Indian destination weddings are usually spread over 3 days, with multiple events from the welcome party to the traditional pre-wedding events and then to the wedding and reception. From all these events the one where you can let your imagination fly without any restriction is definitely the wedding reception. In fact, being this event a non religious one, you don’t need to observe any traditional requirement. Therefore, you can choose any theme for your gala dinner, even the most bizarre and the most extravagant. Let’s see together how to choose and realize a perfect theme for your wedding reception.
Idea N 1: Reflect on your style and interests
First of all, a good starting point should be your personal style and your shared interests. Think about what you love to do together and if it can be set as the wedding theme. For example, if you love cinema you can create a movie themed reception. You can use titles of your favorite movies for tables’ names, create a themed photo booth with specific props and a clapperboard of course. You can even think about a red carpet to enter the dinner area and especially project the movie of your wedding at some point of the reception. Of course, you will need to agree with your video makers that they will be able to do the same day editing.
Another nice theme which is very popular among our couples is the travel theme. For example, for a wedding we created the seating plan with the globe, and each table had the name of the place that the couple visited together. We put polaroid pictures of the couple from each place on the dedicated table, with also some stories from that trip shared on the back of the photos. We used suitcase shaped boxes as the wedding gift to put on each seat. For another wedding with the same theme, the couple used maps on their invitations and then we arranged a guest book corner with small airplanes, with the postcards from their favorite place and with big suitcases as parts of the decor.
Idea N 2: Embrace the essence of Italy with your wedding reception decor
Another idea could be taking inspiration from the chosen wedding location. Whether it’s countryside charm, coastal beauty, or romantic cityscapes, each place in Italy offers a unique vibe that can be used as a theme for your reception. For example, if your reception has the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards, you can incorporate grapes in the centerpieces. Bottles of wine can be used for the seating plan: you can give names of your favorite wines or famous grape varieties to the tables. Burgundy, red and greens would be the right color scheme for this theme.
If you get married in Sorrento or on the Amalfi coast, then you can go for the lemon themed reception. For example, for a wedding we used small lemon trees as centerpieces for the dining tables, while for the cocktail hour we had jars filled with lemons. All the stationery, from the wedding website to the welcome bags was designed by using lemons. We incorporated lemons in the arch where the couple cut the cake. Not only was the cake itself decorated with lemons, but it also had the lemon flavour. For another wedding we created a seating plan by placing a large spiral of lemons, each of them with the individual escort card.
For a wedding reception on the Amalfi coast we were inspired by Vietri tiles, iconic to that area. A specific combination of shades of blue, yellow and white intersected in a recognizable pattern was used on all the stationery. It included menu and drink cards, tables cards, names tags, and also the giant dancefloor we designed specifically for that reception. All the flowers were in those three colors, for a cohesive look. Cushions, tablecloths and ceramic vases for flowers were also chosen in the same pattern, to highlight the reception decor theme.
Idea 3: Venetian Masquerade ball-inspired wedding reception
Venetian Masquerade is that iconic theme that you can go for even if you don’t get married in Venice. Probably everyone has once dreamed to assist one of those sumptuous balls known for their opulence, mystery, and festive atmosphere. It’s a very elegant theme which would blend perfectly in a high level wedding reception. For one of our couples we incorporated ornate masks in the decor. We used them for the tables’ names, for the seating plan where every guest had an individual mask with their names, to wear during the reception, and also for the wedding cake. We used deep red roses only for the centerpieces alongside many candles, to create a candlelight atmosphere. If you like the idea of the Venetian ball for your reception, you can also use sumptuous fabrics like velvets and silks, and a rich color palette of gold, reds or purples, and emerald greens.
Idea 4: Complement your wedding reception with the themed entertainment
A great idea would be selecting entertainment matching your reception theme. With the masquerade ball-inspired reception classical music trio or quartet would be ideal to enhance the Venetian ambiance. If you get married in Apulia and have a typical local setting for your wedding reception, then you could hire traditional dancers of the famous local dance pizzica which is very engaging for the guests. For that wedding reception on the Amalfi coast we hired professional performers who were dressed in the same themed outfits to welcome the guests and to perform during the cocktail hour. If you get married in a castle and want a castle-themed reception, you can hire performers dressed in medieval outfits to entertain guests or amazing flag-throwers for the grand entrance of the bride and groom.
Visualize through inspiration
If you don’t have a specific theme already in mind, then you can start from putting together lists of your favorite colors, places, and activities. Once done, you can see what from the list stands out the most for you and reflects preferences of you both. Once you have decided on your wedding theme, then I suggest creating inspiration boards with different elements characteristic for the chosen theme. You can easily do it on Pinterest which is definitely the greatest source of inspiration for the decor themes. While doing that, always keep in mind your reception venue, its shape and specifics as not everything you see online which was used in a different venue can go well with yours.
Since your wedding reception is in Italy, you can seek inspiration from Italy’s art, landscape, and historical architecture to refine theme ideas. It can even be your same reception venue as a source of inspiration. For example, in a high-end wedding reception in Rome all the stationery featured a watercolor painting of the venue’s facade, which was also used for a very unique seating plan. We framed this giant painting and covered it with individual name cards which, when removed by guests, revealed the complete painting of the villa, creating a stunning unveiling moment.
Conclusion
As you can see, selecting a wedding theme for your reception would tie together all elements and create a cohesive and memorable experience. Not only themed decor, but also themed stationery is important to compliment and accentuate the wedding theme, aligning seamlessly with the overall style. Italy’s beautiful locations will help you to enhance personalization while themed entertainment will deepen even more the overall experience of the attendees. I also invite you to view the collection of weddings we’ve organized in different regions of Italy, to take some inspiration. It will help you create your unique theme for your wedding reception in Italy.
Stay connected for more inspiration and fresh, creative ideas! Join us on social media and be the first to discover the latest trends and tips for your dream wedding!
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN THESE OTHER POSTS:
