17 popular wedding styles explained
When you picture your wedding day, what do you see? A candlelit garden overflowing with roses? A minimalist rooftop with clean lines and city views? Or maybe a velvet-draped ballroom with a glittering disco ball above the dance floor?
Whether you’re drawn to bohemian whimsy, art deco drama, or celestial sparkle, this guide walks you through the most popular wedding styles and what makes each one unique. Use it as inspiration, a mood board starting point, or simply a way to put a name to the vibe you’ve had in your head since forever.
Get inspired by these popular wedding styles and find your wedding theme.
Popular wedding styles for 2025
Image: Lost in Love Photography
1. Romantic
Soft, dreamy, and timeless, the romantic wedding style is one of the most popular wedding styles for good reason. Expect flowing fabrics, delicate florals, candlelight, and blush-toned palettes that feel lifted straight from a love story. This style pairs perfectly with string quartets, handwritten vows, and venues that exude old-world charm.
- Tone: Elegant, heartfelt, timeless
- Key features: Blush florals, candlelight, flowing fabrics
- Colour palette: Blush, ivory, soft pinks, gold
- Ideal venues: Historic estates, gardens, ballrooms
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2. Regency
Inspired by the elegance of Bridgerton and Jane Austen, regency-style weddings bring drama and sophistication to the aisle. Think empire-waist gowns, ornate tablescapes, pastel florals, candelabras, and a grand estate backdrop. It’s opulence with a literary twist—perfect for lovers of romance, ruffles, and regality.
- Tone: Grand, romantic, period-inspired
- Key features: Candelabras, pastel florals, classical music
- Colour palette: Soft blues, lilacs, creams, gold
- Ideal venues: Estates, manor houses, stately homes
3. Vintage
Vintage weddings draw on the beauty of past eras—whether it’s the roaring ’20s, the Hollywood glamour of the ’40s, or the retro vibes of the ’70s. Expect antique furniture, heirloom-inspired details, lace gowns, and nostalgic charm woven into every element. As one of the more versatile popular wedding styles, vintage can be adapted to suit many different tastes.
- Tone: Nostalgic, romantic, timeless
- Key features: Lace, antique decor, retro accessories
- Colour palette: Sepia tones, dusty rose, champagne
- Ideal venues: Vintage halls, heritage homes, speakeasies
4. Glamorous
High-shine and high-impact, glamorous weddings are made for the spotlight. Think crystal chandeliers, luxe fabrics, dramatic gowns, and plenty of sparkle. Whether you’re planning a black-tie affair or just love a bit of drama, this is one of the popular wedding styles that’s about making a statement.
- Tone: Luxe, bold, opulent
- Key features: Crystals, metallics, dramatic lighting
- Colour palette: Black, gold, white, deep jewel tones
- Ideal venues: Ballrooms, hotels, iconic buildings
5. Modern
Chic, minimalist, and fresh, modern weddings embrace clean lines, thoughtful design, and a less-is-more philosophy. Expect monochrome palettes, architectural details, fashion-forward attire, and striking simplicity that speaks volumes. This is one of the most popular wedding styles for city weddings and design-savvy couples.
- Tone: Sleek, minimal, stylish
- Key Features: Bold typography, clean lines, statement design
- Colour Palette: Monochrome, neutrals, metallic accents
- Ideal Venues: Rooftops, galleries, industrial spaces
6. Garden Party
Light, floral, and delightfully pretty, garden party weddings feel like an afternoon tea with your nearest and dearest—just dialled up for the aisle. Picture parasols, picnic-style seating, floral crowns, and bubbly under the trees. It’s a popular wedding style for couples who want a fresh and floral feel without going full formal.
- Tone: Whimsical, elegant, relaxed
- Key features: Picnic seating, floral crowns, parasols
- Colour palette: Pastels, sage, lavender, dusty rose
- Ideal venues: Gardens, orchards, private estates
Photography by Liv Hettinga Photography
7. Bohemian
Free-spirited and unconventional, bohemian weddings are full of personality and soul. Think flowing silhouettes, eclectic decor, earthy tones, and dried florals. Often set outdoors or under open tents, this style is effortlessly cool and endlessly creative.
- Tone: Free-spirited, creative, earthy
- Key features: Macramé, dried florals, fringe, rugs
- Colour palette: Terracotta, mustard, rust, neutrals
- Ideal venues: Beaches, deserts, outdoor clearings
8. Botanical
Botanical weddings are for plant lovers and greenery enthusiasts. The focus is on lush foliage, potted plants, herb-infused menus, and venues that feel like greenhouses or secret gardens. It’s fresh, calming, and full of life—perfect for couples who want nature to take centre stage.
- Tone: Green, natural, fresh
- Key features: Potted plants, hanging greenery, ferns
- Colour palette: Greens, white, earthy neutrals
- Ideal venues: Conservatories, greenhouses, botanical gardens
9. Art Deco
Glitz, glamour, and Great Gatsby vibes—art deco weddings are bold, geometric, and dripping in elegance. Expect metallic accents, champagne towers, beaded gowns, and a dance floor that channels 1920s decadence. A favourite among couples wanting a show-stopping look steeped in vintage sophistication.
