25 Amazing Wedding Themes That Stand the Test of Time

Curious about wedding themes and why they matter? Choosing a wedding theme or wedding style is one of the best ways to personalize your big day. A defined wedding aesthetic will help you make important wedding planning decisions, like what color palette to follow, how you decorate your ceremony and reception, and what the overall vibe of your day feels like. But, with so many different wedding theme ideas, narrowing down your favorite might feel nearly impossible. Whether you’ve been curating your wedding inspiration board for years or you’re not quite sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. We tapped industry experts to share everything you need to know about picking a wedding theme or style, along with attainable ways to make themed wedding ideas feel unique to you and your partner.

Here, we define the most popular wedding types of wedding themes, from rustic to whimsical and everything in between, that are absolutely timeless. You’ll also find thematic keywords that’ll help you communicate your wedding style and vision with your team of expert vendors, along with budget tips and wedding venue ideas. Bookmark this page to keep as your all-encompassing guide to the most popular themes for weddings of all time. Then, once you’ve brushed up on wedding aesthetic, style and theme vocab, take The Knot’s Style & Vision Quiz to get personalized inspiration and practical ideas based on different wedding themes that’ll help make your dream wedding a reality.

An Editor’s Top Wedding Themes:

Rustic | Boho | Romantic | Modern | Glam

More Popular Wedding Themes We Love:

Country | Alternative | Forest | Fairytale | Dark | Garden | Minimalist | Vintage | Celestial | Art Deco | Beach | Gothic | Whimsical | Natural | Travel | Classic | Nautical | Retro | Maximalist | Moody

Wedding Theme Tips & Advice:

What Is a Wedding Theme? | Theme vs Style vs Aesthetic | How to Pick a Wedding Theme

What Is a Wedding Theme?

A wedding theme is a visual concept that anchors your wedding design. A wedding theme guides the overall design direction of the big day, from colors and motifs to flowers and food, and everything in between.

But here’s the golden question: Do you actually need a wedding theme or style? If you’re not feeling drawn to a particular wedding aesthetic, you might wonder if you have to categorize your big day with a style or theme name. Ultimately, the choice is up to you—but choosing a theme or style may make your wedding planning process easier.

According to California-based TV host and celebrity wedding planner David Tutera: “If you want a great wedding that engages guests, it’s all about telling a story from the moment they receive the invitation to the last thing they see, which could be the favor. Having a style or a theme helps you choose the story you’re going to tell.”

Rustic Wedding Theme

A rustic wedding theme is all about connecting your celebration to nature. This concept can take many forms, from a farm-to-table garden dinner to a ceremony in a wildflower field or even an intimate vow exchange in a rugged mountain chalet. A focus on warmth and hospitality guides this casual aesthetic. “When I think rustic, I see a color palette of neutral and soft tones with natural elements like organic fabrics, wooden elements, lace, foliage and burlap,” says Stephens. And although rustic weddings are closely associated with barns and farms, it’s not the only place you can host your nuptials. “The juxtaposition of being in a modern space with a rustic environment inside is a cool way to plan the theme as well,” Tutera suggests.

  • Rustic Wedding Theme Buzzwords: Warm, down-home, relaxed, bucolic
  • Rustic Wedding Ideal Venues: Beyond barns, you could wed at a mountain lodge, cattle ranch, apple orchard or at home.
  • Rustic Wedding Budget Priorities: A rustic wedding is all about hospitality—invest in great food, entertainment and welcome bags for guests.
  • Rustic Wedding Must-Have Materials: Wood, leather, grass, linen

Boho Wedding Theme

Bohemian wedding decor is trendy and bold, with an emphasis on achieving an inviting, cool vibe—in other words, don’t get caught up in trying too hard. To create that down-to-earth feel, there’s just one place to look: Mother Earth. Tap into natural details for a cool and comfortable experience.

  • Boho Wedding Theme Buzzwords: Relaxed, effortless, free-spirited, laid-back
  • Boho Wedding Ideal Venues: Think about the places you find most calming and move them to the top of your list. You could book an all-inclusive resort or botanical garden, or build a space from the ground up in a forest or desert.
  • Boho Wedding Budget Priorities: It’s all about curating a mindful guest experience. Focus on food and decor. Don’t forget to carve out some of your budget for cozy lounge furniture.
  • Boho Wedding Must-Have Materials: Rattan, grass cloth, macramé, pottery, leather, dried grass

Romantic Wedding Theme

Romantic weddings are all about creating a dreamlike setting. Think in layers as you approach planning. A warm color palette, lush flowers and soft fabrics work in harmony, all enveloped in the glow of candlelight. We’re going for warm fuzzies—bring the feelings you have for your S.O. to life.

  • Romantic Wedding Theme Buzzwords: Ethereal, elegant, delicate, cozy, inviting
  • Romantic Wedding Ideal Venues: To embrace a refined ambiance, lean into an outdoor event if possible. You could pitch a sailcloth tent along the coast or invite loved ones to a garden or vineyard.
  • Romantic Wedding Budget Priorities: Invest in flowers and table design to bring your dream to life.
  • Romantic Wedding Must-Have Materials: Mirrors