INTRO:

Disney movies have been part of our lives for, well, always. Starting in 1937 with “Snow White,” Disney animated films have brought a little magic into the everyday. That means if you’re 87 or younger, these animated classics have been around as long as you have! For most of us, these films were the basis of our understanding about love. And while these depictions aren’t always the most realistic in regards to relationships, they are iconically romantic. So why not bibbidi-bobbidi-boo some of that romance into your wedding day? Here are 22 Disney animated films to use as inspiration for your own happily-ever-after!

#1: Snow White

The film that started it all! As a character, Snow White really is the foundation for what we consider a quintessential Disney princess: lovely, kind, great at housework; with a voice so beautiful she charms the literal birds down from the trees and a tragically repressed childhood. It also introduced that idea of love’s first kiss as a powerful remedy for spells, curses, and ratched ol’ step-monsters. While “Snow White,” like all animated classics, gets a bit dark here and there, what could be more romantic than the kiss of your true love being strong enough to wake you from death? This theme is revisited many times in Disney films and is a perfect metaphor for your wedding day. What is your first kiss as husband and wife if not love’s first kiss? Channel that glass coffin character into your wedding with a palette of yellow, royal blue, white as pale as snow, and red as deep as blood. If you’re worried that will come across tacky, stick to yellow in the center of tiny daisies anchored by the darker flowers. This palette needn’t be overpowering to still convey the vibe. Scatter crimson apples in your centerpieces, desserts, even the bouquet. Winter wedding? Lean harder into the reds and whites by bringing in cranberries and branches of holly. Don’t forget gilded mirrors and woodland motifs to set the scene. If your bride has hair as black as coal, all the better! And, of course, 7 groomsmen with jeweled boutonnieres to represent Snow White’s mining men.

#2: Cinderella

Here comes another bride with a repressed childhood! At first glance it seems like many of these poor princesses were mistreated at a young age. But how lovely that redemption comes in finding their person and creating a new family with them. Whether you’ve got two tone-deaf stepsisters handy or not, “Cinderella” is a dreamy wedding theme. What a perfect time to don a wedding dress that isn’t strictly white, but still still classically elegant in a delicate baby blue. Whatever the color, be sure it is a true bridal gown with a full, swishing skirt and that you have a staircase to come down for your grand entrance. Rather than walking in on glass slippers, incorporate them as decor–on a raised cushion, perhaps in the center of the head table, or in tiny charms given out as favors to wedding guests. Hang a gild-edged scroll to announce the events of the day, and drape everything in ethereal blues. Give your maid of honor a large bow, either on her gown or hair, to designate her as your Fairy Godmother. Pay homage to the dress building scene by designing a cake being “constructed” by birds. If you want to go even further, consider having a herald announce guests as they enter–even as a gag to break the ice. And rather than do a garter toss, have the groom go around trying his bride’s slipper on other guests. It might sound cheesy, but the more you embrace it, the more charming it can become. A carriage must make an appearance; whether as a focal point, a unique backdrop for photos, or to ride away on together as husband and wife. Just be sure to have a legit driver, not a pair of mice in costume!

#3: Sleeping Beauty

“I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream.” Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora’s meet cute in the forest from “Sleeping Beauty” tops the charts for adorable. Want to have an unforgettable first dance? Start with an enchanted forest backdrop–either outside or surrounded by potted trees. Remember how Aurora, dreaming of her unknown prince, first dances with her woodland creatures dressed up in Phillip’s clothes? Consider dressing other men in your family or wedding party in a cloak and hat and waltzing with them as “Once Upon a Dream” plays. They exchange the cloak and hat to waltz with you each in turn, until your groom. steps in for the rest of the dance. This is over-the-top, but in that same adorable way. Using this film as a wedding theme also sets the stage for incredible photos as the groom wakes his bride from spellbound slumber. Use flower-laden spinning wheels and spools of golden thread as bewitching decor (just don’t touch the spindle!). Interject organic elements into every detail–like a bouquet of faux butterflies and, of course, a dragon boutonniere to represent the groom’s victory over the monstrous Maleficent. Remember also when Philip is storming the castle and the fairies keep turning the arrows and stones into flowers and bubbles? Why not blow bubbles and throw blooms as the bride and groom exit? Commission a perfectly imperfect cake that slouches a bit to the side and has towering, though crooked, candles in honor of the birthday cake the fairies make for Aurora. And speaking of Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, dress your three flower girls as fairies!

