While endlessly scrolling through social one day (as we all do), I started coming across more and more videos (@lynea.daprix on TikTok) of how to turn movies or tv shows into wedding themes. And every time the video starts with something along the lines of “Spongebob wedding theme” and I think to myself “There is NO WAY she can curate wedding details related to Spongebob that won’t turn out cheesy and tacky”.
I’m here to tell you that I was so wrong. Every time. Because, ya’ll, no matter what the theme was, these details ended up looking ELEGANT and SOPHISTICATED and BEAUTIFUL. I knew I had to do a blog post on how they do this because it’s one of the most fun things I’ve seen in a while.
So, today’s blog is by Taylor Hana, and she’s on the team over at The Wedding Talk; the genius planning company who is responsible for these amazing videos. Taylor is going to walk us through the steps of how to incorporate these fun and nostalgic themes (read: TASTEFUL) into your big day:
Step 1: pick your theme
What is a movie, tv show, character, or even toy that you LOVE or that brings back memories of joy for you and your partner? For example, perhaps you both grew up reading all the Harry Potter books and it is something that you bonded over. Perhaps you LOVE Christmas and want to lean into your favorite Christmas movie Elf.
Step 2: Write down and brainstorm your favorite parts of the theme
What makes you think of that theme? For example if we are leaning towards an ELF themed wedding we may write down (knowing that you will not use them all but rather lean into a few of them when brainstorming). Here are a few examples:
Snowball fight
Spaghetti
Maple syrup
Hot Chocolate
Christmas Carols
Ice skating
Toy store and paper garlands
North pole
Snow
Santa
Step 3: Hard theme, Soft theme, or hybrid?
Next up you will want to decide if you are wanting to subtly nod to theme, or pull a few harder theme elements. A few examples below:
A hard theme could include more obvious Buddy the Elf decor and colors, such as these cupcakes with a buddy the elf hat, and a literal candy cane forest.
Photo inspo is from Sweetwood Creative Co.
A softer theme would include these elements in a more subtle way. For example you could lean into the winter wonderland theme (using the blues and silvers, and sneaking the narwhal from the movie). A note when it comes to wedding colors- Start by determining the key colors of the show/movie/ character/ theme. You do not have to use them all but jot them down. From there you can lean softer or harder into the theme (see the example below) using the colors: Yellow, Green, whites, blues and reds.
Although we love both versions (whatever the couple likes the most!), one challenge we see a lot of couples who WANT a soft theme but struggle to bring it to life is being TOO literal with the colors.
Step 4: venue and Outfits
Take into consideration your theme when selecting your venue and wedding outfits, however it is also important to note not everything has to be strictly “on theme” for it to work. For example, if theres a great community centre available for your date and on budget it is still a GREAT option for your wedding even if it is not directly related to your theme.
In addition, when trying on gowns or tuxes, feel free to expand beyond what you feel is “on theme” to also try on other styles to find what you are most comfortable in. For most couples, this might be the most expensive thing you ever wear so you need to love it on its own!
For our Elf theme we may select:
Venue: An outdoor park with a view of a quaint outdoor skating rink (for the ceremony ft. heaters and blankets) followed by an old train station for the reception.
Gown: An A-line silhouette with details at the neck line (similar to Jovies dress when working at the toy store):
Step 5: turn your favorite parts into details
Brainstorm various ideas that go along with your favorite parts (knowing you do not have to incorporate it all, sometimes less is more).
Example 1: Buddy the Elf loves to add maple syrup to everything. Consider using mini maple syrups as a favor! (Especially if you’re in an area that has maple trees, win/win).
Example 2: To lean into Buddy’s love of spaghetti, you could opt for a pasta bar, spaghetti as an appetizer OR spaghetti pancakes (pancakes shaped like spaghetti)
Example 3: Hot chocolate as a welcome drink during the ceremony or even spiked hot chocolate as your signature cocktail that could be called– WORLDS BEST hot chocolate (a nod to the “WORLDS BEST Coffee” sign that sucked Buddy in). Even more direct: have a coffee bar at the end of the night!
Example 4: Buddy LOVES Santa, therefore including Santa’s Naughty or Nice list as a guest book or escort wall, could help highlight that in a more subtle way:
Example 5: Engagement photos, grand exit, or first dance can include SNOW (or at least fake snow; there is biodegradable rice paper confetti that could be a great option).
It’s important to remember that just because you might have a vision of your wedding being “timeless” doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with a theme that’s meaningful to you both. Subtle nods go a long way and bringing in something quirky will make your big day that much more memorable. So whether you’re Potterheads, anime fans, or Disney lovers, let it shine! No matter how many years pass, the day will always be more special when you put your personal touch on it.
Director of The Wedding Talk, Lynea, has created literally HUNDREDS of videos on social to help with themes and planning advice so be sure to follow her @lynea.daprix on Instagram and TikTok and if you’re looking for planning or wedding photography, check out the website www.theweddingtalk.com.
Happy planning!
Taylor Hanna, Author
10 weddings and DIY-ing her own wedding later, Taylor has first-hand knowledge of executing a lavish event and has a knack for seamlessly bringing your vision to life. Taylor is based in Canada with her husband, dog, and (coming soon!) daughter.
