Organising a wedding and reception is a big undertaking - both logistically and emotionally. More and more couples are choosing to move away from the traditional scheme in favour of something more personalised. One such option is a themed wedding, which allows you to express yourself and make the day even more special. A theme doesn't have to mean dressing up or extravagant decorations - it's often about creating a cohesive atmosphere that naturally resonates with the bride and groom's personalities.
Where to start?
It is best to start with a basic question: what do you like? Perhaps you share a passion for travel, a particular architectural style, film or simply the colours of nature. The theme can be explicit (e.g. '1920s-style wedding') or more subtle (e.g. using a nautical theme in decorative details and menus). It is a good idea to write down a few ideas and consider which ones are feasible in the context of your available budget, location and time of year.
For example, couples in love with retro style can opt for a communist or American 1950s-style wedding - with music, posters and even a bar-style buffet. Those who prefer nature can opt for a woodland or countryside theme - with lots of wood, dried flowers and food served rustically.
Choice of venue - adapting the space to the subject
Although location matters, in practice almost every wedding hall can be suitably arranged to achieve the desired atmosphere. The key lies in matching the decoration, lighting, table layout and accessories to the chosen theme. Boho style doesn't just have to mean a barn wedding - even a classic banquet hall can be given a light and natural feel with the right fabrics, florals and lighting. Similarly, the industrial style can be realised in more neutral interiors by using metallic accents, raw wood and industrial lamps. On the other hand, a glamorous atmosphere can also be created in a modern hall with gold accessories, crystal elements, mirrors and elegant textiles.
It's important to look at the venue creatively right from the selection stage - whether there is enough space for decorations, whether the layout allows for different zones (e.g. chillout corner, dance floor, buffet), and whether some of the decor elements can be hidden or adapted. With the right approach, even less obvious locations can become the perfect backdrop for the themed wedding of your dreams.
Styling, stationery and decoration - consistency matters
Once the theme is determined, you can start planning the elements that will give the event character. Start with the invitations - this is your guests' first contact with the wedding theme, so make sure they match the rest. For a tropical theme, these could be invitations with palm leaves and an exotic design, for a rustic style, craft paper, jute twine and a field flower motif.
Table decorations, lighting and accessories should also follow the chosen style. However, the idea is not that everything should fit together perfectly, but that it should form a harmonious whole. Too literal an approach can be counterproductive - it is better to avoid exaggeration, especially when it comes to props. Instead of plastic palms, invest in good quality fabrics, flowers, candles or LED lighting to create the desired mood.
Clothes - bride and groom and guests in theme
The bride and groom's attire may or may not relate to the theme. For a vintage-style wedding, the bride can choose a dress with lace and a delicate train, and the groom a classic suit with a waistcoat and pillowcase. For a boho style, looser forms, airy fabrics and accessories in natural materials will be suitable.
If you plan to involve guests, remember to inform them in advance - it is good if the dress code information already appears on the invitation. You don't need to ask for much - just specify the dominant colours or style (e.g. casual, relaxed elegance, theme). This will make the photos more cohesive and your guests will feel part of the whole.
Food and drink - a menu to match the style
The menu can be a great complement to the theme of the wedding. For example, for a Mediterranean-style wedding, antipasti, seafood and light desserts will work well, while for a rustic wedding, roast meats, starters on wooden planks and regional baked goods will work well.
The wedding cake can also follow the chosen style. It can be classic and elegant (e.g. white with subtle gold), a 'naked cake' decorated with flowers or fruit, or minimalist in pastel colours.
Music, attractions and setting
The atmosphere of the wedding is largely created by the music. You can opt for a DJ playing retro hits, a jazz band, a string trio or even ethnic music if the theme calls for it. Accompanying attractions are also becoming increasingly popular - a photo booth with props to match the theme, a wine corner, a bartender show, a relaxation area with deckchairs and lanterns or sparkling fans.
It's also a good idea to create a playlist of songs that are meaningful to you - these could be songs from your travels, favourite tracks from films or songs associated with important moments in your relationship.
Unusual motifs - surprising and memorable ideas
If you want a wedding that stands out and reflects your interests, sense of humour or shared passions, it's worth considering less typical themes. Here are some inspirations - sometimes tongue-in-cheek and sometimes quite serious:
- A "Harry Potter"-style wedding - with Hogwarts-like decorations, tables named after houses, drinks in vials and magical scenery.
- PRL retro - bottled orangeade, vinyl, 1970s china, a DJ playing big beat classics and a menu inspired by milk bars.
- Festival wedding - a relaxation area with deckchairs, a live concert, food trucks and badges instead of traditional vignettes.
- Tropical style - Palm trees, monstera leaves, cocktails in pineapples, a colourful dress code and music straight from the Caribbean.
- Rural idyll - field flower decorations, long wooden tables, serving food "just like grandma's" and live folk music.
- Halloween - candles, pumpkins, dark colours, guest styling inspired by gothic or film costumes.
- Western - straw, hats, country band, burgers and a whiskey bar - an atmosphere like the American Wild West.
- Space wedding - metallic decorations, LED lighting, star projections and costumes reminiscent of science fiction.
- Board games and pop culture - decoration elements from your favourite games, themed quizzes, table figurines and cosplay accents.
These types of themes are not only a lot of fun to organise, but also ensure that guests will remember this unusual, fully personalised celebration for a long time.
What is worth bearing in mind?
A themed wedding does not have to be very expensive, but it does require planning. It's a good idea to start organising well in advance so that you have time to choose the right suppliers and test different solutions. It's also a good idea to have a contingency plan in place - such as what to do if an outdoor wedding is spoiled by the weather, or how to resolve technical issues in an unusual location.
If you feel that organising it yourself might overwhelm you, it's worth enlisting the help of a wedding planner - preferably one with experience in creating themed weddings. This will help you avoid many of the pitfalls and allow you to focus on what's really important.
Good advice for getting started
Organising a themed wedding is a unique challenge, so approach it with a plan and flexibility. Start by setting a budget and priorities - not every element needs to be perfected, it's more important that the whole creates a cohesive impression. Enlist the help of reliable subcontractors who are experienced in non-standard productions - especially decorators, photographers and DJs.
Ensure that your guests are comfortable - even the most creative idea must not overwhelm or complicate participation in the celebration. It's also a good idea to regularly consult ideas with your wedding coordinator to make sure the vision is feasible and well planned. Above all - have fun with the creative process and don't be afraid of bold ideas. It's your day and it's your story.