Romantic Valentine's Day-Inspired Wedding Ideas

Valentine's Day celebrates love, and your wedding celebrates your love. So, why not play matchmaker and pair the two to create an extra-special event? Whether you book your big day to take place on the holiday itself or simply throw a Valentine's Day-themed affair, there are plenty of ways to maximize the romance.

While planning a bash inspired by Valentine's Day, look to the things that are associated with February 14, and brainstorm how they can be incorporated into your celebration. One of the easiest ways to nod to the holiday is by working with a thematic color scheme centered around red, pink, or both. You can then choose flowers, stationery, fashion items, or other nuptial elements in the selected shades.

In addition to (or instead of) festive hues, you can work with thematic motifs. Hearts are an obvious option, and can be worked into everything from your décor to your desserts. But there are other things—like the letters X and O—that you can consider as well. Finally, you can turn to the media and honor romance-related characters (think: cupid) or well-known tales of love. Use stories and the like to pull quotes or symbols from—your guests will enjoy connecting the dots.

To help you plan a Valentine's Day-inspired wedding, we've illustrated these ideas and more with photo examples from real ceremonies and receptions. Click through for a bunch of great ideas before deciding on the details of your own romantic fête. We have a hunch that you'll fall for at least one.

Instead of numbering their reception tables, this couple labeled each one with the word "kiss" written in a different language.  

Balloon letters aren't just fun to pose with—using them is an easy way to convey your wedding's romantic theme.

An arrow-and-target décor piece doubled as the seating display at this wedding. Create something similar in honor of cupid and his bow.   

Guests can sip on festively-hued cocktails thanks to popular ingredients like grenadine.    

Tons of flowers come in pink, so a bouquet in the color is easy to achieve. To amplify the wow factor, arrange your blooms for an ombré effect like this bride did.

This creative toss idea doubles up on romance. First, get petals in Valentine's Day shades. Then, distribute them to guests in cones made from pages of your favorite love-themed novel.

This pretty-in-pink stationery by Kelsey Malie was oh-so lovely. Replicate the chic color scheme for your Valentine's Day affair.

Pink macarons nod to Valentine's Day in two ways—their color, and the dessert's popularity in Paris, France, a.k.a. the city of love.

Dress your support squad in thematic colors—blush is typically well-received.

Arrive to or depart from your wedding in a red-colored ride.

The cocktail napkins at this celebration bore quotes from various love stories.  

Candles always set a romantic vibe, but they are especially pretty when they're styled in unique ways, like floating on water.

If you'd rather show your mushy side to just your partner and not your entire guest list, add romantic details (like a heart) to more private elements of your celebration (like your ring box).

Make sure that all signs point to love by adorning your venue with cool décor, like neon or marquee varieties.

Go all out with a holiday-appropriate palette full of reds and/or pinks.

Red and pink petals lined the aisle that led to this ceremony structure, which was adorned with flowers in the same shades.  

At this event, tables were arranged to resemble the symbols of hugs and kisses, X and O.

A pink or red wedding venue might be tough to find, but it'll certainly drill in your theme. Plus, it'll look beautiful in photos.  

In lieu of a traditional welcome bag, this couple gave their guests umbrellas emblazoned with the words "pitter patter goes my heart." 

Wear your heart on your sleeve—or your lapel—as this groom did for his wedding. The gold sequined Ban.do design became part of his boutonnière. 

Steal the idea from this couple, who seated guests in a mix of vintage settees and upholstered chairs in shades of pink.

Keep your guests cool with heart-shaped paper fans, which doubled as programs at this event.

For a fun exit toss idea, fill little burlap sachets labeled "Spread the Love" with confetti in the shape of a heart.

Romance your guests with heart-shaped seating cards. This bride was so committed to the idea, that she registered for a special horticultural license to export these heart-shaped plants from Thailand.

This gorgeous heart-shaped wreath of hydrangeas, roses, and peonies hung on a door at one couple's reception, hinting at the romantic event inside.

These newlyweds served five different cakes at their wedding, including this vanilla one by Intricate Icings that was decorated with ombré hearts.

At their wedding, this couple served miniature cupcakes with rose-colored icing by Cupcake Royale.

These spouses decorated their tabletops with geometric vessels filled with bright red peonies. 

Check out this unique red headpiece, which was made of red silk flowers and worn by one of our real brides.

How fun are these red Kate Spade flats, with "love" spelled out on the toes in gold?