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Weddings

21 Romantic Wedding Theme Ideas for a Storybook-Inspired Day

Your wedding day is going to be filled with swoon-worthy moments no matter what, but these romantic wedding theme ideas will truly make it feel like your very own fairy tale.

Bride sits at a table and looks into the camera with her chin in her hand and blush wedding centerpiece on one side with long taper candles on the other side

Wedding trends come and go, and the romantic wedding theme is one that will never go out of style—but what exactly is it? While the word "romantic" can apply to all sorts of different things (wedding-related or not), it has a very specific meaning in terms of wedding style, and we're getting into the nitty gritty of it here. For starters, think lots of candles, twinkling chandeliers, flower petals, and anything else that will create an enchanting, fairy tale-inspired setup at your wedding ceremony and reception.

What is a romantic wedding theme? 

Romantic wedding decor is all about creating an atmosphere that reminds you of a classic fairy tale, like Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast. Some of the most popular wedding decorations for a romantic wedding theme are details like candles and candelabras, chandeliers, lush floral design, swooping calligraphy, twinkle lights, and greenery. While the romantic wedding theme generally leans more formal, it's also easy to adapt for a modern wedding or rustic wedding by adding certain elements—for example, you can incorporate sleek acrylic signs to give the decor a contemporary, minimalist spin, or use wooden details to achieve a woodland wedding vibe. 

What are good colors for a romantic wedding theme? 

Pastels like blush, lilac, and powder blue are some of the most popular colors for this wedding style. These understated hues are inherently elegant and will give your decor a garden-inspired aesthetic, plus they're a great base for adding metallics, like silver, brass, or rose gold to your color palette. If you're not into pastel wedding colors, bright red and fuchsia will also give your wedding decor a romantic look (think Valentine's Day!). With these vibrant tones, it's important to keep the decor polished and classic to balance out the bold color palette. A third option is using moody wedding colors, like mauve, plum, and terracotta orange. These unexpected colors will give your romantic wedding theme an edgy look. 

Romantic Wedding Theme Decor Ideas

We may be biased, but in our opinion, one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process is browsing wedding inspiration and saving your favorite ideas for your big day. We hope these romantic wedding ideas will help you get the ball rolling. 

formal wedding invitation suite with watercolor illustrations of dog and venue on a silver tray

Watercolor wedding invitations

We recommend erring on the side of traditional when it comes to the invitations and paper goods for your romantic wedding theme. Timeless details, like handwritten calligraphy, custom wedding crests, and watercolor venue illustrations will all bring a sense of grandeur to your stationery suite.

sheer open-toe lace stiletto booties on a vintage silver tray with wedding veil

Lace bridal shoes

Accessorize with classic white heels for a wedding ensemble that's chic. These sheer lace booties are a perfect example of how to combine traditional style with fashion-forward flair.

outdoor wedding ceremony chairs arranged in rows under a clear-top wedding tent decorated with greenery garlands along the poles

Garden-inspired wedding venue

A garden in bloom is a dreamy setting for your romantic wedding theme. If you can't get married in an actual garden—or if your wedding is taking place during the off-season—you can recreate the garden atmosphere by decorating your tent or venue with floral columns, arches, and greenery garlands.

model sits with her legs crossed while wearing sheer puff-sleeve tulle wedding dress with sequins and lace appliques

Tulle wedding dress

Channel your inner fairy tale princess by wearing a tulle ball gown for the big day. Details like sequins, beading, floral appliqués, and puff sleeves will all add to the romantic feel of your dress.

Black bride sits on yellow vintage velvet chair with eyes closed showing off iridescent silver eyeshadow

Iridescent bridal makeup

Amp up your everyday makeup look by adding metallic eyeshadow and shimmery highlighter to create an angelic effect for the wedding. Finish with false lashes or extensions to bring a bit of drama to your eyes and make them pop in photos!

side view of bride wearing lace mantilla veil

Long wedding veil

When it comes to wedding accessories, there's nothing more classic and iconic than the veil. For the biggest "wow" moment, choose a longer veil length, like the chapel or cathedral-length veil.

back view of brunette bride with long curly hair in a ponytail and light blue bow

