Inspiration: Kentucky Derby Themed Weddings



Encourage your guests to wear hats!

Giddy up, Derby Days are here! The Kentucky Derby is celebrating 140 years so we are going southern, romantic and equestrian for some fun wedding inspiration! We love the idea of a Kentucky Derby themed wedding, with all the amazing elements that make a great Derby party lending themselves perfectly to a fabulous wedding! The incredible flowers, the gorgeous hats, the luscious food, the delicious cocktails, the horse-inspired details…we love it all! See if you don’t find something to adore.

Stationery helps set the tone for your wedding and gives  your guests something to anticipate. You can hint at fun to come by incorporating equestrian elements into your invitations and carry it through your wedding day with escort cards, programs and menu.

This has to be one of the most unique and darling escort card displays ever!

Nicknamed the Run for the Roses in an allusion to the lush red rose blanket draped over the winning horse, the Derby evokes images of red roses (or other crimson flowers), which can be beautiful for a wedding.

You can incorporate red without having to go the red rose route. This red, black and white color palette is both elegant and whimsical. LOVE the topiaries!

But you can easily infuse Derby elements into your wedding design with other colors. We love this fabulous navy and hot pink duo punctuated with bright yellow and orange accents!

Or this lovely muted pastel color palette:

Or soft yellow and blue:

Forgo a more traditional cake topper for a fun horse-inspired piece. p.s. that rickrack is darling!



This sweet fan is a nice touch for an outdoor event.

Don't forget about the delectable traditional southern cuisine that is a must for any Derby-inspired wedding menu. Benedictine Sandwiches, Mint Juleps, Kentucky Hot Browns, Bourbon Pork Tenderloin, Derby Pie, Fried Chicken, Beef Tenderloin with Henry Bain Sauce (on the side, of course!) and Roasted Pecans are ubiquitous foods to any Kentucky Derby-themed celebration.

And then there's the cocktails! Again, no Derby event is complete without Mint Juleps, but an assortment of whiskeys and bourbons is a nice touch, too!

 

And Derby-goers partying in the infield are often seen playing lawn games. Why not bring some of that fun to your wedding reception?

Croquet, horseshoes and cornhole give your guests a chance to bring out their inner kiddo!

Whatever Kentucky Derby elements appeal to you for your wedding day, you're sure to find some fun inspiration in the celebrations that surround the "most exciting two minutes in sports!"

 

image sources: 100 Layer Cake, Green Wedding Shoes, Southern Weddings, Style Me Pretty and Wedding Chicks.