Choosing a Wedding Theme

Brainstorm for wedding theme ideas that fit your personality and style!

Choosing a wedding theme idea for your wedding is the most important decision you'll make for the big day, aside from deciding on your vows. To choose a unique wedding theme, all it takes is a bit of daydreaming about your special day.

Some couples mistakenly think that they need to be planning a huge wedding for a wedding theme idea to be necessary. But in fact, for any sized wedding, a theme becomes a very useful tool from which to narrow down the vast array of choices you'll be presented with.

Where do you begin when brainstorming for a wedding theme idea?
Sit down with your fiance and designate one of you to keep track of your ideas on a sheet of paper.

Start with the basics. What are your favorite colors? Do you want an outdoor wedding or indoor? Casual or formal? What are hobbies that you share? Favorite songs? Poems?

After you jot down answers to these questions and others, a unique wedding theme might pop out at you. Your theme can be specific or general.

Let's say you wrote down blue and green for your favorite colors, a preference for an outdoor wedding, and white-water rafting is a common interest you share. You might decide that "River Flow" is the unique wedding theme idea that you should embrace.

Following the river example, you might choose a quote for the wedding program based on the flow of water and how it relates to love. You might decide on acoustic guitar music, an image of a leaf or tree on the invitations and programs, and a classy but simple barbecue dinner.

Maybe you share a fondness for bold colors, jazz music and fine dining. You might decide that "Elegant Art Deco" is your theme.

Maybe you two were engaged under a night sky full of stars. You might decide on a celestial theme with blue, gold and silver as your main colors and invitations with midnight blue paper and silver text. You might include star confetti with your invitations.

Perhaps you find that the rose is a perfect symbol for your relationship. You might base other decisions around this: soft music, romantic lighting and tableware and rose-shaped chocolates on each dinner table at the reception.

Your guests might not necessarily know exactly what the wedding theme idea is, unless you choose to make it apparent by mentioning it on your invitations, for example. But even if the theme isn't the first thing your guests notice, they will feel a sense of organization and a "flow" that might not be evident otherwise.

Whatever theme you decide on, it should be chosen carefully and thought over for several days or weeks while you consider how it will be incorporated into your wedding. Don't hesitate to change your mind if your original idea doesn't quite fit your needs. Perhaps you'll find the theme you chose is too narrow and you expand it, say, from "Rose" to "Floral." Or maybe you'll go in the opposite direction.

Most importantly, make sure the unique wedding theme idea you choose reflects both of your personalities and the bond that will be shared on your special day.

Written by: J. Williams
© 2005 Letters and Arts, Inc."choosingaweddingTheme©2005www.WeddingClipart.com"

Other Ideas:

Beach Theme Weddings

Romantic Beach Theme Wedding IdeasOne of the most romantic wedding possibilities is to have a beach setting. With the sand beneath your feet and the sunset at your back, romance is sure to engulf your beach theme wedding.

But first things first. When considering a beach-side wedding, it's important to check on beach regulations. Make sure to ask questions about maximum amount of guests, whether food and drink are allowed, noise and time restrictions, what the tide schedule is, and whether you can pitch a tent.

But you don't have to be beach-side to have a tropical wedding. A courtyard with palms and tropical flowers would be a nice alternative. And the best thing about marrying in a beautifully landscaped location is that you don't have to put as much effort and money into flowers and other decorations.

Wedding invitations for a tropical wedding can include images of tropical flowers, waves or seashells. Use a gentle font that flows, reflecting the calm nature of the ocean.

If you're having your wedding outdoors, be prepared for unpredictable weather. A tent is always a good idea; and make sure any rented furniture won't blow away in a big gust of wind. When thinking decorations, you might want to make a list of words that come to mind when you dream of the tropics. Your preliminary list might include words like warm, sun, citrus, calm, pastel, dreamy, waves, shells and nature. From there you might choose decorations with citrus and pastel colors, table centerpieces made of shells and candles, and large urns filled with sand holding tiki torches. Incorporate a variety of different-sized, white candles into the reception, placed in seashells or clear glass votive holders. Wrap chairs with white or sand-colored tulle to create an mood of ocean waves. A more extensive project could include a pre-wedding gathering at which bridesmaids make wind chimes from seashells.

