{"id":19010,"date":"2024-12-02T00:17:21","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T06:17:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/?p=19010"},"modified":"2024-12-02T08:38:06","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T14:38:06","slug":"types-of-weddings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/types-of-weddings","title":{"rendered":"7 Types of Weddings to Consider for Your Big Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Types<\/p>\n

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and lots of decisions. One of the first and most important choices you\u2019ll have to make is what type of wedding you envision for your <\/span>big day<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re drawn to a traditional ceremony, an intimate <\/span>small wedding<\/span>, a themed extravaganza, or an extended wedding weekend, the perfect one depends on your budget, personal preferences, and style.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll explore seven options and discuss how each <\/span>type of wedding<\/span> impacts the planning process. We\u2019ll also help you find matching invitations once. Ready to turn your vision into an unforgettable celebration of your love?<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

Different <\/b>Types of Weddings<\/b>: 7 Main Options<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Types<\/p>\n

The <\/span>types of weddings<\/span> are different from wedding themes \u2014 though we\u2019ll touch on those here as well. Rather than focusing on style or decor, the \u201c<\/span>type\u201d of wedding<\/span> refers more to the event’s structure. This includes elements like the ceremony, reception, traditions, and overall size, which can differ for each one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep reading to discover the seven main <\/span>types of weddings<\/span>. We\u2019ve also included curated invitation ideas to help you find a design that perfectly complements your celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. <\/b>Traditional Weddings<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Types

Design: Claudia Owen<\/p><\/div>\n

Matching Invitation: <\/span>Lace Letterpress Invitation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A<\/span> traditional wedding<\/a><\/strong> (also called a classic wedding) is ideal for couples who\u2019d like to incorporate religious and cultural elements into their special day. These <\/span>nuptials<\/span> are formal or <\/span>black-tie<\/span> affairs, and the bride typically wears a white <\/span>wedding dress<\/span>. <\/span>Bridesmaids<\/span> and <\/span>groomsmen<\/span> usually accompany the happy couple as part of the <\/span>wedding party<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>traditional wedding<\/span> follows the classic format of a <\/span>wedding ceremony<\/span>, <\/span>cocktail hour<\/span> (during which the <\/span>wedding party<\/span> takes professional photos), and a <\/span>wedding reception<\/span>. The ceremony may occur at a church or a formal location, while the reception usually involves a three-course <\/span>sit-down<\/span> dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional weddings<\/span> also often include rituals like toasts and speeches during or after dinner and a cake-cutting ceremony. There\u2019s usually a <\/span>first dance<\/span> featuring the newlyweds plus dances for the father of the bride and his daughter and the mother of and groom with her son.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For planning, traditional etiquette would suggest that the bride\u2019s family pay for the wedding. If you\u2019re following this tradition, the groom\u2019s family contributes by paying for the rehearsal dinner the night before and for any entertainment and legal fees (e.g., the <\/span>marriage license<\/span>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, it\u2019s your wedding \u2014 you can adhere to traditional etiquette or do things your way!<\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/b>Elopements<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Types

Design: See That There<\/p><\/div>\n

Matching Invitation: <\/span>Free-Spirited Watercolors Invitation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

For couples who want to say \u201c<\/span>I do<\/span>\u201d in private \u2014 or spontaneously \u2014 an <\/span>elopement<\/span> is the perfect way to keep things intimate. In an<\/span> elopement ceremony<\/a><\/strong>, the couple exchanges vows and ties <\/span>the knot<\/span> in front of an <\/span>officiant<\/span>, either at the <\/span>city hall<\/span> or a unique location. They can keep it simple or add a few <\/span>family members<\/span> and <\/span>closest friends<\/span> to the <\/span>big day<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elopements<\/span> are generally simple and affordable affairs. The couple takes center stage and can choose a special<\/span> elopement<\/strong> location<\/strong><\/span><\/a> like a national park, remote mountaintop, or deserted beach. The format is also simple, usually involving the ceremony and followed by a small meal like a <\/span>brunch<\/span> or lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Planning an <\/span>elopement<\/span> is quick and easy since you don\u2019t need to worry about <\/span>wedding planners<\/span> or <\/span>guest counts<\/span>. You\u2019ll need to plan ahead if your <\/span>elopement<\/span> involves jetting off to a private island or unique destination, though.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. <\/b>Small Weddings<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Types

