How to Plan a Balletcore Wedding

Whether you've been a ballerina or ballet dancer your entire life or you just have a deep appreciation for the ballet aesthetic, planning a balletcore wedding is such an exciting endeavor. Filled with romantic elements that give a nod to the world of ballet—which originated during the Italian Renaissance in Europe—this wedding theme, full of delicate beauty and refinement, is stunning in so many ways. "We love to draw inspiration from the ballet by tying in romantic decorative details like bows, ribbon, and layered fabric," explains Callista Osborn, owner of Callista & Company, a full-service wedding planning company. "A ballet-inspired wedding often pulls from a color palette of pale pinks, white, cream, and touches of formal black."

From perfecting that perfect color palette and sourcing textures to thread throughout your big day, to choosing a ballet-inspired dress and channeling the soft, feminine nature of this theme, we have expert insight into how to bring all the beautiful elements of balletcore together for your dream wedding.

How to Plan a Balletcore Wedding

As you begin the initial planning stages for your balletcore wedding, consider the colors and textures that will bring the day to life. The best color palette reflects shades often seen in ballet performances (think ballet slippers, leotards, and tutus)—you'll want to focus on blush hues, light pinks, creams, neutrals, and touches of formal black. In terms of textures, this is a great time to think about tutus! Tulle, delicate lace, and hand-embroidered fabrics are a perfect fit for the theme, as are silk ribbons.

When it comes to stationery, one of the first elements of the wedding that guests will experience, couples should focus on invitations with feminine touches and delicate scripts. It might be best to opt for lightweight stationery with cursive font and a simple, neutral color scheme with accents of pink or gold to really drive your theme home. Because ribbons are so integral to ballet shoes, this is a wonderful opportunity to wrap your invitation in a silky bow.

Balletcore Wedding Fashion

Without a doubt, the wedding dress is one of the elements where the balletcore aesthetic can really shine through. Brides should consider white or light pink A-line and tea-length dresses with tulle skirts, strapless necklines, and delicate textures throughout. "Dresses with bows, tulle, full skirts, or layered fabrics align well with a ballet-inspired wardrobe," says Osborn. "These design details can be incorporated in the wedding itself but also at events like bridal showers, post-wedding brunches, and more. Hair swept back in a tidy bun is a perfect nod to ballet style."

To compliment the dress pearl earrings and feathered headbands are ideal accessories, as is a heel that incorporates silk ribbons or an elevated ballet flat style. Because ballerinas so often embrace a natural makeup look, brides should plan to do the same, focusing on softening their features with pretty blushes, shimmery highlighters, and pink lipstick.

Balletcore Wedding Venues and Design

Your venue for the big day should be equal parts elegant and understated—and, of course, have plenty of space for dancing. Consider large ballroom venues, outdoor manicured gardens with plenty of space for a wooden dance floor, or any space with high ceilings and unique décor elements like patterned wallpaper, columns, chandeliers, and large paintings.

Within your venue, whether it's indoor or outdoor (or in your own home!) there is ample opportunity to spruce up the space and really imbue the balletcore theme using different types of decorations. Fresh flowers are one of the best ways to channel the feminine energy we associate with balletcore. Consider understated floral centerpieces on your reception tables, consisting of roses, peonies, ranunculus, and tulips, surrounded by blush-hued or neutral-hued tapered candles or votives. For the bridal and bridesmaids' bouquets, as well as boutonnieres or corsages, pink and white roses or peonies with accents of delicate greenery are the perfect fit. Baby's breath is another delicate bloom that can accent a larger bloom or be used on its own for a demure bouquet.

Other décor elements may include lace trim on dinner menus and escort cards, spotlight lighting (especially for the first dance), and silk ballet shoes as decorations throughout the ceremony and reception space. The color scheme can continue into the cocktail menu, where pink-and-purple-hued drinks are a perfect fit: Think pink lemonade, lavender gin and tonics, cosmos, Ping Pongs, and rosé.

Balletcore Wedding Cakes

When it comes time to cut the cake, couples planning a balletcore wedding will want to feature simple yet feminine decorations for the confection. "I love a pale pink wedding cake or a wedding cake with a beautiful silk bow," suggests Osborn. "That type of elegant and refined styling pairs perfectly with a subtle ballet theme." Couples can also consider adding a tier of macarons (fittingly very French!), or ask a cake designer to wrap a piece of blush-colored tulle around a naked or white cake for a uniquely elegant look.