#4: Alice in Wonderland

Plunging down the rabbit hole into Wonderland might sound like an odd choice for a wedding celebration. But an “Alice in Wonderland” wedding theme is a true escape from the everyday into the fantastic with stunning visuals to match. There’s no better time for a venue with a checkerboard floor (a nod to Alice’s later adventure Through the Looking Glass) or to use checkerboard print in your fabrics. Set a backdrop of over-sized clocks and stone rabbits but don’t stop there. Include tiny clocks on boutonnieres and in a truly mad mixed bouquet of trinkets that represent Alice’s strange and beguiling journey: including locks, keys, cats, flamingos, and even a pipe smoking caterpillar if you desire. Please forgo the round guest tables for one gigantic banquet tables laden with quirky mismatched tea sets in every color and pattern. The great thing is you can collect these tea sets from thrift stores and consignment shops over the course of your wedding planning. Stack them on vintage books and include a teeny glass Dormouse with each set for a one-of-a-kind tablescape. Serve lemonade and tea cakes to guests whose seats are marked with labeled playing cards as name placards. The other great thing about this wedding theme? Whether you have a relaxed, Dinah-free picnic or a raving dance party bathed in rosy light for the Queen of Hearts, whatever unique details you choose will just add to the odd and wonderful Wonderland world you create for your big day.

#5: The Little Mermaid

Raise your hand if you brushed your hair with a fork as a child? If you did, it’s probably because of “The Little Mermaid” with her dinglehoppers and snarfblats. Unlike her princess predecessors who met an unknown prince, Ariel taught us the art of pining–of longing for a specific tall, dark, and handsome hunk. But underneath the singing crabs and warbling seagulls, “The Little Mermaid,” is about giving up your entire world for love. Ariel leaves an ocean kingdom and some of her appendages behind to be with Eric. And the blue-eyed prince is no slouch as he battles a gigantic sea witch to save his half-fish lady. Joking aside, what a beautiful metaphor for the sacrifices of marriage. And whether you’re partial to the newer, Caribbean, live-action Ariel or the redheaded original (we’re not going to get in the middle of that debate) the wedding theme for either has similar elements. Plan a beach wedding or bring the beach to you with coral and rustic driftwood centerpieces. Bedeck your cake with seashells, cluster them in the center of place settings, or reveal the wedding rings inside a clam shell. Stick those dinglehoppers into oyster pearl cake pops. Keep to a more classic seaside palette with pale blues and whites or filter in some of that Carribean flare with teal, turquoise, and rosy coral colors. If you’re going Caribbean, bring in a steal drum band! For the bride, starfish strewn in her loose waves and, of course, a mermaid-cut gown.

#6: Beauty and the Beast

“Tale as Old as Time” might be one of the most memorable love songs from the Disney musical catalog. The image of Belle in that golden-yellow gown waltzing with her hairy but handsome suitor is the pivotal romantic moment of “Beauty and the Beast.” And what a lesson this story teaches us. That beauty is more than skin-deep. That love is about a connection of souls and can be found in unlikely places. That a lasting relationship is built on kindness, sacrifice, and a castle full of servants. JK! Truthfully, we love Belle for loving the beast in all his feral glory (and popular opinion is that the cartoon Beast is hotter than the cartoon Prince after his transformation). Want an unusual venue? Try a library! It may not be as big as the library the Beast gifts to Belle, but at least you’ll be able to get pictures sliding on the ladder! Set each table with a floating rose centerpiece–they’re easier to fashion than you’d think. Create a tableau of all the castle characters with vintage clocks, candelabras, and tea sets–one cup chipped, of course. 😉 You can even include the flirty feather duster by wearing a feather-fringed, black and white garter. The bride doesn’t have to wear yellow, as long as the gown is sufficiently grand for waltzing. If you’re wedding in winter, you could even toss a crimson cloak around your shoulders for the “Something there that wasn’t there before” sequence–snowball fight optional.

