The Invitation
Before your guests even get to your wedding, the invitation serves as a hint for what is to come. Having a beach wedding? Perhaps you add a starfish graphic to the invitation. Going for an old Hollywood theme? Throw a splash of fire engine red on a sleek black and white invite. The invitation you choose will carry over into the event through the place cards, dinner menu, and ceremony program.
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| Beach by The Green Kangaroo |
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| Romantic by Wedding Paper Divas |
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| Outdoor by Wedding Paper Divas |
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| Formal by Bella Figura |
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| Retro by Storkie |
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| Modern by Wedding Paper Divas |
Color Palette
Use your color scheme as a support to your theme. Choose relaxing blues and golds for a country affair or vibrant pinks and oranges for a preppy party. Colors will set the mood for your guests. It will provided the energy intended and give the room life. I think every event should use as many colors as the host feels acceptable; why only have two colors when you can use the whole color wheel? That being said, there are limits. I believe three colors should be the dominant features: a neutral base and two compliments.
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| Photo Credit: Azul Photography |
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| Photo Credit: Charles and Meg Baisden Photography |
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| Photo Credit: Baltazar Photography |
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| Photo Credit: Emilie Inc. |
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| Photo Credit: John Labbe |
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| Photo Credit: Think Photographics |
The Venue
In my opinion, the most important piece of this puzzle is the venue. The location for the ceremony and reception will speak the loudest to your chosen theme. For the traditional bride, your family church and a ballroom is the ideal choice. For a more modern & sleek bride, go for a museum or sculpture garden where you can embrace minimalism and clean lines. The laid back, eco-friendly bride may go for an intimate, relaxed garden wedding.
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| Beach Photo Credit: Captured by Jen |
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| Rustic Barn Photo Credit: Smitten Photography |
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| Mountains Photo Credit: Twin Lens Images |
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| Garden Photo Credit: Jessica Claire Photography |
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| Cathedral Photo Credit: Zoeica Images |
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| Snow Photo Credit: Erin Hearts Court Photography |
Bridal Attire
The wedding dress is a focal point of a wedding. I mean, as the bride, you get a standing ovation just for walking into a room in a beautiful white gown! You should choose a dress that fits the atmosphere and location of your event, as well as your personality. Don't choose a ball gown for an outdoor wedding, and don't choose a simple sheath dress for a formal black-tie affair. Keep your personal style and tastes present by making smart choices. If you're having a formal wedding but your personality lends more to backyard picnic, you can choose a simple dress design without the glitz and glamor, accompanied with a formal silhouette and fabric. There are hundreds of ways to let your personality shine through and still keep within a desired theme.
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| Garden Gorgeous Photo Credit: Lisa Lefkowitz |
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| Elegant Bridal Photo Credit: Docuvitae |
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| 50's Hollywood Glamor Photo Credit: Docuvitae |
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| Modern Mademoiselle Photo Credit: Photogen- Inc |
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| Outdoor Social Photo Credit: Lara Kimmerer |
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| Vineyard Romance Photo Credit: Michelle Walker Photography |
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| Beach Style Photo Credit: Alison Bank Photography |
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| Princess and the Castle Photo Credit: Alexandre Weddings |
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| Country Casual Photo Credit: Watson Studios |
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| Second Line in Style Photo Credit: Artisan Style Photojournalism My Personal favorite-- keeping tradition alive in the greatest city with a New Orleans second line! |
Keep in mind that it's your big day and you should make it your own. There are no rules in the world of event planning. Unless you are having a wedding in New Orleans- the second line is mandatory!
