Photo by OneLove Photography via Style Me Pretty
Of course your nuptials will be romantic
for you and your partner no matter what, a stolen moment alone after
dinner, your time with the photographer, and of course that whole
‘getting married’ part!
But how do you take your guests along for the ride, and let them feel as wrapped up in your wedding as you?
Check out our tips for upping the romance
factor on your wedding day, and creating the kind of ambiance your
guests will never forget…
1. All The Lights
Photo by Studio Impressions Photography via Style Me Pretty
Lighting is perhaps the one element that can transform the feel of your wedding instantly.
Whether you have a budget for lighting
production, you speak to your venue about what they can offer or you
simply reuse your fairy lights from Christmas, carefully considering how
to best light your space, will work wonders on romancing your guests.
2. Valentine Vows
Photo by OneLove Photography via Style Me Pretty
Your wedding ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the day, and is one of the parts where you can really guide the atmosphere.
Opting for really romantic ceremony readings,
personal vows, and unique ideas like a family blessing of the rings, a
hand-tying ceremony, planting a tree or lighting a unity candle, all add
to the loving vibes. And get your guests involved from the start.
3. Scentscape Your Day
Photo by Paige + Blake Photography via Wedding Chicks
Scentscaping (yes, it’s a thing!) is a huge
buzzword in luxury weddings, but can also be adapted on a budget for
any big day. Smell is perhaps the most powerful sense for evoking
emotion, but it’s often overlooked for weddings (understandably) in
favour of food, music, and the look of the day.
Companies like Gemma Hopkins’, Design In Scent
can create a gorgeous bespoke scent that will become the fragrance
backdrop to your day. For a DIY version, think verbena candles, lavender
centrepieces or freesia bouquets. A wedding that smells as good as it
looks is steeped in romance!
4. Ambient Music
Photo by Benj Haisch via Style Me Pretty
Of course at some point your guests are going to want to hit the dancefloor and Shake It Off to Taylor Swift. But before that, your wedding music can go a long way to setting the feel for your day.
Choose personal, un-cliched songs, with a
dreamy feel for your ceremony, cocktail hour, over dinner, and for your
first dance. You can even include some slow sets throughout the evening
for the couples! (Check out our Valentine’s playlist for inspiration!)
5. A Romantic Feast
Photo by Britt Chudleigh via Once Wed
Your choice of food and how you serve it
can be a big help in creating a romantic atmosphere at your wedding.
We’re not saying you need to woo your guests with oysters and dark
chocolate – though I’m sure they wouldn’t mind!
Avoid buffets, BBQs, sliders or street
food, instead try elegant shared table dishes to get conversation
flowing and guests dining in a more intimate fashion.
6. Love Seats
Photo by CJ Williams Photography via Bridal Musings
As with the catering, planning your tables
to create an intimate, chatty atmosphere will absolutely amp up the
romance at your wedding.
There’s something really special about long
dining tables, that creates a closer, familiar feel over the more
formal round variety or top table set-up. Choosing a sweetheart table will also give you and your other have a chance to have your own romantic dinner for two at your wedding.
7. A Wow Venue
Photo by Cristiano Brizzi, Facibeni Fotografia via Bridal Musings
Choose a romantic wedding venue, and all the hard work is done for you!
A medieval castle, a beautiful glasshouse, a
pretty garden, or an atmospheric old church; take a stunning venue, add
some candles (see below) and et voila, you’ve got yourself a seriously
romantic setting.
8. A Touch of Whimsy
Photo by Ashley Ludaescher Photography
Sometimes your guests might feel more like
they’re witnessing your romance than feeling it for themselves.
But adding an element that’s fun and sweet, will soon get them involved
in your day.
We love the idea of this balloon march from
one venue to the next, (with a release at the end!), you could also
have a waltz lesson, an open mic for toasts or some fun games to bring
your guests together and feeling the love.
9. Copious Candles
Photo by Noah Hawthorne Photography via Brides
Candles work magic in any room, even more
so at a wedding. This is perhaps the most affordable way to add instant
romance to your soiree.
Tealights can add the ambiance, and pillar
candles in hurricanes or lanterns will look really stylish, but for full
on romance, it has to be tall candelabras for a dramatic, gothic, feel.
Fireworks or Lanterns
Photo by Photography by Betty Elaine via Bridal Musings
Did you feel fireworks in your belly when you first met your other half? Why not share that feeling with your guests?
Launching sky lanterns, putting on a fireworks display, or having a sparkler sendoff adds serious sparkle to your wedding and ensures you finish your night on the most romantic note possible.
