If you ever wanted to have the spectacle of a classic European wedding, let us show you some of the best ideas to make your special day extra special and full of Old World glamour. Step inside and be inspired by the majestic look and feel that will both mesmerize and transport you. Make your wedding the ultimate homage to European style and beauty.
1. Embrace Elegance with a Continental Theme
1. Furnishings and Décor
- Tap into a time-honored look with classic furnishings like ornate side tables and chaise lounges.
- Bring a sense of sophistication with subtle touches of gold, silver, and Corinthian leather.
- Gild the lily with draping fabrics and lush drapery across your hall.
- Complete your old-world look with timeless oil paintings or vintage prints.
2. Lighting and Atmosphere
- Illuminate the night with flickering candles and string lights throughout your venue.
- Create an air of elegance with dramatic candelabras and chandeliers.
- Enhance your surroundings with floral centerpieces and fairy tales.
- Heighten the atmosphere with European-inspired musical entertainment.
2. Capture the Charm of Old-Fashioned Celebrations
It’s undeniable that weddings have a unique power to bring loved ones from near and far together to share in a magical day of love, happiness, and celebration. Drawing inspiration from the classic weddings of old-fashioned Europe will guarantee an unforgettable and regal experience for you and your guests. Here are some enchanting ideas to put a modern twist on traditional European wedding celebrations:
- Venue: Choose a classic architectural wonder that stands out like a picturesque fairytale. An old castle, manor or villa surrounded by lush gardens add a timeless charm to the event.
- Decor: Accentuate classic grandeur with rustic touches like lit chandeliers, stringed lights, enchanting mason jar candles, and fairy-lighted trees.
- Style: For the bride and groom, elaborate ball gowns and morning suits with waistcoats exude beauty and sophistication.
- Food: Serve up traditional European dishes such as filet mignon with mushroom sauce, Work some delicious desserts like tart tatins and rich trifle in too.
- Entertainment: String quartets and mariachi bands create the perfect atmosphere and bring out the best of the culture in an unforgettable performance.
Tie it all together with romantic touches like wishing lanterns, vintage wooden signs, lavender bouquets, and soft flowing curtains. Old world glamour and captivating elegance await at an enchanting European wedding – make it your special day!
3. Localizing Your Special Day with Inviting Bouquets, Embellishments and Cuisine
Nothing adds a stylish touch to your special day like old world European glamour. Whether you choose traditional touches like gorgeous French lace or timeless Spanish flamenco dresses, add a romantic touch to a modern wedding with European influences. Here are just a few ideas:
- Inviting Bouquets: Gather the bridesmaids together to create elegant bouquets of flowers inspired by European gardens. Think lush greens and creamy whites set off with vibrant reds. Bring in classic elements like roses and lilies, or choose the wildness of a meadow full of wildflowers for a colorful addition.
- Embellishments: Give the bridal look a touch of Europe with lace and intricate ribbon details that add the perfect vintage touches. Complement the wedding venue with ornate urns, chunky candles and wrought iron works for a timeless atmosphere.
- Cuisine: Top off the night by surprising your guests with regional delicacies from all over Europe. Fresh seafood from Sicily, succulent meat dishes from Switzerland or classic Spanish tapas. Create a memorable experience with a little bit of a European flavor for your very special day.
Nothing says old world glamour like European wedding ideas. Make sure to get creative and add unique touches to your day to really set the tone for classic elegance.
4. Enhance Your Pre & Post Wedding Events
This European spin on wedding events can conjure up old-world glamour. Get inspired by these ideas to plan beautiful pre & post wedding events that bring a unique flair to your special day.
- Outdoor Garden Party – Delight in the beauty of a European garden by planning a festive outdoor garden party before your nuptials. Include decorations like colorful vintage rugs, unique lanterns, overgrown foliage, and picnic blankets.
- Wine Tasting Event – What better way to get the festivities started than with a wine tasting event? Explore the different regional wines of the European area and celebrate the occasion with friends and family.
- Gourmet Food Pairings – For the after-wedding celebration, have gourmet food pairings to showcase local delicacies. Include charcuterie boards, savory pies, and an assortment of European desserts.
- Vintage Car Parade – Roll out the red carpet with a vintage car parade showcasing the best of Old World luxury. Have a vintage coach lead the way for the wedding couple, and let guests follow in their own classic cars.
Adding a bit of European style to your wedding events can add that extra touch of luxury. Cap off the pre & post wedding events with elegance and glamour, sure to impress every guest in attendance.
5. Enchanting Venues for Memorable Moments
1) Tuscany, Italy. If you are looking for a romantic venue for your wedding, what better than the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany? Take your ceremony outdoors amidst the beauty of nature, or say your vows in a 16th century villa adorned with frescoed ceilings and Renaissance-style gardens.
2) Andalucia, Spain. Located in the south of Spain, Andalusia is renowned for its majestic culture, vibrant cities and beautiful countryside. Exchange vows in a romantic courtyard or chapel, and celebrate with a lively flamenco show. Take a romantic horseback ride along the shoreline for a grand entrance into your reception.
3) Vienna, Austria. With its elegant palaces, enchanting gardens and grand opera houses, nowhere else quite captures the spirit of old-world glamour like Vienna. Unforgettable wedding options range from a ballroom fit for royalty to a stretch of beautiful vineyards and woodland paths.
