50 Wedding Ideas That'll Never Go Out of Style
Trends may be fun to play with, but a timeless wedding ensures you won't look back at your photos and question what you were thinking. Of course, you're no trend forecaster — it can be tough to determine what will still look good twenty years from now. Keep it subtle, and the details will speak volumes in their simplicity — soft or neutral palettes, greenery and florals, elegant calligraphy, romantic lighting. From your bridal day to reception décor to your grand exit, we've gathered the best ideas that will make your wedding stand the test of time.
By: Hillary Hoffower
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Simple Invites -171461
Clean and crisp white invitations set the tone for your wedding, with simple laser cut details and a focus on typography.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Fabric Chair Backs
Draped linens weaved in and out of chair backs instantly dress up ceremony seating for an elegant look.
Photo Credit: Sonya Khegay
Initial Accents
Personalize your wedding with your and your partner's first initials. They look sharp stamped on a minimalist wedding program.
Photo Credit: Studio Atticus
Church Ceremony
Nothing says traditional wedding like tying the knot in a house of worship. With interiors like these, there’s not much need for decoration.
Photo Credit: Jen Huang
Romantic Altar
Florals or gauzy fabric (or both!) are the key to an arch that evokes timeless romance.
Photo Credit: Hannah Gaul Photography
Floral Aisle Markers
A subtle festoon of a white rose and greenery make for gorgeous aisle markers that are anything but overbearing.
Photo Credit: Ben Yew
White Ceremony Chairs
Stark white chairs never fail to stand out in their simplicity, especially when contrasting against the vivid nature of an outdoor ceremony.
Photo Credit: Christine Doneé
Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
The mix-and-match trend may be hot right now, but who's to say that will still hold true 10 years from now? Matching gowns in a neutral tone guarantee your bridal party look will stand the test of time.
Photo Credit: Carretto Photo
Muted Bouquet
A soft bouquet of pink and white roses screams classic romance.
Photo Credit: Summer Lily Studio
Chignon Hairstyle
Channel your inner Grace Kelly with a low chignon. This polished look is the one hairstyle that has survived years of style changes.
Photo Credit: Julia Kaptelova
Long Veil
There isn't as traditional of a bridal accessory as a long, sweeping veil. There's a reason it's been worn by brides for centuries — it's beautiful and breathtaking.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
White Dress
To make the traditional white dress really timeless, opt for simplicity, which exudes an elegant classicism. A strapless neckline and A-line silhouette transcend decades.
Photo Credit: Julia Kaptelova
Light Linens
Whether it's a stream of gauzy chiffon or a delicately simple cotton runner like this blush pink one, light linens offer an airy feel that don’t overwhelm tables. Pair it with bare wood for a natural effect.
Photo Credit: Koman Photography
A Neutral Palette
Soft combinations of white, ivory, and silver always stand the test of a time — such neutral, muted tones are versatile and elegant.
Photo Credit: Blaine Siesser
A Book Guest Book
There's plenty you can do to record your guests' well wishes, but there's nothing quite as tangible as an actual book, complete with imprinted cover and feather quill, to treasure for years to come.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Seating Chart
Romance ties together this modern and classic seating chart, with an inventive take on a parchment scroll of gorgeous hanging calligraphy. It beautifully provides an easy, no-fuss way for guests to find their seats.
Photo Credit: Stefanie Kapra Photography
Floral Wrapped Staircase
Bountiful blooms trailing the banner of a winding staircase bring fresh, classic vibes, especially when they're a fresh white.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Curtains
Whether framing a chuppah or the entrance to a ceremony or reception, cascading gossamer linens create a dramatically ethereal effect every time. Framed by gilded mirrors, this entry is all glamour.
Photo Credit: Vue Photography Online
Tented Receptions
Reception tents create a magical effect, almost transporting your wedding into another world. And just look at that decadent ceiling with gorgeous drapery and glowing sunlight!
Photo Credit: Onelove Photography / Wedding Designer: Kat Keane
Cinched Cocktail Tables
Cocktail tables go from 'nice' to 'wow' when a simple ribbon wraps a bow around the tablecloth.
Photo Credit: Studio Atticus
Lounge Area
Guests will always appreciate extra touches for them, like comfy seating during cocktail hour. An elegant lounge in a neutral palette looks classy and timeless.
