What is so great about theme weddings? They make guests feel special. When organized the right way, they can be unforgettable. We present 8 luxurious summer wedding themes to choose from and incorporate into your special event.
1. Rustic Wedding
Rustic weddings can be elegant and luxurious without sacrificing warmth and coziness. Suitable décor to include would be lace, string lights, twine and, of course, plenty of wood.
Rustic-inspired venues are comfortable with a laid-back feel. The dress you choose should reflect this ambiance for optimal effect. Opt for relaxed, simple silhouettes that are not too fitted or tight, such as A-line or sheath. Short dress styles are suitable as well.
Embellished dresses with ornate details are not practical. Bold, attention-grabbing accessories don’t work well with the rustic theme. Your jewelry should be elegant yet subtle. For inspiration, have a look at Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei’s unique gold bracelet, shaped like reinforced bars. Such jewelry design would be in harmony with any rustic theme.
2. Nautical Wedding
Nautical themes are a great idea for a seaside wedding, whether you’re planning to travel to an exotic location abroad or have decided to get married at a lake house in the area. Blue and white is a classic combination for a nautical wedding. Ropes, anchors, shells, and other beach motifs exude a marine style. The décor should be elegant and simple, with decorative pillows or oriental rugs alongside the altar or aisle. Mussel shells add seasonality and color.
3. Tropical Wedding
You don’t need to organize a destination wedding if the tropical theme inspires you – it’s possible to recreate the exotic ambiance in an urban setting. Imperative elements to achieve this effect are beachy cocktails, lots of plants, and laid-back decorations. If your wedding ceremony is outdoors, you can set up a fan station or provide parasols for your guests.
4. Garden Wedding
Those who aspire for a casual yet intimate ceremony will find a garden wedding a great idea. If you’re getting married this summer and are pondering a backyard wedding, look no farther than this casual style. If you choose this theme, there are some natural elements to take into account. Your dress should be comfortable and practical. Don’t opt for heavy fabrics.
Delicate wedding gowns embellished with lace and other soft elements stand out against the lush green backdrop. Skirts with thick layers and regal ball gowns are a no-no. Go for silky satin or soft lace instead. Don’t be afraid to choose a short hemline – it’s ideal for getting around the terrain easily. A clear seating chart that doesn’t get in the way of the view would be a nice touch.
You would never go wrong with an A-line, tea length dress. A plunging V-neck adds an air of mystique to the silhouette. Luxurious lace appliqués in the skirt and bodice provide pleasant textural detail.
5. Winery Wedding
It’s no accident that wine regions like the Italian Riviera, Napa Valley, and Southern France are such popular wedding destinations. They have a quiet, peaceful ambiance reflected in serene, beautiful natural surroundings. A winery wedding will recreate this atmosphere of peace and serendipity as a metaphor for how you want your marriage to be. To capture the essence of this ambiance, implement natural textures throughout the décor. Complex patterns and light, airy fabrics are suitable.
Cap-sleeve dresses with intricate embroidery work very well for this venue. Ball gown skirts are elegant and visually impressive. Beautiful embellishments along the waistline, neckline, and sleeves of the dress would not be out of place.
6. Mountain Wedding
Offer your guests refuge from the summer heat with a mountain wedding, and they’ll never forget your kindness. Treat attendees with seasonal touches like twine, beautiful floral décor, and summery spreads complete with delicious extras like gin and honey.
7. Farm Wedding
A farm wedding theme is practically synonymous with warmth and comfort. Focus on warm, earthy tones throughout the décor to bring out the warm yellow light typical of this rustic venue. Soft, white dresses will look beautiful against this background. Of course, the venue should complement the dress, so we’d recommend a lace-draped vintage style with a fit and flare silhouette and cap sleeves.
A farm setting comes with a certain degree of heat, so make sure water is readily accessible. If you want to get creative, paint digits on glass bottles as use them as table numbers.
8. Traditional Wedding
Traditional weddings involve a series of formalities, including posh seating, an exquisite head table, ornate flower arrangements, and a full sit-down dinner. A traditional venue comes with a set of rules that the couple and the guests are expected to follow.
Your guests will be dressed to the nines because everyone wants to look their best at a formal event. To stand out, choose a dress with huge impact. A regal gown with a long train and a traditional accessory like a veil would look grand in this setting. Combine it with opulent, luxurious jewelry reminiscent of Bentley and Heinz Mayer’s latest handcrafted jewelry capsule collections, typified by eccentric lines and shapes, rare gemstones, ethically sourced diamonds, and yellow, white, and rose gold.
Some traditional venues do not encourage revealing designs, so strapless or low-cut dresses might not be a good idea. Always check with your venue of choice before you start looking for a dress. If the venue is on the conservative side, go with a dress with long sleeves or cap sleeves or add an accessory. For the reception, you can wear a jacket or bolero over a strapless dress. Luxurious fabric finishes like lace or satin are appropriate.
Try a Combination of Themes
If you can’t decide on a theme, you could go for a combination or even more than one venue. At any rate, don’t start shopping for your dress before you’ve decided on the location. Your dress should be practical and comfortable in the chosen setting. For example, a mermaid-style gown, lovely as it is, will not be appropriate at a venue which has a staircase.
Author Bio: Jonah Levine is the Creative Director of NewYorkDress.com, established in 2008, is the #1 online source for Evening and Prom dresses worldwide. As Creative Director, Jonah works to create the ultimate online and in store luxury shopping experience with a focus on service and personalization.