Ultimate Wedding Style Guide: Choosing Attire, Decor, and Color Schemes

Planning your wedding involves making countless decisions, and selecting the perfect attire, decor, and color schemes are among the most exciting choices you’ll make. To help you create a cohesive and stunning vision for your special day, we’ve compiled detailed style guides for each of these essential elements.

1. Wedding Attire Style Guide

Bride

Silhouette:

• A-line: Classic and versatile, A-line gowns feature a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out gently from the waist, creating an “A” shape.
• Ball Gown: Dramatic and romantic, ball gowns have a full, voluminous skirt, perfect for a fairytale wedding.
• Mermaid/Trumpet: Form-fitting through the bodice and hips, these gowns flare out dramatically at or below the knee, creating a mermaid-like silhouette.
• Sheath/Column: Sleek and modern, sheath gowns have a straight, narrow cut that follows the natural line of the body.
• Empire: With a high waistline that sits just below the bust, empire gowns are perfect for creating a flowing, ethereal look.

Neckline:

• Sweetheart: Heart-shaped and romantic, sweetheart necklines are a popular choice for many brides.
• V-neck: Modern and chic, V-necklines can be deep or shallow, depending on your preference.
• Strapless: Classic and versatile, strapless gowns feature a straight-across or slightly curved neckline with no straps.
• Off-the-shoulder: Elegant and timeless, off-the-shoulder necklines sit below the shoulders, creating a romantic look.
• Halter: Modern and stylish, halter necklines feature straps that tie or wrap around the neck.

Fabric:

• Lace: Romantic and delicate, lace is a popular choice for bridal gowns.
• Satin: Smooth and luxurious, satin creates a sleek and elegant look.
• Chiffon: Lightweight and airy, chiffon is perfect for creating flowing, ethereal gowns.
• Tulle: Fine and net-like, tulle is often used to create full, voluminous skirts.
• Crepe: Soft and textured, crepe fabric has a subtle, crinkled appearance.

Groom

Suits vs. Tuxedos:

• Suits: Generally more casual and versatile, suits can be worn for daytime or semi-formal weddings.
• Tuxedos: Formal and elegant, tuxedos are typically worn for evening or black-tie weddings.

Fit:

• Classic/Regular: A traditional fit that is comfortable and allows for ease of movement.
• Slim: A more modern, fitted look that hugs the body without being too tight.
• Modern/Skinny: A very fitted, trendy look that closely follows the body’s natural shape.

Color:

• Black: Classic and formal, black is a popular choice for grooms’ attire.
• Navy: Modern and versatile, navy blue suits and tuxedos are increasingly popular.
• Gray: Stylish and sophisticated, gray attire can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
• Other colors: For a unique or bold look, consider other colors like dark green, burgundy, or even white.

Bridal Party

Bridesmaids:

• Style: Choose bridesmaid dresses that complement your wedding gown and the overall theme of your wedding. Consider factors like length, neckline, and silhouette.
• Color: Select a color scheme that complements your wedding palette and flatters your bridesmaids’ skin tones. You can choose matching dresses or opt for a mix-and-match look with varying shades or styles.
• Fabric: Coordinate the fabric of the bridesmaid dresses with your wedding gown, choosing materials that are appropriate for the season and setting.

Groomsmen:

• Style: Groomsmen attire should complement the groom’s look, with coordinating suits or tuxedos in a similar style and fit.
• Color: Typically, groomsmen wear attire that matches or complements the groom’s, with accessories like ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres that coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses.
• Accessories: Add personalized touches with accessories like cufflinks, socks, or belts that reflect the groomsmen’s individual styles or the wedding theme.

2. Wedding Decor Style Guide

Theme and Style

Classic/Traditional:

• Timeless and elegant, classic wedding decor often features neutral color palettes, formal table settings, and lush floral arrangements.
• Incorporate elements like candelabras, ornate mirrors, and luxurious fabrics to create a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere.

Modern/Minimalist:

• Sleek and simple, modern wedding decor focuses on clean lines, geometric shapes, and a neutral color palette.
• Opt for minimalistic centerpieces, contemporary furniture, and abstract art to create a chic and understated look.

Rustic/Boho:

• Inspired by nature and the outdoors, rustic and boho wedding decor often features organic materials, earthy color palettes, and a relaxed, casual vibe.
• Incorporate elements like wooden crates, mason jars, and greenery to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Vintage/Retro:

• Nostalgic and charming, vintage and retro wedding decor draws inspiration from past eras, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s.
• Use antique or vintage-inspired pieces, like lace tablecloths, vintage china, or retro signage, to create a unique and timeless look.

Glamorous/Luxe:

• Opulent and extravagant, glamorous wedding decor features rich color palettes, metallic accents, and dramatic lighting.
• Incorporate elements like crystal chandeliers, velvet linens, and ornate mirrors to create a lavish and unforgettable atmosphere.

Centerpieces

Floral:

• Classic and romantic, floral centerpieces can be designed in a variety of styles, from lush and organic to modern and structured.
• Choose flowers that complement your wedding color scheme and reflect the overall theme of your wedding.

Candle:

• Elegant and atmospheric, candle centerpieces create a warm and inviting glow.
• Opt for tall, tapered candles, pillar candles, or floating candles, and arrange them in decorative holders or on elegant trays.

