7 Masculine Wedding Decor Ideas

A wedding is often planned with pastel tones, delicate textures, and pretty blooms — it’s not always the most masculine affair. Traditionally the big day is strictly ivory, white, and floral, but there is a growing shift towards an alternative wedding decor. One of the most up and coming? Masculine wedding decor.

 

masculine wedding invite with gray tones
COOL GRAY & WHITE: A custom crest on invitations for a black tie wedding. (via Martha Stewart Weddings)

 
From dark neutrals to rustic accents and unique decor details, there’s myriad ways to incorporate a more masculine aesthetic into your big day. Let’s take a look at the hot trends for masculine weddings this year.

 

potted cacti and succulent in white pots as alternative wedding ceremony decor
POTTED PLANT LCacti, palms, and succulents at a wedding ceremony in Santorini. (via Ruffled Blog)

 

1. Cacti and succulents

Whatever venue you use for your big day, choosing cacti and succulents to decorate the aisle and reception area creates a masculine, earthy vibe. Flowers are often at the heart of a wedding celebration, but that doesn’t mean always need to mean white lilies.

 

cactus table centerpiece idea
A table runner of cacti in different heights + shapes is an easy summer-inspired centerpiece that is sure to charm your guests over. – Martha Stewart Weddings.

 

Reimagine traditional flowers by combining them with cacti for unique table decoration or let the desert dwellers speak for themselves. Set them in cement pots or sandstone planters to add texture and depth. They are perfect for any climate or location and — unlike traditional flowers — won’t be wilting by the end of the evening! If you’d prefer to keep them forever, opt for fake cacti.

 

confetti wedding cake
Who doesn’t love confetti?! Use a clear glass cake plate is perfect for showing it off. (via BRIDES)

 

2. An alternative Wedding cake

Incorporating the groom’s tastes into the cake is another great way of veering away from a more traditional wedding style. A white wedding cake was originally a representation of the bride as the main focal point – why not put a masculine spin on the traditional cake and incorporate darker tones or dried flowers?    

 

3 tier white wedding cake with masculine cable knit design
Cable knit sweater details on a 3-tier wedding cake. (via Moo Milk Bar)

 

Make the cake the talk of the wedding reception when it’s decorated with a sport’s motif or other interest; minimalist cupcakes decorated with the groom’s favorite football team colors and piled high on a 3-tier cake stand, sounds like a home run. 

 

votives coasters match box wedding favors
For the after party, or post-dinner lounge, set up a whiskey or tequila bar. Add votives, custom coasters, and match boxes in an antique brass bowl, that are also wedding favors. (via BRIDES)

 

3. A bar cart

A cocktail station or whiskey bar is another sure-fire way of including a masculine aesthetic in your wedding. Have bartenders on hand to serve guests the cocktail or mocktail of their choice, or make it a self-service station. 

 

wedding bar with boxwood
Make it formal: a bartender in black tie behind a bar wrapped in boxwood topped with small florals and floating candles. (via the Knot)

 

Create the perfect atmosphere for the bar with potted fake palms and boxwood or lush greenery backdrops. Add a signature drink or cocktail befitting your wedding theme, the season, or each of the newlyweds favorite drink.

 

nyc wedding celebration at a restaurant from the cut
Keeping it small, and local: This wedding for 45 at a New York City restaurant features tables with tall arrangements of eucalyptus in mercury glass urns. (via The Cut)

 

4. Table settings

Opt for minimalist tableware, using dark colors and textures to create a bold yet elegant place setting. Let crystal bud vases and hanging tube vases do the talking. For more of a wow factor, add in beautiful golden lanterns with candles inside, grouped in various sizes. Smaller ones, such as pyramid candle holders — are perfect for cocktail hour tables, while dramatic bronze candlesticks are perfect for the top table. Each brings an industrial vibe that is perfect for the masculine aesthetic we’re looking for.

 

masculine and feminine wedding tablescape martha stewart weddings
MASCULINE AND FEMININE AESTHETICS  This modern display by featured a mix of dark greenery and white florals, which created an equally masculine and feminine aesthetic. – Martha Stewart Weddings

 

As always, compliment with greenery. Throw in some stems of artificial flowers if things are becoming too minimalist, and add in a bit of greenery — maybe some stems of artificial Thunberg spirea for height and looser shapes and forms on your tablescape.

 

rosemary and eucalyptus boutonniere for groom
A fragrant boutonniere of rosemary and eucalyptus. (via BRIDES)

 

5. Bouquets & Boutonnieres

A masculine wedding doesn’t mean eliminating all feminine touches, it means adapting them. 

 

bridal bouquet with eucalyptus and proteas
A bouquet of proteas, eucalyptus, peonies, and roses. (via BRIDES)

 

Bouquets and bridesmaids’ headpieces can easily be altered to fit alternative wedding decor. Artificial eucalyptus bouquets for the bridesmaids give a perfect pared-down vibe and will look fresh from start to finish. Similarly, faux eucalyptus could be incorporated into the bridesmaids’ crowns. Suit buttonholes can be adorned with succulents, pine cones, or foliage — the male guests can rock their smart suits without fear of being laden down by a heavy pink boutonniere!

 

river stones with wedding guest names
Use river stones for an alternative wedding guest book. (via Real Simple)

 

6. Wedding guest book

A wedding book has become a common addition to weddings, as a way of remembering lovely words from your guests on your special day. 

A much more unique way of getting guests to put a mark on your wedding day is to get them to sign their names onto some polished smooth stones with a decorative pen. That way you’ll have a wonderful keepsake for your home as well as a reminder of your special day.

 

golf ball escort card idea
GOLF BALL ESCORT CARDS  These golf lovers integrated their passion for the driving range into their escort card display with numbered golf balls perched on tees. – Martha Stewart Weddings

 

7. Seating plans

Give your table plans a rustic feel with a simple chalkboard set up with the guests’ names boldly set out. Incorporate your love of golf with golf balls and T’s on a bed of grass. Or how about wax stamped onto place cards for a luxe yet masculine vibe? 

 

wax seal escort card display
Wax seals instantly add a luxe look to any wedding stationery or paper products from escort cards and place cards to invitation suites to menus, programs, and favor bags. Have a custom seal made with your new monogram or just some numbered ones like those used above and go to town. – BRIDES

 

If hot wax sounds a bit too messy, there are adhesive seals available that look the part too. 

 

Create your own masculine wedding

With the above tips, you’re well on your way to creating a laid-back, modern masculine wedding. 

Jamali Garden has the perfect range of decorative products to make your big day one to truly remember. Why not explore our wedding themes?