- Tone: Glamorous, vintage, bold
- Key features: Geometric patterns, feathers, sequins
- Colour palette: Black, gold, emerald, silver
- Ideal venues: Historic hotels, theatres, urban ballrooms
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10. Cottagecore
Romanticised rural living comes to life in cottagecore weddings. Think wildflowers, picnic blankets, vintage crockery, and handwritten love notes. It’s charming, whimsical, and ideal for couples who love soft florals and pastoral touches. A rising trend among popular wedding styles for those leaning into nostalgia and nature.
- Tone: Whimsical, nostalgic, sweet
- Key features: Embroidered linens, vintage ceramics, wildflowers
- Colourpalette: Soft yellow, rose, sage, cream
- Ideal venues: Meadows, cottages, garden estates
Minimalist wedding style
A crisp modern minimalist tablescape by No. 14 Events Melbourne | Photo by Chloe May
11. Minimalist
Minimalist weddings strip away the fuss to focus on what truly matters. With clean palettes, sleek silhouettes, and refined details, this style speaks to couples who love simplicity, intentionality, and quiet beauty. A favourite in the modern mix of popular wedding styles.
- Tone: Understated, elegant, refined
- Key features: Clean typography, neutral tones, no clutter
- Colour palette: White, beige, black, muted tones
- Ideal venues: Modern lofts, galleries, minimalist studios
Gothic wedding theme
12. Gothic
Moody, dramatic, and unapologetically bold, gothic weddings play with dark romance. Black lace, deep red roses, candlelit altars, and historic venues set the tone. It’s romanticism with a dark twist—mysterious, poetic, and unforgettable.
- Tone: Dark, romantic, dramatic
- Key features: Velvet, lace, candles, skulls or crosses
- Colour palette: Black, burgundy, deep plum, blood red
- Ideal venues: Cathedrals, castles, old halls
13. Nautical
Anchors aweigh! Nautical weddings are fresh, crisp, and breezy—perfect for seaside celebrations. Think navy and white stripes, sailboat motifs, anchor details, and settings that smell like salt air and sunscreen.
- Tone: Breezy, coastal, classic
- Key features: Rope accents, anchors, stripes
- Colour palette: Navy, white, seafoam, coral
- Ideal venues: Yacht clubs, beaches, harbours
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14. Disco
Flashy, fun, and full of sparkle, disco weddings bring the party energy. Mirror balls, bold colours, retro dance floors, and funky fashion make this a style for couples who want to celebrate loud and proud.
- Tone: Energetic, playful, nostalgic
- Key features: Disco balls, neon signs, sequins
- Colour palette: Hot pink, silver, purple, black
- Ideal venues: Dance clubs, warehouses, retro lounges
15. Celestial
Starry-eyed romance meets cosmic magic in celestial weddings. Expect moon motifs, constellation details, iridescent tones, and ethereal decor that feels out of this world. It’s dreamy, mysterious, and perfect for a love that feels written in the stars.
- Tone: Dreamy, mystical, romantic
- Key features: Stars, moons, metallics, crystals
- Colour palette: Navy, silver, lavender, gold
- Ideal venues: Rooftops, observatories, open-air locations
16. Retro
Retro weddings throw it back in the best way—think bold prints, vintage signage, typewriters, and Polaroid cameras. Whether you’re vibing with the ’60s mod look or ’80s maximalism, it’s all about nostalgic fun with a modern twist.
- Tone: Nostalgic, fun, colourful
- Key features: Vinyl records, bold prints, vintage props
- Colour palette: Mustard, teal, burnt orange, cherry red
- Ideal venues: Diners, theatres, styled studios
17. Rustic
Earthy and warm, rustic weddings channel natural charm with wood, linen, greenery, and homespun touches. Often held in barns, vineyards, or countryside settings, this style feels relaxed, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Rustic remains a staple among popular wedding styles for its charm and versatility.
- Tone: Down-to-earth, charming, nature-inspired
- Key features: Wooden signage, mason jars, wildflowers, fairy lights
- Colour palette: Neutrals, greenery, soft pastels
- Ideal venues: Barns, farms, forest clearings
Why is finding your wedding style so important?
Your wedding style is the thread that ties everything together – from the venue and flowers to your outfit, invitations, and overall vibe. It’s not just about the “look:” it’s about how you want the day to feel. Romantic, moody, playful, refined, relaxed, or all of the above. The beauty of modern weddings is that there’s no single way to do it right. It’s just the way that feels most like you.
How to choose your wedding style
Not sure which direction to go when it comes to popular wedding styles? Start by thinking about how you want your day to feel. Are you dreaming of something relaxed and outdoorsy, or more polished and high-impact? Your personal style, the type of venue you’re drawn to, and even the season you’re getting married in can all help point you in the right direction.
Take note of colours, textures, and ideas that naturally resonate with you, then look for common threads. And don’t worry about sticking rigidly to one category. Many couples blend elements from different popular wedding styles to create something that feels uniquely theirs.
Ready to bring your wedding style to life?
Browse venues, find your dream team of suppliers, and start planning with Easy Weddings. From inspiration to booking, we make it simple. Get started here.
