Theme, What Theme...?

I often find that when I ask new clients about their vision and theme they seem confused. The theme, to most, is an afterthought, an embellishment to be added on at the last minute to make things pretty…a few petals here, a tea light there. However, most in the planning industry believe that an event theme should be one of the first facets to be instituted.

A theme is a principal element, a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc… that pulls everything together. Themes, especially for weddings, help set the tone for delivering desired visual aspects. An event’s theme can subtly be tied into most visual components without being overwhelming. From invitations to bridesmaid’s dresses, floral arrangements to venue selection, themes are essential in crafting a streamline wedding.

When thinking of themes most envision a specific item to base everything around…but times they are a changin’. At one point (not that long ago), many weddings featured figurine inspired themes, i.e., Precious Moments, Disney Characters or Doves, which were visually incorporated as cake toppers, favors and centerpieces. While those did capture the concept of “theme” and were very appealing options for some, most might not have seen their personalities reflected in them. More modern trends are showing that greater numbers of people are choosing eco-friendly, culturally diverse and monogram motivated themes—a direct sign of the times.

If you are among those that are struggling with developing a theme suited just for you, here are some tips to help in the process.

Because your wedding theme will be carried into most aspects of your day, from stationary, to color selection, etc… etc… it is very important to ensure that the theme 1. has significance, 2. illustrates your style and flair and/or 3. promotes the things you stand for.

1. Has significance; it should reflect things that move and interest you?

Separately, a bride and groom have distinctive likes and dislikes, but as a couple there are particular things (activities, emotions, culture, etc…) that binds them; things that bring them together, things that they enjoy sharing with each other.

In some cases that thing could be traveling. If a couple enjoys traveling together, it would be sensible to consider designing their special day around all things travel inspired. Travel elements can be incorporated in invitations resembling post card and personalized postage stamps of them at their favorite vacation spot. They could use floral arrangements that are reminiscent of their most preferred travel locations or even assign destination locations as their reception table names.

When you love something, it makes for an amazing theme.

2. Illustrates your style or flair; it should reflect your panache and good taste.

For couples that live in the fashion world, peruse fashion mags and visit TMZ.com every two and two, visually communicating their love of all things fabulous on their wedding day would be essential. This fashion forward couple could demonstrate their interests through the use of very crisp and clean elements incorporated into the entire wedding design. Sticking with basic white, ivory, black and/or silver are guaranteed successes. Mirrors, gems and shimmery fabrics are also great ways to express couture style across the board.


3. Promotes the things you stand for; if civil rights, saving the whales and protecting the earth are things that drive you those should be the running theme on your big day.

As our society becomes more and more informed of the damage we have done and continue to do to our planet with harsh chemicals and products we have become so accustomed to, a movement of eco-friendly advances have evolved within our lifestyles. Couples that share this view often employ caterers for their wedding day that utilize locally grown produce and raised livestock, they opt for environmentally safe printing solutions using non-toxic components as well as recycled materials for most of their wedding stationary; i.e., invitations, place cards, menu cards, etc… This type of couple is well aware of what we take from the earth and has decided that it is just as important to give back.

All in all themes are meant to echo your personality and leave lasting impressions on the minds and hearts of your wedding guests. So choose your theme carefully and you’ll be sure to have a top notch event!