How to Choose & Create a Wedding Aesthetic

Let’s get a little sentimental to start: Weddings tell a love story. But they also tell a visual story. Think back to the weddings that left an impression: the dark green suits that popped against a lush garden backdrop, the bridal party dressed in rich autumn tones, the whimsical signage that tied every element together.

Whether you keep it creative on a budget or go all in on statement-making moments, what matters is that every choice feels intentional and builds toward your guiding aesthetic. It’s the colors that define the day, the textures that set the scene, the supporting activities like an audio guestbook, and the wedding style that tie it all together. High quality, affordable suits and tuxedos from SuitShop—in colors from trendy to timeless—build the foundation for the look and feel of your wedding.

The style, motif, or concept you choose shapes your day. Here’s how to curate a wedding aesthetic, and bring it into every detail for maximum impact.

1. The Venue: Your Canvas for the Day

The first step in bringing your wedding aesthetic to life is selecting a venue that aligns with your style… or leaning on the venue you’ve chosen to lead the way. Your venue will set the tone and provide a backdrop for everything that follows. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of a grand ballroom, the rustic charm of a barn, or the intimate feel of a lush garden, the venue serves as the foundation for your overall theme.

For example:

• A vintage wedding might feel right at home in a historic building or a cozy, rustic barn, with delicate floral arrangements and antique-inspired decor.
  
• A modern or minimalist wedding could find its perfect fit in a sleek, contemporary venue like an industrial loft or art gallery.
  
• A romantic or moody wedding can be elevated by a dimly lit, dramatic space like a candlelit chapel or an elegant ballroom with rich dark tones.
  

Consider how your venue’s architecture, natural lighting, and surroundings can enhance the aesthetic you’re imagining. Once the venue is decided, the rest will start to fall into place.

2. Color Palette and Attire: The Threads that Tie It All Together

Bridesmaid, groomsman, and wedding party colors are the anchor of your wedding’s overall style. When the wedding party is styled intentionally, the group becomes a living, moving part of the aesthetic that guests see in every key moment.

How to pick bridesmaid colors

Bridesmaid dresses are often one of the first style decisions couples make, and for good reason: they establish your general color palette, influence floral and decor choices, and hint at the mood of the day. 

Some popular bridesmaid colors and theme pairings are:

• Muted tones: options like dusty rose, soft gold, sage green, and lavender pair beautifully with vintage or classic wedding themes.

• Neutrals: whites, blacks, grays, and beyond, with or without a pop of bold color like a jewel tone or metallic are perfect for a minimal or modern wedding aesthetic.

• Soft shades: blush pinks, ivory, subtle peach, and similar colors create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.

• Playful colors: bright or bold hues like mint green or purple add to an eclectic, whimsical theme for your wedding.

• Earth tones: terracotta, olive green, and deep burgundy give a natural feel, ideal for a rustic or outdoorsy wedding aesthetic.

The best way to suit the groomsmen

The groomsmen’s suits can match the bridesmaids and be chosen to complement and balance your color choices. SuitShop’s wedding suits in classic colors and unique shades alike let you choose styles that work for the season, venue, and mood of your wedding.

Popular picks include:

• Classic black tuxedos for a formal, cinematic wedding look.

• Burgundy suits for rich, fall wedding celebrations.

• Dark green for a soft, romantic garden feel.

• Tan or brilliant blue for breezy coastal wedding themes.

SuitShop makes coordinating your wedding party simple. And, at the same price as a rental, groomsmen get to keep their suits, without the borrow and return hassles. Everyone gets a perfect fit, with options for every body type in your group.

3. Decor: Carrying the Story Through

Once the venue and attire set the tone, the decor carries that story forward. Matching textures, colors, and details between your wedding party and your environment creates a seamless look that makes the day feel elevated and intentional.

• Lighting: Candlelight for intimacy, string lights for whimsy, uplighting for drama.

• Florals: Coordinate blooms with the tones in your wedding party’s attire.

• Tablescapes: Use materials like wood, glass, velvet, or linen to echo your theme.

Imagine the aspects of your day all interacting: a tan suit next to white florals and rattan chargers feels fresh and coastal. Burgundy suits paired with deep floral arrangements and gold accents feel rich and romantic. This layering of visual cues makes the whole celebration feel tied together. Each decor element should reinforce your theme.

4. Interactive Elements: Memorable Ways to Enhance the Vibe

The atmosphere you create with your aesthetic doesn’t just influence the decor—it can also shape the activities you set up for your guests and the experiences they take away. 

Little touches that engage your guests make the day even more memorable and add to your theme:

• A garden party wedding might feature lawn games like croquet or giant Jenga, while a vintage wedding could have a photo booth with antique props and old-fashioned cameras.
  
  
• Creative wedding themes could feature interactive food stations, like a DIY cupcake bar or a cocktail station where guests can create their own signature drinks.
  
  
• For a romantic wedding, it’s worth considering a string quartet during the dancing to build on your soft, love-forward atmosphere.

• With any theme or aesthetic, don’t forget the guestbook experience: After the Tone, an audio guestbook that replaces the traditional pen-and-paper version, slots into every vibe. 

To let your guestbook contribute to the feel and fun of your day, pick an After the Tone rotary phone color that aligns with your wedding palette, and set it up in a highly decorated area; it’ll be part of the styling, too. Stick to a spot near the bar or dessert table for maximum participation, and you’ll end up with a collection of voices, laughter, and well-wishes you can replay for years. It’s an interactive touch that guests enjoy in the moment and you’ll cherish long after.

These experiences, paired with your aesthetic, make the entire event feel cohesive and memorable for your guests.

The Power of Wedding Storytelling

At the heart of it, your wedding’s aesthetic is a tool to tell your story. The colors, textures, and design choices reflect who you are as a couple, and they create an immersive experience for everyone involved. By thoughtfully choosing your venue, color palette, attire, decor, and interactive elements, you’ll create a wedding that’s unforgettable.