Generally, themes fall into basic categories which determine how extensive or mild the outcome may be. You can reflect on these categories and more, to suit your needs:
COLOUR
By far the simplest theme is to basically choose a desired colour scheme for your reception and follow it through to your flowers, cake, linens and other décor. The chosen shades would be a reflection of tones which have had special meaning to you or are essential favourites.
ENVIRONMENTAL
This includes Seasonal themes, natural life and weather characteristics like winter-wonderlands, autumn gold and tropical beach themes.
For Example:
Forest /Nature
A celebration of a couples love for the green purity of outdoors, this theme incorporates all the enchantment of the earth’s natural beauty.
Consider hiring a nature reserve, park or a garden for your reception to set the environment for this theme. Decorate with flowers of a beautiful but wild nature and think about what food you are going to serve. In keeping with the theme you can consider vegetable dishes as a choice and organic wine.
Beach
If you are in Barbados or other tropical setting it is, of course, very easy but you can recreate this look with décor for your reception even if it is indoors and reflect some sunshine into your presentation. Think about Caribbean colours, sunny yellows, sea blues, coral tones and vibrant pinks. Place elements of sand, coconuts, faux fish, starfish, oysters, shells and pearls.
Use tropical flowers to add atmosphere, Bougainvillaea, Frangipani, Orchids, and Hibiscus. Add lushness with palm plants. For an outdoor setting consider using Tiki torches for atmosphere.
MOOD
These themes recreate definite personality types which are similar to the character of the couple or rather what they wish to portray. This sometimes continues a universal aura which has set the pace for the wedding in general.
For Example:
Classic
Consider the opulent elegance of a ballroom, hotel or classy restaurant. Sweeping steps maximise your gown effect as do the long entryways which are very bride friendly. This suits a formal wedding with a lot of guests. You will need ample staff to pull off this presentation, so incorporate it into your budget when contemplating this direction.
Arty
Consider renting a venue with art on the wall or even a museum or historic building with many pieces which your guests can admire for your reception. An empty hall can give you all the leverage to infuse an art style component of your own design into your décor if you desire.
Romance This is the height of fairy tale like dreaminess. This theme is exceptionally idealistic and glossy.
Fortunately Barbados is blessed with naturally exquisite grounds which would suit your needs for this look. You would need ample amounts of flora and lushness in addition to special lighting for the evening to create an aura of romance.
Trendy
For the edgy Avant-garde couple who wish to infuse a modern feel to their reception. This theme has an edgy mood. Consider poolside venues, roof-decks (which are available in Barbados) even outdoor areas if the weather permits. Aim for a crisp chic presentation with solid blocks of colour for décor. Serve fashionable cocktails and give your guests a chance to try new recipes if they are adventurous.
Glamour
A movie-star wedding theme is an elegant glossy mood which can be carried onto your reception. Think red-carpet chic, opulent fabrics, feather boas, rhinestones and classic floras like Calla Lilies and Roses. Lush colours like rose pink and black with silver exemplify the glamour setting. Live music sets the mood; consider a band for this presentation.
TIME PERIOD
The most adventurous, as it means actually recreating a desired era in time. This calls for costumes, items of nostalgia and a reinvention of times gone by. However, these themes can be magnificent and a lot of fun for those who participate in addition to being very memorable.
For Example:
Victorian
Echoing a very genteel period of time when the aura was mellow and placid. Use a gazebo setting or hire a mansion for your reception. Incorporate lace and bows into your décor and stay away from strong colour which will detract from the soft theme. Include embossed touches and script style, formal text for your invitations. Add refined foods to your menu like fine sandwiches, teacakes etc.
Medieval
Classic romance, the era for which most fairy stories are written, so always evokes an enchanting feeling.
Consider rich fabrics of jewel colours, emerald greens, purples and wines. Contemplate dressing your staff in costume to compliment the theme. A live band works well here in addition you can incorporate traditional medieval entertainment like jugglers to further enhance the theme. Dressing your table to look like a banquet will further add to the ambiance. Be sure to include foods which are traditional fare, like turkey.
Roman
This is very classic and actually exceptionally bridal as the theme incorporates many elements which are traditionally used at weddings. Enjoy infusing pillars, drapes and swags into your décor. Punch up the theme more by adding statuary, vines and having your staff serve the guests wearing toga style clothing.
CULTURAL
This incorporates traditions which may mean a lot to the couple or reflect their background, ancestry, religious or ethnic beliefs. Or can echo an admired customary look which you simply wish to recreate.
For Example:
Arabian
The magical mystery of Arabian ornamentation has fascinated decorators for a long time. This will require an indoor setting but a tent will do and add even more authenticity to the presentation. Consider pillows and tassels, lamps, carpets, natural baskets and eastern style rugs to add richness. Choose deep tones with gold features for fabrics which you can hang and drape in the desired positions. You can even include fruit for décor, faux grapes and dates make an excellent touch.
Western
For the couple who come from a cowboy background or who just admire a good old spaghetti western, this can be a fun style to recreate for your wedding reception. A theme restaurant would be ideal for a venue but this can successfully be recreated in any setting. Hire or borrow cactus plants, introduce horseshoe elements, faux bull’s horns and lasso rope. Staff dressed in Wild West costume will add even more authenticity to the theme.
African This is a very textured and vibrant theme, rich in culture. The main source of décor will come from the traditional fabric called “Kente” which will instantly give an African feel to your theme. This can be obtained in a variety of patterns and colours to suit your scheme. Add elements of bongo drums, beads, Hessian and natural wood ornaments.
Chinese Reproduce the look of the orient with reds embellished with gold or silver for that special touch. Red plays a strong role in Chinese culture and can be added in many ways to also compliment white, black and other solid colours. Include paper lanterns and paper cut-outs in your décor, chopsticks, tea cups and plenty of fans both large for décor and small for hand –held. Include the Chinese double happiness symbol wherever possible for a special touch.
The only restriction to your choices is your imagination, this is your time to infuse all your fantasies and dreams for an amazing creation.