#7: Aladdin

You want atmosphere? You got “Aladdin!” We’re never in favor of cultural appropriation, but we do love taking inspiration from different cultures–and the Arabian and Indian influences in “Aladdin” make it downright stunning. Comedic genius Robin Williams was the perfect pairing to the soaring (literally) love story between Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. Do you feel a metaphor coming on? You’re right! After a lifetime of being shut away in the palace, it’s Aladdin’s love that frees Jasmine to a world of possibilities, including choosing a life for herself. And it’s her choice of the charming lil’ street rat that gifts him with the confidence to throw off pretense and be who he truly is. If that sounds like your couple story (or you just really love camels) this might be the wedding theme for you. Begin with a vivid, Indian-style interior of brightly colored fabrics draped from the ceiling as well as every other surface. Indian weddings are unsurpassed for color and it makes for a truly joyous atmosphere. Toss in a sea of beaded throw pillows and tasseled rugs–er, magic carpets–as well as vibrant petals, brass lanterns, and gold detailing. Place your own antiqued magic lamp on the cake and go full Ali by entering on an elephant. Or incorporate elephant motifs some other way if you don’t happen to have an elephant in your back pocket. As for the bride, please take the opportunity to mimic that Jasmine harem pants ensemble we were all so obsessed with by doing an unexpected, yet elegant, bridal pants suit. As well as a balloon braid like her legendary hairstyle.

#8: The Lion King

Whether you felt like you were Simba, prince of the Pridelands, or you were just infatuated with Jonathan Taylor Thomas, so many of our childhoods connected to “The Lion King.” Even if the friends-to-lovers journey of Simba and Nala and the Shakespearean rise of the outcast prince to his rightful throne didn’t hit us right in the feels (I blame Hans Zimmer’s aggressively emotional soundtrack) we’re CONSUMED with the idea of an African-themed wedding. From the dynamic gold makeup to the burnt orange and rust palette to the animal print napkins, it is a VIBE. Toss out that regular old bouquet in favor of a terraccotta-colored fan of feathers. What?! Place your bridal king and queen on wicker peacock chairs, include live Yoruba music and drumming, let hair be as big and glorious as a lion’s mane. This theme is about tradition, freedom, the beauty of nature and–dare we say it–the circle of life. Honoring that natural cycle makes us appreciate every precious moment and the love we share as creatures of this earth. Not to mention the burnt sienna groom suit is fresh, unique, and gorgeous. Want to go even bigger? Include a guest experience right out of Broadway with a parade of life-size animal puppets that meanders straight through your venue. Who could forget that?

#9: Pocahontas

It’s a shame that the most beautiful romantic line in “Pocahontas” is from a song that was cut from the film. While awaiting execution by her tribe, explorer John Smith says to Pocahontas, “I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.” A song titled “If I Never Knew You” was supposed to follow but was ultimately cut. We do have a pop version over the credits. But the lyrics to this song could be a wedding theme by themselves. Our favorite line is “if I never held you, I would never have a clue how at last I’d find in you the missing part of me.” We’re begging someone to use an acoustic version of this for their wedding song and base their wedding on a Pocahontas theme. No one is saying this animated version of explorers coming to America is historically accurate. And again, we’re not advocating for cultural appropriation (just keep that in mind for this entire post). But the Native American influences that accompany this theme are lovely in the simplest, most natural way. Because Native Americans honored the earth in a deeply spiritual manner, any celebration that includes their influences must be centered on natural elements. Marry beneath a majestic tree as a nod to Grandmother Willow, use the outdoors as your backdrop, incorporate organic textures and bird feathers into your decor. Place a giant dreamcatcher as a focal point on the wall that can then become a wall hanging in your home after the ceremony. Weave native drums into the music and paint delicate feather detailing onto your cake. Adorn the bride in the 2024-2025 wedding stone: turquoise. This theme is a wonderful way to prove that weddings don’t have to be elaborate to be beautiful and truly meaningful.

