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Allix Cott is the Head of Editorial Communications at Carats & Cake. Launched in 2013, Carats & Cake curates the best of weddings across the country in order to allow couples to find top vendors and venues by location. The platform empowers local businesses by bringing their brands to life through real content and enabling them to run more efficiently through smart, elegant tools.
From rustic to modern to everything in between, finding a wedding style that suits both you and your soon-to-be-spouse can be more overwhelming than exciting. Decor ideas, entertainment options, and even ceremony layouts can all set the tone for a specific wedding aesthetic. Floral-embellished name cards on a fresh, vintage-inspired tablescape or ghost chairs set out for an elegant, modern ceremony are just a few ideas that can take your day-of style to the next level. Whether you prefer boho or black tie, we sought advice from some of the wedding industry’s top “I do” experts, who provided examples of some of these favored design styles.
Nautical
“The navy and white striped altar on the deck of this beachy venue was the perfect addition to this couple’s nautical nuptials. Details like these translated across their coastal ceremony and final wedding photos.”
– Judy Pak, owner, Judy Pak
Seasonal
“Events hosted around certain times of year—whether in the summer/spring or around the holiday season—can be festive in their own right. Adding playful citrus to the table display of a summer wedding or integrating holly into the altar of a December ceremony are original ways in which you can define a seasonal, day-of design.”
– Lori Stephenson, owner and principal consultant, LOLA Event Productions
Contemporary
“This traditional ceremony featured modern design elements that spoke to the wedding’s contemporary theme. Capturing the lush greenery, black ceremony chairs, and minimal decor helped convey the couple’s contemporary vision—both in person and in their wedding day photos.”
– Sara Wight, founder and lead photographer, Sara Wight Photography
Bohemian
“To achieve the perfect boho ceremony backdrop, we paired an asymmetrical floral design with this non-traditionally shaped arch. The eclectic, yet minimal decor enhanced the effortlessness of a chic bohemian vibe.”
– Heather Sherrill, Director of Operations, Aster & Park
Tropical
“Capturing the personal details of this wedding’s tropical invitations set the tone for this couple’s oceanfront nuptials, as well as created cohesion throughout their day-of photos.”
– Kat Braman, owner, Kat Braman
Romantic
“Nothing adds romanticism like a delicate lace table runner. The intricate details in the embroidery of this charming example made for a tablescape that was full of softness and charm.”
– Stacie Shea, owner, Stacie Shea Events
Garden-inspired
“Incorporate the natural surroundings of your venue into your overall design to help bring it to life. The design concept for this wedding reception incorporated 22-foot long ropes suspended from the ceiling, woven with ivy and Amaranthus. The result gave the appearance of lushness throughout the reception layout.”
– Kimiko Hosaki, Founder and Creative Director, Elements by K.H & Co.
Rustic
“The greenery incorporated into the design of the tablescape complemented the beige tones in the menu cards, as well as the shades of green in the napkins and linens. An assortment of florals crafted in low arrangements gave the display a rustic and garden-like feel.”
– Thomas Bui, founder, Thomas Bui Lifestyle
Opulent and Grand
“The height and whimsy created from these all-white floral centerpieces really added to the opulence of this extravagant New York wedding. Embellished with cascading crystals, it was important to create a tablescape design that could compete with the splendor of such a grand space.”
– Danielle Elder, founder, Classic Events
Modern
“The lucite used in both the ghost chairs and canopy added the perfect touch of modernity to this contemporary ceremony.”
– Tracy Taylor Ward, president and principal designer, Tracy Taylor Ward Design
Industrial
“When creating a wedding in an industrial space, enhancing softness with garden florals or twinkle lights is a great way to add charisma to your modern environment. The garden florals incorporated into this industrial design added a pop of color to the venue’s whitewashed palette. We wanted to add contrast between the raw, industrial space and the elegance of a wedding by softening the space with linens, flowers, and lights.”
– Eyal Tessler, owner, Tessler Events
Glamour
“To fully execute your idea and transport your guests on an intended journey, we encourage our clients to find moments that reiterate the theme without seeming too kitschy or forced. Rich, saturated tones, gold accents, and candlelight make for the perfect addition to a glam-focused reception—but no matter the theme, you will need to find a balance of color, texture, and flow.”
– Joseph Todd St. Cyr, director, Joseph Todd Events
Traditional
“Executed in the details of this traditional ceremony, the formality created by the candle-lined aisle, white floral accents, and striking altar really defined the sophistication of this event.”
– Maya Katz, co-founder, Alimay Events
Destination-driven
“If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s important to consider both location and culture when finalizing your day-of design. Whether a beach wedding in the Caribbean or vineyard wedding in Tuscany, integrating elements of your surroundings into personal details of your day will add character and sentiment, making it all the more memorable.”
– KT Merry, owner, KT Merry
Vintage
“When defining your wedding theme, consider your wedding destination—and most importantly, your own personal style. If you love vintage clothing and antiques, consider wedding invitations letterpressed on handmade paper, burnished metal vessels and trays, and a long-sleeved, lace gown. You might find yourself drawn to a couple of different styles, and your wedding designer can help you navigate them to create a cohesive theme.”
– Callista Osborn, owner, Callista & Company
Need more wedding ideas?
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