Your Guide to Popular Wedding Styles

Discover the top five styles featured on Inside Weddings.

Although it’s not as tangible of a decision as setting a date or booking a venue, deciding on a wedding style or theme is one of the earliest choices a couple makes when planning their big day.

By Emily Lasnier

indoor-wedding-reception-with-vaulted-ceiling-and-opulent-decorations
Photo: Gruber Photographers

Although it’s not as tangible of a decision as setting a date or booking a venue, deciding on a wedding style or theme is one of the earliest choices a couple makes when planning their big day. Here at Inside Weddings, we categorize the real celebrations featured on our website in order to help brides and grooms looking for inspiration for their own nuptials.

Although there are currently 12 different filters to choose from, there are five styles that stand out among them in terms of popularity: classic, modern, opulent, rustic, and cultural. Modern and classic are by far the most loved by our couples featured on InsideWeddings.com, with modern weddings having double the amount of opulent celebrations (mostly featured in the pages of Inside Weddings) and there being more classic events than opulent, rustic, and cultural combined. 

For someone just getting started on this process, these terms might not be clear, which is why we have created a quick guide below. 

Cultural

cultural wedding style, hindu wedding, south asian wedding ceremony, indian wedding

As you may have guessed, cultural weddings are based on the traditions of the couple’s heritage. Naturally, they do not fit neatly into one box because there are so many different cultures with all sorts of different wedding customs in the world. South Asian nuptials are most commonly featured on Inside Weddings, but there have also been celebrations of Chinese, Korean, Scottish, Mexican, and Filipino love shared with our readers. Photo by Studio AvantGarda

Rustic

rustic wedding style, ranch wedding, barn wedding reception, rustic-chic
Rustic wedding style definitely has had a moment this decade. The Pinterest era has made barn receptions, burlap table runners, and mason jars used in every conceivable way all the rage. Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios

Opulent

opulent wedding at the plaza in new york

Glamorous, extravagant, and lavish are just a few words to describe opulent weddings. These are the celebrations that aren’t afraid to go big and bold. Usually an abundance of flowers and metallic details are strong features of these events. Photo by The Day

Modern

modern wedding style, acrylic, lucite, vibrant florals, new york wedding

Naturally, the definition of a modern wedding will change with the times, but currently we are seeing geometric patterns and minimalist décor. Lucite, greenery, and less-common color palettes are all details you might notice at a contemporary reception. Photo by Roey Yohai Studios

Classic

classic traditional wedding, white flowers, gold details, timeless wedding style

There’s a reason classic remains the most popular style, and that’s because timelessness never goes out of fashion. White florals abound at these nuptials, with the occasional gold or blush detail. Formal attire is usually worn, and don’t be surprised if the bride dons a ball gown! Photo by KingenSmith; Planning & Design by Hope Weis Consulting

For more ideas, see further inspiration for opulent, rustic, modern, and classic weddings, and view hundreds of real weddings here.

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