25 Best Celestial Wedding Ideas

A bride and groom holding hands and dancing beneath string lights and star pendants — Photo by Erich McVey

Every night, something magical happens: Once the sun sets, the sky turns to black and the constellations come to life. This dreamy scene is so mystical and breathtaking that it’s inspired many couples to infuse their wedding ceremonies and receptions with celestial details. So, what does a celestial-inspired wedding actually look like? Ultimately, couples can feel free to interpret the theme as subtly or as literally as they want, but these celebrations will generally include references to the sun, moon, planets, and stars though the decorations and design.

From your wedding invitations to your cake, there are so many ways to bring celestial details into your ceremony and reception. Hang string lights from your venue’s ceiling to mirror the constellations, feature the Milky Way on your menu cards, or wear an airy ball gown embellished with sparkly stars. Moody color schemes and metallic accents will also produce an out-of-this-world feel.

If you checked to see if you and your partner had compatible zodiac signs and swear your love was written in the stars, then you should definitely consider incorporating some otherworldly vibes into your big day. Looking for inspiration you can apply to your own big day? Here, we're sharing 25 celestial wedding ideas that will leave you starry-eyed.

01 of 25

Reproduce the Galaxy

Celestial invitation suite with a custom star map embossed on the details card — Photo by K.R. Moreno Photography

Since your invitations are the very first wedding design element your guests will see, use them to establish your theme right off the bat. Gold details on white cardstock is an elegant twist on a celestial-inspired stationery suite. Consider completing your paper goods with a custom star map that holds significance to you and your partner, such as this map of stars above Detroit from Chloe Henderson and Sterling Sharp’s first date that was embossed on their details card. As an alternative, consider incorporating your zodiac signs or birth charts into the design, which will also subtly personalize the suite.

02 of 25

Set the Starry Scene

An invitation suite with astrological influences and a bird motif — Photo by Kate Headley

If you’re saying “I do” beneath the stars, work with an illustrator to create a version of the setting on your invitations. Cards painted with a dark night sky, twinkling stars, and a crescent moon will give guests a glimpse into the upcoming celebration. To further establish a sense of place, you can also include an illustration of your venue. We love this style of invitation for outdoor soirées with more organic aesthetics.

03 of 25

Rock a Celestial-Inspired Wedding Dress

A bride wearing a strapless ball gown with star embellishments and a tulle skirt — Photo by Emma McIntyre Photography

Make your walk down the aisle an absolute dream by donning a celestial-inspired ball gown. This strapless wedding dress is embellished with star-shaped accents and crystal beads that replicate a galaxy. The tulle skirt also gives the dress an ethereal edge. Glamorous brides will adore this sparkly ensemble.

04 of 25

Embellish a Bridal Cape

A bride and groom holding hands and walking on the beach with the bride wearing a celestial cape — Photo by Christine Flower Photography

For a more subtle touch, choose a bridal cape that features a scattering of stars and a silver moon. The metallic accents will help reinforce the mystical motif but we like that you can easily remove it for more classic portraits. And while this accessory would certainly pop against a white wedding dress, it also complements a beaded ensemble.

05 of 25

Sport Star-Shaped Earrings

A bride's star-shaped earrings covered in sequins — Photo by Jodee Debes Photography

Whether you want to match the celestial design on your wedding dress or bring a bold touch to a more traditional gown, consider wearing star-shaped earrings. An oversized, dangling style covered in shiny jewels will definitely make a statement.

06 of 25

Revamp Your Sneakers

A bride's custom sneakers engraved with the wedding date and stars — Photo by Sara Beth Turner

You probably want to opt for comfort once it’s time to hit the dance floor, so stash away your high heels and lace on a pair of sneakers that remind you of the cosmos. For her wedding in St. Louis, this bride changed into a pair of Adidas tennis shoes that she customized with the constellations and an engraving of her wedding date. If you're saying “I do” at a laid-back ceremony, these sneakers will also complement your vow exchange.

07 of 25

Have Your Bridesmaids Wear Blue

A bride posing with her bridesmaids who are wearing blue dresses — Photo by Danielle DeFiore

To mirror the spacious sky, ask your bridesmaids to dress in shades of blue, from cobalt to cyan. Another option would be to ask everyone to wear beaded numbers that allude to the stars or else set your maid of honor apart in a glittery gown that represents the cosmos.

08 of 25

Make Your Ceremony Backdrop Out of This World

A celestial wedding ceremony backdrop flanked by two gold columns, flowers, and candles — Photo by Bri Costello

Since the magic happens during the ceremony, select a heavenly backdrop to frame your vows. With swirling blue and black hues and a sprinkling of gold dots, this piece of art mirrors the galaxy. Flanked with gold columns and geometric candles, you’ll feel like you’re stargazing during the vow exchange.

09 of 25

Nod to the Solar System

A gate decorated with greenery and a planet-inspired design — Photo by Levi Tijerna

Another option for your ceremony background is an artsy installation that’s reminiscent of the solar system. The mix of white and blue shades and starry specks on a large sphere resembles a planet. Border the decoration with greenery to infuse earthy elements into an adornment from outer space.

10 of 25

Assign Your Seats in the Stars

Silver star ornaments as escort cards hanging from a gazebo — Photo by K.R. Moreno Photography

For seating assignments that are on theme, suspend each guest’s table number from shooting stars. Here, silver star-shaped ornaments dangle from a gazebo and are affixed with paper tags that feature each guest’s name and respective table. Make the entire escort card display a celestial vision by painting the ceiling black and trimming it with string lights.

11 of 25

Name Your Tables After Constellations

A seating chart with tables named after constellations — Photo by Mathias Fast

Are you an astrology or astronomy enthusiast? Name your reception tables after the constellations. List your guests’ names beneath an illustration of the group of stars to drive your theme home. You can also use the names of the planets or zodiac signs to denote your seating chart.

