Wedding trends change with the seasons. Afarose’s guide to popular wedding themes will help you find a timeless concept to fit any couple’s personality.

New trends pop in and out of fashion every year—and weddings trends are no exception. Popular wedding themes are constantly circling over, and there’s always a new twist or fashion to appreciate. But it can certainly be hard to keep up when planning your wedding.

However, the past few years have been anchored by a few timelessly popular wedding themes brides gravitate towards.

In addition to the traditional ceremony, alternative weddings go down avenues of combining styles from boho, modern, vintage, romantic tastes, and more. Throwing a destination wedding has also become more popular—regardless of the most popular weddings themes—as brides flock to beaches, mountains, countryside gardens, and even art deco theaters to tie the knot.

Wedding planning can be an exhausting task. Tensions can run high when tasked with making all the perfect decisions to bring your dream wedding to life. And having endless options to choose from can be paralyzing. Focusing your wedding vision on a particular concept or theme can help you feel more grounded in your decision-making.

This popular wedding themes guide will help you decide which trends suit your style best and provide a north star for your wedding planning efforts.

How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Theme

Couples shouldn’t choose wedding themes solely based on popular decor and Insta-worthy backdrops. There’s nothing wrong with keeping up with the times, but remember times are always changing. Think over what you want to remember down the road in life, and make sure it’s relevant to who you are and logistically possible to pull off.

Get Personal

It’s your wedding! Yours!

There is so much inspiration and content available that it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of trendy Do and Don’t lists. Anchor your mood boards in your personal style, and incorporate details and elements you love. Personalizing your wedding will make it an original expression of love, rather than a Pinterest board replication.

If you’re unsure about your personal style or aesthetic, take cues from your wardrobe. Note what colors you enjoy and the types of pieces you gravitate toward. Even if you choose to wear a classic white dress, you can incorporate those colors into bridesmaids’ dresses and other elements of the wedding.

Think Far Ahead

It’s important to choose a wedding theme you enjoy, but also consider how well it will age over time. What’s trendy right now could soon become outdated. Start with the most popular, classic, and timeless wedding themes, then weave in unique personal touches. You want to be able to look at your photos and reminisce, not have to explain the bridesmaid Bridgerton costumes fad.

Will you be proud of those photos when you look through your wedding album in twenty years or more? No one wants to look back at their wedding photos in embarrassment. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event to create fond memories of forever. So, keep that in mind when making decisions about a theme.

Consider Your Venue

Another important factor to consider is your budget. Typically, the venue will account for a large portion of your expenses, so you may need to plan your theme around what you can create within your desired space. Use your venue for inspiration. Let the venue set the vibe, tone, and aesthetic for the wedding, then intersperse small elements to shape, reinforce, and accent it.

Luckily, most wedding venues can do the heavy lifting for your theme. If you’re getting married on the beach or near water, go for a nautical ocean-inspired theme for a built-in backdrop-ready approach. If you get married in a romantic countryside garden, that’s an excellent canvas for a classic or fairytale wedding.

No matter where you hold your wedding, there are always ways to add details to showcase your style, from extravagant to minimalist and eco-friendly.

Look To the Seasons

Consider the season of when your wedding will take place to help you create a theme. A black-tie event may lose its allure during the hot summer months, especially if held outside. The season can even serve as a theme. Incorporate seasonal details for additional sync and harmony of the elements of the theme. Work warm oranges, deep burgundy tones, and fall foliage into your decor to make an autumn wedding pop, or glamorize snowy winter weddings with deep blues and glitter.

Don’t Limit Yourself

Forget about the status quo, it’s your wedding! You get to make the rules. If you’re creating your wedding theme around a particular season, you don’t have to stick with the obvious colors of that specific season—fall weddings aren’t required to be decked in boho-chic orange and burgundy. If you're attracted to multiple colors, hues, and styles, no need to pick just one or two. Want to ditch the traditional theme for a hybrid of vintage and boho wedding themes? Go right ahead.

