How to Plan an Elegant, Harry Potter-Inspired Wedding

Photo Credit: Kelly Clarke Photography

J.K. Rowling captured the hearts of pretty much everyone with her beloved Harry Potter series. Her fans are the real deal and some are taking things to a whole new level. Couples are channeling their shared adoration for the books into their wedding plans and we’re totally in awe. A themed wedding is one of the best ways for a couple to showcase their personality or highlight a shared interest. Best of all, they offer a fun experience for guests too! We’re thrilled to share some Harry Potter inspiration that’s captured our attention (and hearts!) If a thematic, Harry Potter wedding is in your future, check out our tips below!

Venue

What comes to mind when thinking of all the incredible visuals from the Harry Potter series? You might find yourself dreaming of the great halls of Hogwarts or the brick wall that marks the entrance to Platform 9 and ¾. Maybe it’s towering candelabras or lush, untamed greenery? Whichever details stand out most to you, be sure to visualize a venue where they can really come to life for you and your guests. A community museum or local arboretum may be a good starting place. Be sure to keep in mind that venues of all kinds tend to fill up quickly and it’s helpful to plan ahead.

Cake

A true wedding favorite, the cake is something all of your guests will get excited about—especially if it ties in with your Harry Potter theme. Seriously though, how many people count down the hours leading to the cake cutting? A lot. Treat yourself with a themed cake that will also give your guests something to really look forward to.  

One of our favorite finishing touches? A cake topper with Severus Snape’s ‘Always’ promise. You can find some seriously gorgeous options on Etsy (like this and this!)

Decor

It’s possible to achieve an elegant wedding that still offers a sizable nod to the Harry Potter series. Dark, moody, and endlessly enchanting, a true Harry Potter aesthetic can come to life with even the simplest of details. Keep your eyes out for antique books, aged wooden stumps, and floating candles with an old-world glow (and you certainly don’t have to stop there!) We love how this couple used magic wands as seating escort cards. (Photo credit: Geoff White Photographers).

Hold the bubbles (at least for a minute or two). Instead of champagne, equip each of your guests with a wand and invite them to raise their wands for the toast.

You can also explore a literal approach when incorporating the books into your wedding décor. These stunning bouquets and boutonnieres were made with actual pages from the books.

Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Keep in mind that your save-the-date and invitation are the first communications that your guests will receive about your wedding. The designs you select will set the tone for what’s to come, so make sure your overall theme is reflected. Here are some Harry Potter-inspired designs we love! You can find them here on Greenvelope.

Digital invitations make managing your event dramatically easier, especially when it comes to tracking RSVPs and collecting meal preferences. With the benefit of event management tools, you’ll have more time to pull off other thematic detailing. It’s a win-win!

Activities

In general, photo booths are a lot of fun at weddings. But they’re arguably more fun with a theme! You can easily rent a photo booth service or create one yourself. Keep your eye out for a festive backdrop (something dark and velvety!) and some fun, Hogwarts-inspired props like these.

Cocktails

If you decide to serve a themed cocktail at your wedding (and you totally should!), the JK Rowling series is full of possibilities. Be sure to consider the season when deciding on a recipe. If your wedding is likely to take place in the fall or winter, you might consider making Harry’s favorite pumpkin juice—with a grown up twist. We love this Pumpkintini recipe by Cooking with Curls. Unlike Harry’s version, this recipe is spiked with white rum and whiskey. Just rim the glass with crushed graham cracker and it’s just like drinking pumpkin pie.

If a spring or summer wedding is in your plans, it might be better to find a cocktail recipe that’s lighter and more refreshing. The Felix Felicis (also know as Liquid Luck) is made with sparking wine, ginger beer, and lemon juice. You can find the recipe here.

Attire

If you want to see your guests get in the spirit of your theme too, you might want to encourage a festive dress code. You can instruct your guests to aim for formal or cocktail chic with an added element that matches the overall Harry Potter theme (at an appropriate level).

Our most important advice? Remember that weddings are about love, happiness, and families coming together. We can’t imagine a more fun or memorable way to celebrate one of life’s most special moments. Happy planning!