#10: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Arguably the darkest of the Disney animated musicals, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” has an incredibly powerful message. A children’s movie dealing with the themes of abuse, lust, racism, and corruption (to name a few) sounds heavy. And oh, it is. But all that darkness serves to teach us about sacrifice, apparent versus actual monsters, and what genuine love and true mercy are. Whew! At least there’s some wise-cracking gargoyles and a funny goat to lighten the mood! Set in the enigmatic Paris of 1482 and, most dynamically, in Notre Dame cathedral, a wedding based on this theme will be immensely atmospheric. This would be the time to have a traditional church ceremony in the closest-to-a-cathedral place you can get, or some other sort of dramatic stone structure. Use stained glass panes in your background, order stained-glass detailing on your cake, or serve delicate stained-glass-blown-sugar candy to channel the picture windows of the religious edifice. Include bells, large or small, and consider even having a bell choir for your processional music for Quasimodo, the bell ringer with the heart of gold. Add a flavor of Esmeralda’s Romani heritage with tarot save-the-dates or inviting Romani dancers to perform at your reception. Further include Esmeralda’s style with a coin-edged bridal headdress, a star-embroidered veil for her scarf, or ditching those bridesmaid bouquets for tambourines ornamented with flowers and ribbon. And invite some of that hallowed hush with countless candles to bring a bit of “Heaven’s Light” to your celebration.

#11: Hercules

Quite the change after the dark and heavy themes of “Hunchback,” “Hercules” is a riotous romp through Greek mythology with some truly spectacular gospel-singing Muses as your guide. Though “Hercules” is no more true to mythology than Pocahontas was to history, this hand-clappin’ tale about a half-god half-human seeking his place in the pantheon is a good time in a gorgeous setting. Who doesn’t want a wedding in Greece? But if you can’t take yourself and your entire wedding to the land of olives, bring a little of that sun-soaked tourist destination to you. This isn’t “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” (though we’d totally be down for a wedding theme based on that laugh fest). This is ancient Greece with a twist of mythological fantasy. Think ethereal, chiffon bridesmaid dresses and golden olive branch crowns atop cascading curls. Think classic Greek instruments like a lyre and flute held by 9 bridesmaids to represent the 9 muses (whether they have to perform rousing musical numbers is up to you). Think columned backdrops, Greek statues, and a concrete cake sculpted to look like a crumbling, but still delectable, ruin. Think a relaxed meal lounging on cushions with a selection of charcuterie, grapes, and chilled wine. Think a Megara-inspired purple gown with a sweeping structure. And (we’re back to the olives again) olive branches atop your dessert, in your boutonnieres, and leaves-only in paper cones to toss at the bride and groom as they go the distance into their happy tomorrow. That’s the gospel truth!

#12: Mulan

Is the fast-talking-mini-Eddie Murphy-Mushu-dragon or Lea Salonga belting out the soulful “Reflection” that personifies Disney’s “Mulan” for you? Maybe it’s Donny Osmond headlining the fan favorite “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” or that touching concluding moment with Mulan and her father in the cherry blossom garden. All these elements and more can be combined in a Mulan-themed wedding that celebrates Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese weddings include an abundance of red and gold–red to symbolize happiness and fertility and gold to symbolize good fortune and wealth for the couple. Red is also believed to ward off evil, which is why red is traditionally worn by Chinese brides. But whether the bridal gown is red or not, this vibrant hue should play a part in a wedding honoring Chinese customs. Drinking from the same cup was also practiced in some traditions, while others saw tea being offered to parents of the couple. Include some form of this tea drinking ceremony in yours to honor family and heritage, as Mulan sought to do. Consider candle-centered lotus blossoms as well as cherry blossom decor in homage to the Fa family garden. White sugar fans on the side of a white cake adds a striking detail to an otherwise classic confection. And for an unparalleled guest experience, include a Chinese dragon that capers around the dance floor with guests.

#13: Tarzan

Tarzan’s and his warbling yell have been part of cinema since 1930s film adaptations. Tarzan’s love for Jane has always been at the core of his character, and Disney’s animated “Tarzan” continued that by cutting straight to the heart of human connection. When Tarzan, the only human in the jungle where he was raised by gorillas, first meets Jane–the only other human he’s ever encountered– he presses his hand to hers. This recalls an instance earlier in the film when Tarzan noticed that his hand and that of his adopted ape mother Kala are different. This moment of matching hands between Tarzan and Jane is the beginning of their connection, and celebrates the idea that underneath all the complexities we layer over romantic relationships, love is truly as simple as the beauty of connection. All that heavy stuff said, how cool would it be to get married in a jungle tree house?! And if not an actual tree house in the actual jungle, definitely a venue with raw wood elements and a plethora of plants. No one needs to wear an animal-print loin cloth (unless that’s your vibe) to capture this ambiance. Go tropical with flowers and fruits in a charmingly casual buffet. Let vines creep up the walls and sides of the cake to create the feeling you’re in the center of a rain forest. Use bamboo and textiles like woven jute for that rustic flavor. Live artists are all the rage at weddings right now. How about a live artists doing Jane-style pencil sketches of guests that can be handed out at favors? That’s picture perfect.