Just ensure your choices are consistent, so the end result is harmonious and in sync with your authentic personality.

Popular Wedding Themes for 2021

Feel free to mix and match as you like, but it always helps to use some of the most popular wedding themes as guidance. While you’re only bound by your budget and imagination, building on a theme can help guide you through the wedding planning process. Think of these popular wedding themes as a canvas you can customize to suit your personality, style, and preferences for your big day.

Boho Weddings

Boho weddings are the “I woke up like this” of wedding themes. Are you the girl in school who never followed fast fashion trends but always seemed sophisticated and put-together, even though your outfits looked like last-minute decisions?

Boho wedding decor is soft and earthy, typically featuring wildflowers, greenery, cabanas, draperies, and lots of worn wood. A boho wedding is casual, whimsical, and comfortable. Boho stays popular among wedding themes because of its free-flowing nature, as opposed to more strict wedding presentations. The theme is usually associated with free-spirited brides who want to reflect their love for all things breezy and laid-back.

There are many ways to do boho without necessarily just being shabby-chic.

1. Classic Boho

Classic boho is a cross between shabby-chic and traditional weddings. Think of a natural color scheme with beige, white, ivory, and lots of green garlands. Classic boho weddings should feel like an earthy, organic version of a traditional or romantic wedding, but less pastoral than a country wedding.

Couples can set up a perfect classic boho wedding in a backyard, an open-air courtyard, or a barn. The decor is minimal yet whimsical—think long wooden community-style family dining tables, with floral runners instead of tablecloths to show off the raw texture. Run with bright colors, folk motifs, vibrant flowers, succulents, fruits, and feathers: these are key details for the traditional boho soiree. Add a unique touch with fresh flowers, or watercolor fondant and tribal patterns. Consider themed wedding favors like homemade canned jams or seed packets as well.

Boho fashion is airy and laid-back, so don’t worry about being fussy or overly put together with your attire. For grooms, think blue suits, casual shirts, vests, suspenders, and boutonnieres or bow ties. Bridesmaids can wear mismatched dresses, loosely braided tresses, and delicate floral headpieces.

‹

›

Afarose carries a vast selection of boho wedding dresses for the free-spirited and eclectic bride. Fashion-forward boho brides will love Rowena: the glamorous sequin fabric and plunging V-back infuse a modern glamor to boho. On the other hand, Doreen is a lightweight and versatile piece perfect for a ranch, or farm-themed wedding. You can also cut down the train for a ready-to-wear formal dress after!

2. Rustic Boho

Rustic boho weddings are all about earthy glam. Couples who opt for a rustic theme frequently incorporate a mixture of vintage and natural elements, such as lace accents, soft silhouettes, and vintage boho elements. Taking inspiration from nature and incorporating subtle nods to the outdoors can result in a unique casual elegance.

Rustic boho themes lend themselves to outdoorsy, relaxed settings, and are the perfect canvas for the DIY couple to show off their craftiness. Have your wedding at a barn, winery, open-air chapel, or farm for a rustic boho wedding. Sturdy wood, calligraphic details, fairy string lights, antique lanterns, and barrel bars are hallmarks of a boho setting. Rustic cakes are organic and original, so instead of a traditional tiered cake, opt for a DIY dessert bar with cake pops and cupcakes.

Attire should be hyper-ethereal. Bridal gowns typically feature breezy skirts, lace detailing, and illusion necklines, while grooms can incorporate rugged vintage elements like cowboy boots, tweed suits, or suspenders. Bridesmaids can style themselves according to the color theme: vibrant, mismatched dresses for a fall wedding, or pared-back, pastel vintage pieces for a winter ceremony.

The Catherine wedding dress by Afarose has an airy and ethereal structure and illusion bodice that makes it the perfect boho bridal dress pick. Meanwhile, Durriya’s cascading lace bodice and full tulle skirt are great for the boho princess. The lacy illusion cut-outs on the waist create a cinch to define the upper body and accentuate a floaty, dreamy skirt.

