25 Red Wedding Theme Ideas to Steal for a Bold Color Palette

Red is the color of love, passion, and strength, so it's no surprise that it's also a popular choice for wedding color palettes. These red wedding theme ideas are perfect for bringing a sense of romance and intensity to your big day, whether your wedding aesthetic is classic, bohemian, or completely unconventional. And if you think red is just a winter wedding color, think again! We're sharing our fave red wedding ideas for all seasons to prove that this color goes way beyond your average holiday-themed decor. From classic apple red to moody burgundy and sultry marsala, this fiery color has serious staying power when it comes to your wedding decor.

What color goes with red for a wedding? 

Because red is a bold, dominant color, it can hold its own when it comes to your wedding color scheme. But to enhance your decor and overall theme, we suggest adding one or two accent colors, and those will depend on the look you ultimately want. Pastel colors, like blush, dusty blue, and peach, will tone down the intensity of a red color palette. If you're okay with going bold, consider using vibrant accent colors like fuchsia, citrine yellow, or jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, amethyst purple). Into a glamorous, Old Hollywood wedding vibe? We love red and metallic color combos with silver, gold, or mercury glass accents.  

Red Wedding Inspiration

One of the best ways to get inspired for your own wedding decorations is to see how other couples have used this color for their special day—and we're sharing some of our favorite red wedding theme ideas right here.

Red wedding invitations

Make a statement from the start by sending colorful wedding invitations to your guests. Red invitations are typically associated with the holiday season (no surprise), but they can totally work year-round with the right adjustments. This classic invitation suite gets a pop of color with a red satin bow and matching envelope. 

Red engagement ring

A ruby ring is a luxurious alternative for brides who are open to wearing a non-diamond engagement ring. The ruby is the July birthstone, although it's a gorgeous choice for brides born in any month. Alternatively, garnets and red sapphires are other options if you want a colorful engagement ring. 

Red ring box

We love velvet ring boxes in all colors, but this red hue is particularly speaking to us. It's a standout choice compared to the pastel and neutral boxes that are much more common. 

Red wedding shoes

Red high heels are fabulous no matter what, but they're especially fierce on your wedding day. This dramatic option is great for adding some spice to your bridal ensemble (and you can re-wear them after the big day is over!).

Getting ready outfits

Floral robes are pretty, but flannel pjs are the epitome of cozy. If you're having a fall wedding or winter wedding, get ready with your 'maids in matching red plaid pajamas to recreate this adorable and festive snapshot.

Bridal attire

Red is a lucky color in many cultures, and it's a very popular choice when it comes to the attire for Indian and Chinese weddings. This stunning lehenga is adorned with intricate gold embroidery to complement the pink dupatta and burgundy skirt. 

Bridal makeup

One of the easiest ideas to pull off for a red wedding theme? Lipstick! It boosts the simplest of makeup looks and can add drama if you're going for an ultra-glam vibe. A chic red color will never go out of style.

Red wedding bouquet

Flowers are one of the best ways to showcase your wedding colors, and luckily, you have a ton of floral options when it comes to a red wedding theme. Some of our favorite red blooms include roses (of course), peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, poppies, anemones, and tulips. This romantic bouquet features red roses, carnations, and greenery branches tied together with long ribbons. 

Red bridesmaid dresses

No neutral bridesmaid dresses here! Your gals will make a serious statement by wearing bright red dresses on the big day—we love this idea for a glam winter wedding. If you're doing the mix-and-match trend, stick to one shade of red to avoid going overboard with color. Your bridesmaids can customize their looks by switching up the necklines and silhouettes.

Wedding hairstyle

Accessorize your wedding day hairstyle with a beautiful flower crown of blush and red roses, or tuck the flowers into an updo or half-up wedding hairstyle. 

Dark red tuxedo jacket

Wear a tuxedo or suit jacket in a crimson hue for an ultra-dapper yet fashion-forward look. 

Groom's accessories

Can't commit to a deep red tuxedo or suit? Rock a colorful tie instead. This berry red color pairs great with a traditional navy blue suit.

Wedding venue

A more literal take on the red wedding theme is getting married at a venue that's *actually* red. Historic red barns are a perfect example. You can find them all over the country, and they set the scene for a beautiful rustic chic wedding.

Wedding ceremony aisle

What's more romantic than walking down the aisle lined with red rose petals and candles? Not much.

Wedding ceremony signage

Welcome your guests to the ceremony and remind them to keep their phones silenced and away with a simple red banner that reads, "Eyes up, phones down, hearts open."

Red wedding centerpiece

Use various flowers in the same hue to create a monochromatic centerpiece that's anything but boring. This oversized arrangement features garden roses, amaranthus, and bougainvillea branches for a classic-meets-cool tablescape.    

Wedding place cards

Solid red fruits, such as apples and pomegranates, can double as unique place card ideas for a red themed wedding. Gold calligraphy, seen here, adds an enchanting touch that reminds us of fairytales such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Beauty and the Beast.

Anemone wedding centerpieces

Whimsical anemones are the summer-inspired way to use red flowers for your centerpieces. These flowers grow with long, winding stems, which adds to their playful appearance. Black taper candles emphasize the dark centers of the flowers for a perfectly coordinated palette.

Red taper candles

If you're searching for a more subtle way to incorporate red into your decor, try colored candles. These red tapers are definitely eye-catching but far from overbearing. 

Lounge furniture

Spruce up a pair of antique chairs with heart-adorned throw pillows. The pop of red is just enough to brighten up this chic wedding lounge area.

Wedding reception tablescape

A red wedding theme is perfect for Valentine's Day nuptials, and so is this drool-worthy tablescape. The combination of pink and red is just too pretty to resist. Add gauzy table linens and rose-filled centerpieces to really up the romance factor.  

Signature wedding drink

Add a splash of cranberry juice, Aperol, or other red coloring to your fave recipe for a wedding cocktail that's crowd-pleasing and refreshing—while also complementing your red wedding color scheme.

Fondant wedding cake

We love when couples dare to go bold with their wedding cake. After years of naked cakes and white buttercream confections ruling supreme, colorful wedding cakes are making their way back into fashion. This two-tier cake is a seamless combination of modern and elegant, thanks to the gold foil details and streamlined design.

Red velvet wedding cake

This wedding color idea is a no-brainer if you're having a red-themed wedding. Choose red velvet as one of your wedding cake flavors to bring your color palette full circle. 

Rose petal toss

A petal toss is the finishing touch for any red wedding theme. Grab your new spouse and pause for a kiss beneath a shower of rose petals.