#14: Princess and the Frog

Our hearts were universally captured by this jazzy, New Orleans take on the classic frog-meets-girl fairy tale. Not only was Tiana the first Black Disney heroine (about time!), she was also the first leading lady to have a regular job. We love her sassiness, her hardworking gumption, her perseverance in the face of poverty to build her and her daddy’s dream. We first love to hate, then just adore Prince Naveen–not just for his boyish (or is it froggish?) charm but for the way his lazy, playboy ways are instantly reformed when he falls for the no-nonsense waitress. It’s one of the most genuine romances Disney has ever given us. So probably we can forgive them for also foisting Dr. Facilier on our nightmares. Craft some truly unique nuptials with live jazz music (alligator horn player optional), flapper fringed gowns paired with long gloves and even longer pearls, and lilpads in everything.–including a Monet-mosaic masterpiece of a wedding cake. Serve pippin’ hot benyets, fill the trees with twinkle lights to represent Cajun firefly Ray and his eternal love Evangeline, and top it off with a “big ol’ crystal chandelier!” For some adorable engagement photos, hop aboard a classic cable car or go on down the Bayou in a flower-decked row boat. Just be sure your groom kisses himself a princess before midnight!

#15: Tangled

“Best Day Ever!” written on a cast iron frying pan with the date of your wedding has got to be the best memento ever. A quirky and charming way to commemorate a quirky and charming princess that we all fell instantly in love with. It’s not just that she’s voiced by the endearing Mandy Moore, Rapunzel from “Tangled” also has an innate innocence and a spirit that cannot be dimmed. It’s these things that win her the heart of Flynn Rider, a.k.a. Eugene Fitzherbert, a.k.a. Zachary Levi, and have placed “Tangled” firmly and forever on our favorites list. For a “Tangled” theme wedding, be sure to run around as a barefoot bride with an elaborately braided ‘do, bring on the purples the flowers, and the golden sun symbols, and don a diamond tiara. Serve drinks in tankards as a jangley piano plays in the corner, courtesy of the rough-edged dreamers in the Snuggly Duckling. Keep a crate of apples handy for Max. Ice sculptures are becoming more popular again. And we’re not saying you should design your ice sculptor like the half-naked cherub man with the bow and arrow, but we’re not saying you shouldn’t. Create a replica of Rapunzel’s tower with your cake or cover it in golden, glowing flowers. Speaking of glow, your Rapunzel-themed wedding could NEVER be complete without those glowing lanterns. Make them a central part of your mood by lining the ceiling with lit paper lanterns. Get those golden reflections in a pond, pool, or other water feature to recreate that truly magical rowboat scene. And to at last “see the light,” conclude your celebration by releasing glowing lanterns into the sky.

#16: Brave

What a breath of fresh, Scottish air for Disney to give us a wild-haired, arrow-shooting, feral child royal like Merida of “Brave.” Unlike princesses of the past who often wished for a prince, Merida longs to remain unencumbered by marriage and resorts to a witch’s spell to make it happen. In the end Merida gains her freedom and an enriched relationship with her mother, who happened to turn into a bear along the way. It sounds contrary to choose a story that starts with running from marriage for a, well…marriage. But the deeper meaning of “Brave” is about mending family bonds. This is a redemptive message that ties directly into marriage. On that note, why not include a Scottish hand-fasting ceremony in your celebration? Other lovely traditional Scottish elements: hosting your own pre-wedding Highland Games with Merida’s favorite archery, wearing kilts and the plaid of the families, and hiding a sprig of white heather in the bridal bouquet as a good luck charm. Or forget the hiding altogether and revel in heather which, along with being traditional, is as unique in wedding florals as it is beautiful. A mixture of heather and blue thistles will pair beautifully with cool-colored plaids. Recall the pie that started it all by serving pies, of the savory or dessert variety, and represent Queen Elinor and the tempestuous triplet’s transformations with jars of chocolate Teddy Grahams. And it’s an absolute must to let the bride’s hair be as wild as she wishes it to be.

