Wedding Theme Dreams

Whether a wedding is formal or elegantly casual, on the beach or in a grand banquet hall, decorations set the overall tone and feeling of any reception. The sky's the limit for wedding themes, so think creatively. Go for a spooky Halloween-themed wedding or historical Renaissance reception if that's what you want. Let your wedding theme be decided by your personal style and interests – no matter how quirky!

A couple's decor should be unique, and complement the theme of the wedding without being too overbearing. So, what are some wedding theme ideas that are hot right now? Take a look at what modern brides and grooms are doing in the way of decor for their special day.

Fairy Tales Do Come True: You've found your prince, why not show your guests your fairy tale vision? Choose blue and silver as your colors, and decorate tables with silver star-shaped confetti. Be a vision in a formal wedding gown and crystal tiara, and have your groom in a simple black tuxedo. Buy cylinder-shaped vases and fill them with red or white roses. Get your guests to sign a fairy tale themed book, and slice up white-frosted cake with a Fairy Tale Dreams Cake Topper. All available at 1-bridaleverything.com. Complete the look by arriving to your reception in a horse-drawn buggy.

Cowboys and Cowgirls: Add flair to your reception and break out the cowboy boots! If you love Western, you'll love a country-themed wedding. Use bold reds and browns for colors, and stack bales of hay tied with gingham ribbon around the hall. Fill white tin pails or cowboy-boot shaped vases with wildflowers or sunflowers. Skip the formal attire and wear jeans, western shirts and boots. For an added twist, hire a square dance caller and get your guests on the dance floor! You'll find horseshoe or pistol-shaped charm favors at 1-bridaleverything.com, as well as white satin horseshoes for a good-luck bouquet holder as you walk down the aisle!

Day at the Beach: Who doesn't love the sun and sand? A beach themed wedding is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny summer day. It can be held at a beach, on a pier, or even at a local park. Choose a flowing sundress or lightweight cotton skirt and tank top. The groom and groomsmen can go casual with Hawaiian or polo shirts. Use netting and plastic fish and crabs for decor, or make it a little more elegant with lanterns or cascades of tropical flowers. Hand-painted tin beach pails can be filled with seashells and pillar candles for unique table centerpieces. If you're at the beach, stick colorful umbrellas in the sand as shade for your guests. Put starfish and seashell gel candles into  beach favor bags or give seashell shaped vases for a memorable gift for your guests. Wear “Just Married” flip flops for your outdoor wedding.

Asian Double Happiness: Bring the majesty and beauty of Asian culture into your wedding theme.  Rent a banquet hall, or have your reception at a Japanese garden, or even a Chinese restaurant. Use Chinese or Japanese characters for invitations and place cards (available at bridaleverything.com). For a more subdued look, hang Chinese lanterns and use stones and bamboo around the room. Place takeout box candle holders on tables and fill with candles or even flowers or bamboo shoots. For a bolder look, find bold red guest books, string Chinese dragon cutouts around the room, and wear an Asian fusion garter. Have your guests eat Chinese food with chopsticks, or offer Japanese sake as a drink choice. Chinese takeout boxes are a cute way to say thank you to your guests – fill them with a fortune cookie or porcelain Asian spoon  as a favor.

Winter Wonderland Wedding: Think icy blues and white as a color scheme, or add a seasonal feel with reds and greens if your wedding is near Christmas.  A matching shawl or white faux fur wrap is a glamorous addition to your wedding dress. Have white roses or sprigs of holly, and cover tables with rose petals. Use sparkle snowflakes on tables, and make your guests feel cozy with candles in snowflake candle holders.  String white indoor  decorating lights under white tulle or around pine trees for ambience. You can spray imitation snow on trees, or hang ornaments from the branches. Have crystal bells for your guests to ring for a festive touch, or play Christmas music for the dinner. Give your guests miniature snow globes, or a silver plated friendship ornament.

Butterfly Wishes: Numerous color schemes will work with this theme, as butterflies come in a multitude of shades. Pair purple and pink, or pale yellow and white for a softer theme. A butterfly theme is perfect for an outdoor garden wedding, complete with white linens and napkins. Rent a gazebo or archway and decorate with flowers or ivy. Butteflies will work on everything: get a Butterfly Wishes toasting set, a ceremony unity candle, even a butterfly tiara at 1bridaleverything.com. You could even release live butterflies after your ceremony, or have your guests blow bubbles and you arrive at the reception. Fill glass cylinder vases with wildflowers, and use butterfly and dragonfly place card holders that your guests can keep as favors.

For religious couples, decor can reflect their faith and beliefs. There is a large selection of cross decorations for cake toppers, toasting glasses, ring pillows and garters.  For Jewish couples, there are Jewish cake toppers and breaking glasses for the ceremony. If you're religious and your theme isn't, you can always add a few religious decorations to your reception.

Think outside the box for today's wedding receptions. Throw convention out the window and choose a favor that fits the theme of your wedding, as well as your style.