In an age where the bridesmaids (and even the bride) might wear fairy wings to the altar, or exchange "I Do's" at the uppermost bend of a Six Flags roller coaster, some brides are going with one of the oldest wedding themes of all — Love.
The Love theme comes in many flavors. Endless Love, My Heart's Twin, Key to My Heart. Fall in Love, My Heart's Desire, Hearts Intertwined. Or for a beach twist, Oceans of Love.
Love-theme brides center their efforts around certain keynotes: tight nosegays of classic red roses, hearts (or double hearts), candlelight, classic crisp escort cards flanked by rose petals, or votives like alphabet blocks that spell out "LOVE" or "I DO," scattered around the cake table. Royal red chair covers under sweeping swags of tulle, or a sparkling heart-shaped solitaire? It's all in a day's work for Love-theme brides.
There are certain areas of the wedding where your love or hearts theme is especially easy to slip in. Invitations, for one. "LOVE" stamps on the envelopes. Bridal — and flower girl — necklaces and tiaras. Sweeping red bridesmaid gowns. Guest book and pen. Cake table accents, cake toppers, and subtle heart embellishments on the cake itself. (Raspberry filling in a snow-white cake is a romantic complement to your Love theme.)
Don't forget the heart-shaped chocolate-dipped strawberries. Or the placecard holders and wedding favors. And then, as the ceremony winds down, a romantic dove release. Or for even more drama —if your venue has a water feature — try swans, with their curvy necks that repeatedly carve compelling heart shapes from the air.
The hearts and flowers motif lends itself to all kinds of lovely touches. Try a heart-shaped Styrofoam form from any craft store, and cover it with real or silk roses. Hang a pair from romantic satin ribbons as a welcome wreath for your guests.
Or try this: cut a simple heart outline about 3 inches thick from a large piece of poster board, creating a template. Now you're set to create quick and stunning rose-petal heart patterns over your cake and sweetheart tables. Or build them from confetti, or tiny seashells — or for different and daring, try lentils or coffee beans. Votives can also be dramatically arranged in heart shapes if your wedding's at sunset or enjoys low lighting.
A savvy bride pays tribute to the sounds and scents of endless love. Nothing evokes romance better than the old-fashioned tea rose, with its powerful perfume. Modern roses are sleek, but underwhelming when it comes to scent — consult with your florist to find the perfect musky rose (but don't drive out your sensitive guests with too many strongly-scented blooms). Or as an alternative to flower power, try lightly misting your reception room with a high-quality spray featuring romantic notes of vanilla, amber and musk.
hi this is veronica im getting married in june 2010, i want a heart theme but im not sure of the colors i was thinking red n pink but those are common colors any one has ideas pls help thanks
veronica,
what other colors do you like? any faves? what are you and your fh’s birthstones? any colors that have special meaning? also are you limited to any colors ( venue colors)? let me know, love to help!!
I’m getting married in August and I need help with a theme. My colors are Chocolate, Teal and Cream but I want a love theme, since it mostly deals with Red is a love theme appropiate for those colors? Any theme ideas????
carmen,
hi!! yes it will be spectacular! i would use all cream roses or a mix of creamflowers with draping greenery. you could add a bit of zen to this, think adding pebbles in bottom of glass vases and add candlelight in the form of floating or have cream flowers and add votives and cream rose petals on the table. any color can be romantic its all how you present it. think dreamy invites and decor. candlelight is usually associated with romance. i thought of another idea youknow the plaques that have words like… live, laugh, love, simplify, etc. you could name each table. this could be your theme “just love” i found this quote that could be your foundation of your theme…
In the sweetness of love…
Let there be laughter, and in all our days, let there be Love.”
you colors are perfect dont change a thing!!
*Chandeliers, Roses, and Tiffany Blue
Wow Stacy!! You have no idea how inspirational that reply was I mean there were so many ideas!! I’m kinda young and we have a very very small budget we thought we were gonna have to do it in a courthouse but we got a friends backyard which is a step up but not my idea and I just want to make the best out of it. I love the themed table ideas and the qote was phenomenal!! Thank you for everything, any more ideas keep ‘em pourin’, unfortunately I have to do this all by hand and might I add…I’m not the craftiest person lol!!
carmen, great!! dont hestitate to post back if you need specific ideas and keeping within your budget. i will help you the best i can and i am so happy you liked the quote!!
carmen, oh yes!! for this theme also think paper lanterns. you cant beat the prices for the impact!! orientaltrading.com and also saveoncrafts.com might become 2 of your fave websites!! dont overlook supermarket flowers they give the best bang for the buck!! or find a place like fiftyflowers.com they will ship you your flowers ready made in the box. see what bulk roses would cost, soemtimes roses in bulk can be very cheap!! the best way top save $$$ is to keep the flowers to just the bridal party and bride. forego the traditional boutonniere and have guys use pocket squares instead.
check this out….
