I Do, I Don't
As we reach the end of wedding season, let's take time to reflect on whether or not themes are truly necessary. You've likely seen pictures from weddings with strange, tacky, or even downright offensive themes that have gone viral for sheer audacity. While we're tempted to say "whatever makes the happy couple happy", there are a few themes that are enough to put us off romance entirely.
1. Farmhouse
At least half of the wedding side of Pinterest is dedicated to farmhouse weddings, and that's a conservative estimate. Barns, burlap, and baskets are all hallmarks of this tired trend. While we wouldn't mind farmhouse weddings if the couple actually, you know, grew up or live on a farm, half the time they come off like neither party would be caught dead in a barn any other time.
2. Minimalist
A lot of people love a modern or classic wedding, and sometimes less is more, but not always. Frankly, if you're already spending an obscene amount of money (not saying we support bank-breaking weddings, just acknowledging expectations), why not go all out? There's no better time or place to put on a show than your wedding.
3. Destination Wedding
Maybe this isn't a theme per se, but destination weddings have gotten out of hand. Destination weddings cost a small fortune for guests to attend, and that's assuming they can even get the time off to attend—and that's without even considering things like travel documents, overseas vaccines, arranging childcare etc. If you want to live out your Mamma Mia fantasy, why not save it for the honeymoon?
4. Fandom
Fandom related weddings like Disney or Star Wars seem like a great way to combine your passion for your partner and your passion for a beloved franchise, but they fall flat more often than not. When you look back on your wedding photos in decades to come, do you really want the love of your life to be forever tied to a media franchise for children? Also, this theme can be alienating for guests who want to support you but aren't as engaged in fandom culture.
Javier González Fotógrafo on Unsplash
5. Glitz & Glam
While we encouraged going all out earlier in this list, there is such a thing as too much. Over-the-top glamorous weddings can come off as tasteless when all that glitz comes off feeling sterile. "I'm so wealthy" works great as a flex, not to much as a wedding theme.
6. Beach
There's no beating the feeling of sun on your skin and the sand between your toes, but maybe wait until the honeymoon. Yes beach weddings are beautiful and casual, but they're also extremely weather-dependent. Sand, salt, and seagulls can all wreak havoc on expensive outfits, and the sand can pose accessibility issues for guests with limited mobility.
7. Boho Chic
Earlier on we said that half of wedding Pinterest is rustic chic; the other half is boho chic. Succulents instead of floral centerpieces, string lights and mason jars everywhere, boho weddings have been done to death. Let's think of some new ideas, shall we?
8. Nautical
Nautical weddings don't necessarily have to be on a boat, but few people can resist the siren song of the sea. This theme is cute and all but, if we're being honest, we can't help but think that there are few worse places to discover you get seasick than on a yacht at your friends' wedding.
9. Fairytale Romance
There's no shame in wanting to be a princess on your big day, but fairytale weddings have become so popular with the rise of cottagecore that we can't help but feel that you're living out someone else's love story. Go for that big poofy dress and string quartet, but write your own story.
10. Antebellum
This should be a no-brainer in 2025. We hope that nobody is planning a full-on Antebellum south wedding, but just in case, step away from that plantation wedding booking. Frankly, they shouldn't even be offered.
550Park Luxury Wedding Films on Unsplash
Now that we've discussed a few tired wedding themes, let's look at some tireless ones.
1. Celestial
For a theme that will have you seeing stars, a celestial wedding will never let you down. While some may argue that this specific aesthetic will end up being dated in a few years, we'd argue back that the sun, moon, and stars are eternal, and will outlive us all.
2. Art Deco
There has never been a better time to hold a Roaring Twenties-style decade than now. While some may argue that too much theming can come off more like a theme party than a wedding, art deco is restrained as an art style. The sharp geometic lines, muted color palate, and metallic accents will keep this wedding from feeling like a costume party.
3. Garden
If you have a green thumb and care about the environment, there's no better time to show it off than when all eyes will be on you. This lush and fragrant theme is perfect for couples tying the knot in late spring or early summer. Just don't hold your reception in a greenhouse unless you want guests collapsing from the humidity.
Soulseeker - Creative Photography on Unsplash
4. Classic Romance
Yes, we certainly hope that all weddings are romantic, but there's a larger theme here. For a classic romance wedding you can go one of two ways: sweet pastels and delicate lighting, or something a little moodier with crisp silks and jewel tones.
5. Disco
Despite what you may have heard, disco is not dead! One of the most controversial inclusions on this side of the list, we think that the playful nostalgia of a disco wedding is a great way to ensure your guests have fun. Even stringing up a couple of gleaming disco balls can help get even the shyest of guests on the dance floor.
Kari Bjorn Photography on Unsplash
6. Black & White
You can't go wrong with a classic monochrone wedding. This theme is sleek and classy without feeling half-baked. Either ask your guests to dress on theme or have them add a pop of color to your wedding photos. A B&W wedding is a wonderful spin on the classic white wedding that's tasteful without being gaudy.
7. Winter Wonderland
Wedding season may be associated with summer, but it certainly isn't the only time of the year to get married. Winter weddings are cozy and cheaper than summer ceremonies, statistically speaking; plus you can really have fun with your outfits. Just make sure your guests don't spend too much time outside!
Konstantin Mishchenko on Unsplash
8. Vintage
One thing that we love about vintage weddings is how purposeful they feel. Couples who choose vintage weddings typically do so because they have a passion for vintage fashion or decor, not because they're following trend cycles. Additionally, due to the focus on thrifting and repurposing pieces, this theme is one of the most sustainable.
9. Colorblocking
You know what theme will never go out of style? Purple. Basing your wedding around a color or two takes a ton of pressure off in the planning stage. A purposeful color palate can be tailored to the season or venue and provide further inspiration.
10. Themeless
Sometimes the best theme is no theme at all. Not every wedding needs a theme and, in fact, some can benefit from the lack of one. Not only can themes be costly and eat up huge chunks of your planning time, but they can also limit creativity and personality. Stop thinking so much about what will look best in wedding photos and start thinking about how to make the day special.
