A classic wedding theme doesn’t mean boring — it means creating an event that stands the test of time. You want to be able to look back on your classic wedding decades from now and still love your dress, flowers, and decor just as much as the day you got married. Skip the flash-in-the-pan trends and opt for these 12 Classic Wedding Theme Ideas you’ll never regret.
Reserve bold, bright hues for the bachelorette party and bridal shower — using soft colors like blush, cream, and white help keep carry your classic wedding theme to all elements of the event.
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Invitations are generally the first clue your guests receive as to what kind of celebration you’re going to have. Set the tone for a classic wedding with elegant fonts on high-quality white paper. Calligraphy can help capture the essence of your classic theme — here’s what you need to know before diving in.
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Raise your hand if you can look at old wedding photos and identify the decade based on the bride’s dress. Think: The high-neck, flowy dresses of the ’70s and the poofy sleeves of the ’80s. Now lower your hands, and don’t let yourself fall victim to the wedding trends du jour. Opt for a dress that captures your personality, but also stands the test of time. Get our tips for finding the perfect gown.
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Classic wedding hair and makeup means looking like the best version of yourself — not someone completely different! Opt for an elegant updo that will stay put through the last dance, and makeup that gives you that bridal glow without looking costume-y. We also love the addition of a traditional, flowy veil to tie everything together.
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As with the rest of your wedding, you don’t want the bridesmaid dresses to steal the show or become quickly dated in photos. Opt for a plain fabric in a subdued hue (and gift your ‘maids pretty hangers to store them on).
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Many modern brides and grooms forego flower girls and ring bearers altogether. But these sweet little helpers are an indispensable element of a classic wedding — it’s OK if they don’t make it all the way down the aisle! It only amplifies the cuteness factor. Shop flower girl and ring bearer supplies.
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If you’re thinking of a classic wedding, chances are your ceremony won’t involve reading poetry to each other on a beach. Opt for a church setting or other location that’s in line with your overall theme, such as a mansion or well-maintained park. Shop wedding ceremony supplies.
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For a classic wedding theme, steer clear of chic urban lofts or outdoor venues (although they could be perfect rehearsal dinner locations!). Wow guests with a beautiful ballroom steeped in history, or an elegant country club overlooking a lush golf course to keep a classic vibe. Shop wedding reception supplies.
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Even though loose bouquets of wildflowers and greenery look gorgeous in their own right, they’ll feel out of place with your classic wedding theme. Opt for spherical centerpieces that maintain order and symmetry throughout, using traditional wedding flowers like roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. Creating your own centerpieces? Here’s everything but the flowers.
In a world where crazy cupcake flavors are all the rage, stick with the white wedding cake we all grew up eating. Keep the color pallet simple, and use it as a place to mirror the lace in your dress or incorporate fresh flowers. Make sure you have a keepsake cake knife and server set for when it’s time to cut.
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The champagne toast seems like an easy thing to cut when looking at your overall budget, but it’s a classic wedding element we’d like to see more of. Weave in fun flavors like lavender (check out this delicious recipe by Jessica Bishop from the Budget Savvy Bride) and let the drink double as your signature cocktail. Don’t forget to stock up on champagne glasses, too.
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Favors are another traditional wedding element that seems to be phasing out — but thanking guests for attending with a small token of appreciation is the perfect way to cap your classic wedding. There are countless budget-savvy ways to meaningful favors, such as candy and mints tied with custom ribbon or personalized votives. Shop all things wedding!
Photo: Amanda Dumouchelle Photography via ModWedding
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