Greenery:

• Natural and organic, greenery centerpieces feature an abundance of leaves, vines, and branches, creating a lush and verdant look.
• Incorporate elements like eucalyptus, ivy, or ferns, and arrange them in low, sprawling displays or tall, cascading installations.

Non-floral:

• Unique and creative, non-floral centerpieces can be made from a variety of materials, such as books, lanterns, or even fruit.
• Choose elements that reflect your wedding theme and personal interests, creating a one-of-a-kind look that wows your guests.

Lighting

Candles:

• Romantic and soft, candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Opt for tall, tapered candles, pillar candles, or floating candles, and arrange them in decorative holders or on elegant trays.

String Lights:

• Versatile and charming, string lights can be used to create a variety of looks, from rustic and cozy to modern and minimalist.
• Drape them from the ceiling, wrap them around trees or columns, or use them to create a sparkling backdrop for your ceremony or reception.

Chandeliers:

• Elegant and dramatic, chandeliers add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any wedding setting.
• Choose from crystal chandeliers, modern pendant lights, or even DIY chandeliers made from materials like mason jars or wooden beads.

Lanterns:

• Charming and rustic, lanterns create a warm and inviting glow.
• Opt for vintage-inspired lanterns, modern geometric shapes, or even DIY lanterns made from materials like mason jars or wooden crates.

Table Settings

Linens:

• Choose tablecloths, runners, and napkins that complement your wedding color scheme and reflect the overall theme of your wedding.
• Consider factors like fabric, texture, and pattern when selecting your linens.

China:

• Opt for china that complements your wedding style, whether it’s classic and elegant, modern and minimalist, or vintage and eclectic.
• Choose from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, stoneware, or even disposable bamboo or palm leaf plates.

Flatware:

• Select flatware that complements your china and reflects the overall theme of your wedding.
• Consider factors like material, finish, and design when choosing your flatware.

Glassware:

• Choose glassware that complements your china and flatware, and reflects the overall theme of your wedding.
• Opt for classic goblets, modern stemless glasses, or even vintage-inspired glassware.

3. Wedding Color Scheme Style Guide

Choosing Your Colors

Consider the Season:

• Spring: Pastels, bright colors, and floral-inspired palettes.
• Summer: Vibrant, bold colors, and tropical-inspired palettes.
• Fall: Rich, warm colors, and earth-toned palettes.
• Winter: Cool, icy colors, and metallic-inspired palettes.

Reflect Your Theme:

• Classic/Traditional: Neutral color palettes, such as black, white, and gold, or soft pastels.
• Modern/Minimalist: Neutral color palettes with pops of bold, primary colors.
• Rustic/Boho: Earth-toned palettes, such as greens, browns, and oranges, or soft, muted colors.
• Vintage/Retro: Pastel color palettes or bold, vibrant colors inspired by specific eras.
• Glamorous/Luxe: Rich, jewel-toned palettes, such as emerald, sapphire, and ruby, or metallic-inspired palettes.

Complement Your Venue:

• Choose colors that complement the natural surroundings and architectural features of your venue.
• Consider factors like the color of the walls, floors, and landscaping when selecting your color scheme.

Color Palette Ideas

Neutral and Elegant:

• Colors: Black, White, Gold, and Ivory.
• Ideal for: Classic, traditional, and glamorous weddings.
• How to use: Incorporate these colors into your attire, decor, and florals for a timeless and sophisticated look.

Soft and Romantic:

• Colors: Blush, Bashful, Champagne, and Gold.
• Ideal for: Romantic, vintage, and boho weddings.
• How to use: Use these colors in your florals, decor, and attire to create a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere.

Bold and Vibrant:

• Colors: Fuchsia, Kelly Green, Cobalt Blue, and Bright Yellow.
• Ideal for: Modern, tropical, and eclectic weddings.
• How to use: Incorporate these colors into your decor, florals, and accessories for a lively and energetic celebration.

Rich and Moody:

• Colors: Burgundy, Navy Blue, Hunter Green, and Deep Purple.
• Ideal for: Fall, winter, and glamorous weddings.
• How to use: Use these colors in your attire, decor, and florals to create a dramatic and opulent atmosphere.

Earthy and Organic:

• Colors: Sage Green, Terracotta, Mustard Yellow, and Dusty Blue.
• Ideal for: Rustic, boho, and outdoor weddings.
• How to use: Incorporate these colors into your decor, florals, and attire for a natural and relaxed look.

Incorporating Your Colors

Attire:

• Choose bridesmaid dresses, suits, and accessories that complement your color scheme.
• Consider using different shades or tints of your chosen colors to create a cohesive and visually interesting look.

Decor:

• Incorporate your colors into elements like table linens, centerpieces, and signage.
• Use your color scheme to create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere throughout your ceremony and reception spaces.

Florals:

• Work with your florist to select flowers that complement your color scheme.
• Consider using different shades or tints of your chosen colors to create depth and dimension in your floral arrangements.

Stationery:

• Use your color scheme to design cohesive and visually appealing invitations, programs, and menus.
• Incorporate your colors into elements like envelopes, liners, and ribbons for a polished and put-together look.

By following these detailed style guides for choosing attire, decor, and color schemes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and cohesive vision for your special day. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements and personalize your choices to reflect your unique love story and individual style.