1.  Discuss the theme with your partner.

Remember, this is your partner’s wedding also! Before discussing a wedding theme with your partner, think of things you are both passionate about, or special moments you have shared. As an example, did you go on a vacation to a special place? Do you both enjoy a specific city or town, or perhaps you are both avid fans of outdoors’ activities? Providing your partner with a few ideas, would be a great conversation starter.

2.  Consider the cost.

With careful planning, a wedding theme can fit most budgets. However, there may be some areas in which you may have to compromise, depending on your planning budget. Discuss affordable alternatives with your partner, good friends and families. Do research, and always consider money-saving alternatives, before committing to a theme. Look for affordable vendors, consider having planning parties with your close friends, as well as get togethers to make some of the decorations with those close to you.

3. Take into consideration the date and season.

It may not be a good idea to host an outdoor theme in New Hampshire in the middle of winter! Consider the date and venue, your guests comfort, and travel plans for those out of town guests, before selecting a theme and date. Remember, having a back-up plan is always important when hosting an outdoors wedding.

4. Formal versus casual wedding.

This is a good question to answer, as it is important to make sure a formal or informal wedding will fit within the theme selected. A theme can be modified to suit a formal or informal wedding; however, good planning is important when deciding on a theme.

5. Decorations matter!

When selecting a wedding theme, it is important to have decorations that support the theme. Whether one has signs, tables and walls decorations, activities, etc., it is important to find affordable and easy to create decorations to help reinforce the wedding’s theme.

6. The venue.

Not all venues fit all themes. If you are considering a themed wedding, it is important to consider the theme, before selecting a venue. Is the venue’s management open to the idea of placing wall decorations? If it is an outdoors venue, does the building and overall scene support your selected theme? Always make sure and make your intentions and your ideas with the venue’s manager/proprietor.

7. Colors.

Most brides may have a preselected color palette for tablecloths, flowers, bridesmaids’ gowns, etc. How will these colors fit with your selected theme? Are you willing to modify it, if needed? Before making any decisions on colors, make sure and try to visualize your selected colors, and they will fit the overall theme.

8. Consider your guests.

Guests need to know what, if any, are the expectations the bride and groom have for them. Are they supposed to dress a certain way? Are gifts expected to support the overall theme? Are there going to be activities that may involve the guests? Let them know ahead so there will not be last minute surprises, which may make your guests uncomfortable!

9. Activities.

Many wedding themes have activities to support and enhance your special day. If you are having a Star Wars wedding theme, would you be having a best costume contest? Perhaps you and your wedding party can recreate an important part in the story? Could you have a table where people can get make up, design a button, or try speciality drinks? When hosting a theme-wedding, always think of fun activities to support the theme.

10. Catering.

Are you planning to serve food and drinks that will support your theme? If you are, make sure sure and do your research. Talk to several catering services, and share with them your plans. Let them provide you with ideas for foods and drinks that will support your theme. If you are having hors d'oeuvres, make sure they also enhance the dining experience and your theme, for your guests.

11. Make a special cocktail.

Cocktails are always fun! Make sure and hire a bartender who is willing to work with you and your partner to help you create a simple and unique cocktail for you and your guests. Make sure the taste and color support the theme, and name it something that represents you and your partner, or the theme of your wedding. This will be a fun and simple addition to your wedding. Always remember to create a non-alcoholic version, for minors and adults who do not consume alcohol.

12. Make it fun!

More than likely, this will be the one event that you and your partner will always remember. Pick a theme that you will both enjoy developing. Always look for themes that will provide excitement and create opportunities for people close to you to contribute. Host gatherings to brainstorm ideas, and to bring to life many of your ideas.