10 ideas for a tropical wedding theme

Deliver balmy climes to your UK wedding with a tropical wedding theme, featuring palm trees, pineapples and flamingos galore

Image: Tom Webber Photography/The Pearl Tents Company

On trend and en vogue, a tropical wedding theme will make your wedding an unforgettable one. Awash with bright and bold colours, a tropical theme isn't for the faint-hearted; embrace it in loud and proud fashion with these following ideas. 

1. Confetti and strewn petals 

A tropical wedding theme should feature lots of details that complement the bigger statements. Tropical themed confetti featuring miniature birds, pineapples and cacti are readily available on Etsy. Similarly, petals scattered on the aisle, dancefloor and tables evoke connotations of informally decorated beaches in far-flung locations. Just check with your venue that this is permitted. 

 

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2. Tropical garlands

Decorate wooden beams, rafters and balustrades with tropical garlands that will instantly set the mood for a fun-filled celebration. From gorgeous greenery to technicolour tassels, the options are endless for creating a Hawaiian-inspired setting that guests will love. 

 

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3. Cake

Inject personality and pizzazz into your wedding cake with tropical motifs and talking point toppers. Think about the flavours too, adding a fruity twist with lemon and chocolate orange tiers. 

 

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4. Flowers

Ensure your wedding flowers fully embrace the theme by requesting tropical flora. While your florist might not be able to get their hands on the real deal, artificial options can be just as effective. Alternatively, a vibrant, multicolour bouquet featuring UK-sourced florals and complementing foliage deliver a similar effect. Think cerise pink, vermillion orange and canary yellow. Don't forget bright buttonholes and a show-stopping crown to match your flower choices, too. 

 

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5. Stationery 

Tropical styled stationery is on the rise as the popularity of the trend soars. Ask your stationer for their input to create the perfect design; invitations, save the dates, table numbers and menus depicting watercolour watermelons, intricate flamingos and gold foil pineapples are firm favourites. 

Image: Hip Hip Hooray Studio

6. Centrepieces

Have fun with your centrepieces and experiment with different displays to suit your style of wedding. These hollowed out pineapples sprouting floral arrangements are simply divine. 

Image: Tom Webber Photography via The Pearl Tents Company

7. Signage

Carry the theme through to the signage dotted around your venue. An opportunity to pick up the paintbrush or experiment with Photoshop, DIY signage will add the personal touch while serving a practical function. 

 

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8. Catering

From serving your reception drinks in coconut shells to tropical cocktails and novelty cake pops, wedding catering is the perfect way to put a tropical stamp on your big day. Play on the zesty flavours of paradise with plenty of fresh fruit, including cinnamon coated pineapple which is a surprisngly delicious dessert. 

 

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9. Photo backdrop

Ensure your tropical theme is captured in your wedding photographs and guest snaps by setting up a backdrop that harnesses your colour scheme - as featured in this shoot, coordinated by Hazel Parsons and Jenny Wren. Find out how to make your own here. 

Image: Olivia Bossert Photography

10. Favours

Give your guests something to talk about with favours that are colourful, creative and cute - such as these delightful sweet treats from Biscuiteers, which you can even make yourself.