When it comes to wedding planning, selecting a style or theme can set the tone for your entire day. A classic style wedding is one of the most timeless and elegant options you can choose.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on classic wedding styles to help you plan a wedding that is elegant down to the last detail.
Let’s get straight to the point
A classic style wedding is centred around timeless elegance, tradition, and sophistication, creating a regal and polished atmosphere.
Key features include neutral colour palettes, traditional attire (like tuxedos and flowing wedding gowns), formal venues such as ballrooms, and timeless floral arrangements.
Classic weddings are easy to personalise with refined décor, monogrammed details, and traditional elements like flower girls, ring bearers, and a champagne toast.
This style is popular in Australia and can be adapted for any season, ensuring a wedding that is both memorable and elegant for years to come.
What Defines A Classic Style Wedding?
A classic style wedding is grounded in timeless elegance, focusing on tradition, sophistication, and refinement.
Forget fleeting trends and modern innovations; a classic wedding is all about creating an atmosphere that feels regal, polished, and timeless.
If you’re searching for a way to make your day memorable for generations, a classic wedding is an ideal choice.
Key Features of a Classic Wedding
Some common elements include:
- Neutral colour palettes like white, cream, and blush tones.
- Traditional attire for the bride and groom.
- A formal setting, often a ballroom or country club.
- Timeless floral arrangements and sophisticated décor.
Why Choose A Classic Style Wedding?
Choosing a wedding style is one of the best ways to make your wedding day unique and personal.
Classic weddings provide an ideal balance between elegance and tradition, creating a refined atmosphere that guests will remember fondly.
Whether or not you’ve been planning your wedding for years, our comprehensive guide on classic wedding styles can help you make choices that align with your vision.
Timeless Appeal
One of the biggest advantages of a classic wedding is its timeless appeal. The beauty of this style is that it won’t look dated in 20 or 50 years. Future generations will look back at your photos and admire your taste.
Easy to Personalise
While classic weddings follow a traditional blueprint, they can still be personalised to reflect your unique tastes.
Whether you want to include family traditions or opt for customised details like monogrammed napkins, there are plenty of ways to make your wedding your own.
How To Plan A Classic Wedding
When planning a classic style wedding, attention to detail is key. Every element—from the venue to the flowers—should exude elegance and refinement.
Elegant Colour Scheme
Choosing the right colour scheme is essential in setting the mood for your wedding. Instead of bold or trendy colours, opt for more subdued tones such as:
- White
- Ivory
- Cream
- Blush: These soft, neutral hues will create a cohesive and timeless look. Save the bright, bold colours for pre-wedding events like the bachelor or bridal shower.
Traditional Attire
One of the hallmarks of a classic wedding is traditional attire. For brides, this often means a timeless wedding gown—think flowing fabrics, lace detailing, and a long veil. Grooms, on the other hand, typically wear tuxedos or well-tailored suits.
The Bride’s Dress
When choosing your dress, opt for something timeless. Classic wedding dresses are often simple but elegant, with a focus on clean lines and delicate details like lace or beading.
The Groom’s Attire
The groom should aim for a black-tie look. A sleek, black tuxedo or a navy suit are both excellent choices. For a more relaxed take, consider charcoal grey or deep navy.
Classic Wedding Decorations
Your wedding décor should mirror the elegant and sophisticated tone of a classic wedding. Focus on refined, tasteful elements rather than trendy or avant-garde decorations.
Timeless Florals
Flowers are an essential part of any wedding, and for a classic style, you’ll want to stick to traditional blooms such as:
- Roses
- Peonies
- Hydrangeas
These flowers are perfect for creating symmetrical and well-ordered centrepieces that reflect the grace and elegance of your wedding.
Stationery & Invitations
Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your event. A classic wedding invitation should be simple and elegant.
Opt for beautiful calligraphy on white or ivory paper for a refined look. For an extra touch of sophistication, consider using letterpress or foil stamping.
Venue Considerations
A classic wedding is best suited to a formal venue. Ballrooms, grand hotels, and country clubs are perfect for this style, offering the kind of opulence and formality that a classic wedding demands.
Avoid venues that are too rustic or casual, as they can detract from the elegant tone you’re trying to create.
