50 Ideas for a Modern Wedding
A modern wedding celebration should scream "right now!" Sleek lines, dramatic uplighting, and décor dripping in crystals are all staples at contemporary weddings. Here, 50 ideas to create a stylish celebration fit for the 21st century.
By: Kristen Klein
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Ceremony Ideas -152943
Wow your guests with crystal trees lining your ceremony aisle.
Photo Credit: John Labbe/Created by Preston Bailey
Ceremony Ideas
Make a massive room feel more intimate with draped fabric.
Photo Credit: Shira Weinberger Photography
Ceremony Ideas
Ghost chairs perfectly complement the modernity of a loft wedding setup.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Creative
Ceremony Ideas
Host your wedding in an unconventional venue, like an aquarium.
Photo Credit: Gabriel Boone Photography
Ceremony Ideas
Petals placed in clean lines rather than swirls gives this romantic look a modern touch.
Photo Credit: Lin & Jirsa
Ceremony Ideas
Scalloped flower petals jazz up your aisle and won't get ruined as you make your grand entrance — a win win!
Photo Credit: Elegant-Affairs
Ceremony Ideas
Take advantage of modern technology and project an image along your aisle instead of using a runner.
Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere
Centerpieces
Instead of flowers, create fine feathered arrangements for your tables.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Weiss Photography
Centerpieces
Silver-painted branches lend a modern feel to a winter wedding.
Photo Credit: Kelly Brown Weddings
Centerpieces
Contain your flowers in crystal cuffs.
Photo Credit: John Labbe/Created by Preston Bailey
Centerpieces
These lamp-inspired centerpieces give your tables a contemporary feel.
Photo Credit: Studio Webber/Created by Tantawan Bloom
Centerpieces
Who says you need flowers in your centerpieces? Use a bold fruit instead.
Photo Credit: Bartlett Pair Photography
Centerpieces
All-white flowers really pop when paired with purple uplighting and crystal-covered vases.
Photo Credit: Xero Digital Photography
Centerpieces
Candles and crystals take center stage in this centerpiece.
Photo Credit: Regeti's Photography
Centerpieces
This modern take on a red rose centerpiece looks even more glam when set against a glittery table cloth.
Photo Credit: Brian Hatton/Created by Tantawan Bloom
Centerpieces
This leafy centerpiece adds a tropical touch to your tables.
Photo Credit: Life's Highlights
Centerpieces
Skip the vase and use a unique framed vessel dripping in crystals.
Photo Credit: Mango Studios
Centerpieces
Long-stemmed calla lilies criss-crossing along the table really pop against glittery table linens.
Photo Credit: Joy Marie Photography
Bouquets
Skip the classic roses and peonies for your bouquet in favor of orchids and calla lilies.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Voth Photography
Reception Ideas
Mix and match booths with eclectic chairs, accentuated by a beaded backdrop and patterned table cloth.
Photo Credit: Lin & Jirsa
Reception Ideas
A cascading floral runner across the center of the table is just the icing on the cake for this luxe table arrangement.
Photo Credit: Judah Avenue
Reception Ideas
Make your first dance even more unforgettable by using a fog machine.
Photo Credit: Jewels Photography
Reception Ideas
Create a one-of-a-kind wall mural of your favorite photos from your engagement session.
Photo Credit: Braja Mandala
Reception Ideas
Ghost chairs help give your room a sleek, streamlined look, and you can still make the bride and groom's chairs stand out!
Photo Credit: Edmonson Weddings
Reception Ideas
Reflect the night sky beneath a clear wedding tent.
Photo Credit: Marriott Photography
Reception Ideas
A mirrored table engraved with your wedding date is such a chic choice for your sweetheart table.
Photo Credit: Joy Marie Photography
Reception Ideas
Make your sweetheart table really stand out by placing a dramatic beaded chandelier overhead.
Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere
Reception Ideas
Create a can't-miss-it focal point in your reception room with creative uplighting on your monogram.
Photo Credit: Guy Heart Studio
Reception Ideas
Crystals suspended from the ceiling twinkle in the light from the eye-catching globes on each table.
Photo Credit: Paras Events
Reception Ideas
Create a lounge area with a unique piece of modern furniture. Add candles and pillows to entice guests to kick up their feet for a bit.
Photo Credit: Edmonson Weddings
Reception Ideas
Transform a loft into an ultra-romantic reception space with uplighting, candles, and chandeliers.
Photo Credit: Scott Williams Photography
Reception Ideas
Reflect the great outdoors with images projected on the walls.
Photo Credit: Embrace Life Photography
Reception Ideas
Add a modern touch to your outdoor wedding with a black and white dance floor and a wall covered in eclectic mirrors.
Photo Credit: Ashley Photographer
Reception Ideas
Take advantage of a loft space with long tables and monochromatic centerpieces lining the table.
Photo Credit: The Petal Workshop
Reception Ideas
Raise your flowers above the table for a true wow factor.
Photo Credit: John Labbe/Created by Preston Bailey
Reception Ideas
Fabric draping, chic uplighting, and lounge furniture create a party vibe in this reception space.
Photo Credit: David Schwartz Photography
Reception Ideas
Gold glitter table linens are an unexpected, glamorous choice.
Photo Credit: Kelly Oshiro
Reception Ideas
Make a statement at your cocktail hour with a monogrammed bar sculpted from ice.
Photo Credit: Revelry Event Designers
Attire
Break the traditional wedding fashion rules — wear a gold glitter top, and let your bridesmaids each choose her own little black dress.
Photo Credit: Cami Jane Photography
Attire
Have your bridesmaids wear different shades of the same dress for a gorgeous ombré effect.
Photo Credit: ScroleVision Photography
Cakes
Make your cake table a part of your décor with this sleek idea.
Photo Credit: Sandra Johnson Photography
Cakes
Vary the shapes of the tiers on your wedding cake, and don't forget about the bling!
Photo Credit: Jeff Kolodny Photography
