Asian Wedding Themes: Soothing, Sophisticated and Exotic

Asian themed weddings have become quite popular these days. The understated elegance of Asian décor can create a wedding celebration that is visually stunning. Simple, soothing and sophisticated, Asian décor also offers a touch of the exotic, a combination that has proven irresistible to many couples who wish to create a wedding look and atmosphere that is beyond the ordinary. Read on for a few tips on giving your event a bit of traditional Asian flair.

Whether your wedding will be an daytime event or an evening one, no Asian themed wedding would be complete without paper lanterns. Whether you choose mini lanterns as elements of your centerpieces or as specialty wedding favors, or large paper lanterns to serve as your primary reception lighting, lanterns are an indispensable detail of Asian wedding décor. And, no matter your wedding color scheme, you'll want to have at least a few red lanterns scattered about, since red is the color of luck in the Chinese tradition.

Fans are another must-have item for an Asian wedding theme. Decorative silk or sandalwood fans certainly lend an Asian feel when they are incorporated into the wedding décor. They can be used as table decorations, in centerpieces, placed around your guest book or given to your guests as wedding favors. Wedding programs can be printed on paper fans, and napkins can be folded into fan shape to add flair to your reception place settings. Traditional Asian fans can be purchased in a variety of sizes and can be found in an array of colors and patterns to suit any wedding color scheme.

Parasols make wonderful accent pieces in an Asian themed wedding. They can be used as decorations along the wedding aisle or carried by bridesmaids to add a colorful, exotic touch to the ceremony. As part of your reception décor, large paper parasols can be hung from the ceiling, or miniature ones used as table decorations. They can be purchased in bright, bold colors or more subtle shades, as well as in a variety of patterns.

Bamboo is traditionally included in wedding décor in some Asian cultures. Live bamboo plants scattered about as accents is a great way to use bamboo at your wedding, or use bamboo place card holders on your reception tables. Another great way to incorporate bamboo into your celebration is to give bamboo picture frames, coasters or bookmarks to your guests. Any of these items make lovely Asian wedding favors to compliment your wedding theme.

Other details that can help create just the right atmosphere at an Asian themed wedding are water features, such as small, battery operated fountains or decorative bowls with floating candles, lotus flowers, orchids or cherry blossoms. Elephants, in some Asian cultures, symbolize happiness, luck and longevity, and are traditional additions to the wedding celebration as décor elements or Asian wedding favors.

With a little imagination and research, you can put together all the elements you need for a beautiful Asian themed wedding. Whether you lean towards Chinese, Japanese or Indian elements, or a combination of them all, the simple elegance of Asian style décor is sure to set a lovely, romantic scene for your wedding celebration.