When Harry Potter Met Mary Poppins: Unconventional Wedding Themes

Out with the bouquets and in with the wands, it’s time to talk about unconventional wedding themes. One thing’s for sure - they can certainly break the mold and give the guests a unique and highly memorable experience. If you're the kind of couple that wants to stand out and celebrate your unique personalities in a very real way, then an unconventional wedding theme might just be the enchanted path to take.

Photo by Jonathan Borba


But before we dive into the wonderfully weird world of wacky wedding themes, let's go over a few tips to help you pull it off without a hitch.

Pulling Off a Wacky Wedding Theme

  • Go All Out: To make a wacky wedding theme work, you must fully embrace it! Choose a theme that reflects your personalities and interests as a couple, and then incorporate it into every aspect of the wedding, from decorations to outfits and everything in between.

  • Get Creative: Use the theme as inspiration for the decorations. For example, if you're having a ‘Mad Hatter’ themed wedding, decorate the reception with teacups and saucers, whimsical signs, and brightly colored flowers.

  • Head to Toe: All but insist that your guests dress up in accordance with the theme, adding to the fun and also making for great photo opportunities. Consider holding a costume contest, and providing fun props to use in photos.

  • Include the Food: Serve food and drinks that tie into the theme. For example, if you're having a Carnival-themed wedding, serve up some wedding popcorn, cotton candy, and funnel cakes. Get creative with the presentation, too!

  • Make it Interactive: Incorporate games or activities that tie into the theme. For example, if you're having a "Game Night" themed wedding, you could have a giant Jenga game or a life-size Connect Four board for guests to play.

  • Communicate with Your Guests: Make sure to communicate the theme to your guests ahead of time so they know what to expect. This can also help ensure that everyone is on board and excited about the theme.

Let’s Get a-Theming and a-Smoochy-Scheming

Muggles No More: A Wizardly Wedding

If you and your partner are raving fans of the boy wizard, then a Harry Potter-themed wedding might just be the magical ticket. Picture your guests sipping on Butterbeer, dining on Hogwarts-inspired cuisine, and dancing the night away in a Great Hall-inspired venue.

Caped Crusaders of Love

Who says superheroes are just for kids? A superhero-themed wedding is a fun and creative way to show off your love of all things heroic. Have your guests dress up as their favorite superheroes and incorporate comic book-inspired decorations and favors.

Once Upon a Time

If you're a fan of all things fairy tale, then a Disney-themed wedding might be the wedding enchantment you need. Whether you're a fan of classic Disney films or the newer ones, there are plenty of ways to incorporate your favorite characters into your big day. Enchanted forest decorations, princess gowns, a horse and carriage .. sigh - so pretty!

Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses

If you're a couple who loves the sand, sun, and surf, then a beach-themed wedding might have saltwater welling in everyones’ eye (happy tears, that is). Think seashell centerpieces, flip-flop favors, and a beach ceremony - or, if you live eons away from a coastline or planning an at-home wedding, create a faux-beach scene for the ceremony! 

May the Force of Love Be With You

For the sci-fi lovers out there, a Star Wars-themed wedding is a great way to show off your love for each other and the galaxy far, far away. Incorporate lightsabers, stormtrooper helmets, and other iconic Star Wars symbols into your decor and attire.

Rock n' Roll

For the music lovers, a rock n' roll-themed wedding is a great way to showcase your love of music; think leather jackets, concert posters, and guitar centerpieces.



Photo by Mikhail Nilov

‘Til Becoming Undead Do Us Part

For lovers of all things horror, a zombie-themed wedding would certainly be a fun way to celebrate your love of each other and, of course, of the undead. Think bloody decor, zombie makeup, and a zombie-themed cake; Halloween could be the perfect night.

Knights in Shining Armor

For the history buffs out there, medieval-themed weddings can be so interesting and romantic; think knights, castles, tapestries and banquet tables adorned with a feast fit for a majestic, medieval marriage (no idea what that means, but you get it).

By the Power Vested in Me by Middle Earth

If you have a shared love of a specific TV show or movie, you could base your wedding theme around that. For example, a Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings-themed wedding could be a unique and exciting way to celebrate your love; Gandalf would make a great celebrant, come to think of it.

Mix it Up

And if you're feeling really adventurous, why not go for a fusion of different themes? When Harry (Potter) Met Mary (Poppins), Zombie Rock n’ Roll, Sandy Surfy Superheros - let your imagination go wherever it wants to - it’s your day.

Making your wedding day unforgettable

At its core, your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your partner. Don't be afraid to break all tradition and go for something unconventional if that's what truly speaks to you. Give ‘em a celebration of love they’ll certainly never forget.