The Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Theme Wedding

November 9, 2009 by Wedding Ideas
Filed under Wedding Ideas

Theme weddings are extremely popular and they can be a lot of fun. Sometimes the theme is subtle, such as a carefully coordinated color scheme or a unique motif, whereas sometimes the theme is highly developed, along the lines of a tropical wedding. Whichever approach you take, there are some tricks of the trade that will make the difference between a wedding theme that is expressed to perfection or one that is either underdeveloped or over the top. These are the dos and don’ts you need to know when planning a theme wedding.

Do: Give your guests an introduction to your wedding theme with your invitations. This could mean designing custom stationery that features a motif across the top in letterpress. It could be making up invitations in a distinctive color scheme like aqua and chocolate. Or it could even be that your invitations feature an image related to your theme, such as a beach scene for a tropical wedding. Since the wedding invitation is your first chance to make an impression, be sure to take advantage.

Don’t: Require that your guests play a role in a theme. In other words, it is really not kind to insist that everyone dresses in red or that all the men wear Hawaiian shirts to your luau themed bash. Anything that would inconvenience your guests or cost them money to further your wedding theme is a bad idea.

Do: Choose attire for your attendants that ties in with your theme without looking costumey. Going back to the tropical wedding example, tan linen suits on the groomsmen would be handsome and beach appropriate, but having each man wear a pair of shorts with a tropical print would be too much. If your wedding is inspired by the a particular time period, the men could wear a tie that harkens back to that time, such as ’60s style skinny ties for a Rat Pack theme wedding.

Don’t: Expect your bridesmaids to wear a period dress from a specific era; it is much more chic to choose styles that are inspired by a theme than costumes that are better suited for a play than a wedding. For instance, if your wedding has a Renaissance theme, please do not ask your attendants to dress like wenches at the RenFair! Instead, select dresses with details which refer to that period, such as the appropriate neckline or color palette.

Do: Select bridesmaid gifts which tie in with your theme as long as they are beautiful enough to be enjoyed later. A bride having a Winter Wonderland wedding could select Swarovski crystal snowflake earrings for her bridesmaid gifts. They would both suit the theme and be a style that her friends would enjoy wearing again. Avoid any gifts that are so narrowly focused on your motif that they have no real use after the wedding. The same goes for the wedding favors.

Don’t: Overlook the reception menu when designing a theme wedding. This can be one of the best ways to tie everything together into a neat little package for your guests. Research the food, drinks, and desserts which can enhance your theme (or in the case of a color motif, design a cake in your signature shade). Guests always remember the food at a wedding, so this is a terrific place to really bring your theme to life for them.

About the Author Bridget Mora

Ask Bridget for advice in areas of jewelry or weddings. She writes numerous articles providing information for the customers of Silverland Jewelry.com. Bridesmaid gifts which have a timeless elegance will be cherished by your attendants.

Theme Wedding Favor Ideas