Today, ‘Theme’ selection has become one of the most important decisions while planning a wedding. And it has clearly moved beyond generic decoration.
After all, no one wants their celebration to look generic or copied. The focus has clearly shifted toward creating a unique setup that leaves a lasting impression on everyone.
Because of this – couples are paying much more attention to choosing a theme that actually fits the venue instead of forcing a setup into a space. This has also led to a move away from standard banquet-style weddings toward setups that work better in open, natural environments.
As a result, destination-style venues, especially forest and nature-based resorts are becoming a preferred choice. Their open spaces and natural backdrops allow different themes to be executed more seamlessly, without looking forced or repetitive.
Keeping all this in mind, here are 5 wedding themes that are trending and actually make sense for a resort wedding:-
1. Sunset Wedding Theme
This is easily one of the most preferred choices right now. And it’s not just about “pretty pictures.”
Most professional wedding photographers agree that natural light during golden hour (about 45 minutes before sunset) gives the softest and most flattering tones. That means:-
- Less dependency on artificial lighting
- Better skin tones in photos
- A naturally warm ambience
How to execute it properly:-
- Plan the ceremony timing backward from sunset (not forward from your schedule)
- Keep decor minimal using pastel florals, light drapes
- Arrange seating facing the open horizon
The catch? You need an open landscape. A typical banquet setup simply won’t give you that depth or light. This is where a resort near Chandigarh with natural surroundings changes everything. You don’t have to “create” the setting, it already exists.
2. Starlit Wedding Theme
Evening weddings are now less about bright lights and more about mood.
Couples are choosing softer, layered lighting such as fairy lights, hanging bulbs, candles to create an intimate vibe. Guests tend to stay longer, engage more and the entire function feels smooth.
How to execute it properly:-
- Use warm lighting instead of harsh white LEDs
- Keep music slightly toned down (acoustic / live works better here)
- Plan pheras slightly later when the atmosphere settles
City venues rarely allow you to enjoy this properly because of light pollution and noise. A forest-based resort near Anandpur Sahib naturally gives you darker skies and a calmer environment which is exactly what this theme needs.
3.Forest / Green Wedding
This trend is becoming mostly preferred these days
Couples are consciously reducing heavy decor and instead using natural elements like trees, pathways and earthy textures as parts of the wedding design.
Why it works so well:-
- Reduces decor cost significantly (often by 30-40%)
- Feels more relaxed for guests (less cluttered space)
- Works beautifully for day functions like haldi and mehendi
How to actually pull it off:-
- Choose a venue with real greenery – not just lawns
- Use muted tones like greens, whites, earthy browns
- Add small handcrafted elements instead of large artificial setups
Because of this, forest-based resorts naturally become the right fit for this theme. They offer real greenery that simply isn’t possible to recreate elsewhere. As a result, the setup feels more authentic with the surroundings doing most of the work instead of heavy decor.
4. Royal Palace-Inspired Wedding
The “royal wedding” trend hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just evolved.
Instead of heavy indoor banquet setups, couples are now blending royal aesthetics with open or semi-open spaces.
Execution essentials:-
- Symmetrical layouts (very important for this theme)
- Statement mandap or stage
- Traditional lighting including diyas, chandeliers, warm uplighting
This theme needs space. Not just for decor but for movement (baraat entries, guest flow, stage visibility). That’s why venues that combine open areas and structured setups work better than typical banquet halls.
5. Multi-Day Experiential Wedding
This is probably the biggest shift in Indian weddings right now. Instead of one long exhausting day, couples are spreading celebrations over 2-3 days:-
- Day 1: Welcome dinner or bonfire
- Day 2: Mehendi + activities
- Day 3: Wedding + reception
Why it’s growing fast:-
- Guests don’t feel rushed
- Better engagement across events
- Creates actual memories, not just rituals
You need a venue that supports this – stay, activities and event spaces all in one place.
Why These Trends Work Best at The Kikar Lodge
Looking at these trends, one thing becomes clear – the right venue decides how well any theme comes to life. When the space already offers natural backdrops, open landscapes and structured areas, execution automatically becomes smoother.
Unlike city venues, which are often limited to fixed indoor settings and heavily artificial setups, such flexibility is hard to achieve. There’s only so much you can modify within four walls.
At The Kikar Lodge, the best resort near Chandigarh, this is exactly where the difference lies. With forest surroundings, open spaces & well-designed banquet setups, we ensure that no theme feels restricted. Because of this, couples get the freedom to experiment, mix elements & create something truly their own without forcing the setup.
FAQs
- Which wedding theme is the best for outdoor destination weddings near Chandigarh?
Sunset and forest themes work the best because they use natural light and surroundings effectively. They also require less artificial setup - How early should I plan a themed destination wedding?
Ideally 4-6 months in advance. Themes like starlit or multi-day weddings need proper planning for lighting, stay and logistics - Are resort weddings more expensive than banquet weddings?
Not always. While venue cost may be higher, you often save on decor, logistics and guest management, balancing the overall budget