Design: Raven Erebus<\/p><\/div>\n

Matching Invitation: <\/span>Summer Cotton Invitation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A<\/span> small wedding<\/strong><\/span><\/a> follows the traditions of a classic wedding but on a much smaller scale. Instead of inviting hundreds of guests, <\/span>small weddings<\/span> focus on asking only <\/span>close friends<\/span> and family to attend. Most <\/span>small weddings<\/span> usually have 20 to 50 guests, while the smaller<\/span> microwedding<\/strong><\/span><\/a> has less than 20.<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefit of these <\/span>intimate weddings<\/a><\/strong> is that you can spend time individually with each guest. You\u2019ll also have more <\/span>wedding venue<\/span> options since most places can host a group of 20 to 50 people. You can also splurge on things like flowers or your dream <\/span>wedding dress<\/span> since you won\u2019t have to allocate as much of your budget to costs like food and beverages.<\/span><\/p>\n

The biggest planning consideration for a <\/span>small wedding<\/span> is your <\/span>guest list<\/span> since you might need to whittle it down. Avoid hurting anyone\u2019s feelings by being clear about your intentions or including anyone who didn\u2019t make the list in a<\/span>\u00a0post-<\/strong>wedding reception<\/strong><\/span><\/a> party later.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Religious Weddings<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Simply

Design: Signature Greenvelope<\/p><\/div>\n

Matching Invitation: <\/span>Simply Stars Invitation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Religious weddings<\/a><\/strong> come in many forms to reflect different traditions, but they typically occur in a house of worship and adhere to strict guidelines. Depending on the religion, this may mean that it differs from the traditional wedding outlined at the beginning of this section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, there may be<\/span> specific rituals<\/strong><\/span><\/a> like draping the couple with a shawl while they say their vows, performing handfasting ceremonies, or rules for who walks them down the aisle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Religious weddings are easy to plan since they\u2019re guided by many rules. You can work with your church\u2019s <\/span>wedding planning<\/span> department or a secular professional <\/span>wedding planner<\/span>. Talk to the clergy to review rules and expectations for payments or donations before the <\/span>wedding day<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may also need to clearly understand the <\/span>dress code<\/a><\/strong> and who\u2019s allowed to attend \u2014 some churches only allow members of the congregation to be present during the ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. <\/b>Destination Weddings<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Yosemite

Design: National Park Foundation<\/p><\/div>\n

Matching Invitation: <\/span>Yosemite Invitation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Destination weddings<\/strong><\/span><\/a> open up tons of options for couples who want to tie the know in a unique locale. You might opt for an upscale vineyard in <\/span>California<\/span>\u2019s Napa Valley, a castle in the south of France, or an eco-lodge in Bali.<\/span><\/p>\n

If this sounds like your <\/span>dream wedding<\/span>, you\u2019ll need to do some extra planning. Working with a local <\/span>wedding planner<\/span> makes organizing easier since they\u2019re there in person and can help if you need someone who speaks the local language.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also want to consider how to handle your<\/span> destination wedding<\/strong> invites<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. They\u2019ll need to be sent further in advance so guests can buy flights, book hotels, and get visas.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might invite close family and friends to the <\/span>fairytale<\/span> wedding at your dream location. <\/span>Large weddings<\/span> abroad often cost more overseas, so many couples typically host a bigger reception with more guests back home.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Themed Weddings<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Boho

Design: Sarah Deters Illustration<\/p><\/div>\n

Matching Invitation: <\/span>Boho Disco Invitation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Who doesn\u2019t love a themed event? A themed wedding is a fun way to showcase your personalities and vibe as a couple. It also makes it easier to plan decorations and choose<\/span> wedding invitations<\/strong><\/span><\/a> since you\u2019ll be choosing everything to match your style and theme.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Themed weddings can range from <\/span>laid-back<\/span> and casual to over-the-top and whimsical. Some of the most popular<\/span> wedding themes<\/strong><\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n