Wedding themes bring style and interest to your big day. Dramatic and classic romantic themes feature large for 2014, as do rustic, organic receptions, quirky wedding styles and symbolic ceremonies. Rich purple, fiery orange and warm coffee colours are also now very much in vogue. Create a unique look with your favourite colours, a running theme or a subtle feel from your invitations through to your cake. Discover the top wedding themes for 2014 and how you can work them into your day with real style.
Dramatic
Image courtesy of Villa La Vedetta Italian Wedding Venue.
A dramatic theme is ideal for the bolder bride and groom, the couple who are not afraid to use bright colours or high drama on their wedding day.
Breath-taking views, ancient castles and theatrical wedding venues with high ceilings, sweeping staircases and large striking picture windows all scream drama.
Make a bold statement at your reception with over-sized floral decorations or ceiling hangings of ribbons, beads or crystals to add a truly amazing wow factor. Lighting will enhance the look and a dramatic firework display will finish the evening with a bang.
Quirky
Image courtesy of Marie Wootton Photography
Go wild with an unusual wedding theme to reflect your personal style, be it Art Deco, Alice in Wonderland-inspired or Rock n Roll. Alternatively add in subtle quirky details to a classic white wedding to add interest, create a talking point and make your big day truly memorable.
Tie the knot at an unusual wedding venue such as an old theatre, a zoo or on a football pitch. An open-top red double decker bus is a great way to transport guests from one venue to the next, as is a stretch limo for your bridal party.
Vibrant coloured bridal shoes, a striking headdress in place of a tiara or personalised signs to direct guests at each venue can all be unique. Cute cake toppers can be found for every couple whether you’re dual ethnicity, same sex or just share a passion such as motorbikes.
Organic
Image from Real Wedding by Anna Marie Stepney
Organic and green weddings are where it’s at and not just for ethical or political reasons. Natural wedding style, with its warm and friendly rustic country look can also be eco-friendly.
For a really organic wedding, get married ‘al fresco’ or celebrate your reception in a barn, a woodland retreat or at a botanical venue such as the amazing Kew Gardens or Wise Wedding Venue.
Organic materials for bridal outfits and table linens are an option and organic, locally sourced food is a very good idea. Eco-friendly wedding transport such as a romantic horse and carriage, a cute tandem or even just an old fashioned stroll to the ceremony venue will make your wedding day even more special. Consider a green and ivory colour scheme, fashionable cheese wedding cake and pretty candle lit lanterns. Cover the ground with delicate, colourful rose petals for the ultimate finishing touch to an organic wedding.
Symbolic
Add a symbolic twist in a visually interesting way for all with the sand ceremony. The bride and groom take it in turns to pour coloured sand into a beautiful keepsake glass vase to symbolise the joining of two people in marriage.
Make a seaside wedding extra special and perform your sand ceremony on the beach (though not in high winds) or at a beautiful clifftop venue for full effect.
Find the right shades for your colour scheme as this decorative sand comes in 28 different colours. Chinese lanterns will add another beautiful symbolic finale to your reception as you ask guests to write their wishes on each lantern before you send them up into the sky in a visual display of light.
Romantic
Image courtesy of Alfred Angelo.
In its classic elegant style or a more contemporary reworking, the romantic fairytale princess look is epitomised by the bodice wedding gown and rose bouquet. Bring it into the 21st century or work it with vintage or retro details.
A candle-lit castle, romantic Victorian hotel with balconies and high ceilings or a venue with beautiful rose gardens are all ideal.
Rose petals are the ultimate in romance. For something different to the usual pink or ivory roses, make a statement by walking up the aisle holding a single giant silk rose in place of a bouquet or source dyed roses in unusual colours such as blue, vibrant purple or gold.