A rococo wedding is a celebration that draws inspiration from the 18th-century French art movement defined by asymmetry, natural motifs, and playful extravagance—think the Catherine Palace or the whimsical paintings of François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard.
This trend is resurfacing as couples look for ways to make their special day stand out with a sense of over-the-top artistry.
A rococo-inspired theme simplifies planning with a cohesive vision centered on exuberance. The ornate details and feel of this style translate beautifully into everything from your invitations to your photo books, helping you capture every moment in a truly unforgettable way.
Here, we’ll cover ideas for venues, dresses, stationery, and more to help you bring this whimsical trend to life.
1. Choose a grand rococo-inspired venue
The key to a rococo wedding is the setting. Look for venues with a sense of history and grandeur—think a historic estate, a luxurious hotel ballroom, or a botanical garden with a French-inspired layout.
Pay attention to architectural details like high ceilings, intricate moldings, and large windows. Look for curved staircases, gilded mirrors, or pastel-painted panels with floral or cherub motifs to reflect classic rococo design.
For your ceremony, consider an archway of flowers to frame the moment. For the reception, focus on creating an atmosphere of abundance and beauty. Think about using gilded mirrors and candelabras to add a soft, romantic glow.
Creative cue: Don’t forget to photograph the unique features of your chosen venue, from gilded mirrors to theatrical staircases, to create a stunning wedding photo book.
2. Design ornate wedding stationery
Your invitations are the first glimpse guests get of your rococo wedding. Embrace this style with ornate stationery that features delicate flourishes, intricate borders, and a sophisticated script, like Mixbook’s Wedding Foil Flowers design.
The stationery suite sets the tone for your whole event. From save-the-dates to thank-you cards, a consistent design creates a polished look.
Explore different paper textures to add a tactile element that elevates the design. For anyone following wedding invitation trends, incorporating delicate, personalized details is key to creating a modern, refined look.
Creative cue: When you write your wedding invitations, use Mixbook's intuitive online editor to customize every detail of your stationery suite. Go beyond a basic card by adding shimmering foil accents in gold or rose, inspired by the gilded details that define rococo design. Finish the look with a premium paper type like the Pearl Finish for a soft, elegant shimmer.
3. Lean into rococo-inspired bridal fashion
The rococo-style wedding dress is defined by its dramatic silhouette and intricate details.
Gowns with layers of tulle and silk create volume and movement, capturing the playful spirit of the era. Look for elements like ruffled sleeves, pearl beading, and floral appliqués.
Your accessories should complement the gown without overpowering it. A cathedral-length veil with lace trim or a tiara with pearl details can add a regal touch. A classic pair of satin shoes or delicate slippers completes the look. The goal is to create an ensemble that feels both whimsical and richly detailed.
Creative cue: Look to 18th-century court dresses, Marie Antoinette films, and François Boucher paintings for inspiration. You could sew a small shell, bird, or floral motif into your gown.
4. Try tailored rococo accents for the groom
The groom’s attire should complement the bride’s in both style and formality. Instead of a standard suit, a jacket with embroidery or a patterned brocade waistcoat can add a touch of rococo flair. Light pastel fabrics or soft metallic threads evoke the period’s refined fashion.
Consider a color palette that ties into the rest of the decor. A light-colored suit in cream or pastel blue can work well. Small details like a silk cravat or a boutonnière made of delicate flowers can complete the look. The goal is to create a polished, decorative look that matches the theme of the day.
Creative cue: When planning your looks, create a style board to visualize how your outfits will look together. This keeps your styles cohesive, well-coordinated, and aligned with your wedding color scheme.
5. Go with lush floral and chandelier décor
Rococo décor is all about abundance and asymmetry. Fill your venue with arrangements of lush flowers like garden roses, peonies, and ranunculus in soft pastels.
Use cascading floral arrangements on tables or create a dramatic arch for your ceremony. Pastel ribbons can add a romantic element to bouquets and chairs.
Chandeliers are great for creating the right ambiance. Choose crystal or gilded chandeliers to hang over your dining tables or dance floor to create a golden-lit, theatrical glow.
Creative cue: Ask your florist or designer to incorporate a hidden, personal element into at least one floral arrangement—like a vintage brooch, an heirloom locket, or a silk ribbon hand-painted with a meaningful quote or date.
