One of the most important things you can do before you start planning your wedding is to decide on your wedding style. After all, you’ve got to know what you want before you can plan it, right?
Photo Credit: Childers Photography
So what types of “wedding styles” are out there? In reality, the possibilities are endless, and in this article I’m going to give some tips on how to figure out your wedding style, as well as give some examples of different styles. Then once you determine your wedding style, you can really make it yours (and your partners!) in the details.
3 Things to Consider When Determining Your Wedding Style
1) How do you imagine your ideal wedding?
One of the joys of planning your wedding is the “dream phase” where you think about the “possibilities”! Believe me, there’s nothing wrong about dreaming of your “ideal” wedding, just as long as you realize that in real life some things may have to be tweaked and adjusted (or omitted entirely), as your budget may not be able to accommodate the entire “dream.”
What elements do you think about it? What about the location, something like Lily Creek Farm as the venue? How about the season or time of year?
Dreaming about your ideal wedding is a great starting off point is determining out your wedding style.
So, on with the dreaming . . .
If there were no limitations, what does your dream wedding look like? Is it ultra formal with men in tailcoats and an orchestra playing? Is it outdoors? Is it on a beach? How many people are there – 200? Maybe you’re dreaming of something smaller and more intimate.
Photo Credit: Monique Studios
2) What is your personal style?
Think about your personal style – how you dress, how you decorate (or want to decorate) your home, what you like to do in your spare time. And have your partner do this too. You want your wedding style to be similar to your personal styles. The wedding day should reflect the two of you after all.
3) Then you also need to decide how formal you want your wedding to be.
A major factor in determining your wedding style is deciding on the level of formality that you and your partner prefer. It is a good place to start because it will help you establish the parameters of your wedding – the vision you have – and how grand or simple you want things to be.
There’s a whole section devoted to help you determine your wedding style (with quizzes and worksheets) in my latest book From “I Will” to “I Do”.
Photo Credit: Weddings From The Heart
Wedding Style Examples
There are many ceremony/reception style options open for you. Here are a few examples to help you on your way.
Traditional Formal Evening Wedding – This is a model for elegant everything from a huge array of food choices at the cocktail hour, a gourmet dinner served on fine china with gorgeous glassware, a multi-tiered cake, an orchestra playing for dancing, the men in the wedding party in formal tailcoats and a significant price tag.
If you want it and you can afford it – go for it. You can have a similar event in the daytime or late afternoon.
Cocktail Party Wedding – Follows a traditional formal ceremony but relaxes the celebratory tone of the reception. The entire reception is a cocktail party with an amazing buffet of appetizers, carving stations, gourmet dishes, and passed hors d’oeuvres served by waiters.
Wedding cake is cut and served and an orchestra or small combo can play throughout. It is a departure from the traditional sit-down dinner.
Dessert and Champagne Wedding – Usually takes place after 8 PM (after the typical dinner hour) and the style is formal, chic, and relaxed. Champagne and fine wines are served, along with espresso and coffee, plus a mountain of cake and elegant desserts. It is perfect for a jazz club or hotel ballroom with elegant couches and period décor.
Outdoor Wedding – Having a wedding ceremony or reception (or both) is gaining in popularity. These weddings can take place in a park, at a resort, lakeside, or at a private home with significant yard space. Other options are on a beach, on a boat, in a tent, or a flower garden.
Mixed Style Weddings – Are also growing in popularity s they reflect a couples eclectic tastes. One example of a mixed style weddings is to hold the event in a rustic lodge or barn turned into a fantastic ballroom with dinner served on fine china and crystal.
Ethnic and Multi- Cultural Weddings – Incorporate a couple’s family heritage and culture in both that ceremony and reception celebration and wedding attire. You can sprinkle in a few cultural traditions into your wedding, or go full-on with all the traditional wedding customs of that culture.
Themed Weddings – Can be a creative and imaginative way to celebrate the marriage. Some classic themes are a Winter Wonderland, An Evening in Tuscany, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Under the Sea, and Mardi Gras. Again, you can just include a hint of your desired theme, or go all out.
Destination Weddings – Happen when couples fly off with a dozen or so of their family and closest friends to an island or international resort where the wedding will be held.
When you know your wedding style, then you and your partner can plan a wedding that truly reflects you both, one where your guests will go home saying, “That was so them!”
What wedding style appeals to you? Let me know in the comments below?
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Looking for fun ideas, or need help with your wedding plans? Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!