When planning their wedding, most couples ask themselves a series of questions regarding their vision for the venue, food, and overall theme. Some couples long for a luxury dream wedding blended with historic elegance. Others prefer something casual with a beach wedding vibe.
Fortunately, the Lightner Museum is a gorgeous historic building that lends itself well to any popular wedding theme or decorating style. (There’s a reason it’s one of St. Augustine’s top wedding venues!)
Your wedding day is about the two of you coming together: blending your individual styles into one day that represents both of you. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find the style that fits you best.
We’re breaking down five different wedding styles to help jumpstart your imagination.
1. Minimalist & Modern Wedding Style
Modern and minimalist weddings have become increasingly popular over the years. One of the best things about this style is that it can work in nearly any venue—even historic ones. In fact, modern touches and clean lines will make those gorgeous architectural details stand out even more.
When you select a modern and minimalist wedding style, that doesn’t mean the space has to feel cold and empty. Warm market lighting, a lush green backdrop behind the sweetheart table, and candlelight create a space that’s minimal yet cozy. Check out the example below from Emily and Cody’s wedding at the Lightner Museum.
Planner: Coastal Celebrations | Florist: Tula Rose | Photography: Bow Tie Photo | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations
One of our favorite elements to incorporate in a modern minimalist vibe is lounge seating. Wedding receptions tend to double as party and family reunion, so a comfy seating arrangement creates a perfect space for your guests to reconnect. Not to mention, your older guests will thank you for allowing them to be close to the dance floor, while still giving them the ability to sit and relax.
“Having a lounge section gives guests the option for comfortable seating. Not all guests like to dance, so it gives them the opportunity to have a view of the dance floor while sitting comfortably.” – Anna Holland, Event Designer & Office Manager, St. Johns Illuminations
2. Classic & Timeless Wedding Style
“When someone says classic, we think timeless,” says Brittany Jones, owner and Lead Coordinator at Uncorked Occasions. “In order to host a classic style wedding, we recommend elegant and sophisticated details over trendy ones. This includes details, from the venue to the wedding dress, to the invitations, to the flowers, and décor on wedding day, etc.”
While many couples love the idea of a classic wedding, it’s very easy to be swayed by the trends of the day. To avoid this, consult with your wedding planner and the team at your venue. They’ll be able to tell you which ideas will stand the test of time, while still taking your event to the next level.
Allison and Peter created a timeless look for their big day at the Lightner Museum through large, monochromatic floral arrangements, flatware, and romantic lighting. Such a classic ambiance is sure to look fabulous in wedding photos for years to come!
Planner: Uncorked Occasions | Florist: Jade Violet | Photography: Breathe J by Jessi Caparella | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations
Carlie and Jack also chose a classic white color palette with greenery. They incorporated traditional script font in their wedding ceremony aisle runner, invitations, wedding signage, and other print pieces.
3. Glamorous & Luxe Wedding Style
If there is any day that it’s okay to be a little “extra,” it’s your wedding day!
(After all, they don’t call it your “big day” for nothing!)
When you choose a glam wedding style, you can go all out with your décor, attire, food, and the experiences you provide for your wedding guests.
You can incorporate glamour and luxury into your wedding décor in many different ways. When it comes to floral arrangements, like your reception centerpieces or wedding ceremony backdrop, more is more.
Take your cue from Natalia and Blake, and consider adding elements that sparkle and shine, like crystal vases, mirrored tables, or metallic tableware. Luxurious textures like velvet and satin are lovely ways to add glamor and softness to your ceremony and reception.
Samantha and Pat’s glamorous Lightner Museum wedding featured a custom wrapped dance floor with the couple’s monogram, elaborate table setting, oversized floral arrangements, and gold accents.
Planner: Uncorked Occasions | Florist: Rachael Kasie Designs | Photography: Viktoriya Chuprov Photography | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations
Lighting and special effects can also be an exciting way to add excitement and glamour to your wedding. Colored uplights, cold sparks, and moving party lights make your event feel like a club straight out of Las Vegas or Miami! The Lightner Museum offers a “Party in the Pool Package” with fantastic special effects options.
Planner: Parkers Events | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations
4. Romantic & Elegant Wedding Style
If you’ve imagined your wedding to be like stepping onto the set of a Bridgerton-style romance, this wedding style might be for you! A romantic, elegant wedding style can be created by adding drama and whimsy to your floral, fashion, food, and more!
While elegant weddings tend to have more neutral color palettes, this doesn’t mean you have to shy away from vibrant colors. Adding bold color to your wedding is a way to add a personal touch to your event while maintaining a clean and elegant look.
Brittany Jones says, “Your wedding colors allow you to combine tradition with your personal touch, so it is important to incorporate them wisely within your design. We love to see wedding colors come together in the table design: linens, napkins, chargers, china, flatware, stationery, florals, and favors. We recommend going light on the linen color and majority of the flowers to achieve a classic look while incorporating the more colorful accents in the napkins and place setting.”
Kelsey and Chris exemplified this look perfectly in their reception table décor.
Planner: Plan It Events | Florist: Velvet & Twine | Photographer: Ashley Izquierdo
We love how Carlson & Paul utilized the entire space from floor to ceiling by hanging a stunning floral arrangement above their sweetheart table. The lush greenery and gold accents pull the room together.
Planner: Coastal Coordinating | Florist: Jade Violet | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations | Photography: Angelita Esperar Photography
5. Colorful & Fun Wedding Style
Nothing says “it’s a party” quite like fun, vibrant colors! After all, white weddings aren’t for everyone.
We firmly believe that your wedding should reflect you and your partner. From cultural customs to event décor, your event should be a reflection of you!
You can show your personality through the color scheme you choose. For Madison and Isaac, visions of pink filled the room. From pink tablecloths, bridesmaids’ dresses, napkins, and lighting, they were definitely thinking pink! The macramé wall hanging behind the sweetheart table added a beautiful bohemian wedding vibe that meshed perfectly with the color palette.
Planner: Coastal Celebrations | Florist: Tula Rose | Photographer: Katie McLeod Photography
This colorful approach can be used with a range of different shades and tones. Romantic and moody jewel tones are a classic combination. Or take the phrase “Something Blue” to heart and use various shades of blue.
Planner: Coastal Celebrations | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations | Photography: Bow Tie Photo
Celebrate your vibrant cultural backgrounds by inviting colorfully dressed performers to your reception! Yenny and Benjamin had an hora loca, or “crazy hour,” with stilt walkers, dancers, and drummers. Colorful lighting added to the party atmosphere.
Planner: Parkers Events | Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations | Photographer: Megan Gaines Photography | Hora Loca Dancers: Eklectic Entertainment Orlando
It’s important to have fun with wedding planning, so be sure to ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator how you can incorporate color throughout your wedding or event.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing your wedding style, the goal is to have a cohesive wedding reception that reflects the two of you, and works with your wedding venue.
Whether you’re having a luxe dinner party or a black-tie gala-style reception, décor can be selected to cater to either. Our Florida wedding venue is known for its historic architecture and design. Because of our location and historic architecture, we can cater to any wedding style!
Contact our team today to begin planning your Florida wedding and see how you can elevate your wedding from average to extraordinary.
