Often when a couple begins planning their wedding, they start by choosing where the venue will be, the design of the wedding gown, the main color or colors that will stand out at the ceremony and reception, what type of flowers will be used and a host of other decisions. What many couples do not realize is that they are essentially working around a certain theme for their wedding.
What is a wedding theme?
A theme is a distinct and unifying idea that is recurring through various aspects of the wedding such as those mentioned above. It is a subject that becomes very apparent in the choice of the flowers, colors, cake, wedding gown, décor and even in the entertainment of the wedding. Essentially, the entire layout of a wedding revolves around a particular theme so that one can easily pick out the message that is being communicated through the various components of a wedding. From that definition, it is evident that there are myriads of themes, but they generally fall under two main categories; topical themes and color themes.
Topical themes
Topical themes relate to specific principles, ideas or concepts. It is a way of communicating a specific message throughout the wedding or telling a story to your guests. Topical themes may include spiritual themes such as the last supper, the Garden of Eden, or fruits of the Holy Spirit. They may also be climatic seasons such as summer, autumn, spring or winter. It may even consist of a particular era such as the 70s where all the guests would be expected to come dressed in their best 70s outfits! In essence, a topical theme is like the title of a novel and the way in which the theme is brought out in the different wedding components forms the plot of the story.
Color Themes
A color theme revolves around a particular color. The couple picks out a color or a blend of colors and everything from the flowers and bridesmaids’ dresses to the table and chair linen will be in the chosen color. The wedding stationery will also be printed out in this color and serves as a sort of sneak preview as to what the theme color of the wedding is. It is however possible to incorporate color and topical themes, for example an autumn theme would make use of colors such as orange and rust.
Executing a theme
A wedding theme can be brought out through the various elements of a wedding. The invitations, décor, entertainment, words and every other aspect of the wedding can be used. We’ll show you how.
Invitations and themes
Initially, the theme should be highlighted in the wedding invitations and a brief description of the same should be given, in order to prepare your guests. Try not to divulge too much information about the theme, leave some clues and pique the interest of your guests. Incorporate another brief statement about the theme in the wedding program. Like we said earlier, this is a story you are telling, let them turn the pages in search of how it unfolds! If it is a color theme, the wedding stationery should be printed in that color for cohesion.
Flowers and Themes
Incorporate flowers being relevant to the theme in question. For example, if the theme is spring, the flowers chosen should actually blossom in spring like the butterfly bush. An autumn theme would incorporate dried flowers into the décor. A spiritual theme such as the Garden of Eden would include garden flowers such as chrysanthemums, daisies and sunflowers. An added touch would be a note attached to the flower arrangements indicating the significance of that particular choice of flowers to the theme of the wedding. Therefore, pick out the right flowers to communicate the message you intend.
Words, Words, Words.
Since the theme of a wedding is essentially a story you are trying to narrate, what better way to do it than through words! Have small cards at different tables each with a unique message further detailing the meaning behind the theme and why it is relevant to you. This can also make an interesting activity during the wedding as guests go round reading cards and learning more about the theme. The Master of Ceremony can also relay quotations associated with the theme as the event progresses.
Unique Elements
A selected topical theme always has particular elements that go with it. A garden goes with fruits, flowers and vegetables, while a musical theme automatically gets us thinking of musical instruments and turntables. These items are central to the particular themes and should be incorporated in the wedding décor. They emphasize the theme and add a splash of creativity.
Having a theme at your wedding adds spice to your wedding and is also a way of making your wedding different and delightful. Your guests get to know your tastes and preferences better and you can also share with them principles that are dear to you. Pick one and weave your story.Often when a couple begins planning their wedding, they start by choosing where the venue will be, the design of the wedding gown, the main color or colors that will stand out at the ceremony and reception, what type of flowers will be used and a host of other decisions. What many couples do not realize is that they are essentially working around a certain theme for their wedding.
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Wanjiku Kariuki is a certified wedding planner and coordinator and is the lead consultant of Waridikenya.com, a Kenyan wedding website.