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Choosing your wedding theme is an important--maybe even the most important--part of the planning process. It will influence everything from the venue and dress you choose to all of the design elements that will go into your event. So before you make a final decision, take a look at these seven mistakes so you can avoid them.
Going too trendy.
Pinterest is a great place to find some wedding ideas, but choosing a trendy theme (i.e. rustic barn weddings) isn't the best way to choose your wedding style, says the pros at Noir Floral & Styling. Make sure that your theme really speaks to who you are as a couple rather than what is currently popular.
Waiting too long to pick a theme.
You want to make sure that all of the details coordinate so you should settle on a theme, and color scheme, soon after you get engaged so the venue you book, the wedding dress you buy and the design items you get quoted on all look right together, says Anne Chertoff of Wedding Wire.
Choosing the venue before the theme.
Your theme should resonate through every aspect of your wedding day, and that includes the venue, says Derrick Valenti of Warwick Allerton Chicago. “This is why you should decide on a theme before choosing a location so that you have a solid idea for what you want. For example, if you want to go with a Great Gatsby theme, you should look for a venue with 1920s flair.”
Not correlating the ceremony and reception.
The theme of your wedding should translate from the ceremony through the reception, says Valenti. While this seems like a no-brainer, it is often overlooked and never carefully planned out. Make sure you are using the same color palette and design throughout your wedding to avoid any imbalance.
Thinking it's all about decor.
Expressing your wedding theme is about more than the décor--everything from your dress to your floral selections to your food begins to write the story of your wedding theme, says Lisa Formaro of The Sweet Trend. “These are big decisions that should look as though they were effortless in being brought together. The decisions that follow, such as all the details that inspired you to choose this theme for your day, should complete the vision and be happily married throughout your design.”
Forgetting to make it personal.
If you can, add your names, monogram or wedding date to some of the details to personalize it to your wedding, suggests Chertoff. “You don’t want your wedding to be ‘just another barn wedding’ so add your personal mark to some of the details to truly make it your own. Some details that can be personalized include coasters and cocktail napkins, menu cards, the wedding cake, and signage.”
Taking it too far.
Limit the details and design elements to a handful of ideas and items, says Chertoff. “You don’t have to include anything and everything you find online that fits your theme. Make a list of what’s important to you and target those areas. Also, ask your vendors for their insights on what will look good and when you have too much going on. If you have too many items it can look kitschy and be costly too.”