‹

›

3. Beachside Boho

Nothing screams boho like a beach wedding. You and your guests can have a celebration that’s carefree and fun, without tension to put on perfect airs. It’s a prime setting for adventurous, carefree couples. If you can’t get to a waterfront, get creative with decor and bring the shore to you. Decorate with light and airy, sheer, neutral-colored linens and dried flowers. Incorporating a wood structure like a cabana with draperies will help bring the theme to life.

A waterfront setting will do the aesthetic heavy-lifting, so you can go minimalist with the decor—all you need are a few on-theme touches to make the gathering extra personal. Consider foraging for seashells, driftwood, and starfish to use as centerpieces and props.

A beachside boho wedding cake is an excellent opportunity to create a focal point. It's a wonderful and delicious way to incorporate your beach wedding theme. Consider tying in some aesthetic details to sync with the theme, such as subtle, ocean blues for the cake. Add sugar details such as seashells, starfish, sea glass, and corals. Stay true to the theme for favors too, and give out message-in-a-bottle notes with cute relationship quotes or creative future date ideas.

When it comes to attire, think of loose tresses or a windblown updo to complement your beach look. Makeup should be minimal and natural-looking. Make sure to apply sunscreen as well as waterproof mascara and eyeliner! You’ll likely be in contact with moisture, and your wedding day is one day that you cannot afford to have messy makeup.

As for the dress: a flowy, off-the-shoulder wedding gown will look better on the sand than a structured, beaded number. Off-white dresses in cream and ivory tones like those reflected in Afarose’s Pearl are very boho chic and complement the whitewashed sand. Pearl’s lacy details and illusion bodice are the perfect upper half for a mermaid silhouette. Lillian is also a lovely choice for the more daring. With an elegant halter-necked bodice and diamond cutout back, Lillian is perfect for a bride who wants to make a statement without overdoing it.

‹

›

Vintage Weddings

These days, many wedding planners and couples love to slap a vintage label on just about anything old and pre-loved. Antique doesn’t always equate to vintage.

Proper vintage wedding themes require more than just a quick trip to the thrift or antique store. Doing vintage right means truly recreating or reflecting a bygone era, with various synchronized elements. First, identify which past era you want to conjure. For example, couples could go for the glitz and glam of the roaring '20s, the proper practicality of the ‘40s, or the Hollywood glamor of the '50s.

But even if your vintage wedding is inspired by a specific decade, it's important to strike a balance in decor. Stay true to the something old, something new tradition. Mix contemporary and vintage elements so it feels like an homage to an era, rather than a costume party. Strive to strike the right balance.

Classic Vintage

Classic vintage wedding themes generally have a simple, historic romanticism to them. Whether it's a touch of old lace on a tablescape or a vintage typewriter with heartfelt and passionate love letters for a guest book table, every detail in a vintage wedding should be part of a story paying tribute to decades past.

The perfect venue for a vintage wedding combines the beauty of classic architecture with modern convenience. A chateau, restored mansion, or castle has a luxurious, historic feel, so that venue option would be perfect for the couple who wants a touch of royalty with a vintage wedding.

Brides who want to keep some traditional wedding elements might choose to opt for a particularly old cathedral or chapel. Nothing screams vintage like a church with some history behind it, with its stained glass windows, soaring arches, and medieval art.

Drape tablescapes with delicate lace instead of tablecloths or runners. Create a lounge area with old armchairs or love seats for a perfect ambiance. Consider arriving (and departing) in a vintage car to give guests the impression they have stepped back in time.

When planning the cake, opt for whites and metallic accents, burgundies, navy blues, and pastels. Incorporate the vintage theme further with antique cake toppers and embellishments like foliage, wreaths, lace detailing, and other delicate patterns.