*wedding tips
jcrew.com has great wedding attire!! another idea that could save the bridal party $$$ is have them in a simple wear again dress. guys too. think slacks and tucked in long sleeve shirt with belt, and nice shoes. more dressy casual. also consider faux fillers with real flowers like any time of branches or curly willow( which i love) any type of inexpensive embroidered, patterned, or especially beaded ribbon will lend a chic look without the cost. if you use one type flwoer in one color it will look very chic and lush!! especially if you add lots of greenery. more chic look skip the greenery.
*How to have a cheap wedding that only looks expensive
*wedding ideas ( check these all out!!)
dont overdo the decor, since it is outside you wont need much at all. tiki torches are another great money saver and you can reuse them at your home. or rent single standing candle holders for the aisle for a simple approach. marry under a beautiful tree and have a wedding wreath as your “alter” or pick out a beautiful spot and just let mother nature be your decor. for example: ribbon can be a great way to decorate!! instead of cutting short ribbons leave some long and flowing on the bouquets that stop at the hem of the bm dresses, its the xtra length that will be enchanting or use chiffon streamers on bouquets, sequin chiffon would be magical! streamers hung from tree branches offer a bit of whimsy and gently flutter in the breeze=breathtaking effect. when you go looking at items to use, just step it up a small detail, like plain ribbon or beaded? well the beaded in a subtle pattern will give extra oomph. for your cake table, just drape a tulle curtain around the table for another jaw dropping effect. dont go overboard or it will be too much. tulle( the fluid like soft tulle) is another $$$ saver, and for its romantic properties it is hard to beat especially at such a low price. you can drape it and let it puddle to the floor. instead of chiffon use tulle on bouquets magical look. the uses are endless!!
Stacy!! You don’t know how much of a blessing you are being to me right now!!
Ok so I have a couple of more questions. I am getting so excited about this wedding. At first I was just real down and out because my family can’t come but thanks to you atleast it will be pretty!! Ok so question number 1: With those colors and my dress being a champagne, what color suit should my groom wear? And question number 2: What types of foods are budget friendly? 
I get so jealous watching HGTV and all the bride shows and seeing just how beautiful their weddings are with delicious catered foods and pretty place settings….I want mine to be “magical” 
LOL. I know, it sounds like I’m living in some sick fairytale LOL. Thank you again for letting me pick your brain of all of these wonderful ideas! Where are you located??
carmen,
i would have him in brown or black with champagne. dont worry about pulling in the black it will be super classy. most guys dont care for brown so theypair traditional black with the brown and it looks gorgeous!! what time is your wedding taking place? i would suggest an hour when a full meal is not expected. i would choose hors d’oeuvres and beverages or you could have an elaborate dessert reception. can you imagine a nice table full of different cakes and sweets with coffee, champagne, punch and other beverages? this type of reception is super elegant!!
*ELLEN’S KITCHEN
*Cocktail Wedding Receptions - A Cheap and Classy Alternative to Expensive Wedding Receptions
*cocktail wedding reception
*sample menus
*Reception Types
*Sample Reception Menus
*Luxurious Cheap Wedding Reception Menu Ideas
look to your heritage, your location etc. for foods also what you love. it is the way it is presented that looks so amazing. foods are elevated and parsley or fruits are tucked here and there. everything is made to look lush. i dont know how well catering would fit your budget but there are some fantastic places that will work with you and give you everything you need. from mini crab cakes to mini quiches. for a lunch or dinner you cannot beat pasta. you could have just a pasta with a wedding cake /fresh fruit station and be right on target. i dont know one person who doesnt like pasta, salads , and garlic bread and sourdough rolls with butter then head over tothe wedding cake table ( for example plain cheesecakes,accompanied by bowls of different fruit and candy toppings)
so much food guests would have to take plates for the road!! 
write back and let me know if the info was helpful. 
*Low Cost Wedding: Reception Food Shortcuts
i do hope these help. i am from north central louisiana. down here we’d have good ole’ southern fixings!! interested in an interesting reception idea? if your not fromthe south, you could have a southern menu theme. whew! fried chicken, potato salad, fruit salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits. we’d have a dessert table of pecan pie, mini fruit pies, assorted cakes, pralines, etc. have washtubs iced down with an assortment of beverages. iced tea and lemonade would be a necessity.
heh leeanne, congrats on your upcoming wedding. this is gonna be different and beautiful for sept. i love it!! think just like you would if it was feb 14. i am gonna deepen the colors a bit against a rosy tone dress and a black dress. i would put the guys in traditional black suits or tuxes. keep you linens classic. incorporate a heart theme into th wedding thru invites, programs, cake topper, etc. i didnt know if you wanted a formal or informal wedding. if your venue has tall ceiling just do the red roses either way. and have your wedding cake with the colors of the bouquet. i was thinking more red with this. i will be sending 2 posts of pics so you can see what i have chosen….
here is the rest and one more with the black and a repost of the bouquet so you can tell.
leeanne…..
i hope this helps if its not what your looking for let me know and i will look some more. i just love the bouquet it fits so well with sept. especially with the hint of tangerine tied in. and the red are deep. good luck!!
hi my name is leeanne and i’m getting married in sept. but i want a valentines theme anybody have any ideas