#17: Frozen

Good on Disney for poking fun at themselves with the line, “You got engaged to man you just met that day?” Kristoff’s horror at Princess Anna’s lightening-quick engagement was a wonderful commentary on the condensed courtships of Disney romances past and a sign they were moving forward with more realistic depictions of love. Not only did the global sensation “Frozen” give us quirky Anna discovering the polarity of toxic versus positive masculinity, it also introduced the fiercely independent Elsa and her rockin’ side braid. Plus some pretty gorgeous images for weddings. What better theme could there be for a winter wedding than “Frozen” with its towering ice castle and sculpted icicles. If you’re wedding is located in Utah (like a certain Venue at the Ranches 😉 ), you can travel North to the Big and Little Brush Creek Caves–stunning ice caves that will give you the most memorable winter wedding photos every. Meanwhile, back at the wedding, sip on blue cocktails with frosted rims, serve some chocolate to stuff in your face as well as snow cones (sounds chilly but the kids will love it) or supply a cocoa bar so guests can warm up. Let your flower girls scatter snowflakes or handfuls of fluffy faux snow and sprinkle the same down on the couple as they exit for a walk in a winter wonderland–and some more truly spectacular pictures. Want to get a bit active? Encourage guests to bring winter gear, then supply everything for them to head outside and build their own snowmen! Because of course Olaf needs to attend the wedding also, and remind you that “some people are worth melting for.”

#18: Moana

You don’t have to live on a tropical island to feel “the line where the sky meets the sea” calling you. If you’re drawn to our Polynesian princess and her vibrant world, maybe a “Moana” wedding is for you. Polynesian culture incorporates some of the loveliest and most meaningful wedding traditions. Tahitian weddings include wearing garlands and crowns of hibiscus blooms . In Hawaii, couples begin the celebration wearing each other’s flower leis, then exchange leis after the ring ceremony to symbolize their union. For guest entertainment, nothing will quite top Polynesian fire dancers lighting up the whole affair. But another fun alternative would be hiring an artist to do temporary tattoos for guests in a tribal style to mimic Maui’s heavily inked look. Lay out a spread of exotic tropical fruit to eat sliced or to blend up at a custom smoothie bar! Top place settings with fragrant hibiscus blossoms or serve piña colada shaved ice–shaved ice is big in Hawaii–in halved coconuts. It would also be traditional to roast a pig during the festivities. But if you don’t want to upset Moana’s pet Pua or offend her pet Hei Hei by serving Huli Huli chicken, you could always pick Poke or a serving of vegetarian Poi. For an original “guest book” have attendees sign a surf board that can be displayed in your home after the wedding. And if you can commission one of those breathtaking Te Fiti cakes, it will reach many a heart.

#19: Coco

One of the most heartwarming Disney films to date, “Coco” is so tender due to its theme of remembering loved ones in order to keep their spirit alive. In Miguel’s story, this is a literal act of remembrance through “Dia de Los Muertos;” the sacred Mexican Day of the Dead. This tradition of displaying photographs and decorating graves with flowers and candles is meant to honor those who have passed on. It is both meaningful and visually stunning–inspiring not one but two animated features in recent years. For anyone of Mexican heritage, or anyone who just loves the significance and beauty of the Day of the Dead celebration, a Coco themed wedding is perfection. The number one element of this theme is COLOR! Bold color is everywhere for this November 1st-2nd holiday as well as painted skulls Consider hosting an engagement party in advance at which each guest paints a skull to be displayed as part of the wedding decor. It would add a personalized touch that involves and represents loved ones on the day. Building your own remembrance altar, called an “ofreda,” like the one the Rivera family has to reverence photographs of the departed is a significant way to involve past generations in your union. String papel picado–colorful, geometric tissue paper placards–from the ceiling as a symbol of the union between life and death. Lastly, incorporate live guitar music, perhaps strummed on a white painted guitar like Miguel inherits from his grandfather.

