DIY Romantic Wedding

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.