4) Santorini, Greece. Get married surrounded by boundless ocean views between volcanic cliffs and azure waters of the Mediterranean. Create an unforgettable experience in a charming Greek church perched atop the cliff sides and end the evening with a dreamy beach reception set under the stars.
5) Venice, Italy. Experience a true Venetian-style wedding in one of the world’s golden cities. Ride a gondola to a beautiful waterfront under the shadow of the ornate Ducal Palace, and take a romantic stroll along the canal-lined streets for unforgettable memories.
6. Luxurious Touches That Create a Splendid Atmosphere
Inviting wedding guests to a unique and beautiful European themed wedding is easy when you add these luxurious must-haves.
- Crystal Chandeliers – From rustic French villas to lavish Venetian palaces, adding crystal chandeliers evokes classic elegance.
- Soft Lighting – Use tea lights, votive candles, and lanterns to softly light your venue and add a romantic touch.
- Floral Arrangements – Fresh-cut blooms match any décor style and add a lovely scent, while providing the perfect backdrop for photos.
Wrap your wedding favors in gold or silver paper, or enchant your guests with fragrant candles made with essential oils. A tasteful accent of Renaissance dress can be a delightful surprise for evening guests. Embellish with delicate fabrics such as tiered lace or organza, as well as with talismanic details like Celtic or Viking jewelry.
- A Harpist or Troubadour – Not only are these classically trained musicians a dreamy element, but they also add beautiful music to any European-themed wedding.
- Gift Baskets - These can be filled with local treats and trinkets that represent your area’s culture for a truly unique experience.
7. Crafting the Perfect Wedding Experience
For that special occasion, you want your wedding to stand out from all the rest. Give your guests a truly magical experience with some old-world European glamour. Here are a few simple but elegant ideas to make your day special:
- Create a chic and cozy atmosphere with string lights of soft, warm colors;
- Accentuate tables with lace tablecloths for an antique, romantic vibe;
- Garnish the venue with pretty porcelain bird figurines from favorite European countries such as England, France, and Italy;
- Hang lavish chandeliers to light up the hall with an old-world sophistication;
- Set the tables with white porcelain china dishes and silver cutlery;
- Hire a string quartet to play smooth classical music for guests to enjoy.
Through these simple touches, your wedding is sure to evoke unforgettable memories of old-world European glamour. Let their elegance and sophistication add a touch of class to your special day.
8. Creating a Lasting Impression on Your Guests
Candles and Linens
- Opt for luxurious candle light to create an atmosphere that adds to your elegant authenticity and charm. It adds a pleasing touch with a selection of cut glass, taper candles, vintage style bubbled glass and white linen.
- Decorate the room with colorful fabric swags, unique-looking chair back slips, or add a touch of medieval flair with detailed tapestry hung around archways.
Venue and Food
- Look for a venue with an old world aesthetic to set a dramatic scene for guests. Gleaming chandeliers, grand fireplaces or a grand banquet hall that exudes elegance.
- Serve foods that have a European flair. Opt for lighter fare such as appetizers that will keep it light and simple but luxurious. Consider local dishes such as French onion soup or Italian pasta.
- Add a little bit of theater with servers in traditional European dress circulating passed appetizers on platters.
Music, Décor, & Accoutrements
- Create a unique ambiance with music that will take guests back in time with folk music and classical pieces. Or opt for a live band if your budget permits that can play old songs with a modern-day twist.
- Use classic decor and fine tableware to complete the setting. Add courtly swirls and flourishes of lace and moss green garlands of ivy woven with vintage cloth swags. Little touches like burnished gold and filigree merriment will complete the look.
- Provide guests with hand fans, or firefly jars to take home as a keepsake.
9. Making Magical Memories That Will Stand the Test of Time
As you journey towards planning your dream European wedding, remember that the key to special moments and lasting memories are found in the details. A European wedding is full of traditional charm, old-world glamour, and a certain romantic nostalgia. Here are some approaches to take to make your wedding a timeless and timeless affair:
- Choose Venues with Historic Significance: Consider historic places for your ceremony or reception, such as ancient castles, grandiose cathedrals, and beautiful villas.
- Décor: Bring old-world glamour to your wedding with intricate décor, like crystal candelabras, chandeliers, and velvet accents.
- Fashion: Let the bride and groom join the era of chivalry and romance with sweeping lace gowns, wool suits, tuxedos, and fabric ascots.
- Food: Europe is full of delectable cuisine, from seafood paella in Spain to savory crepes in France. Give your guests a taste of Europe with your menu!
- Entertainment: Offer guests a memorable experience with live music such as traditional flamenco or opera. Consider traditional entertainments too such as a grand illusionist and unique performers.
When you’re ready to begin planning your European wedding, keep old-world glamour in mind. By investing in details that capture the essence of the continent, you’ll be making memories that will last a lifetime.
When it comes to planning a wedding, Europe has so many stunning and romantic possibilities. Whether you’re opting for a whimsical woodland ceremony or a black-tie affair in a grand ballroom, you’ll be sure to find something that captures the essence of old-world glamour. Now that you’ve been inspired by these European wedding ideas, it’s time to start dreaming, planning, and crafting your big day.
