The 5 Most Trending Wedding Themes and Their Top Destinations

The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study found that nearly 12,000 couples got married in the US in 2022. Out of these couples, most belonged to Gen-Z, who openly embraced themed weddings and technological support. The study also revealed that 2022 was the year of increased reliance on event planners.

These changes in wedding preferences are likely to drive the 2023 trends and beyond. Since theme weddings hold plenty of benefits, including reduced costs, a chance to express the couple’s quirky side, and an opportunity to bring everyone together, you should consider opting for a theme that best represents your bond and personality.

There are plenty of wedding themes to choose from, but listed below are five of the most distinct and popular ones.

1. The Delicately Romantic Allure

If you’re looking for a wedding theme that will match your head-over-heels love story, cut to the chase with the delicately romantic allure. This wedding theme is all about expressing the unmatched feeling of falling in love; hence it is what dreamy fairytales are made of.

Let’s put things into perspective – venues heavy on romance, such as an alfresco setup in a classic French chateau, or the full-blown royal aesthetic against the backdrop of a magical castle will turn you into a princess overnight. The delicate allure of this theme is further enhanced through pastel-shade flowers, preferably roses, beautifully scattered across the venue – think table centerpieces, an arched floral altar, lanterns, and the wedding cake.

As for the furniture and décor, it is best to choose a mix of vintage and modern pieces to give the impression that they’ve been passed down through generations. The bride of such a wedding deserves a dress with a long, dramatic train that exudes princess appeal. A sense of continuity may be established through ethereal (delicate) tablecloths, lush table runners, and hand-written vows.

This theme is about paying attention to the minutest details – what better way to do so than hanging love notes from floral installations, offering macarons with calligraphy, and wearing a pink wedding ring that perfectly matches the floral aesthetic! This themed wedding is best suited for venues like the Chateau d’Esclimont, France, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, Oheka Castle in New York, and Rhodes Hall in Georgia.

2. The Homely and Cozy Rustic Nuptial

Do you want a warm and cozy rustic wedding, but you’re afraid of being limited to options like kitsch bunting and all things wood? Well, that’s just the beginning! A rustic wedding is all about creating a homely environment which reminds you that you’re just leaving one home to step into another. Not to forget it’s also about embracing the bounty of nature in all its glory.

To the rustic wedding persona, wood accents, barn venues, and farm-to-table dining options amid untamed nature are the closest expressions to home. Besides these, some top details that only take the theme’s beauty to the next level include custom calligraphy soiree cards hanging from twine with clothespins, globe string lights, earthy aisle runners, mason jars turned into wall sconces, a barrel table, and lots of wreaths.

The traditional dessert bar could be replaced with an ‘all-you-can-eat” pie buffet while modern vow leaflets are replaced with rugged books meant to be snuggled within your hearts for a lifetime.

Some of the trending rustic wedding destinations of the year include the La Domaine du Petit Roulet of Provence, France, the Finca Morneta of Spain, the Agreco Farm of Greece, the Aurora Cellars in Michigan, and the Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming.

3. The Timeless Swoonworthy Style of the 50s

If yours is a wedding ceremony that will act more like a time machine than a time capsule, the vintage theme is what you need. You can model your day after the roaring ‘20s, the retro ‘60s, or a mix of the entire vintage timeline.

No matter the decade you choose, a distinct feature of a vintage wedding is to showcase the ornate through a subtle sense of ruggedness. For instance – introduce antique picture frames and have them polished in uneven tones of gold and copper. Another classic example is a chandelier for alternative lighting, but more like a mix of mismatched chandeliers to bring out the historic vibe.

To stay consistent with the theme, organize a dessert bar lined with different flavors of Bundt cakes, and don’t forget to make your wedding getaway a classic ride on a vintage truck or car. Though vintage weddings do feature floral accents, they thrive more on textured motifs, intricately decorated table runners, and candelabra centerpieces. Finally, you can install a retro photobooth where the couple and the guests can snap some memorable shots!

The top timeless wedding destinations for a vintage nuptial include the US National Arboretum in Washington D.C., the Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas, the Marigny Opera House in Louisiana, the Arvest Bank Theatre in Missouri, and the Manor House of Colorado.

4. The Ethereal Bohemian Affair

Are you heavily influenced by the free-spirited hippies, and want to express your love for the hippie--chic through your wedding? Then, opt for the ethereal Bohemian affair. The bride of such a wedding theme would ideally flaunt a floral crown, a cascading veil, and an airy A-line gown in which she can twirl like a little girl.

Plus, this is the ideal theme to keep things as radical and quirky as you like – think of a teepee altar adorned with crawling vines, hand-woven décor installations, macramé plant hangers, a classic wish tree, and a feathery arbor. As for the ring, this theme calls for a shift from the norm.

You can choose from a wide selection of unique engagement rings. They make the perfect pieces for your proposal, wedding, and any other relationship milestones. Alternatively, you can opt for colored diamonds, such as a yellow or a faint pink diamond, to add a touch of vibrance. In case you want to stick to the traditions, a classic colorless diamond ring will do just fine.

This wedding also calls for a taste of apple or pumpkin pies along with other colorful delicacies, including blueberry panna cotta, fruit popsicles, colorful doughnuts, and some classic cookies and milk. You can keep the macramé spirit alive by introducing crochet table runners, floral upholstered chairs, and vivid confetti bags/pouches.

Some top destinations for a full-blown Bohemian wedding include Palm Springs in California, the Gorge Crest Vineyards in Washington, Lexington in Kentucky, the Wasing Park in Berkshire, and the Alnwick Garden Treehouse in Northumberland.

5. The Transportive Tropical Bliss of Union

If you wish to turn your wedding into a blissful oasis without planning a tropical island destination wedding, just incorporate the theme into your nuptial! Start with exotic flower arrangements, such as orchids, hibiscus, and protea. You can also add lush greenery through banana and palm trees.

Let the dining table feature Monstera leaves with a calligraphy menu that guests may pick up and read. You can even introduce a coconut cake (featuring coconuts all around it) for the proper tropical vibe, or choose a classic pineapple cake if you want to play it safe.

As for the décor colors, keep them a mix of floral hues, leafy greens, and aquatic blue. This means your scope is pretty endless – introduce leaf accents, an orchid headpiece, leaf-themed table runners, and chairs upholstered with leaf motifs. To add that dramatic touch, bring flamingo escort cards and a ceremonial arch decorated with palm leaves and exotic flowers.

Even for this theme, Leibish believes there’s plenty of scope to play around with the wedding ring’s diamond colors. Finally, the best tropical wedding destinations would be Le Ciel Santorini, Greece, the Naka Island in Phuket, the Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali, and Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. However, if you incorporate the tropical elements well, you can choose any other beach locations around Florida, California, or New York.

Let the Adventure of a Lifetime Begin!

Planning a wedding is a tough nut to crack, and the bridal blues are perfectly justified. However, do not be overcome by your emotions as experiencing a stress-free wedding is very much possible.

Start by turning your wedding planning into fun date nights. This will allow both of you to incorporate elements that best express your personalities. Lean on family and friends for support, but most importantly, choose a reliable event planner with rock-solid experience on their hands. When you’re getting the jitters (which you will from time to time), take some time out to relax and reflect.

It’s your day, and you have every right to make it as dreamy as possible!