What Is A Classic Style Wedding?

A wedding is a celebration of love, and for many, a classic wedding style embodies the perfect blend of timeless elegance and sophistication. For couples seeking a celebration that will remain beautiful and meaningful through the years, a classic wedding provides a sense of enduring charm, free from fleeting trends. This guide explores what defines a classic wedding and how couples can embrace its timeless elegance, from attire to venues to floral arrangements.

The Enduring Philosophy of a Classic Wedding

A classic wedding doesn’t just reflect the latest trends; it’s a celebration of tradition and elegance that’s designed to last. At its core, it is about simplicity and refinement. Think of it as a style that will have you looking back fondly, many years from now, still in love with the decisions you made for your big day. This wedding style is one that embraces the adage “less is more”, choosing high-quality, understated details that will stand the test of time.

Personal Experience: I recall attending a close friend’s classic wedding a few years ago. It wasn’t overly extravagant, yet the grace and beauty of the day were undeniable. She wore an elegant, simple gown, and the entire celebration—complete with a beautiful church, subtle floral arrangements, and classic music—captured the essence of her and her partner’s timeless love.

Key Elements That Define a Classic Wedding

Now that we’ve established the philosophy behind the style, let’s break down the core elements that define a classic wedding.

Colour Palettes: Subtlety is Key

The cornerstone of a classic wedding aesthetic is the colour palette. Soft, neutral tones—think white, ivory, and cream—are the foundation, creating a sophisticated and clean look. These tones can be paired with subtle accent colours like blush, champagne, or soft pastels to add a layer of depth.

A personal story: At my own wedding, I chose ivory and blush as the main colour scheme. The light blush flowers paired beautifully with the neutral tones in the venue. It created a serene, elegant atmosphere that felt both luxurious and timeless.

Here are some examples of classic colour combinations:

Venues: Where Elegance Meets History

The beauty of a classic wedding is that it can take place in almost any venue, provided it has a certain sense of history or grandeur. Some of the most common venues for classic weddings are grand ballrooms, historic estates, and churches, but outdoor venues like gardens or clear-top tents can also be stunning choices for a classic celebration.

For example, Evergreen Venue in North Alabama is renowned for its beauty and versatility. It has a traditional chapel and enchanting outdoor spaces like woodlands and patios, which are perfect for creating a timeless setting.

Attire – The Heart of Classic Wedding Elegance

The bride and groom’s attire plays a central role in defining the elegance of the wedding. It should be timeless, reflecting both personal style and the sophistication of the day.

For the Bride: Simplicity and Grace

The classic bride’s gown is often white or ivory, a symbol of purity and timeless elegance. Popular styles include A-line, ball gown, and sheath silhouettes, all chosen for their flattering shapes and sophisticated designs. Fabrics like satin, lace, and tulle remain classic choices, while subtle detailing like beading or pearls adds a touch of luxury without overwhelming the gown.

For the Groom: Classic and Refined

A classic groom’s look often includes a black tuxedo or navy suit, which exudes sophistication and complements the bride’s gown. The key to a timeless groom’s style lies in attention to detail: a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, polished shoes, and minimal accessories like cufflinks.

For Bridesmaids: Cohesion and Elegance

Bridesmaids’ dresses should harmonise with the bride’s gown while maintaining elegance. Soft tones such as blush, champagne, or navy are perfect for achieving a cohesive, refined look. Fabrics like chiffon or satin are frequently chosen, and A-line or sheath silhouettes ensure the bridal party looks polished and coordinated.

Classic Wedding Accessories

Accessories play a subtle but significant role in completing the classic wedding look.

Bridal Accessories

The bridal accessories should enhance the gown without overshadowing it. A long veil or a fingertip-length option adds romance and sophistication. Pearl or diamond jewellery, such as simple stud earrings or a delicate necklace, adds a timeless touch, while a vintage-inspired hairpiece or sparkling tiara can elevate the overall look.

Stationery: Setting the Tone

From the very beginning, your wedding journey is captured in your stationery. Classic wedding invitations are often white or ivory with dark ink, accented with calligraphy or wax seals. Maintaining consistency in your stationery—save-the-dates, invitations, ceremony programs, and thank-you notes—is vital to ensuring a cohesive aesthetic for the day.

Florals & Greenery – A Touch of Nature

Flowers are a quintessential part of any wedding, and for a classic style, they should be lush, elegant, and timeless. Popular choices include roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and orchids, all of which evoke sophistication and romance.

For a truly classic look, consider using a white and green floral colour scheme. This can be achieved with lush floral centrepieces, cascading bouquets, and floral garlands that decorate the venue.

Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses

The wedding menu is another important aspect that should reflect sophistication and taste. A formal sit-down dinner is the hallmark of a classic wedding, with courses like gourmet appetisers, exquisite entrees (filet mignon, roasted chicken, etc.), and an elegant wedding cake that serves as the sweet finale.

Champagne towers and crystal glasses filled with bubbles add a touch of luxury, while tiered wedding cakes decorated with delicate icing designs complete the scene.

Capturing Memories: Photography and Videography

Wedding photography is crucial for preserving the timeless nature of your celebration. Black-and-white photography has long been a classic choice, offering an elegant and nostalgic touch to your photos. A skilled photographer will know how to capture candid moments and posed shots in a way that feels both timeless and personal.

Sentimental Traditions

One of the key elements of a classic wedding is the traditions that make the event feel deeply meaningful. These time-honoured practices include the exchange of vows and rings, the first dance, and the cutting of the cake. The tradition of a first dance can range from a slow, romantic waltz to a fun, choreographed routine that surprises your guests.

Fun Fact: The first wedding dance is often considered one of the most memorable moments of the day, with couples sometimes incorporating family traditions or cultural dances into the ceremony. A slow waltz to At Last by Etta James is a classic choice, but you can opt for a song that holds special significance for you as a couple.

Wedding Favours: Thoughtful Keepsakes

A classic wedding wouldn’t be complete without a thoughtful favour for your guests. While traditional options like Jordan almonds, custom-wrapped chocolates, or small candles are always appreciated, some couples choose to make charitable donations in lieu of favours, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the day.

Other Décor Elements That Add a Touch of Elegance

Beyond the main categories, small décor elements like candlelight, luxurious table settings, and gold accents can elevate the elegance of your wedding. Custom napkins with the couple’s monogram, textured placemats, and decorative ribbons all add to the grandeur of the day.

Personal Example: For my cousin’s wedding, they incorporated elegant gold-rimmed china and delicate crystal chandeliers. The effect was simply stunning, transforming the venue into something out of a fairytale.

Planning and Budget Considerations for a Classic Wedding

Planning a classic wedding requires careful budgeting. The venue is often the largest portion of the wedding budget, usually accounting for around 45%. After that, floral arrangements, wedding dresses, and musical entertainment will likely be the next most significant expenses. The overall cost can vary widely, but expect a classic wedding to come with a higher price tag due to the attention to detail and the quality of vendors required.

Personalising Your Timeless Celebration

While a classic wedding embraces tradition, it also offers room for personal touches. Couples can inject contemporary flair by including unique elements like a dessert bar, or infusing bold colours into their décor. Personalised wedding favours, interactive cocktail stations, and modern twists on classic traditions make the celebration feel uniquely yours.

A classic wedding is about creating a day that reflects your enduring love in a way that will still resonate years down the line. By embracing timeless elements like understated décor, sophisticated attire, and traditional practices, you can create a wedding that feels both personal and universally beautiful. Whether you’re choosing soft colours, vintage-inspired details, or keeping your guest list intimate, every aspect of your classic wedding should be a reflection of the lasting love you share.