Today’s Wedding Wednesday post is brought to you by Leslie Kerrigan:

Wedding Wednesday

Weddings are often overwhelming to plan. There are so many choices, it is hard to figure out where to even start. I remember when I got married, I wanted everything. I wanted a Martha Stewart style wedding and it was very hard to limit myself in all the things I wanted to include on my big day.

That is why I often suggest starting with a theme. A theme allows you to have a focus, to narrow down your choices to make them fit your theme.

When I first got married, I lived in Indiana while my husband went to grad school at Purdue. I needed a job, and I found one where I could use my public relations degree and help plan events. I worked in the Events Department at Purdue University. While working for Purdue, I came in contact with many brides who wanted to get married at their Alma Marta. That was their theme. They wanted their reception to take place in the Purdue Ballroom, and that location dictated a certain style and theme.

Even though I am now on a different side of things in the wedding world, I still find myself wanting to help brides come up with their theme. Often photographers are more than just the photographer. They can also be the wedding planner if there isn’t one. That is where my skill set really comes in handy.

As spring approaches and wedding season is at it’s busiest, I thought I would share some tips on planning a theme for your wedding. There are many things that can help dictate your theme. Color can be a strong theme. Use your favorite color and find things in several shades of that color to use as decorations. Location can also dictate the theme of your big day. The beach is always a beautiful place to use as the theme for a wedding. A special activity that you and your fiancé do can determine a theme too! For a smaller affair, try a dinner and a movie theme. You can set up a family style dinner table outside with a romantic movie to watch afterward. If you love vintage things, have a vintage themed wedding! From the south, have your wedding in a peach orchard as illustrated in the peach shoot here. The theme possibilities are abundant!

Once you determine your special theme, be consistent. Carry out your theme in every aspect of your wedding. Pick your invitations, flowers, decorations and even food that match your theme.

For my wedding, I wanted a southern affair. My husband is from Indiana, so I wanted to treat the guests from his side to all things southern. I picked a southern plantation home for the reception, a caterer who specialized in southern food such as shrimp and grits and flowers that were grown locally. Guests from out of town were greeted with a welcome pack that included information on local, southern history and a salty and sweet treat of southern pecans.

Remember there are many things that can determine a theme for a wedding, and there are many wonderful blogs with lots of inspiration. If you ever get overwhelmed and need help, call me! Wedding planning and photography are both in my blood!!

Below is an inspiration board based on a color palette of coral, yellow and turquoise! One of my favorite color combinations! I think these colors would work great at a beach location! I call this theme Seaside Sun! Enjoy!!

Here is the list of credits…
1. weddingistas.com
2. keentobeseen.blogspot.com
3. weddingistas.com
4. Me and Matilda – Etsy Shop
5. Shopbop.com
6. Karenwise.com
7. Alysbeach.com
8. Jcrew.com
9. Google images
10. Darlingdexter.com
11. JennyYoo.com
12. Keentobeseen.blogspot.com
13. Southernliving.com

Thank you for stopping by!!