Photo Credit: Jacob and Pauline
Welcome Sign
Chalkboard signs may come and go, and wooden signs may fall on the rustic side, but an ornate mirror has a fairytale-esque quality that we can't deny.
Photo Credit: Julia Park
Petal Toss
Forget confetti — celebrating the newlyweds with a showering of flower petals makes for a sweetly romantic picture.
Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan
Tall Floral Arrangements
Give floral arrangements some height for an elegant finish. Cylindrical vases or sleek hexagonal urns put a modern spin on a timeless look.
Photo Credit: Michael and Anna Costa
Overhangs
Ceilings can always use their own centerpiece — a suspended overhang booming with greenery or florals will do the trick. Pair it with a muted palette to stand out.
Photo Credit: Shannen Natasha Weddings
String Lighting
Big bistro lights or twinkling fairy lights, string lighting knows how to set an ambiance — just look at the enchanting effect they bring to this draped ceiling.
Photo Credit: SMS Photography
Greenery
Mother Nature is always in style. Nothing looks as fresh and crisp as greenery details, from centerpieces to stunning garland adornments.
Photo Credit: A Bryan Photo
Long Reception Tables
Slender and beautiful, long reception tables are a favorite for their family style seating. They're perfect for everything from the bridal party to intimate weddings and bringing guests together.
Photo Credit: When He Found Her
Intricate Flatware
It's the tiniest details that make a difference. Flatware with a delicate design brings romantic charm.
Photo Credit: Rhythm Photography
Place Cards
Paper place cards in sky blue pop against beige shades for a timeless springtime feel.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Table Numbers
Elegant calligraphy numbers scrawled against a blank canvas let table numbers speak for themselves.
Photo Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
Runners
A long garland of eucalyptus leaves interspersed with classic pink blooms brings a bit of garden magic as a table runner. Gilded chairs polish off the look.
Photo Credit: Katie Shuler Photography
Floral Centerpieces
While creative centerpieces bring some whimsical flair, a traditional vase of roses and hydrangeas always does the trick.
Photo Credit: Monique Hessler Weddings
Linen Menus
Why waste paper when your linens can serve double duty? This idea is as eco-friendly as it is beautiful, showcasing stunning calligraphy.
Photo Credit: Art De Vie Photography
Gilded Accents
From sweet and modern napkin rings to crystal goblets, gilded accents bring a glamorous touch, no matter the decade.
Photo Credit: Kaysha Weiner
Elegant Table Settings
The trick to a timeless table setting? Lace, satin, and a simple napkin fold that lets the sheen of the fabric do the talking.
Photo Credit: Lynette Boyle Photography
Getaway Car
There's no other way to whisk off into the night than a white getaway car with "Just Married" plastered across the back. Tradition says a vintage car is the only way to go — there’s a reason why they're still a favorite choice among brides and grooms!
Photo Credit: Jodi & Kurt Photography
Sparkler Exit
Shimmering sparklers never fail to create a magical effect and the stunning photos that come with them.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Arthurs Photography
Champagne Tower
A classic favorite, a champagne tower makes cocktail hour that much more fun — not to mention the fantastic photo ops it provides!
Photo Credit: Michael and Anna Costa
Personalized Cake Toppers
Out of style: miniature plastic bride and groom toppers. Always in style: a customized topper with your and your partner's initials or new last name.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Nord
White Wedding Cake
Cake trends come and go, but traditional white always takes the cake. Add a modern touch with a flower fondant design.
Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan
Sleek Bar
Keep the decorations minimal on the bar for a sleek finish. We love the clean, crisp lines of these quilted panels. Side note — an open bar is always in style, at least according to your guests.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Champagne Favors
Your guests will actually use these favors — everyone loves some good bubbly. Besides, resourcefulness is always in style — double up your favors as escort cards like these rosé minis that look classy and sweet.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Frames
You can't go wrong with a simple, gilded frame to showcase a printed menu or table number with an air of elegance.
Photo Credit: Lauren Kinsey
Sweetheart Chairs
Mark your sweetheart chairs in an understated manner with elegant script, a swag of eucalyptus, and darling white ribbon.
Photo Credit: EE Photography
Candles
Whether they're lining stairs and ceremony aisles or adorning tables and displays, candles are a classic way to emit a soft, romantic glow.
Photo Credit: Damaris Mia