#20: Raya and the Last Dragon

The ultimate message of “Raya and the Last Dragon” is about living in harmony. In Raya’s world, that means learning to exist cohesively with enemy tribes as humans and dragons once did. It’s about forgiveness, trust, and a whole lot of laughter following the warrior princess and the last dragon, Sisu–voiced by the hilarious Awkwafina–in an adventure across South-East Asia. To really set the tone of a Raya themed wedding, set the scene! Humans overcome by the dark force of the Druun are turned into stone statues. So it might sound a tad macabre, but place statues and stone elements around your venue, then cover the floor in low-crawling fog to infer the Druun’s presence. Rather than spooky, pairing this atmosphere with lit paper lanterns, canopies of Japanese umbrellas, and a flowing water feature to represent the healing rain will cultivate a magical ambiance. Place large, silvery orbs on tables as Dragon Gems and select a cake composed of whimsical, sugared dragon scales. Raya’s Cambodian conical hat might not seem bridal enough but, paired with traditional Asian wedding attire in vibrant shades, it will look absolutely dazzling. Finally, attach curled streamers of blue overhead as if Sisu herself is watching over the union and the harmony it will bring.

#21: Encanto

It was like a musical revolution when award-winning composer Lin Manuel Miranda brought his talents to Disney with “Encanto.” The title means “charm” referring to things that are enchanted; like the home of the Madrigal family in the Colombian mountains. Ever since a magical sacrifice, the family’s Casita has bestowed mystical gifts upon each family member except for Mirabel. But that doesn’t stop Mirabel from using her human but very powerful gifts like courage and selflessness to save her family and the town when the magic begins to fade. With the voice talents of Stephanie Beatriz bringing her to life, Mirabel is relatable and endearing, anchoring an otherwise fantastic tale. Bring the Casita to your big day with brightly colored flowers and even more vividly embroidered fabrics. Bring the look of the hand-embroiderd flowers on Mirabel’s peasant blouse and tiered skirt to embellish your veil. If a Colombian Casita is too much destination for your wedding, draw in the feel of the colored tiles into the piping on your cake. And don’t forget butterflies–a golden butterfly stenciled into the Miracle Candle and the butterflies that often appear to represent rebirth and transformation. Perch butterflies in a bridal updo or on place cards for guest seating. After all, your union as husband and wife is a form of rebirth and should be celebrated as such.

#22: Wish

Disney’s newest animated installment “Wish” brings us full circle back to where it all began. One of Disney’s catch phrases has always been “‘When you wish upon a star your dream comes true.” For heroine Asha, a wish results in a literal Star falling from heaven to help her. There’s been plenty of buzz online about “Wish” actually serving as a prequel to “Snow White” through King Magnifico as voiced by Chris Pine. A sorcerer whose ability to magically grant wishes inevitably poisons him with misplaced power, Magnifico’s cloak has Zodiac signs along the bottom. His villainy and vanity eventually trap Magnifico in a mirror, and fans have seen the connection between the Zodiac signs on his cloak and those around the magic mirror in Snow White. This has led many to believe that Magnifico, trapped in the mirror, became the magic mirror that consults the Evil Queen in Disney’s first animated film. With that idea, “Wish” returns Disney to its roots. But is also stands on its own as a wedding theme. The kingdom of Rosas may be fictional, but the vibe of this island in the Mediterranean Sea is very real. If you do nothing else, hang a myriad of golden stars from the ceiling and use a large mirror as a focal point. Not only does this reference the mirror theory, it will also bounce the light and the reflections of those gold stars, making them appear even more abundant. Embrace Mediterranean flavors with a simple and sophisticated cake edged with figs and grapes. Grill kabobs of fish and tomatoes and ornament tables with olive leaves. Asha’s long, black brides would be absolutely jaw-dropping as bridal hair. Honor Alan Tudyk’s Valentino with a goat experience at your reception. Finally, a perfect chance to have goats in attendance!

CONCLUSION:

This list of Disney Wedding themes, while extensive, is by no means complete (we might feel a Part 2 coming on…). So if none of these 22 films are the wedding inspiration you’re looking for, don’t be held back by them. If “Up” taught us anything (there’s the first one for Part 2!) it’s that the sky’s the limit when it comes to your imagination. Just pick a theme that tells the story of your personal happily-ever-after.

Oh, and book The Venue at the Ranches while you’re at it. 😉