Traditional Wedding Ceremonies
The ceremony for a classic wedding typically follows a traditional format. Whether in a church, a garden, or a ballroom, the setting should exude formality and grace.
Many couples choose to include traditional readings and exchange of vows, and they often follow a more structured timeline, which is one of the defining characteristics of a classic wedding.
Flower Girls & Ring Bearers
Don’t forget about those adorable attendants! Flower girls and ring bearers are a staple of classic weddings, adding a touch of tradition and sweetness to your ceremony.
These roles are often filled by younger family members and can make for charming photo opportunities.
Reception Décor for a Classic Wedding
The reception is where your guests will truly get to experience the elegance of your classic wedding. It’s important to keep the décor formal and consistent with the style of your ceremony.
Stunning Centrepieces
Keep the centrepieces simple but elegant. Choose traditional floral arrangements that reflect symmetry and order.
Stick to monochromatic colour palettes for a sophisticated look. A common choice is to use matching florals and table linens to keep the overall design cohesive.
Classic Cake Designs
While modern cakes come in a variety of unique flavours and designs, a classic wedding cake is usually white and elegantly adorned.
You can personalise it with delicate piping or floral accents, but keep it understated to maintain the classic feel.
Consider adding traditional elements such as a cake-cutting ceremony to honour time-honoured wedding customs.
Formal Traditions That Stand The Test of Time
The beauty of a classic wedding lies in its ability to incorporate long-standing traditions, from the first dance to the champagne toast.
These time-honoured rituals not only add to the formal atmosphere but also connect you and your guests to the deep-rooted traditions of weddings past.
Champagne Toast
The champagne toast is an essential part of any classic wedding reception. While you can certainly create a signature cocktail to add a modern touch, the elegance of champagne is hard to beat.
Favour Options
Classic weddings often feature wedding favours as a token of appreciation for guests. Elegant and simple options like engraved votives or personalised sweets add a beautiful touch without going over the top.
Classic Weddings In Australia
In Australia, classic weddings are incredibly popular because they provide a timeless look that complements the country’s diverse venues.
Whether you’re opting for a ballroom in Sydney or a country club in Melbourne, you can tailor your classic wedding to the specific charm of your location.
Venue Ideas for Australian Classic Weddings
Some beautiful Australian venues that work well with this style include:
- Luxury hotels in Sydney for a chic city wedding.
- Country clubs in Melbourne, where elegance meets nature.
- Ballrooms in Brisbane are perfect for an opulent and timeless celebration.
Adapting To The Season
A classic wedding can work in any season. If you’re planning a wedding in summer, lighter fabrics and floral arrangements can help keep things fresh and beautiful. For winter weddings, deeper colours and warm lighting will add a cosy yet elegant feel.
Conclusion
A classic style wedding offers elegance, tradition, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re inspired by past generations or aiming to create a wedding that will look stunning in every photo album, this style guarantees a celebration full of grace and sophistication.
Our comprehensive guide on classic wedding styles can help you plan a wedding that is elegant down to the last detail—ensuring that your big day will remain a beautiful memory for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Would You Describe A Classic Wedding?
Classic wedding style is ideal if you’re looking to evoke timeless elegance and the utmost sophistication on your wedding day.
This style steers away from over-the-top trends and vivid details, opting for a perfectly-coordinated aesthetic with chic and refined decor.
What Is The Most Popular Wedding Style?
Rustic. Typically more relaxed, natural and full of local, homespun touches (like handmade wooden tables and chairs in a barn venue), rustic weddings have been number one on this list for a few years now.
What Makes A Wedding Timeless?
Delicate white florals, plenty of lush greenery, light linens, and minimal decor: These tried and true wedding details will never go out of style.
And if you’re a couple that prefers timelessness over trends, we suggest planning your ceremony and reception in a classic wedding style.
What Is The Boho Wedding Style?
Bohemian weddings are all about channelling effortless, elegant style. The elegance of this gown-paired with a soft, loose updo and a delicate flower crown-evokes a free-spirited nature.
What Is An Intimate Wedding?
Intimate weddings (also called micro-weddings) are intentionally small celebrations with only a handful of guests in attendance.
It might surprise those who’ve been following our photography for a while, but HALF of Adventure Instead, couples bring their family along on their wedding day.