Did you and your sweetheart meet in a book club? Do you two consider yourselves bibliophiles? If reading is your love language, consider planning a literature-inspired wedding to celebrate your nuptials.
Regardless of your favorite genres, the right design decisions can make your big day feel straight from the pages of a romance novel. From your venue to your menu, there are many ways to incorporate your love of reading into your wedding day. Here are seven ideas to inspire any bookworm!
Set the scene
Save-the-dates and invitations allow couples to tease their wedding theme, so don’t be shy about infusing your stationery with lit-inspired details.
Kelley Nudo of Momental Designs recommends “using both words and imagery inspired by the chosen literature” for a fully immersive experience.
“Wedding invitations can give a subtle nod to the couple’s favorite story or novel by taking excerpts or quotes from the book and incorporating them into the invitation suite on items such as paper wraps, accent tags, or envelope liners,” she confirms.
For example, lovers of Jane Austen may incorporate silhouettes into their invitations, while Fourth Wing fans can include dragon artwork. Or, if you bonded over Lord of the Rings, you might add a secret message in Elvish that only Tolkien fans will understand. This is your chance to have fun and go all out with your passion for books!
Select a storybook venue
Your wedding venue defines the look and feel of your celebration, so consider spaces that fit into your thematic vision. If you have a particular book, series, or author in mind, Story Alley Photography’s Monica Garcia suggests looking for a venue that connects.
For instance, Harry Potter fans may consider a destination wedding at Alnwick Castle, which was used for exterior shots of Hogwarts in the film series. “If you can find a venue with historical or literary significance, you’ll set the mood for your theme wedding from the moment your guests walk through the doors,” Garcia confirms.
Or, find a venue that matches a specific vibe from your preferred literature, like a grand mansion for a Gatsby wedding or a whimsical garden grove akin to the Shire.
Garcia notes that couples shouldn’t overlook more obvious venues for readers either. “If you’re a book-loving couple, having your wedding at a library or a bookstore would be a fun way to instantly convey a literary theme to your guests,” she affirms. “Some libraries are grand, historic, and just as awe-inspiring as any church.”
In any case, most venues can be transformed into a storybook setting with the right decor and lighting. If you can’t find the perfect venue, trust that your vendor team is ready to bring your vision to life in any space.
Add it to your ceremony
It’s common to include readings in your ceremony, but it doesn’t have to be a favorite poem or scripture. Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings encourages couples to pull from their favorite novels for a literature-themed wedding.
“Consider reading a passage from your book in the vows or having someone you love read a paragraph,” she says, recommending a physical book instead of a tablet or e-reader. “Holding the actual book makes it really special! Book lovers understand the difference between holding the pages or flipping a digital screen.”
To make it even more meaningful, you could get a special edition to inscribe with your wedding date and sweet notes to each other for a wedding keepsake. Don’t worry — you can still take your Kindles on the honeymoon!
Decorate with literature-inspired pieces
Now, it wouldn’t be a wedding of bookworms without decor that highlights your shared love of reading! There are countless elements of your day-of design to consider, so you have plenty of opportunities to get creative with your favorite stories.
For a classic touch, “consider bookmarks or old-school card catalog entries as clever escort cards for your guests,” wedding photographer Lynne Reznick offers. “The bookmarks can be displayed or set at each seat, and using a card catalog is a fun, experiential way for guests to find their tables!”
Nicole Chan of Nicole Chan Photo & Video notes that couples can also incorporate favorite books and quotes as part of the table numbers and place settings. Better yet, “select books that are meaningful to you and use them as table names,” she says. “It’s a bonus if you’re able to find the books and use them as part of the centerpiece decor.”
Drawing inspiration from literature isn’t limited only to books! If you want a more artistic approach, look for other props that fit the theme. “Elements like calligraphy stations or old typewriters can channel creative energy that can tie into the feel of your event,” adds Vijay Goel of Bite Catering Couture.
Whether you source from your personal collection or scour a used bookstore, make sure the copies you use as decor are clean, and consider sticking to colors that match your wedding palette. (Though it’s your day, so you make the rules!)
Spice up your menu
A culinary experience fit for your favorite book characters will add to your guests’ immersion, whether they’re enjoying hors d’oeuvres or grabbing a drink from the bar.
“Give the entire menu a literary theme with dishes and drinks named after a book or character,” Garcia suggests. “Or, include iconic dishes from your favorite story. A wedding inspired by Jane Austen, for example, wouldn’t be complete without including the ‘exemplary vegetable,’ the potato. For Harry Potter fans, include a treacle tart.”
Other fun ideas include Anne Shirley’s favorite raspberry cordial, Hogsmeade’s famed butterbeer, or a spread of tea and tarts that would make the Mad Hatter proud.
Rethink your favors
Skip the mints and matchboxes — if you want to hand out favors that are both personal and useful, why not send your guests home with a book of their choice?
Megan & Kenneth’s Megan Breukelman shares about a couple that hosted a book bar in place of traditional wedding favors. “They collaborated with a local bookstore to line up their favorite books for their guests to choose from and take home,” she shares. “The couple also had bookmarks that were unique to their wedding for guests to put into the books. Guests have raved about it long after the wedding.”
In addition to books or personalized bookmarks, you can also find inspiration from the last section by giving out literary sweet treats as favors. Think chocolate frogs, Turkish delight, or gourmet “Eat Me” cookies!
Wear your favorite books
You probably won’t have time to read on your wedding day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your favorite novel close! Wedding photographer Melani Lust recommends incorporating literary elements into your wedding day attire.
“I loved this purse that one of our brides had custom-made as a beautiful cover of Pride & Prejudice,” she shares. “I could see creating your favorite literary covers for members of the wedding party to carry in place their floral bouquets.”
You could also incorporate paper flowers made of book pages, which can be a fun craft for DIY couples. Or, if you want to take a different approach, consider dressing in a way that ties into the overall aesthetic of your favorite genre, series, or book.
“Let your love for literature shine in what you wear and how you capture the day,” encourages Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Dress in styles inspired by your chosen book’s era or aesthetic. Work with your photographer to plan shots that highlight your theme, like reading your vows from a beautifully bound book or posing with literary props.”
For instance, Bridgerton brides can opt for a square neckline to embrace Regency-era fashion, whereas LOTR fans may prefer a flowy gown inspired by Arwen’s style. But you don’t have to go big to make a statement. Subtle details—like a Mockingjay pin or Velaris’ stars in your hair—can be a low-key way to honor your favorite stories!
Let your big day be the prologue to a love story that unfolds with every new chapter! Just as a great book captivates its readers, your wedding (and marriage!) will be filled with beautiful moments that make your story uniquely yours.
By infusing your special day with literary elements, you’re not just celebrating your love for each other but a shared passion for the written word — a passion that will undoubtedly fill the pages of your life with color and excitement. Happy planning!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
