Creating A Romantic Wedding: Tips For A Dreamy Affair

A wedding is one of the most romantic days of a couple's life, filled with swoon-worthy moments and fairy-tale vibes. To make your wedding day even more romantic, consider the following: opt for a romantic venue such as a castle, a garden, or a glasshouse; incorporate soft colours, candlelight, abundant flowers, and vintage details; choose a light and airy colour palette; illuminate the space with twinkling fairy lights and candles; and enhance the atmosphere with music and fragrances. For an extra touch of whimsy, add a balloon march, a waltz lesson, or a sparkler send-off.

Opt for a romantic venue, such as a castle, glasshouse, garden or church

Opting for a romantic venue is a great way to set the tone for your wedding. Here are some ideas to consider if you're looking for a venue that exudes romance:

Castle

If you're dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding, consider exchanging your vows in a castle. Castles offer a regal and enchanting atmosphere that will make your big day even more memorable. For instance, Boldt Castle in New York, with its exquisite stonework, flower-filled grounds, and historic halls, or Hluboka Castle in the Czech Republic, inspired by Windsor Castle, are sure to impress your guests.

Glasshouse

A glasshouse venue, such as The GlassHouse in San Jose, California, provides a unique and contemporary setting for your wedding. With its large windows and abundance of natural light, this type of venue can create an energizing and romantic atmosphere. Glasshouses often feature flexible spaces that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, making them a versatile option.

Garden

For a romantic outdoor setting, consider a garden wedding. Venues like Duke Gardens offer a picturesque backdrop of flowers and nature, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. You can also find venues with manicured gardens and lakeside lawns, such as the one located just outside Lenno on Lake Como, Italy. A garden wedding is perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love surrounded by natural beauty.

Church

A church wedding, particularly in a historic or majestic setting, can be incredibly romantic. The architecture, stained glass, and sacred atmosphere of a church can create a solemn and intimate ambiance for your ceremony. While Catholic churches have specific requirements and traditions for weddings, including indoor-only ceremonies, the beauty and grandeur of a church can certainly add to the romance of your special day.

When choosing a romantic venue, consider your personal style and what type of atmosphere you want to create. Whether it's a castle, glasshouse, garden, or church, each venue offers unique features and benefits that can enhance the overall experience of your wedding day.

Use soft, romantic lighting, like fairy lights, candles and chandeliers

Soft, romantic lighting is a cornerstone of a romantic wedding. Fairy lights, candles, and chandeliers can be used to create a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere that will leave your guests feeling wrapped up in your wedding.

Fairy lights, with their delicate twinkle, instantly evoke a sense of magic and romance. Drape them across ceilings, wrap them around pillars or trees, or use them to accentuate other decorative elements for a truly ethereal effect.

Candles, on the other hand, provide a warm and intimate glow. For a simple yet elegant touch, scatter tea lights across tables or float them in water. For a more dramatic statement, opt for tall candelabras, which lend a gothic romance to the setting. Candles in hurricanes or lanterns are also a stylish choice, providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Chandeliers, whether crystal or rustic, are a glamorous way to illuminate your wedding venue. They add a touch of grandeur and elegance, especially when paired with the soft glow of candles.

When planning your lighting, consider the time of day and the natural light available. For an outdoor wedding, take advantage of the sunset and incorporate fairy lights or candles to create a magical atmosphere as day turns to night. For an indoor wedding, the soft, romantic lighting can be a beautiful contrast to the outside world, creating an intimate cocoon for you and your guests.

Remember, lighting has the power to transform your wedding instantly. Whether you opt for a single type of lighting or a combination, the soft glow of fairy lights, candles, and chandeliers will undoubtedly cast a romantic spell on your special day.

Create a romantic scent with incense, essential oils or scented candles

Scentscape your wedding to create a romantic atmosphere. Scent is a powerful sense that can evoke emotion and enhance the romantic feel of your wedding.

One way to achieve this is by using incense, essential oils, or scented candles. For a DIY approach, consider using verbena candles, lavender centrepieces, or freesia bouquets. These options will fill the room with a pleasant aroma and create a romantic setting for your wedding.

