The Sunday Mail
Bridal Writer
IT is often said that the secret to any successful event lies in the planning – detailed preparation brings about the beauty of any event, and weddings are no exception.
Wedding planning experts will tell you that a well laid plan is best expressed when there is a wedding theme. A wedding theme is a recurrent idea or concept which weaves together all the elements of the wedding.
Maybe it is your first time to hear about this; read on as we give you tips on how to choose an effective wedding theme.
Choose a theme that reflects your personality
Your wedding is a day that is all about you, think of a suitable theme starting with what you like or value. Let the wedding elements tell a story of your interests, for example they can be hobby inspired such as sports, games, casino or art inspired themes. Your theme reflects the kind of person you are.
Start with the setting. Most couples have places that have some special significance to their relationship. Choose a place that will be suitable for your day and develop the theme from there. For example if it is a rural setting you make suitable fashion decisions, ball gown for the bridal party would not work.
However, a hotel setting will be more appropriate for that apparel.
Consider the season and the time of your wedding. I remember attending a beautiful day wedding which was held outdoors. The setting was picturesque, nestled by a small lake.
However, it was in mid-May and by 3.45 pm it was kind of chilly, which put a damper on the celebrations. Season dictates the colours you choose, the food you serve and the appropriate décor. For instance, the kind of flowers you like may be out of season so your theme should be suitable for that season.
If you are easy going then you will probably prefer a casual wedding.
When deciding on a theme, pick a mood you want to permeate that day.
“If you don’t know exactly what your wedding should look like you probably have a good idea of how you want it to feel, close your eyes and think of how you felt on a particular good occasion, what was the day like, think of ways to replicate the environment, décor, sounds and smells to stir up that kind of emotion,” said Lilian Tatenda, a wedding specialist.
Continuity
A theme is an idea expressed differently in the various elements of your wedding. A theme will make your reception and ceremony cohesive. If it is an African inspired day, this should be clear from the stationery, to the bridal gown, the food and even entertainment. Your guests will dress appropriately and the day will be more memorable.
Colour
Choosing your wedding colours is a very important part of the planning process; it may be the starting point to your inspiration for more ideas. If you love red and white, you can develop it into an occasion theme such as a Valentine-inspired wedding.
Lastly, be sure you match your theme to your budget. Can you afford high street glamour at a five-star hotel? Ask yourself if the country manor style works with your budget or perhaps you can still elegantly host your friends in a simple garden wedding.
Choosing a wedding theme will make your day exceptional and interesting. Do not forget to look for inspiration and interpret it to suit your style and pocket.
