Guides for Brides logo
Fairs & Events Planning Tools
Festival themed wedding at Alcott Weddings

Wedding Themes Perfect for Every Style and Budget


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
27th of March 2023

Updated 27th March 2023

Choosing a theme for your wedding is a really great way to personalise your day so that it truly represents you and your partner. From festival weddings in a beautiful marquee or tipi, to inspiration from your favourite books or films, here we have 10 ideas to help you find a theme that works for you.

Festival Themed Wedding

Festival themed wedding at Alcott Weddings

A festival wedding is a great idea for wedding couples who love the great outdoors. They can be done really simply or you can go all out on your wedding-fest!

Ways to make a festival wedding amazing:

There are so many great ways to make a festival wedding day impressive and exciting for your guests. Here are some key things to think about:

  • Venue - consider a rent-my-field location or a venue that has a permanent marquee in place. These locations have outdoor space that will be excellent for festival themes.
  • Music - Festivals are synonymous with live bands and DJs. Make sure you select your musical entertainment carefully, as your guests will expect fabulous performances!
  • Food - Consider hiring food trucks to really give the perfect festival vibe. From fish and chip vans to paella and pizza, there are endless options out there.

For inspiration on how to have a festival wedding, check out Michelle and Luke's real wedding complete with tipi, colourful decor and food trucks at Alcott Weddings in Worcestershire.

Nautical Themed Weddings

Helena and Adams nautical themed wedding

If you are getting married by the coast or perhaps you or your partner have ties to the Navy, then a nautical theme would be ideal for your day.

Ways to make a nautical wedding amazing:

This theme is popular for those that love the coast or being out at sea. Here are elements to consider:

  • Decor - From coastal and seaside imagery to blue and green tones, a nautical wedding is all about the decor. Put some thought into the decor for your nautical themed wedding. Some couples prefer to go all out and others like to have a more understated look.
  • Venue - Consider where you'll get married. You'll likely want a wedding venue by the coast or at a location that has a significant tie to the Royal Navy.
  • Food - Putting deep consideration into your wedding menu is a great way to add a more subtle, yet effective, nod to your nautical theme. A surf and turf style menu may be the ideal choice.

For inspiration, why not check out Helena and Adam's real wedding, complete with blue lighting, boat transport and ceremonial swords.

Rustic Wedding Themes

Rustic wedding at Tythe. Barn wedding venue in Launton near Bicester, Oxfordshire

Rustic weddings are often the most romantic. Who doesn't love the idea of twinkling fairy lights in a gorgeous barn wedding venue or even family style food servings.

Ways to make a rustic wedding amazing:

A rustic wedding theme done well makes for a wonderful atmosphere on the day. Here some starting points for ways you can follow this theme:

  • Venue - When you think of a rustic wedding, many will envision rolling hills, hay bales and farmland. Barn wedding venues are the most obvious choice when it comes to venues for a rustic wedding.
  • Flowers - Rustic romance calls for plenty of flowers and natural decorations. Choose a florist that will really bring your vision to life.
  • Food - Rustic themed weddings naturally lean towards a more casual style of dining. Consider a caterer that can support a family-style sit-down meal, a barbecue or a hog roast. Semi-naked wedding cakes are also a great addition to a rustic wedding.
Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

Read More

Search for venues & suppliers near you


  • All Locations
  • Overseas