12 of 25

Hang Stars Over Your Lounge

A lounge area overlooking the ocean with string lights and star pendants — Photo by Erich McVey

Your lounge area is the perfect place for your friends and family to sit back and relax. To make the section feel cozy and comfortable, hang string lights and star pendants above the furniture. Once the sun goes down, your guests will be mesmerized by the starlit sky above them. If your reception has picturesque views, further capitalize on the scenery by positioning your seating area so it’s overlooking the setting.

13 of 25

Light Up the Night With Lunar Signage

A reception table decorated with tall floral centerpieces and a neon lunar sign on the wall — Photo by Katie Harmsworth

You can also use shapes found in the galaxy to decorate your space. This crescent moon-shaped neon sign, complete with the saying “To the Moon and Back,” is both romantic and thematic. Paired with lush greenery and florals, this sign is the focal point of the reception and an excellent choice for couples who want to subtly incorporate celestial details into their overarching design concept.

14 of 25

Adorn Your Chairs

A wooden cross-back chair with a celestial decoration on the back — Photo by Elisa Watkins

If you want to designate special seats for a VIP guest or for you and your partner, decorate those chair backs with a celestial adornment. With a lunar shape and a constellation map, you’ll be transported to outer space.

15 of 25

Add Magic to Table Numbers

A reception table with celestial table numbers and a watercolor table runner — Photo by Amanda Lenhardt

Since everyone will be looking at the table numbers to find their seats, you’ll want a noticeable design to help these decorative elements stand out. Painting gold stars on a black circle will reflect the constellations and help your friends and family locate their table. Pair them with table runners that also replicate the galaxy with a watercolor design for a thematic display.

16 of 25

Say It in Song

Place settings with gold flatware, gold plates, and a lyric from Coldplay — Photo by Jessica Kettle Photography

Look to popular culture for décor ideas. If you and your partner bond over a shared love of music, arrange table setting that feature the romantic lyrics to “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay. The gold flatware and ornate gold plates also help bring this theme to life.

17 of 25

Give Your Place Cards an Otherworldly Touch

A place setting with a moon place card, a quartz charger, and geode accent — Photo by Birds of a Feather

If you’re assigning specific seats, use crescent-shaped place cards to paint the picture of outer space. The quartz charger, geode accents, and metallic flatware add a mystical touch to a celestial-themed wedding.

18 of 25

Create Celestial Menus

A custom star chart menu embossed in gold — Photo by K.R. Moreno Photography

Menu cards are a practical must-have, but they're also an excellent opportunity to showcase stunning design details. These calligraphed menus are embossed and foil-printed with a star map of the couple’s wedding night. For a unique display, feature your dishes around the perimeter of the circle.

19 of 25

Complete Each Place Setting With a Crescent Charm

A place setting with crescent charms on top of a white napkin and beside gold flatware — Photo by Jenny Smith

Instead of going all out with a celestial-inspired place setting, channel a more subdued look with a simple crescent charm. The exposed wood table and eucalyptus runner are organic designs that won’t compete with the lunar accent and are ideal for a rustic wedding. These can even double as favors for your guests to take home with them.

20 of 25

Choose a Dreamy Backdrop

A sweetheart table with baby's breath shaped like a moon and a starry night backdrop — Photo by Bo Shim

To make your sweetheart table the star of the show, sit against a backdrop of the night sky. To execute their sky-inspired wedding theme, this couple had their florist create a moon using baby’s breath. Instead of a jet-black night sky, the pictured background features a more whimsical version with purple clouds and a light dusting of stars. For ballroom or indoor receptions, this framework will revamp bare walls.

21 of 25

Produce a Starry Night

A wedding reception space with star lights suspended above the tables — Photo by Sarah Slover Photography

With lighting, you can instantly transform any space. Cast a warm glow over your evening with illuminated moravian stars floating above your reception setting. You’ll bring the outdoors to an indoor area and create the most romantic ambiance for your celebration. Embrace maximalism by covering your entire ceiling with lights or suspend a few above your dance floor for a toned-down look.

22 of 25

Reference Astrology on Your Cake

Three square-shaped single-tier cakes decorated with the constellations — Photo by Fondly Forever Photography

For celestial weddings with more moody aesthetics, feature the constellations on a dark cake (or three!). To bring depth and dimension to your cake table, display a trifecta of confections in different sizes, shapes, and heights. With square-shaped tiers, these desserts are a suitable choice for modern weddings.

23 of 25

Top It Off With a Heavenly Design

A wedding cake with a starburst topper and featuring a custom star map and flowers — Photo by K.R. Moreno Photography

Complete your cake design with a striking cake topper that augments the mystical motif. This three-dimensional gold starburst topper brightens a white cake and signifies the shining sun. The center of the masterpiece also features a gold hand-painted star map of the night the couple got engaged. For weddings filled with glitz and glamour, this choice will enhance your design.

24 of 25

Dance Under the Stars

A bride and groom dancing on a wooden dance floor beneath string lights — Photo by Sarah Anne Photography

Your first dance is already romantic enough, but to really up the ante, sway with your partner beneath string lights. With these strands of light drifting above your head, you’ll transform your dance floor into an enchanting nighttime scene, whether you’re celebrating outdoors or indoors.

25 of 25

End the Night With Sparklers

A bride and groom holding hands and leaving their reception as their guests wave sparklers — Photo by Kiyah C Photography

End the night with a bang by having your guests wave sparklers while you make your exit. The flickers of light will replicate the stars and add a playful flair to any wedding, from traditional affairs to contemporary celebrations.

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