From dresses to unique engagement rings to napkin colors, there are so many aspects that go into planning a wedding. It’s a lot of work, and sometimes the creative well runs dry. Deciding on a theme for your wedding can be difficult, but once you’ve got it figured out, the rest — venue, flowers, colors, the must-have bridesmaid gifts — all comes together. Getting to that place can take some research, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun! To get you started, we’ve compiled our very best creative wedding themes for this year.
Vintage
Weddings are one of our most deeply-rooted traditions, so drawing inspiration from the past is a natural. Maybe you’ve inherited an heirloom ring or have found a vintage wedding dress you absolutely adore. This year, many couples are taking a cue from the Roaring Twenties, a boom-time when the economy and technology were taking off, jazz hit the scene, and flapper fashion was all the rage. The Great Gatsby offers the ultimate inspiration for over-the-top partying (if not how to live the rest of your life). Think monogrammed invitations, an overload of the June birthstone (hint: it’s pearls), a champagne tower, metallic confetti and a gold-dusted cake. If bling is your thing, Gatsby is the way to go.
Harry Potter
For many people in their 20s and 30s, Harry Potter remains an abiding force from their formative years. There’s no end of inspiration here: invitations can be Marauder’s Maps. A sorting hat can direct guests to their seats that are based on the four houses, and house colors determine accessories. And of course, your signature cocktail will be a most persuasive potion. Don’t forget to toss Hogwarts-themed props in the photo booth for extra enjoyment!
The Great Outdoors
One thing that has become crystal clear with recent events is that our health and the health of the planet are intertwined. Between the twin needs of sustainability and social distancing, outdoor Earth-themed weddings are a strong trend for 2020. There are so many ways to go about this. Responsibly-sourced rings. An inherited or consignment shop wedding gown. Seed paper for invitations, programs and menus. Natural scenery is not only beautiful, it also promotes good air flow, reducing the spread of germs. Outdoor seating allows for more space between guests. Locally-sourced foods for catering are becoming more widely available. And don’t forget to donate leftover decor, especially flowers, to hospitals and nursing homes.
Elopement
Between uncertain finances, travel bans and group gatherings on hold for an undetermined amount of time, many couples are opting out of a big bash and taking a more unconventional route. Eloping also works for those who weren’t big on planning in the first place. While it can be a sexy escape, elopement doesn’t have to mean climbing down the rose trellis or cutting out your family and friends. You can video the ceremony and make plans for a future party to celebrate together.
Whimsy
Lots of couples have a passion for a particular tv show, film or video game. If you’ve fantasized about wearing a fur cape or mermaid dress, your Big Day is the day to indulge. Mario Brothers, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, or more general themes like unicorns are all hot in 2020. If this is what you love, you probably don’t need much advice. Costumes, cake toppers, props, favors, and furniture are all available on the seemingly endless market of the world wide web. Don’t hold back; your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life!