Introducing a new series: FINDING YOUR ELOPEMENT THEME and today we’ll start with the romantic elopement theme.
A very important initial step in planning an elopement is to choose an overall theme for your day so that you’ll have a consistent look that ties together everything from your dress to the flowers, to the mood and background and reflects who you are as a couple with your unique style and tastes.
In this way, the photographs you’ll save to commemorate your wedding will be a true image of your personalities and the love you share.
In this series, I’ll cover four major themes:
- Romantic
- Boho Chic
- Modern Minimalist
- Elegant & Classic
OVERALL AESTHETIC
The look is dreamy, filled with romantic details—soft and ethereal, feminine and floral, once-upon-a-time, flowing ribbons, light and airy, pastel colors, lots of candles.
COLOR PALETTE
Choose no more than two main shades, with touches of an accent color. Think pastel shades of mauve, blush, off-white, soft lavender, touches of sage green.
GOWNS
Choose a gown that makes a statement and spells romance.
Flowing fabrics like chiffon, lace, and tulle, in white, palest pink or grey, nude.
Floral accents.
FLOWERS For A Romantic Elopement Theme
Your flowers should harmonize with both your theme and your elopement destination.
In Hawaii, you might choose orchids, in the South of France, lavender.
Think cascading bouquets with accents of muted greenery such as eucalyptus, sage or bay.
Trailing vines, flowing ribbons.
Perhaps flowers woven through your hair or a flower garland.
Some especially romantic flowers are jasmine, orange blossom, peonies, roses.
VENUES for a Romantic Elopement Theme:
Either find a venue with romantic gardens and trees or decorate the space with lots of florals.
Go beyond table decorations.
Think of arbors, flowering arches, a floral chuppah, hanging installations, a carpet of petals.
Look for romantic architecture, time-worn stone walls and brickwork.
Choose a destination with a castle or chateau or a romantic landscape like the vineyards of Napa Valley or the olive groves of Tuscany.
If you’re getting married locally, look for a venue with European architecture like the Fairmont in San Diego or the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.
You can turn any venue into a romantic oasis by filling it with delicate details.
TABLES
Think a romantic table for two with garden-fresh flowers and lots of candlelight.
Remember to use the color palette you’ve chosen as your theme for tablecloths, napkins, candles and flowers.
You might even accent the look with gold flatware.
Re-purpose your bouquet as a centerpiece for a super intimate elopement or think flowing vines and pale colors.
CAKE
Carry your floral theme into the cake decorations.
Use real flowers and soft pastel icing.
A few stems of eucalyptus or vines can be especially beautiful.
cake for two (light appia antica or even Lake Como)
WEDDING SUITE—invitations, vow booklets, place cards…
There’s nothing more romantic than hand-done calligraphy.
Think pen and ink, love letters, gold accents.
You can find calligraphers and graphic artists online at Etsy.
(Lindsay – Positano)
Tip: Write a beautiful hand-written note to your spouse to be opened on your wedding day, maybe along with a gift.
Next time, we’ll discuss a Boho – Chic theme. See you then!