I am a sucker for a themed event. I know that as you scour the internet to find themes, there are so many great ideas out there. While some brides like a simple classic color combo, others want to think outside the box. I am going to give you some that aren’t as popular…yet!

Having a theme makes everything so easy, because you can brand your wedding. Have some stickers made to seal all envelopes and incorporate them into your hotel welcome bags, favors, and even music and reception decor. Consider finding a theme that fits your personality or love story.

1920′s

I just had a New Year’s party with this theme, and it was so much fun. Groomsmen can look super hot in a bow tie and suspenders or vest, and your bridesmaids will look stunning in a drop waist gown. Have a photo booth with pearls, tommy gun, feather boas, and fur stoles for an amazing guest book. Serve your drinks with fun titles such as a  “Bathtub gin and tonic.” Play great jazz music for cocktail hour and dinner. Incorporate one of the great authors of that time period for the reading at your ceremony, and use 20′s slang on your wedding website and invites. For inspiration, watch Midnight in Paris, The Cotton Club and Chicago.

1940′s

I want to find one woman who was not moved to tears by The Notebook. If you haven’t seen The Notebook inspired engagement shoot, then how can you call yourself a bride? I love this look that appreciated a woman’s curves, and men dressed for dinner and dancing. How cute would a save the date that featured you and your fiancé reenacting the famous nurse/sailor kiss be? Pin up hair and make-up, big band swing music, and total romance. This wedding is PERFECT for a couple where one is in the military. Rent a gorgeous old car for transportation, display photos of your grandparents or great grandparents on their wedding day, and change into a fabulous  vintage inspired gown for your big send off.

The Big Easy

Beignets for dessert, jazz music, creole food, tons of candlelight, gold accents,and magnolias. While some couples might go Mardi Gras wild with beads and booze, I’m envisioning one of Arkansas’ beautiful plantations homes, with a wedding under a gorgeous old tree. Anything “old south” goes, but try to pull out the magic of New Orleans. Little Rock locals should check out Fat Sam’s in the River Market as a possible caterer. Always a Blogsmaid has three great inspiration boards for this fun, laid back theme here.

County Fair

I love this one. Perfect for those lucky brides with a big barn in the family, which would be perfect for these fun-time nuptials. Brides could use fun colors such as aqua and a sunshiny yellow, or something more tame like navy blue. I love the idea of upscale fair food. I’m sure Hot Dog Mike could sling up an awesome dog that fits your theme and guest’s taste buds, served with sweet potato fries and that to die for roasted corn on the cob. I’m most comfortable in a short dress and my broken in cowboy boots, and this is the perfect theme to allow your bridesmaids to rock that look. Serve drinks in mason jars, have a pie bar courtesy of Nana and Great Aunt Carol instead of a groom’s cake, have some fun carnival games, fish in bowls as centerpieces that the kids can take home, and a country band for entertainment. Walk down the isle to some Randy Travis (that man will always have a place in my heart) and use quilts to dress up some old hay bales.

Whichever theme you choose, do it right. Don’t order a bunch of tacky plastic things from online, but carefully select tasteful items that will make your event seem authentic. Carefully select a font that matches your theme, and use it for all the printed necessities for your big day. Asking guests to dress up for your wedding might be going too far for some, but most are willing to incorporate it with their accessories. Remember your guests will want to be entertained as much as they want to celebrate your love. Give them something to talk about for years.