Thinking Theatrical: The Wedding Theme

A wedding theme is so much more than a beautifier. Amid the chaos, indecision and stress that feeds off of any wedding, it is a planning guide of inestimable value. A theme implies interconnection and repetition, and it demands that decisions be made. By using decorations, favours and other supplies that focus on the theme, you'll find that the organisation of the event comes together with much less effort.
Autumn Weddings

Autumn lends a mellow, mystical sense of romance to any wedding. This quietly dramatic season offers colour choices aplenty. Consider the possibilities of coppers and golds, vibrant oranges, rich chocolate browns, deep reds and purples. Favour a softer colour splash? Experiment with a mix of silver, champagne and beige.

Select a combination of themed decorations that will reinforce the warmth and intimacy of the season. A spread of autumn leaves and twigs suggests a one-ness with nature, while berries and roasted nuts could be used to create a harvest depiction. A crackling fire coupled with a generous dispersal of table candles will bring the season to life.

See if you can incorporate the theme into your menu. Spiced wine and dark chocolate are just two ideas.
Beach Weddings

Seaside nuptials are on the increase, and the beach bridal kit is growing proportionately!

The more popular colours of choice are off-whites and blues, greens and silvers. Alternatively, one can go for a more daring every-colour-of-the-rainbow look.

There are more decorations for a beach wedding reception than you probably realise. Here are but a few:

- hang fishing nets from lights and across the walls
- spread a mix of sea shells and starfish and pebbles over the tables
- adorn shells with pearls
- place lighthouse-shaped lanterns in strategic positions
- use buoys as centrepieces or cornerpieces

Some beach wedding favours have their origin on the beach. Sea shells have found their way into coasters, photo frames, toilet seats and key rings! Other favour ideas with a distinct beach theme are beach balls, pearl jewellery, ocean-scented candles and soaps, and sailboat card holders.
Christmas Weddings

Those who are bold enough to take on this double whammy celebration will be rewarded with endless room for creativity – and lots of fun.

Although green and red are the traditional Christmas colours, the more glittery silvers, golds and coppers are equally fitting.

The traditional Christmas decorations offer a wide range of choices. Holly bushes and pinecones could be arranged around the doorways, while crackers, candles and glitter combine forces on the tables. For an extra dash of colour, add pretty pots of poinsettia.

They are commonly found in red, but are also available in white, pink and cream. If there’s room, a Christmas tree could serve as the ideal centrepiece of the reception. If you’re having an evening wedding, you might want to invest in Christmas lights that blend in with your chosen colour scheme.

Favour possibilities are just as diverse as Christmas presents, and the wrapping can extend the festive theme. Christmas stockings may not be novel, but the little ones among your guests will love them!
Garden Weddings

South Africa lends itself to outdoor weddings for most of the year. Nevertheless, a bad weather back-up plan is a non-negotiable.

Pick colours that enhance the garden’s existing ones. If your chosen garden is a very colourful one, you may want to keep your colour choices simpler but if you are working with a predominantly green garden, use any and every colour your heart desires.

Ideally, the garden will provide its own décor. But it can also be dressed up or down to suit your design. Soft lights and ribbons can be applied haphazardly for a more natural effect. Some brides prefer to connect the various décor elements by means of a central motif. Birds, butterflies and dragonflies are of the most popular. Experiment with lanterns, pots, watering cans and pedestals, all of which can double as favours.

Terracotta pots are readily available. Paint them different colours and plant with a herb or sweet flower. They’ll go down well with men and women alike. Or buy mini pails, pack them with edible goodies and wrap in shiny paper.
Spring Weddings

Spring is wonderfully symbolic of love, birth and growth. For a dramatic effect, choose colours that are bright replicas of the flowers in bloom. If your desired impression is a more subdued effect, look at pastel blues, pinks and yellows. Grass green and white offer an especial resonance with spring.

A spring wedding comes with its own offspring of favour and decoration ideas! Make the most of the season’s floral prime - wild flower wreaths and blossom sprigs are a must. Consider a random ‘release’ of satin butterflies; ‘or capture’ them in frosted glass champagne goblets that can double up as favours.

Make up little packets of seeds – possibly of the same flowers in your bouquet – for your guests to take home. Packages of nuts, dried fruit and multi-coloured sweets will cap proceedings nicely.

Thinking Theatrical: The Wedding Theme | Wedding Articles