as dressed up or down as he likes – from velvet tunics and poet shirts, to simple breeches with a dark top.
Your reception should feature Medieval music, interspersed with some modern classic that still have an old-world feel. Some progressive rock has plenty of Medieval elements – Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven is one fine example. Hire local musicians who are versatile enough to play different types of music. If you’re using a DJ, be sure to play some elegant, soft chamber music (such as Greensleeves) while people dine.
Candlelight, buffets featuring roast pork, roast beef, and platters of simple vegetables, and rich velvet draping can work well for a Medieval reception. Flowers are perfect centerpieces – try to choose wildflowers or lush roses to add visual impact. Look for wooden plates and silver goblets to make things more fun. The little details will make all of the difference. A traditional honey or spice cake can make for a lovely wedding dessert – it can be a wedding cake that doesn’t require almost-inedible fondant. Use cream cheese or butter frosting, and add ancient symbols and sugar flowers with contrasting frosting colors.
For a medieval wedding, a bride may want to wear a rich jewel tone, such as ruby red, purple, or emerald green. Anything goes when the spirit of Medieval times is reflected at the ceremony and reception. Wedding favors can be charming and whimsical as well – consider homemade beeswax candles, homemade wine with a Medieval-style label, or organic honey and tea in gift baskets. Celebrating nature and the romantic, chivalrous spirit of yesteryear can be the key to a perfect Medieval wedding.
1.) Tropical Destination Wedding Tips
Many couples decide to plan a destination wedding, for a variety of practical - and romantic - reasons. Palm trees, mango-scented breezes, and white-sand beaches can make this sort of wedding unforgettable…as well, it can be less expensive to plan a destination wedding, as there are usually fewer guests to feed and entertain. The most important thing you need to know about planning a tropical destination wedding is how to get organized well in advance. Save the date cards should be sent out months before the event, and follow-ups should be sent out regularly – use Facebook or Twitter to stay in touch.
Also, be certain to get comprehensive travel and medical insurance, and try to choose a venue or resort that is positively reviewed and rated by customers and trade associations alike. Once you know your RSVP numbers and have a workable game plan, you can begin to think about the fun stuff.
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| A Tropical Destination Themed Wedding |
For décor, use nature…it’s already there, and it can provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. Consider a sunset beach ceremony, with a few burning torches or a pretty trellis strewn with blossoms. Guests should wear anything light, colorful, and festive – keep it casual and relaxed. Your dinner should feature fresh seafood, roasted or barbecued meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to keep foods local for an authentic feast. Consider a Hawaiian-style luau or Caribbean-inspired menu (jerk chicken, plantains, etc.) Offer a typical wedding cake to keep a sense of tradition.
2.) Medieval Wedding Tips –
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| Medieval Architecture |
For the bridal gown, look for empire waist dresses or corseted styles. Cap sleeves or long, bell-shaped sleeves can also be very lovely for the bride. Look for bridal jewelry that captures old-fashioned elements – Irish or Celtic engagement rings often feature ancient symbols that look perfect with Medieval outfits. Use ancient symbols to add flair to wedding favors, invitations, and place settings – for example, classic Trinity Knots are a symbol of the Holy Trinity, and they look beautiful when added (perhaps in a nice bronze metallic paint or ink) to wedding invitations or vases.
For your wedding ceremony, choose Medieval poetry or Olde English wedding vows to add a sense of authenticity. The groom can be as dressed up or down as he likes – from velvet tunics and poet shirts, to simple breeches with a dark top.
Your reception should feature Medieval music, interspersed with some modern classic that still have an old-world feel. Some progressive rock has plenty of Medieval elements – Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven is one fine example. Hire local musicians who are versatile enough to play different types of music. If you’re using a DJ, be sure to play some elegant, soft chamber music (such as Greensleeves) while people dine.
Candlelight, buffets featuring roast pork, roast beef, and platters of simple vegetables, and rich velvet draping can work well for a Medieval reception. Flowers are perfect centerpieces – try to choose wildflowers or lush roses to add visual impact. Look for wooden plates and silver goblets to make things more fun. The little details will make all of the difference. A traditional honey or spice cake can make for a lovely wedding dessert – it can be a wedding cake that doesn’t require almost-inedible fondant. Use cream cheese or butter frosting, and add ancient symbols and sugar flowers with contrasting frosting colors.
For a medieval wedding, a bride may want to wear a rich jewel tone, such as ruby red, purple, or emerald green. Anything goes when the spirit of Medieval times is reflected at the ceremony and reception. Wedding favors can be charming and whimsical as well – consider homemade beeswax candles, homemade wine with a Medieval-style label, or organic honey and tea in gift baskets. Celebrating nature and the romantic, chivalrous spirit of yesteryear can be the key to a perfect Medieval wedding.
Ciara O'Brien writes for Irish Celtic Jewels, an online Celtic jewelry store. On her blog she writes about all things Irish and Celtic including information about weddings and the Claddagh ring.
A tropical destination wedding is something that is very common nowadays... I personally love it's concept but still the solemnity of the ceremony should always stay also... thanks for the tips... It's worth the read!
Thanks for info
Great info...but be careful if you choose to go simple on the dress for the tropical theme, just make sure you have a plan for sweating...don't get caught wearing thin satin or silk on a hot day!
I love the concept for both the tropical and the medieval. I guess we have to make some consideration with tropical though.