5 Romance Novels to Spark Inspiration for Your Wedding Theme

Falling in love has long been a popular theme in literature. Retellings of star-crossed sweethearts like Romeo and Juliet, as well as enemies-to-lovers tales like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, continue to captivate audiences generation after generation. Why?

The romance genre does more than entertains readers. It also rekindles a sense of hope and optimism about their own love lives. As your new chapter begins, here’s a solid selection of literary lovebirds—in no particular order—to spark inspiration for plotting your own fairy-tale wedding.

Romeo and Juliet

We can’t talk about romantic literature without talking about Shakespeare, especially his star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. This Shakespearean play follows the story of two young lovers whose feuding families erupt in bloodshed, ultimately leading to the couple’s tragic demise. Although this is a devastating drama, it remains one of the most prominent love stories of all time, continuing to be a significant source of inspiration for love stories. 

Romeo and Juliet retellings stylistically span from the Elizabethan age to the Red Curtain Aesthetic, a well-known story told within a heightened world. For an Elizabethan-era look, seek long billowing dresses, feathered hats and ruffled collars. Consider bardcore music for entertainment. For a Red Curtain Aesthetic, delve into Baz Luhermann’s film Romeo + Juliet. During the masquerade ball in the film, Romeo dresses as a knight and Juliet as an angel — now one of the most iconic couple costumes ever. Plus, the movie’s soundtrack, featuring Kym Mazelle’s “Young Hearts Run Free” and Des’ree’s “Kissing You,” would make a stellar wedding playlist.

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Edward and Bella

Romeo and Juliet walked so Edward and Bella could run absurdly fast. Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga about a brooding vampire falling in love with a mortal teenager remains a cult classic among paranormal romance readers. Many monster-falls-in-love-with-ordinary-girl archetypes and supernatural love triangle cliches are modeled after it. With its loyal fan base and over 160 million copies of the book sold, the enchanting wedding scene has rightfully earned its spot in pop-culture history. 

From Sleeping at Last’s romantic ballad “Turning Page” to the charming wisteria clusters cascading over an outdoor altar, the ethereal aesthetic merges romance, magic, and mystery. According to Bride, a renowned fashion designer in the bridal industry, Carolina Herrera, designed Bella’s luminous wedding dress with 100 buttons running down the puddle train, a delicate V-neck, and long, laced trimmed sleeves. For fun, generously apply glitter everywhere as a nod to the vampire’s glowing complexion. It only seems right to have an otherworldly wedding for couples who are otherworldly, like Bella and Edward.

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Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice are arguably the most well-known example of the enemies-to-lovers trope that thrives today. Pride and Prejudice centers on the romantic clash between Elizabeth Bennet, the quick-witted daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a proud upper-class landowner. To fall in love, they must overcome their own deep-seated biases. The story is chock full of quotable lines to draw inspiration from for wedding invitations and speeches. “Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces,” is one such quip. This is especially effective if wordplay is one of your love languages.

A Jane Austen-inspired wedding embraces touches of soft, eloquent and vintage feminine fashion. Set in the Regency Period in rural England, a countryside backdrop would be a fine choice, since that is where the story is primarily set. For couples on a budget, consider an alfresco luncheon with vintage crystal glasses, faux floral arrangements, and long candle-lit banquet tables. During this era, brides wore gowns woven of flowy fabrics with elegant embellishments like ribbons and fringe. The recipe for any Pride and Prejudice wedding is part historical fiction, part ruffled sleeves—and entirely poetic witticisms. 

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Daisy and Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, an eloquently written novel, is about the self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby. The narrative covers his pursuit for the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, a beautiful, wealthy woman he met in his youth. In the novel, Gatsby hoped to attract Daisy’s attention by throwing lavish parties on Long Island during the 1920s, hoping to see her at one of his gatherings. Between the flapper dresses and the tailored suits, there are plenty of ways to adopt a luscious look inspired by the Jazz Age.

Add the Art déco style to the celebration. Sprinkle it throughout or incorporate it into the invitations, floral designs, and decorations. Fitzgerald also weaves color symbolism into his vibrant vision; using a rich palette of green, gold, blue and white is something to think about implementing in the wedding party. Don’t forget to do the most Gatsby thing of all: a champagne tower. There’s no need to be modest. After all, you’re throwing the most fabulous party of the century.

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Allie and Noah

If you’re an old soul with a sentimental heart, consider taking a page out of Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook. Set on the North Carolina coast in the 1940s, Noah and Allie’s love story is a passionate yet heart-wrenching tale.

Despite the couple’s challenges, eventually they wed and had a family. Later on, Allie has dementia, so Noah reads their love story to her every day. To capture the spirit of this beloved tearjerker, incorporate a healthy dose of southern charm. Contrasting rustic and elegant stylistic elements will help to bring the story to life. From the Ferris wheel to the boat scene, there are plenty of stunning visuals in the story that couples may pull from for inspiration for their marriage ceremony. Groomsmen could sport driving caps like Noah and bridesmaids could flaunt red and white polka dot dresses like Allie.

In addition to fashion, romantic pairs in search of vow inspiration may find it in Noah’s love letters. In one of his heartfelt messages, he wrote, “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts, and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I hope to give to you forever.”

Forever can be memorialized in many ways, so look your best for that storybook ending. Las Vegas has male grooming services to get you looking as dreamy as Noah before the big day.