For vintage-inspired giveaways, there are no hard rules. Get creative with party favors with items that will serve as memorable souvenirs for the day. Go for baroque placeholders, customized mason jar sets, vintage lanterns, or antique bottle openers.

Vintage grooms might choose to wear tweed suits, suspenders, and off-white or stark white shirts. As for the bride, classic vintage wedding gown options are limitless, from mermaid wedding gowns to ball gowns. Draw inspiration from the full skirts of the ‘50s or tea-length wedding gowns from the ‘60s—you have decades’ worth of fashion to explore!

‹

›

For the demure bride, Afarose’s Evangeline combines a lacy off-the-shoulder illusion neckline with flowing tulle to create a Victorian-era dress that’s great for many body types. If you want a dress that is modest, mysterious, and magical—this is the dress for you.

Meanwhile, the deep V neckline and lacy-illusion back on Piegon are complemented by the nape-to-floor pearly buttons and the full satin skirt. Satin makes this a perfect pick for a vintage dress—it’s opulent and sexy, exudes elegance, and works well with a variety of silhouettes. Add on a birdcage veil such as Tila or Winnie to incorporate an old-school and vintage effect to any attire.

Old Hollywood

If you've always wanted a celebrity wedding, Old Hollywood glamor might be right up your alley. These wedding themes are inspired by the allure of Tinseltown between the 1930s and 1950s when stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn dominated the screens—there’s a reason the era remains popular!

An Old Hollywood glam wedding features ornate decor and other glitzy accents, such as crystal chandeliers, feathers, roses, and sparkly sequins. Select a venue with grandeur and opulence to up the ante on your Hollywood glam wedding. Look for traditional spaces like ballrooms, theaters, and mansions that were built in the early 1900s and still have their original charm. Decorate with crystal chandeliers, tall floral aisle markers, and fancy backdrops.

Popular creative concepts to tie into Old Hollywood wedding themes to wow guests could include a red carpet or a photo booth! For party favors, couples can give out disposable cameras. They fit the theme and are a functional gift that guests can put to good use.

Your Old Hollywood wedding cake should look like a work of art. Don’t be afraid to be extravagant—decorate the cake with as much glitter as you like. Gold accents on black fondant make a stunning statement as well. Focus less on floral embellishments and more on the color palette and patterns.

Grooms can pull together a dapper look with a black tuxedo and bow tie. Fashion-forward grooms who want an alternative take on the standard tuxedo jacket can go for a velvet or colored option instead.

Brides can channel their inner 1930s siren with a body-hugging Old Hollywood wedding gown. Look for vintage-inspired details like long trains, off-the-shoulder necklines, and fit-and-flare silhouettes when selecting your Hollywood glam gown.

‹

›

Afarose’s Marjorie, for example, with its Bardot neckline and full ball silhouette, is an excellent choice. Nothing says vintage like a full ball gown silhouette, and the ample fabric is a perfect fit for the extravagance of an Old Hollywood wedding! Gamila, on the other hand, is the dress for a bride who prefers to be sexy. The slinky fabric and figure-flattering silhouette give off serious Marilyn Monroe femininity. Dress up either dress with a gorgeous wavy vintage wedding updo and a faux fur shawl like Xylia or Sibyl and you’ll be ready to go.

Romantic Weddings

Among the many themes available to choose from, a romantic wedding is probably the most popular and appropriate for couples who want to keep things classic and focus on their love story. Many couples have fallen head over heels for this dreamy aesthetic, and it's easy to see why. Romantic wedding venues have ethereal, fairytale vibes. Think alfresco ceremonies in beautiful gardens, and receptions in airy French chateaus bedecked in abundant florals. The plan is to serve a storybook princess, fairy queen, enchanted forest vibe. Make guests think they’ve stepped into another world—and you’re the queen of it.

Classic Romance

Traditional or classic romantic weddings are typically formal events with clean lines, airy decor, and soft color palettes. Couples can reflect classic romance with a champagne cocktail hour and gentle jazz music for guests to enjoy between the ceremony and reception. Classic weddings typically have soft, understated decor, such as tealight candles or rose-driven floral arrangements at each place setting.