6. Design an elaborate rococo wedding cake
A rococo wedding cake is a work of art, often multiple tiers high and decorated with intricate piping, sugar flowers, and gold leaf.
Pastel-colored fondant in shades of pink, blue, or mint green provides a beautiful canvas for these delicate details. French-inspired cakes with ruffled borders and pearl accents also capture the ornate style of the period.
Beyond the main cake, consider a dessert display—like a tower of French pastries including macarons, petit fours, and eclairs. For a classic showpiece, go for a champagne tower with vintage coupe glasses, which also creates a fun moment for the couple and guests.
Creative cue: When discussing your wedding cake with a baker, bring a mood board featuring your favorite rococo art and patterns to ensure the design matches your vision.
7. Use rococo details in table styling
Table settings are a great way to showcase the rococo style.
Build layers of intricate detail, like gilded cutlery with delicate handles and ornate glassware with etched or patterned designs. Shell-shaped dishes or fruit accents can add subtle rococo charm. These small touches make a big impact.
For the centerpieces, combine flowers with exuberant props. Think candelabras, ornate vases, and small gold-framed mirrors. Remember, the goal is to create a visual for your guests that’s as beautiful as it is memorable.
Creative cue: When putting together your wedding planning checklist, include a line item for sourcing unique tableware so these details don’t get overlooked.
8. Send guests home with lavish themed favors
For a rococo-themed wedding, opt for favors that are both beautiful and personal. Miniature French pastries or macarons in a decorative box with a ribbon are a sweet choice. Another option is a custom thank-you card with a subtle rococo pattern.
Gift your guests ornate miniature perfume bottles filled with a custom scent or lavender sachets tucked into embroidered silk pouches.
Choose floral, powdery scents reminiscent of 18th-century French salons, like rose, orange blossom, or violet. The packaging should also feel luxurious—play with gilt accents, ribbons, or wax seals.
Creative cue: When planning favors, create a small sample of your final choice to make sure it aligns with your vision before ordering for all your guests. This can help manage wedding stress and avoid waste.
9. Save your rococo wedding memories
Beyond photos, consider unique ways to preserve your memories. Commissioning a sketch or illustration of your wedding venue adds a bespoke, artistic element that a photograph can’t quite capture. You can frame and display these pieces as a reminder of your special day.
The small, romantic details are what make a rococo wedding unique, so capturing them in different ways ensures you’ll remember the day for years to come. Here are a few more ideas for preserving your memories:
- Photo booth ideas: Offer guests vintage props, masquerade masks, and a rococo-inspired backdrop. This provides a fun activity that fits your theme.
- Thank-you cards: Send thank-you cards that coordinate with your rococo theme for a polished and cohesive finish.
- Custom photo books: Turn your celebration into a keepsake with custom layouts. You can even choose a glossy finish to echo the refined, opulent look of rococo design.
Creative cue: Use the robust features within the Mixbook editor to create a photo book that’s as unique as your rococo theme. Choose from a variety of romantic wedding layouts, then use the advanced editor to add your own custom backgrounds, graphics, and even themed stickers—like fruit, flowers, shells, or musical instruments—to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Bring your rococo wedding to life with Mixbook
A rococo wedding is a chance to create a celebration filled with theatrical décor and ornate details, from a grand venue to an elaborate rococo-style wedding dress and cake.
Start designing your rococo-inspired wedding invitations with Mixbook and turn your memories into stunning wedding photo books.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions about rococo weddings? Find answers below.
What is a rococo wedding?
A rococo wedding is a celebration inspired by the ornate, romantic, and whimsical 18th-century art style. It’s known for its luxurious details, soft pastel color palette, and theatrical elegance. Think grand venues, elaborate floral arrangements, and intricate, romantic fashion.
What is the meaning of rococo style?
Rococo is a style of art and architecture that originated in France in the early 18th century. It’s known for its playful ornamentation, asymmetry, curved lines, and light colors. The style emphasizes natural forms like shells and flowers, moving away from the darker Baroque style.
What does rococo mean in French?
The term "rococo" is thought to be a combination of the French word "rocaille" and the Italian word "barocco." "Rocaille" originally referred to the shell-like rockwork used in grottoes and fountains, which became a key motif of the rococo style.
