Weddings are special occasions that mark the beginning of a couple’s life together, and as such, they often involve extensive planning and preparation. One of the first and most important decisions couples need to make is choosing their wedding theme. The theme will set the tone and be used as a guide for picking everything from the wedding venue to the decorations and even the wedding attire. 

If this is the first time you’ve heard about picking a theme, or if you’re not sure what kind of theme to choose for your wedding, we’re here to help! At Platte River Fort, we’ve had the privilege of hosting dozens of weddings at our Greeley wedding venue and we’re happy to share our thoughts on how to choose the wedding theme as well as some of the most popular themes we’re seeing in 2023. 

What is a Wedding Theme?

A wedding theme is a unifying concept or idea that ties together all aspects of the wedding celebration, giving it a cohesive look and feel. A wedding theme can be based on anything meaningful to the couple. It can be based on a specific time period, like the 1920s or 1950s, or a color scheme, or a particular style or genre. It can be inspired by a favorite movie, book, or TV show, or it can be something entirely unique and creative. Some couples even choose a season or landscape as their wedding theme.

When choosing a wedding theme, it’s important to consider the overall tone and atmosphere you want to create. It should reflect the personalities of the couple, their style, and the type of event they’re hosting. It should also be something that can be easily incorporated into the ceremony, reception, and décor.

A wedding theme isn’t just about the look and feel of the event. It’s also about the activities, food, and music that will be featured. When selecting a theme, consider the types of activities that would be fun and entertaining for your guests. This could include themed games, activities, and even food and drinks that reflect the chosen theme. 

Top Wedding Themes for 2023

Themes are a great way to personalize your special event, making it unique and memorable. A theme can be anything from a formal black-tie affair to a casual beach-themed wedding. When deciding on a wedding theme, consider your personalities, things you are passionate about, the season, and the location. Once you decide on a theme, you’ll see how much easier it is to put all of the pieces together in creating the wedding of your dreams.

Need a little inspiration? Check out these top wedding themes for 2023.

Garden Weddings

Outdoor weddings are always a popular choice among couples, but instead of the usual beach wedding, more people are choosing to host a garden wedding instead. Surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, there’s nothing more romantic than being surrounded by nature. As with any outdoor event, the challenge with garden weddings is to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Of course, you could also bring the outdoor elements indoors and enjoy a garden-themed wedding in the safety and comfort of the indoors. 

Vintage Weddings

If you like the classy, romantic feel of bygone eras, then a vintage wedding might just be your thing. There’s just something about the timeless elegance of the 20s and 30s that makes this time period the perfect backdrop for today’s weddings.

But don’t just think you’re limited to these select decades. Although the art-deco/Great Gatsby time period is a popular one for weddings, do what speaks to you and your spouse-to-be. Love the playfulness of the 1950s? Feel free to incorporate a jukebox and some bright colors into your reception. Do the bohemian styles of the 60s and 70s resonate more with you? Perhaps a simple, outdoor wedding will be your theme of choice.  

Barn Weddings

Whether you’re into country and western or you just prefer a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere for your special day, a barn wedding is the theme of choice for many of today’s couples. But don’t be fooled by the name – a barn wedding doesn’t mean you’ll be sitting on hay bails at the dinner table (that is, unless you want to!) On the contrary, contemporary barn weddings are the perfect combination of rustic elegance in a chic, rural setting. 

Eco-Friendly Weddings

Sustainable, green, earth-friendly – these are no longer terms just used by a select group of people. Taking care of the planet and making responsible choices that reduce waste and protect future generations is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why many couples are deciding to have weddings that are more eco-friendly than their traditionally wasteful counterparts. 

What does an eco-friendly wedding look like? It doesn’t look much different from every other wedding. It’s as simple as incorporating little changes aimed at reducing food waste, limiting travel, and working with local vendors, among other things.  

Plan Your Perfect Wedding at Platte River Fort

Is a Colorado wedding in your future? If so, we invite you to take a look at our Greeley wedding venue. At Platte River Fort Resort and Event Center, we have multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony locations that are ideal for your barn wedding, garden wedding, or whichever wedding theme you choose. Give us a call today to schedule a tour!