Classic wedding venues are as versatile as they come—couples can set up in a ballroom, courtyard, vineyard, or mansion. The decor makes the most impact, so any indoor space or cozy outdoor location will do. Choose blush, ivory, and pastel colors, and decorate with lots of fresh florals and candles. Romantic weddings need to feel soft and warm—your big day should reflect the fuzzy love you and your partner share.

Classic wedding cakes have clean lines, light colors, and floral elements. Whether it’s white fondant or elegantly piped buttercream, traditional cakes carry a subtle elegance. Embellish with lace detailing, floral appliques, fresh flowers, and don’t be afraid to stack on double or triple tiers.

Couples who opt for a classic traditional wedding tend to opt for a formal dress code, favoring suits, tuxedos, and ballgown-style dresses. Classic brides often go for full, princess-style dresses to best fit the fairytale wedding aesthetic. It’s a classic and relatively easy look to nail and aligned with the most traditional wedding attire.

Tulle and lace make Afarose’s Noemi A and Juno spread out in graceful, structured skirts that will be a radiant vision at a classic romantic wedding. Paired with the figure-hugging bodices and barely-there sleeves, they both serve princess vibes.

‹

›

Glamorous and Elegant

To strike a balance between modern glamor and classic romance, some couples might play up the suave, elegant elements a bit. Couples who gravitate toward glam wedding themes are naturally extra, with a flair for making a statement. Modern design choices, such as a non-traditional wedding gown or venue, as well as a contemporary take on invitations, styling, flowers, and decorations, can all make a traditional wedding spectacularly elegant.

When it comes to venues, couples prefer classic reception center styles, ballrooms, and wineries for an elegant wedding. But nothing is off-limits! An elegantly styled industrial venue can also do the trick. But the importance of opulence cannot be stressed enough. Most ballrooms have ornate architectural elements like crown molding or impressive ceiling lighting, which add instant ambiance.

Decorate with glitter, sparkles, pearls, and rich, regal colors—whatever adds a touch of luxury that reflects your personality is fine. Cakes for a glamorous wedding theme are typically traditional wedding cakes with a flair. Use elaborate patterns, abundant floral embellishments, beads, and glitters to reflect the vibe.

‹

›

For the groom, a formal tuxedo is appropriate—or he could choose to break the rules with a trendy velvet dinner jacket. Brides can make a grand entrance in a sparkling gown. There are several silhouettes to choose from, such as a ball gown with a beaded bodice and layered skirt, like Afarose’s Angela. Alternatively, go for a sexy look in a slinky, beaded sheath, like the elegant Sherry. When choosing a hairstyle, consider the neckline. Strapless sweethearts look stunning with a sweeping updo, and loose waves enhance the shape of a deep V neck.

Modern Weddings

The essence of a modern wedding is exquisite simplicity. This wedding style is popular among city dwellers, urbanites, and design enthusiasts because it is formal yet has enough playful touches to keep it from feeling stuffy.

Modern weddings are perfect for couples who would prefer to avoid using florals in favor of terrariums, succulents, or stones. The color palette is minimalist and moody, sometimes metallic or chrome-based, depending on the couple’s preferences. Sleek lines, dramatic uplighting, and crystal-encrusted decor are all hallmarks of contemporary weddings.

Avant-Garde

Avant-garde weddings are built around innovative and boundary-pushing elements. The decor, the garb, and the overall vibe do not fit into any traditional or familiar wedding setting. Because this is a set-apart concept, it doesn’t necessarily have a typical aesthetic. That’s the point—think outside the box to create a custom event that will be a testament to your awesome eccentricity.

Avant-garde weddings should, of course, happen in venues that average couples wouldn’t typically choose. Lofts, museums, rooftops, or industrial warehouses are perfect picks with they have grunge and history to them, and can also make a perfect canvas for a punk, rock, or goth theme.

Choose a wedding venue with a simple, neutral color scheme. Look for white walls, concrete floors, and vaulted ceilings. You can expand on this modern sensibility to create a stunning and sleek setting for your ceremony or reception. Gravitate toward abstract or unconventional color schemes and unique elements for the decor.

Avant-garde cakes are not only confectionery but also art. Use geometric details, contemporary flourishes, and bold colors to create a masterpiece that will be a focal point of your event.

‹

›

When it comes to attire, black tuxedos are classic, but a colorful, fitted tuxedo is also a hallmark of a modern wedding. Brides should go for asymmetrical hemlines, structured silhouettes, and geometric details.

These features are showcased on Afarose’s Amber, and complement the graceful neckline and luxurious satin fabric to create a postmodern look. Plus, Amber has pockets! Gone are the days when brides had to sacrifice function and convenience for aesthetics. For more minimalist brides, Aine is a perfect dress choice. Its deep V neckline and back add simple futuristic detail to a clean, seamless silhouette.

Modern Minimalist

If the thought of excessive details makes you want to quit planning and dash for City Hall instead, try taking the less is more approach. After years of tulle, taffeta, and elaborate tablescapes, this trend toward simplification couldn't be more welcomed. Minimalism axes the clutter and frills, instead choosing to be very deliberate about the small elements that comprise the theme.

A blank canvas wedding venue is the way to go for a truly minimal backdrop. A modern, raw space is ideal for a bare-bones aesthetic, but if you’re feeling more organic than urban, consider holding your wedding outside in a forest clearing or a sprawling meadow.

By selecting a simple backdrop for your ceremony, you can keep the focus on your vows. Choose whites, beiges, and other neutrals for a clean, simple aesthetic. Strategically-placed luxurious textures and materials can draw the eye in as well.

Minimalist cakes are exactly what the theme suggests: minimal. Opt for lightly adorned white buttercream cakes. Instead of ornate decorations or go for a simple naked cake without any fancy frosting. If that’s a little too simple for you, spice things up with hints of textured or marbled fondant and metallic.

‹

›

Minimalist wedding fashion places emphasis on clean lines, textures, and sculptural details. The focus should be on the fit, fabric, and structure of the dress, so try out interesting pleats or cuts. Lace typically takes a back seat on modern wedding dress designs.

Afarose’s Josie and Gilana really encapsulate the best of minimalist structured fashion. The plunging V neckline and back on Josie show a bit of skin to balance the simple, elegant, full coverage. On Gilana, the inverted seam under the bust is elongating and slimming, while the pleats add texture and detail.

Industrial Glam

Industrial-chic weddings breathe new life into spaces that were once neglected or abandoned, such as former factories, revamped warehouses, and converted lofts. When paired with modern wedding decor, seemingly harsh scenes of exposed brick, peeling paint, visible pipes, and Brutalist cement superstructures look austerely magnificent.

Look for a raw wedding venue—a space that is essentially nothing more than a shell: four walls, a roof, and a floor. A completely blank slate. You’re going for a black box theatre vibe, that you will then bring to life with a few carefully chosen elements. Use rich textures, crisp white draperies, mixed metals, architectural patterns, and sophisticated foliage to create visual interest in your urban space. Bring in interesting shapes—think hexagons and other angular shapes—to add structure to the otherwise stark setting. Galvanized tin can also lend a slightly rustic feel to an industrial wedding if that’s more your vibe.

The same Brutalist-chic industrial glam ethos should be applied to your wedding cake as well. Geometric patterns, marble designs, and gold foliage will add a modern touch to your dessert showstopper. Top the cake with an acrylic sign to stay consistent with the modern theme. If you’re going for a totally pared-back vibe, opt for a naked cake.

