30+ Romantic Ideas for Your Wedding
We've found wow-them ways to share the love at your dream reception.
By: Kristen Finello
-
Hold your festivities at the site where your husband-to-be proposed. -169101
One couple held their wedding at the majestic Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, where the groom had proposed a year earlier. Since he'd popped the question in a horse-drawn carriage, they treated guests to their own romantic rides.
Photo Credit: Tanja Lippert Photography
Consider the hues you use.
For a fairy-tale romance effect, try a color scheme of pinks, whites, and silvers. Or use shades of red, from the palest pink to luscious watermelon to a deep rose. If you prefer a more sensual, romantic ambience, choose a palette of strong, passionate reds.
Photo Credit: Tanja Lippert Photography
Masses of candles will warm everyone’s heart.
Float them in glass bowls or cluster some in various heights on tables. At an outdoor wedding, you can achieve a magical effect by suspending dozens of tiny electric candles in small glass globes from tree branches. And don’t forget to consider nestling pretty Japanese lanterns among the branches — utterly enchanting!
Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography
Let your site inspire your wedding look.
Engaged at the Eiffel Tower? Incorporate a Parisian theme into everything from your save-the-date cards to the napkins at your cocktail hour. (And consider a gorgeous French-style croquembouche cake, a wonderful cream-puff pastry covered with caramel.)
Photo Credit: Le Secret d'Audrey / Planning and coordination: Anne Mulvihill at Fête in France
Some locales are inherently romantic:
Choose a vineyard, a botanical garden, a lush backyard with beautiful plantings or an old mansion with chandeliers, ornate mantelpieces and a landscaped garden for guests to roam in. With naturally gorgeous backdrops like these, you just can’t go wrong!
Photo Credit: Roberto Falck Photography
Lighting sets the stage for romance.
Have a lighting specialist create a special glow for your first dance.You might project your married monogram or a simple, swirling design onto the dance floor. It never fails to get guests out there to kick up their heels.
Photo Credit: A Magic Moment
Have table cards printed with the “firsts” of your romance.
The two of you can write these together. Use them instead of standard table numbers — for example, one table would be the “First Kiss” table and another would be the “First Date” table and so on.
Photo Credit: Katch Studios
Don’t serve just any drinks.
One bride and groom served beer from the brewery/restaurant where they first met, as well as specialty cocktails with monikers like “First Date.” With dessert, they offered the “Happily Ever After,” a tasty liqueur in a chocolate shot glass.
Photo Credit: Margaux Photography
One idea for a very romantic looking table:
Consider a white linen tablecloth covered with a pink overlay. Tuck a tiny, perfect rosebud into each guest’s pale pink napkin. A centerpiece might include varieties of pink blooms, such as roses, orchids and tulips.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Brazzle / Event Design: Meggie Francisco Events / Floral Designer: Treasured Blossoms Flower Market / Linens and Coverings: BBJ Linens
Put friends’ and families’ wedding photos on display.
This is a wonderfully inclusive way to show how much you appreciate the encouragement and support from everyone who loves you.
Photo Credit: Green Autumn Photography
Sing out your love.
After thanking their parents and the friends who had introduced them, a groom serenaded his bride with “Something Else Again” by Chris de Burgh. The combination of her tears and laughter, his nerves and the knowledge of what had just come to fruition was magical.
Related: Complete Guide to Wedding Music
Photo Credit: Chellise Michael Photography
Up the romance of the first dance.
Ask your wedding planner to arrange for sparklers that burst from the centerpieces as you and your hubby take center stage.
Photo Credit: Margot Landen Photography
Instead of an ordinary guest book, try a Romantic Wish Guest Book.
Ask guests to use their imaginations and pen a loving, personal hope for your future.
Related: 50 Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas
Photo Credit: Gia Canali Photography
Create a sentimental surprise.
Many couples write their own vows, but you could carry this a bit further. Read aloud a few words from a note or love letter that he sent to you early in your relationship. Such a gesture will delight him — plus, the fact that you kept the note rates a ten on the romance meter!
Photo Credit: Heidi and Heather Wedding Photography
Choose an over-the-top mode of transportation.
For example, if you’re getting married on a yacht, sail up to it in a charming, flower-festooned boat.
Photo Credit: Jacilyn M.
For an even more private getaway, go it alone.
