How to Plan Your Wedding Day: Exploring Different Wedding Styles and Trends | Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire natural wedding photographer
Planning your wedding day is an exciting journey filled with countless decisions, from the theme and style to the tiny details that make your celebration unique. Whether you envision a traditional church ceremony, a rustic barn wedding, or a modern urban affair, exploring different wedding styles and trends can help you create the perfect day that reflects your personality and love story.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate through popular wedding styles and current trends to inspire your wedding planning.
1. Traditional Weddings:
A traditional wedding often includes a ceremony in a religious venue such as a church, followed by a reception in a banquet hall or similar setting. This classic style is timeless and elegant, perfect for couples who value long-standing traditions.
Ceremony: Held in a place of worship with a structured format and traditional vows.
Attire: Formal, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a tuxedo or suit.
Decor: Classic and elegant, featuring floral arrangements, candles, and sophisticated color palettes like white, gold, and pastels.
Reception: Sit-down dinner with a formal program, including speeches, toasts, and a first dance.
2. Rustic Weddings:
Rustic weddings are perfect for couples who love the countryside and natural settings. Think barns, farms, and outdoor venues with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Ceremony: Often held outdoors or in a rustic barn, with simple, natural decorations.
Attire: Casual to semi-formal, with the bride in a lace or boho-style gown and the groom in suspenders, tweed, or a casual suit.
Decor: Natural and earthy, using wood, burlap, wildflowers, and mason jars.
Reception: Family-style meals or barbecues, with games and activities like lawn games and bonfires.
3. Modern Wedding:
A modern wedding is sleek and sophisticated, often held in contemporary venues such as art galleries, rooftop spaces, or chic city lofts.
Ceremony: Minimalist and clean, with a focus on sleek lines and contemporary designs.
Attire: The bride might choose a simple, elegant gown, and the groom could wear a stylish suit in a modern cut.
Decor: Minimalistic with a monochrome or bold color scheme, geometric shapes, and modern art pieces.
Reception: Trendy catering options like food trucks or gourmet hors d'oeuvres, with a DJ or live band playing current hits.
4. Bohemian Weddings:
Bohemian weddings are whimsical and artistic, often set in outdoor locations like gardens, beaches, or forests. This style is ideal for free-spirited couples who want a relaxed and intimate celebration.
Ceremony: Often held outdoors, with a relaxed and intimate vibe.
Attire: The bride in a flowy, lace gown with floral crowns, and the groom in casual, mismatched attire.
Decor: Eclectic and colorful, using elements like dreamcatchers, macramé, rugs, and mismatched furniture.
Reception: Informal dining such as buffets or picnics, with acoustic music and lots of dancing.
5. Destination Weddings:
Destination weddings take place in exotic or meaningful locations, providing a vacation-like experience for you and your guests. This style is perfect for couples who love to travel and want a unique backdrop for their nuptials.
Ceremony: Held in a scenic location such as a beach, mountain, or historic city.
Attire: Appropriate to the setting, like lightweight fabrics for tropical climates or formal attire for city weddings.
Decor: Reflective of the location, incorporating local flowers, colors, and cultural elements.
Reception: Local cuisine and entertainment, creating an immersive experience for guests.
Current Wedding Trends:
In addition to these styles, incorporating current trends can add a fresh and modern touch to your wedding:
Eco-Friendly Weddings:
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Consider eco-friendly options like recycled paper invitations, biodegradable confetti, and locally sourced food.
Micro Weddings:
Intimate weddings with fewer guests allow for a more personal and detailed experience. Focus on quality over quantity.
Bold Colors:
Move away from traditional pastels and embrace bold, vibrant color palettes.
Unique Entertainment:
Offer interactive experiences like photo booths, live painters, or mixologists.
Personalization:
Make your wedding unique by adding personal touches like custom vows, signature cocktails, or personalized favors.
Final Thoughts
Planning your wedding day involves many choices, but exploring different styles and trends can help you create a celebration that truly reflects your love story. Whether you opt for a traditional, rustic, modern, bohemian, or destination wedding, the key is to make it personal and meaningful. Stay true to your vision, embrace the trends that resonate with you, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of planning your special day.
I hope that you are inspired to plan your dream wedding.
Victoria Louise.
*Stock photos used.
Natural documentary style and editorial contemporary wedding photographer based in Gainsborough, which is sandwiched between the historic town of Lincoln and Scunthorpe, not far distance from Retford, or Doncaster. Wedding photography for all within Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire for natural award-winning wedding photography in the east midlands.