Now that you’ve got your stark, stripped aesthetic, it’s time to introduce the contrasting glam: the people. Couples should go for statement pieces that stand out against the starkness of the venue. Grooms can dress in formal blue tuxes, or something slightly more relaxed if the couple is aiming for an effortlessly stylish visual. The bride’s dress is the star of the show so opt for beaded or sequined bodices with full, structured skirts.

‹

›

Afarose’s Modern collection has a number of pieces that are just the ticket. Angela’s sparkling beaded straps and hems draw a detailed floral pattern. Paired with the layered skirt and the backless design, it’s a drop-dead gorgeous piece that will keep all eyes glued on the bride. The elegant, structured Astrid with a full satin skirt and botanical illusion lace bodice is another showstopper that will mesmerize guests as the bride walks down the aisle.

Wedding Destinations for 2021

Your choice of wedding venue is essential to your theme coming together. Spend time considering exactly how your venue will interact with the wedding theme you’ve selected—no matter how popular the themes, not all themes will work for every location! It would be unwise to book a glamorous ballroom if you’re planning a boho wedding, for example.

A competent wedding planner should be able to assist you here. Run your ideas, vision, and budget by them so that they can recommend suitable spots. Keep your guests in mind, too! If you’re planning an out-of-town wedding, for example, secure a venue close to the hotel.

Seaside Escape

Beachside weddings are among the most popular destination weddings, and why wouldn’t they be? They’re cost-effective, require minimal decor, and make for great photos—the sun, the sea, and sand. It’s a perfect combo! They also serve as the perfect springboard right into the romantic, sunset-watching vibes of your honeymoon.

The beach also lends itself to almost any wedding theme. You can look stylish and modern, set a romantic scene right out of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, or go barefoot boho with your feet in the sand. There are so many options for beach wedding decor. While nautical elements like shells and anchors are an easy go-to, don’t just limit yourself to the obvious! Depending on your theme, consider cabanas, wicker, bamboo, tropical orchids, fairy lights, palms, rattan curtains, and more.

To The Peaks and Fields

In contrast, boho and rustic brides might run for the hills and valleys.

Mountainside weddings, like beach weddings, serve as an all-in-one destination, especially for the adventurous couple. The untamed greenery and wide vistas will make for stunning wedding photos. Plan a hiking or camping trip for the wedding party to take in the breathtaking view. Alternatively, barns can provide a scene of natural rustic greenery without as much exercise. A big rustic barn, fields stretching out to the horizon, wildflowers abloom everywhere, the sun kissing your skin—what’s not to love?

In both of these scenes, take your decorating cues from nature. If you go up a mountain, lean into the stone and greenery. Think foliage arches, pampas grass, burlap draperies, and wooden signs.

Build your barn wedding around, well, the barn: decorate with raw wooden trunks, mason jars, and barrels.

The Urban Alternative

Of course, the destination doesn't have to be synonymous with nature. If you want to rock your wedding day with something modern and alternative, there are plenty of options. Check out rooftops, restaurants, museums, hotels, art galleries, and the like.

Urban weddings allow for more convenience in planning too. They’re easy to reach, vendor options are abundant, and there’s a variety of scenery. Decor can be as minimal or as glamorous as you like but think about bringing in fun elements that pay homage to your city. For instance, you could use street names or landmarks as table numbers, or a prominent landmark as a backdrop.

Happily Ever After

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you’ll want fond memories of forever. However, it can be stressful even for the most organized bride. Thus, checking out some popular wedding themes to help guide your choices is a good idea.

However, always remember trends come and go. Be sure to make genuine choices based on your personality and interests. When couples choose a theme based only on what's trendy or in vogue, it can end up feeling superficial and cold. Stay true to your personality as a couple, and no matter what theme you pick, your day will be radiant.

Afarose has a dress to fit every theme. An online boutique bridal store, Afarose offers made-to-order dresses at a fraction of the cost of a brick-and-mortar location. Shop bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride attire, and a wealth of accessories!

Start shopping today, or book a virtual consultation to speak with a professional stylist.