Some newlyweds are choosing to go solo — sans even a hired driver. Grooms are whisking their brides away in a friend’s vintage automobile or the groom’s dream car, rented for the occasion. One groom we know decided to take the reins of an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage!
Photo Credit: Nuno Palha
Select a menu that incorporates items with romantic significance.
Consider dishes you shared on your first date, on the night you got engaged or the first meal you cooked for your groom (or he prepped for you!)
Photo Credit: Studio EMP Photography / Wedding planners: Meghan and Katie from Intertwined Events
Have romantic facts about the two of you printed on cards, and place one on each reception table.
Put the cards in holders so guests can pass them around and enjoy them. For inspiration, think about the most romantic thing you’ve done for each other, how the groom proposed or your favorite thing to do as a couple. You could also include a line from a movie, song or poem that is special to you.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Newberry Photography
Have him meet you halfway.
The bride who is walking down the aisle solo can have her groom meet and escort her to the altar. It will be an unforgettable moment for everyone!
Photo Credit: ProudRad on Bride and Breakfast via Loverly
For a sweet touch, consider a hand-painted aisle runner.
You can add your monogram or a favorite quote from a love poem that is special to you.
Photo Credit: The Other Sister Photography via Oh Lovely Day
Another way for the groom to show his romantic side:
One groom conspired with the florist to add a blanket of rose petals down the aisle that ended in two circles of petals at the altar where he and his bride would stand.
Photo Credit: Alison Duke Photography / Created by: Colin Cowie
Build some alone time into your ride.
One bride and groom decided to splurge on a vintage Bentley to bring the two of them to their reception. That car ride turned out to be one of the only pockets of time that they had alone together on their wedding day. They relaxed for a few minutes, sipped champagne and marveled at the fact that they were actually married!
Photo Credit: K&K Photography
Create a video tribute with your groom.
It might feature a photo montage in which he describes the moment he fell in love with you. This is also a great way to inject some humor or express your tenderest emotions.
Photo Credit: A Magic Moment
Opt for a “sweetheart table.”
Many couples choose to sit at their own table during the reception. Not only do they get to enjoy each other as newlyweds, but the bridal party gets to sit with their significant others as well. No one wants to be separated from their sweetie at a wedding!
Related: 25 Pretty Head Table Ideas: From Big Traditional to Intimate Sweetheart
Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere
During the cake cutting, some grooms offer their brides a special toast.
This gives the groom a chance to express his feelings in a way more personal than the vows the two of you recited before the officiant at the ceremony.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Bayme via Buzzfeed
Sheer fabrics make a romantic statement.
Use lengths of tulle or organza as table runners. Adorn windows, mantels and doorways with gorgeous swags of the same fabrics.
Photo Credit: Country Creations
Make meaningful music.
Walk down the aisle to a song that is particularly special to the two of you. One couple hired a guitarist they’d met on a vacation in Mexico to perform “Here Comes the Sun” at their wedding ceremony.
Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography
Have your groom greet you at the altar with an offering.
A truly romantic gesture is for the groom to present his bride with a single flower when she reaches the altar — it could be a perfect yellow rose or her favorite garden bloom.
Photo Credit: Alan Weiner Photography
Your first dance as husband and wife should be magical and memorable.
One bride wanted an a cappella group of a dozen vocalists to sing her favorite ballad as she and her new husband took a turn around the dance floor. Maybe the two of you will want to show off your salsa moves with a hot number you’ve rehearsed. Choose your style!
Photo Credit: Micah J Photography
Keep the romantic vibe going strong all night.
Before the big day, compile a list of your married guests’ first-dance songs. Ask your band or DJ to play those tunes throughout the night.
Photo courtesy of Charming Endeavours/Etsy
Make your last dance of the evening as sweet as your first.
Invite your guests to surround you on the dance floor. Have someone pass around a basket of rose petals so your guests can shower you and your new hubby with the petals. Everyone will remember this final, loving moment.
Photo Credit: Nancy Ray Photography
Go for big-time romance with your cake.
Try a confection of strawberry mousse or one filled with raspberry, iced with buttercream and topped with fresh, deeppink roses and pink orchids. For chocolate lovers: pink fondant icing and a cascade of sugar-paste pink and lavender roses that conceal layers of chocolate within!
Photo Credit: Dana Grant
Another way to express the love you share:
Incorporate sentimental songs from the early years of your relationship into the cocktail hour soundtrack.
Photo Credit: Lovely Valentine Photography