Music at a beach wedding is most beautiful if kept simple. A singe guitar or ukulele player can be very effective. Or, a CD of atmospheric music played softly at the reception can add a romantic feel.

If your location isn't already surrounded by tropical flowers, consider these varieties: Orchids, Dendrobium, Gingers, Bird of Paradise and Anthurium. Wedding leis are beautiful when made with a single variety of flower: white orchids are appropriate for both the bride and groom.

You may want to place shell-shaped chocolates on the dinner tables. If you are serving alcohol, prepare your bartender with ingredients for margaritas, mai tais pina coladas and mojitos.

The menu might include seafood: oyster shooters, grilled salmon, tuna steaks and a fresh island fruit chutney with mangos, papaya and pineapple. A casual crab feed would be another fun option.

As the sun sets on your special day, your guests will leave inspired by the island air and with the lingering tastes and smells of the tropics. And the two of you can walk off into the sunset, enjoying your well-planned day.

Written by: J. Williams
© 2005 Letters and Arts, Inc."BeachThemeWeddings©2005www.WeddingClipart.com"

Beach Wedding Accessories

With these beach wedding accessory ideas, you can create an atmosphere of a classic beach party.If the sound of crashing waves, the relentless pull of the tide, and the soft, soothing sand draw you hypnotically to the seaside, then a beach themed wedding may be perfect for you. Popular and festive beach weddings can be held either outdoors on an actual beach or indoors in rooms transformed to hold the magic of the ocean. With the right beach wedding accessories, you can create an atmosphere of salty magic and floating hearts.

Following is a list of some popular beach wedding accessories. It's important to note that while styles vary from casual to elegant, all will create a special beach effect.

• Seashell bouquets: whether you choose to incorporate shells into floral bouquets, or simply carry bouquets made of shells and ribbons, you will have lovely, artistic displays.
  Beach boutonniere: most of the boutonnieres are made with one shell and minimal ribbon. For a more detailed or intricate boutonniere, consider making your own.
  Flower girl basket: can be in the shape of a large shell or simply adorned with shells and lace.
  Ring bearer shell: can replace traditional pillow or be placed on top of pillow.
  Cake topper: bride and groom among shells or dolphins are two popular choices.
  Bottle openers: decorated with shells or dolphins.
  Place card holders: mini Adirondack chairs, dolphins, flip-flops.
  Beach in a bottle wedding favors: each miniature bottle holds sand, tiny shells and some glitter.
  Flip-flop floating candles: for a more irreverent spirit
  
• Sea shell jewelry: for the bridal party, or as favors
  
  Turquoise tulle is a wonderful accessory for beach themed weddings. Decorate the head table, tie it to chair backs, or trim a doorway. For an even more dramatic effect, glue small shells, starfish and seaglass to the tulle. You will create a soft beach fantasy.
  
  Create glass bowls filled with seawater illusions for your centerpieces. Add shells, seaglass, starfish, marbles, tiny treasure chests, etc. You can use a drop of blue food coloring to create the perfect water tint. Each bowl can be a unique variation of the beach theme. Your guests will want to visit each table just to see and enjoy all the bowls.
  
  Nautical touches can be incorporated into your day. Use ropes to tie bunches of wildflowers together. Collect miniature life preservers and place them as coasters. An array of decoratively colored sails can be hung from above with the aid of fishing line.
  
  With ice sculptures carved into dolphins, whales, or mermaids, you can serve shrimp and seafood amidst frozen art of the same theme! Let large clamshells hold your dipping sauces, while beach pails harbor napkins or utensils.
  
  Music will play a salient role in promoting the beach feel. Consider reggae, steel drum bands, or Calypso music. Your band members can dress in island clothes or embellish their wardrobes with sunglasses and flip-flops.
  
  If you can't be at the actual beach, play a CD with real beach sounds between sets. Complete the atmoshpere with Tiki lights to compliment the campy outdoor spirit.
  
  With the right accessories, your beach-themed wedding will be a unique seaside memory for all of your guests.
  
  
  

Written by: Carol S. Rothchild
© 2005 Letters and Arts, Inc

"BeachWeddingAccesories©2005www.WeddingClipart.com"

 

 

Copyright 2005 - 2008 Privacy Policy		Have a testimonial? Share it with us!  Send via email to: Sales@PartyFavorsEtc.com Home   Site Map   Policies   Contact Us   Your Cart   Links