Silk hair bow

Veils not your thing? We love pretty bows as an alternative hair accessory for your romantic wedding theme. They add a touch of whimsy to a ponytail or half-up wedding hairstyle.

wedding vow book made from raw-edge paper with

Wedding vow books

If you're writing your own vows, formal vow books are a small but decorative touch you can incorporate into your special day. Compared to a scrap piece of paper (or your phone screen), they'll appear much more timeless and elegant in wedding photos. 

wedding flower arch decorated with blush and white garden roses with greenery

Floral wedding ceremony arch

Create a picturesque backdrop for your vows with a floral and greenery ceremony arch. This rose-covered wedding arbor looks like it was plucked right out of a storybook.

Bride smiles at the camera while three bridesmaids wearing mauve midi-length slip dresses stand next to her

Pink bridesmaid dresses

Pink is traditionally thought of as one of the most romantic colors, and it's also one of our favorite choices for your wedding party. Blush and mauve bridesmaid dresses will fit right into your romantic wedding theme. These midi-length slip dresses will give your 'maids a modern look, while floor-length gowns are ideal for formal dress codes. 

outdoor wedding ceremony at brick courtyard with stone fountain at the alter and white rose petals lining the aisle

Flower petal ceremony aisle

Flower petals are a small detail that will instantly transform the look and feel of your wedding ceremony decor, whether you're having an indoor or outdoor wedding. Line your wedding aisle with white rose petals to create the effect of walking through a garden.

pastel wedding bouquet with anemones, white peonies, greenery, and long blush pink ribbon

Pastel wedding bouquet

Carry a loose, garden-style wedding bouquet with pastel flowers and greenery to complete your romantic wedding look. This arrangement includes some of our favorite blooms, like peonies, anemones, ranunculus, and dusty miller, finished with a blush raw silk ribbon.

vellum wedding escort cards with rose gold calligraphy and white wax seals

Wax seal wedding escort cards

Guide your guests to their seats in style using vellum escort cards decorated with calligraphy and wax seals.

wedding welcome sign written onto mirror in decorative antique-style frame

Mirror wedding signage

There's something so pretty about calligraphy and mirrors. Not only will these signs look nice while serving a purpose (like greeting guests or listing your drink selections), but they'll reflect candles and twinkle lights after dark, creating a magical vibe in your reception space.  

wedding seating chart in the shape of a life-sized scroll leaning against a tree decorated with garden roses

Scroll seating chart

If you're not using escort cards, we love this giant scroll-inspired wedding seating chart instead. Hire a professional wedding calligrapher to write your guests' names and table assignments in traditional hand-lettering.

wide shot of ballroom wedding reception venue with pillars along both sides of the room and opulent gold carved ceilings

Ballroom wedding reception venue

Host your wedding reception in a grand ballroom for the ultimate fairy tale effect. With an opulent ballroom venue, you can let the existing fixtures (like chandeliers and coffered ceilings) take center stage and keep the rest of your decor minimal.

clear acrylic Chiavari chair decorated with blush pink bow

Wedding chair bows

Give your wedding chairs a decorative boost by adorning the backs with bow sashes, greenery garlands, or signage.

close-up of wedding centerpiece with greenery and assorted white candles in glass hurricane vases

Candles and greenery wedding centerpieces

What's more romantic than eating by candlelight? Transform your wedding tablescapes and place settings by using greenery and clusters of pillar candles in varying heights.

modern rustic wedding reception with bronze chandeliers above long wooden banquet tables

Chandeliers

When choosing your wedding venue, look for a location with glamorous decor and details, like crystal chandeliers or these rustic-inspired light fixtures. If your reception is taking place in a tent, you can add decorative lighting from event rental vendors to personalize the space.  

white four-tier fondant wedding cake decorated with white sugar flowers is displayed on a gold stand with roses and candles along the table

Floral wedding cake

Whether they're real or made out of sugar, flowers are a go-to cake detail for any romantic wedding theme. This all-white confection almost looks like a classical sculpture on display.

bride and groom stand outside next to antique car

Vintage wedding car

Splurging on transportation (even if it's just for you and your partner) can be a great way to elevate the experience of your wedding day. Choose an antique car with a personal driver for the VIP treatment.