You can also consult companies like Gemma Hopkins' Design in Scent to create a bespoke fragrance that will become the signature scent of your wedding. This unique touch will add a layer of luxury and romance to your special day.

In addition to scent, other elements such as lighting, music, and venue selection can also contribute to creating a romantic atmosphere for your wedding.

Choose a romantic colour palette, like pastels, red and fuchsia, or moody shades

When it comes to a romantic wedding, colour is key. The right palette can create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere that will leave your guests feeling as if they've stepped into a fairy tale.

For a timeless, romantic wedding, consider a soft, pastel colour palette. Blush, lilac, and powder blue are elegant and understated, and will give your wedding a garden-inspired aesthetic. These shades also pair beautifully with metallics like silver, brass, or rose gold.

If you're looking for something bolder, red and fuchsia will create a romantic, Valentine's Day-inspired look. Keep the decor polished and classic to balance out the vibrant colour palette.

For an edgier, romantic vibe, try moody shades like mauve, plum, and terracotta orange. These unexpected colours will give your wedding a unique, modern twist.

No matter which palette you choose, carry it through all aspects of your wedding, from the invitations and decor to the flowers and bridal party attire. For a truly romantic look, don't be afraid to mix and match shades within your chosen colour family.

• Invitations: Err on the side of tradition with classic details like handwritten calligraphy and custom wedding crests. For a modern twist, include watercolour illustrations or sleek acrylic signs.
• Bridal attire: Channel your inner fairy tale princess with a tulle ball gown. Details like sequins, beading, floral appliqués, and puff sleeves will add to the romantic feel.
• Makeup: Amp up your everyday look with metallic eyeshadow and shimmery highlighter for an angelic effect. False lashes or extensions will also bring drama and make your eyes pop in photos.
• Accessories: When it comes to classic romance, nothing beats a veil. For a real "wow" moment, choose a longer veil length, like chapel or cathedral. If veils aren't your style, pretty bows make a whimsical alternative hair accessory.
• Bridesmaid dresses: Blush and mauve bridesmaid dresses will fit seamlessly into your romantic wedding theme. Midi-length slip dresses give a modern look, while floor-length gowns are ideal for formal affairs.
• Flowers: Create a picturesque backdrop for your vows with a floral and greenery ceremony arch. For your bouquet, carry a loose, garden-style arrangement with pastel flowers and greenery.
• Decor: Guide your guests to their seats with vellum escort cards decorated with calligraphy and wax seals. Mirror signage will also add a romantic touch, reflecting candles and twinkle lights to create a magical vibe.
• Reception: Transform your wedding tablescapes with greenery and clusters of pillar candles in varying heights. Choose a grand ballroom venue with glamorous chandeliers and coffered ceilings to complete the fairy tale effect.

With careful attention to colour and style, your wedding will be a romantic dream come true.

Incorporate romantic details, like flowers, calligraphy and mirrors

Flowers, calligraphy, and mirrors are all key elements of a romantic wedding.

Flowers

Flowers are a traditional and timeless way to add a romantic touch to your wedding. Consider the types of flowers you want to incorporate, such as peonies, anemones, ranunculus, or dusty miller. These blooms can be included in your bouquet, ceremony arch, or table centrepieces. If you're having an indoor wedding, line your wedding aisle with white rose petals to create a romantic garden-inspired atmosphere.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an inherently romantic way to display text, with its long, loopy letters and delicate, intricate style. It is a perfect way to add a touch of luxury and formality to your wedding. Consider using calligraphy on your invitations, welcome signs, ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, menus, and even accessories. You can also pair calligraphy with other custom details, such as a signature fabric or a custom crest.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a beautiful way to incorporate calligraphy into your wedding. A mirror with calligraphy can be used to greet guests or list drink selections, reflecting candles and twinkle lights to create a magical, romantic vibe.

Combining Elements

Flowers, calligraphy, and mirrors can also be combined to create a romantic and elegant aesthetic. For example, accent calligraphy with flowers or floral illustrations to add a splash of colour and texture. This combination will suit any style of celebration, especially outdoor weddings and garden-inspired affairs.

Incorporate these romantic details into your wedding to create a fairy tale-inspired atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions