The NHL star got engaged in the spring of 2024, mere weeks before winning the Stanley Cup.
Updated Jun 18, 202527 Modern Wedding Ideas for Contemporary Couples
Think slick, sleek and sophisticated.
Dreaming of chic rooftops, simple typography and neutral palettes? Whether you're a minimalist or a city slicker couple, a modern wedding may be just up your alley. With their sleek style and sharp lines, contemporary weddings have a polished and refined elegance that stands the test of time.
Ready to start planning? Then you've come to the right place. From modern wedding themes to budget priorities to modern wedding design ideas, we've got you covered with everything you need to know. Read on for some contemporary inspo before heading to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find vendors to bring your modern wedding vision to life.
Modern wedding details: Definition | Venues | Budget | Colors | Invitations | Cakes | Bouquets | Decor
What is Modern Wedding Style?
A modern wedding style is typically defined by minimalist design, clean lines, smooth and clear materials and a sophisticated elegance, says Kelly Jeanmaire of The Main Event By Kelly based in Upstate New York. "It usually focuses on a contemporary look and aesthetic, which often features neutral color palettes with bold accents, sleek and innovative decor such as velvet furniture or dramatic drapery," she adds. "The goal is to achieve a polished yet effortless look."
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Ideal Modern Wedding Venue Ideas
The right modern wedding venue will set the foundation for your cool and contemporary wedding theme. The main factor you should look for when venue hunting is the architecture of the building, Jeanmaire says. "You can do a lot with rentals, decor and flowers but you cannot change the foundation of a building," she explains. "Choosing a venue with original clean lines, open floor plans, large windows, unique floorings or ceilings will qualify in making it a modern wedding venue."
Think sleek penthouses, industrial-chic spaces, vast museums and hotel ballrooms. You can start your search with The Knot Vendor Marketplace by looking up your desired wedding location under the reception venues category and filtering by venue type. Ballroom, rooftop, hotel, loft, country club, industrial and warehouse, and library are all options under this filter that might yield a modern wedding venue.
Modern Wedding Budget Priorities
Of course, your wedding budget will differ depending on the type of contemporary wedding you want to have and where you're getting married. You can always get a better idea of anticipated costs in your location using our budget tool. To hit the modern wedding theme while staying in budget, Jeanmaire advises prioritizing these elements:
- Venue and lighting: "Invest in a venue with a naturally modern aesthetic and great lighting, as these set the foundation for the entire look," she says. "Lighting plays a critical role in creating the sleek and sophisticated ambiance associated with modern weddings."
- Minimalistic floral and decor design: Think impactful, statement pieces rather than an abundance of decor. Jeanmaire says a striking floral installation or a sculptural centerpiece can create a wow factor without excessive spending.
- Quality over quantity: Prioritize high-quality materials and finishes like elegant tableware, luxurious linens and sophisticated stationery design.
- Furniture and rentals: Acrylic chairs, sleek lounge furniture and geometric table settings can help maintain a cohesive look.
- Technology and entertainment: "Allocate budget for innovative lighting designs, such as uplighting, projection mapping or dynamic LED displays to create an immersive experience that feels modern and cutting-edge," Jeanmaire advises.
Modern Wedding Colors
When choosing your wedding colors for a modern wedding, you can really select any combo as long as you have the right contemporary design details. But Jeanmaire says sophisticated color palettes, such as neutral tones with bold color accents, can help propel the look. Take a few cues from these modern wedding color schemes.
1. Black and White
A black and white wedding is classy for a reason—a monochromatic palette is chic and contemporary while also managing to be timeless. It's easy to accent with jewel tones, which you can incorporate with greenery.
2. All White and Neutrals
Play up a color combo of beiges, whites and nudes for a minimalist modern wedding color palette that feels fresh and clean. Details like botanical organics and acrylic chairs complement the colors without overpowering them.
3. Purple Jewel Tones
You don't always have to stick to monochrome—a colorful combo of jewel tones in purple, cobalt and fuchsia evokes more of a mid-century modern vibe.
Modern Wedding Invitations
You'll want to set the tone for your wedding with modern wedding invitations, which you can find by browsing through The Knot Invitations. It's a one-stop-shop, as many of the designs have corresponding wedding websites for a seamless theme experience. Let these modern wedding invites inspire you.
4. Masculine Invitation Suite
Bold typeface, arch-shaped designs and dark blue and green accents come together for an invitation suite that feels masculine and luxurious.
5. Artsy Wedding Invitations
For the eclectic couple tying the knot in an art gallery or museum, colorful brushstrokes and minimalist type combine for a stylish, artsy vibe.
6. Modern Gray Wedding Invitations
This modern wedding invitation suite keeps it simple with a cool gray and white palette with foiled detailing. The look is both modern and elegant.
7. Pink Orchid Wedding Invitations
Photo: K and K Photography
,Stationery: Minted
Fuchsia jewel tones in an agate-inspired design take center stage in this wedding invite, overlooking clean typography for some contemporary-meets-bohemian flair.
Modern Wedding Cakes
With all the sumptuous wedding cake trends out there, there's no shortage of different modern wedding cake designs. Look for sculptural details, bold accents and simplicity. These delectable confections are a good place to start.
8. Marbled Black and White Wedding Cake
No, this isn't a black and white photograph—it's a marbled cake in a monochromatic color scheme. Silver foiled accents and 3D geometric details polish off the modern touches in this stunning cake.
FOR YOU
Stylish Ideas for Your Wedding Table Numbers
Direct your guests to the right place with our favorite wedding table number ideas.
Our Ultimate, Ultra-Curated List of Wedding Themes
This list is your wedding theme holy grail—full stop.
Here's How to Plan a Japandi-Style Wedding
This mash-up of Japanese and Scandinavian elements feels modern, but not too minimalist.
9. Wedding Cake with Chocolate Shards
A two-tiered cake with a dramatic brushstroke design of white, black and brown shards makes this cake a masterpiece. Set it on a minimalist dessert table to really stand out.
10. Abstract Hand-Painted Wedding Cake
Abstract details always lend a contemporary touch, and this fondant wedding cake hand-painted with an earthy abstract design is no different. It's perfect for a modern autumn wedding.
11. Modern Cake with Edges
A classic three-tiered white wedding cake gets an artful twist with fondant ruffled edges. Flanked by two tapered candles, she's a show stopper.
Modern Wedding Bouquets
For modern wedding bouquet styles, you can go sleek and minimalist or bold and textured—there are all sorts of wedding flower trends you can infuse to complete the look. Orchids and calla lilies are go-to flowers, while tropical leaves or pampas grass can lend a modern botanical feel. These modern wedding bouquets for weddings show how it's done.
12. Dyed Calla Lily Bouquet
This vibrant modern wedding bouquet of flowers is a technicolor dream, mixing simple greenery with dyed calla lilies, orange carnations and equally bold flora as accents.
13. Modern Orchid Bouquet
This modern cascading bouquet makes a statement with an eclectic combo of flowers and muted tones, from orchids to roses. Pampas grass and wild branches bring some texture into the mix.
14. Wide Tropical Bouquet
Modern wedding flower bouquets for a destination wedding work well when they're bright and sculptural. This horizontal bouquet is rich in blush-and-coral blooms, accented with ferns, making it perfect for a tropical venue.
Modern Wedding Decor Ideas
As with any wedding, nailing the vibe is all in the details. Think texture (acrylics, metallics), shapes (geometric accents, asymmetrical design) and style (minimalist, sophisticated) when it comes to modern wedding decor. With our eye on the best wedding decor trends, we've rounded up some inspo for modern wedding ideas.
15. Circular Arch
Oversized shapes always help bring out the modern vibe, especially when they're the backdrop to the altar. This golden, circular arch features a lush, off-center arrangement of tropical flora with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop.
16. Ghost Chairs
Acrylic chairs are a go-to for modern wedding ceremony decor since they seamlessly blend into their surroundings. These are set in the Baltimore Museum of Art amid grand pillars, elegant draping and minimalist aisle decor.
17. Geometric Decor
When you think modern, think geometric. Stacked rectangular stands topped with cascading flowers and candles make for sleek and striking modern wedding reception centerpieces.
18. Black Outdoor Bar
This is one bar we'd like to return to again and again, if not for the signature cocktails, then for its eye-catching aesthetic. Its black coloring makes a big statement with bold simplicity, accented by a custom neon sign and a melted disco ball.
19. Frosted and Metallic Signage
The right textures can really elevate a modern style. In this case, frosted table numbers and metallic menus combine for a dynamic contemporary duo.
20. Asymmetrical Backdrop
This stunning asymmetrical floral installation of white blooms and greenery climbs toward the ceiling to serve as a wedding arch at the altar. It's flanked by low candles, crawling ivy, suspended lighting and additional greenery.
21. Floral Printed Dance Floor Installation
Don't forget your dance floor! It's a fun way to incorporate modern art, like this custom pink bougainvillea-print, which complements the bar design and surrounding pink flowers.
22. Palm Leaf Centerpiece
Oversized palm leaf centerpieces bring a tropical flair to a simple table setting of white linens and matching white plates. The unexpected greenery and a low-key color palette combine for a modern style.
23. Colorful Seating Chart
Although many modern weddings favor sophisticated neutral palettes, accenting decor with bold colors offers a fun and playful twist. Look no further than this modern wedding seating chart idea in lavender, hot pink and orange with the phrase "Let's Get Weird."
24. Light Installation
A modern light installation with Edison bulbs suspended above long and round tables serves as a stunning focal point in this cavernous reception hall.
25. All-White Florals
All-white florals transform ceremony chairs into something elevated and sophisticated, set against an industrial space with the brick walls and concrete floors.
26. Black Place Setting
Black and gold details bring a glam touch to this refined tablescape, from gilded silverware to linen napkins. The moody colors pop against a beige tablecloth, a safe bet for a modern look.
27. Acrylic Wedding Sign
With a disco ball print and swag of pink hydrangeas, this acrylic wedding sign suspended from a gilded structure is both whimsical and modern thanks to its mix of playful accents and texture.
