25 Plaid Wedding Ideas That Are Cozy and Chic

By Emily Platt
December 18, 2015
Tracy Enoch Photography

No matter what type of celebration you're planning, there's a way to embrace this popular pattern on your big day.

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Tracy Enoch Photography
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Plaid comes in all styles and colors, from traditional Scottish tartan to summery gingham. In turn, the type of pattern can be adapted to fit into almost any sort of wedding. So, if you're all about crisscrossed stripes, you'll be pleased to know that we fully approve of incorporating plaid into your big day. In fact, we want to show you some of our favorite ways to do so.

However you use plaid, it should tie into your celebration's theme. Luckily, that's easy. If you want a preppy event, try a pastel print. If you're after a rustic affair, earthy tones are a foolproof choice. For spring, consider something light, but feel free to bold in the summer. For fall, warm patterns work well, but darker patterns tend to be popular for winter. See—there are tons of options out there! Other factors, like the size of a plaid's checks, will also contribute to whatever mood it sets. Choosing the look is only part of the process, though. You'll also need to decide on where you'll use plaid in your day. Since this pattern is most often associated with fabric, you might want to consider tartan clothing for your attendants. You can also experiment with more unique details—ahead, you'll even see plaid dinner plates! Of course, if plaid's a part of your heritage, you can't go wrong with cultural elements.

First up on our list of ideas? A plaid head table, which will help your special seats stand out at the reception. This one was covered with a colorful La Tavola cloth to set it apart.

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Plaid Groom's Vest

Victoria Phipps
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Plaid fashion is an obvious choice for couples who love the pattern. This groom got his dapper waistcoat from the aptly-named store Groom.

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Plaid Wedding Invitations

Jose Villa
See More Chic Fall Wedding Invitations

Amber Moon Design, Curlicue Designs, and Emily J. Snyder collaborated on this incredible autumn stationery suite, which included pops of plaid.

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Plaid Bouquet Bow

Anna Wu Photography

A plaid ribbon was the finishing touch to this bouquet by Jennifer Moon.

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Plaid Ceremony Handkerchiefs

Abby Jiu Photography

Help guests wipe away their happy tiers with keepsake handkerchiefs. These ones came in a chic assortment of plaid patterns.

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Plaid Wedding Shoes

Faith Teasley Photography
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Step out in something unique. This bride chose green gingham heels from J. Crew.

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Plaid Groom's Suit

Free the Bird
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Here's another example of plaid groom's attire. This time, the husband-to-be wore a plaid suit jacket from Myer.

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Plaid Reception Napkins

Lauren Kinsey

La Tavola supplied the stylish tartan napkins used at this reception.

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Plaid Bridesmaid Dresses

Aaron Greene
See More of Our Favorite Best-Dressed Bridal Parties

Patterned bridesmaid dresses may be less common, but that doesn't mean your ladies can't pull them off. These ones were perfectly wintry.

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Plaid Reception Garland

Jenna Henderson Photography

We love how this intimate reception space featured a fun garland of plaid banners. Feather + Oak designed the unique display.

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Plaid Reception Tablecloths

Leila Brewster Photography
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Dress up your reception tables with tartan tablecloths, as this couple beautifully did with the help of Peak Event Services.

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Plaid Escort Cards

Jose Villa
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These handsome escort cards (by Curlicue Designs) were backed with plaid, then styled on a wooden table with matching fabric.

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Plaid Reception Blankets

Leslie Swan Photography

What's cozier than a soft plaid blanket? This couple supplied their guests with throws in case they got cold.

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Plaid Pocket Square

Vicki Grafton Photography

You don't have to go crazy to embrace your love of plaid. This groom chose to honor the pattern subtly with a pocket square.

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Plaid Reception Glassware

Melinda Snyder Photography

Make a statement at your cocktail hour with patterned glasses for your signature drinks. These ones—from Target—were uniquely plaid.

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Plaid Envelope Liners

A Bryan Photo
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There are so many ways to include plaid on your wedding invitations. Allison R. Banks Designs brought the pattern into this stationery suite with in the form of envelope liners.

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Plaid Groom's Pants

Kelly Hornberger

Who says the groom's trousers have to be boring? We love this guy's tartan pants from The Black Tux.

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Plaid Table Runners

Tec Petaja

This couple paid tribute to their family's plaid with a table runner from La Tavola in the pattern.

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Plaid Reception Plates

Joshua & Rachel Photography
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Spruce up your reception's tables with uniquely patterned dishes—these plaid plates came from Wish Rents.

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Plaid Prayer Shawl

Samm Blake

Why not combine cultures? At this Jewish ceremony, the couple wore a tartan tallit in honor of the bride's Welsh background.

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Plaid Bouquet Wrap

Caroline Lima Photography

Don't love the idea of a bow around your bouquet? Try a plaid wrap instead. Mary Jane Jones designed this arrangement.

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Plaid Groom's Shirt

Ryan Ray

Can you tell that we approve of grooms in plaid? A patterned shirt made this now-husband's ensemble slightly rustic (and very autumnal).

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Plaid Bridal Wrap

Stacey Hedman
See More Stylish Ways Brides Kept Warm at Weddings

Stay warm with a plaid pashmina like this bride did at her cold-weather wedding. They'd also make a genius bridesmaid gift—we guarantee your girls will wear them after your big day. 

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Plaid-Inspired Wedding Dessert

Hannah Hudson Photography
See More Delicious Wedding Cake Alternatives

If you're searching for a subtler way to try the look, think about incorporating it into your dessert. This cheesecake was dressed up with plaid-inspired toppings. Yum!

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Plaid Wedding Entertainment

Tec Petaja

Of course, if tartan is part of your heritage, embrace it on the big day. Bagpiper Dave Landis wore traditional attire at a recent wedding performance.

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By Emily Platt