When I first started planning my wedding I envisioned a modern affair: sleek, minimalistic, and urban. Sorta like this photo of The Metropolitan Pavilion:
Then we booked our venue, which was not what we had in mind at all. The Fountainhead, with its French neoclassical decor, is anything but minimalistic:
I admit it: I’m not 100% in love with my venue and it wasn’t my first choice. However, it was the best within our budget and we decided that we would rather invite more people to a wedding at a venue we liked rather than invite less to a venue we love. I decided that I could do with the existing decor, just as long as we keep the other things such as flowers minimalistic.
However, that all changed when I decided on my dress. As with my venue, I had first wanted something modern and sleek. The problem was that I just didn’t look good in those dresses. Even the ones I liked didn’t have that extra oomph that set it apart from the others.
Here is my dress, Sophia Tolli’s Y2712 Skye (mine will be in white):
As you can see, the dress with its ruching, beadwork, and flowers isn’t sleek but very French and romantic.
So at this point, well into the wedding planning process, I’ve started to rethink the entire theme. What is the point of trying to go minimalist when your venue and dress scream otherwise? Should I change it to French romantic? Is it possible to do so with only 6 months to go?
Have other brides changed your theme/motif mid-way? Did you have a certain image or look in mind when you first started planning for your wedding, then decide to go another direction? How did you manage to do so without driving yourself and your friends and family insane?
I love venue, I went to wedding there and it was great. I say go so it — it’s not like you need a “theme”, just pick when you think looks best. Sometimes those magazines aren’t realistic, and you realize what is more “you” as time goes on.
I made a change - well more of a compromise. My fiancé started taking part in the planning (which is absoultely awesome) so we modified our theme originally modern glamour, to vintage cinéma glamour.
If my first choice was the vintage one, I would of done a sleek black and white wedding…. but unfortunately I already bought the bridesmaid dresses in chocolate brown…
it will still look good, so I say do what you please, either way if your wedding is a reflection of your taste (both your dress and venue) it will be stunning… so i wouldnt worry too much about that 
oh geez, i totally had to change things up. like you, i wanted something modern and sleek. my colors were light blue and dark red, so i totally imagined a fire and ice theme. light blue lighted walls, and ice sculpture… fireworks for the fire part… alas, the budget brought me back to reality. now, it’s more asian-themed. still kept the colors, but the decor is more orchids and bamboo in style now.
Redo your theme. Your beautiful venue and dress can make such a beautiful starting point for your decor, etc. It will be gorgeous!
There’s a quote I found in a magazine this summer that sums it up for me. It’s something along these lines…
The things you love will find a way to look great together.
Not verbatim, but you get the idea. The common thread in everything you like is you, and that really shows.
I have to agree with you about changing the decor. Mr. Dahlia and I were originally thinking sleek, hip and modern, and have ended up with more of a vintage jazz feel; all of this is completely dictated by the space.
Embrace the beauty of your location, and go with it! It is much easier (and cheaper) to decorate with a personality filled venue than to try and do something completely different in style then the venue.
I’ve driven my bridesmaids crazy with picking a dress because I couldn’t decide on the “look” of my wedding. I loved the navy/nautical/preppy look, but we eventually decided on chocolate - to embrace the Autumn season of the wedding.
You know what though, do you what feel. That might change four weeks before the wedding, or 6 months but it’s YOUR wedding and as long as you try to be calm with everyone else, I think they will understand your changing mood! 
It’s going to look magnificent either way, because it will be a reflection of you two!
Wow, so much of what you’re planning is similar to my planning!
I’m also down there in New Rochelle– different venue though. I too wanted one of those all white NYC loft spaces (think: Peter White Studios), but it was too far from our church. Same desire for a modern theme. My dress is also a bit less modern than I envisioned.
I also considered changing my theme from modern to classic. I went so far as to reserve the classic car. But, then I decided I could still do modern, with a twist. The whole uber classic thing just isn’t us.
Once you’re in the ballroom, the decor and flowers really are what set the tone. Those venues are fancier in the main areas and could be modern in the rooms. Get a sample of the modern flower look you like and try it at the venue with linens and decide then. I’m still planning on modern-ish flowers, linens, bridesmaid dresses, etc. and am setting the tone with those types of elements.
Good luck!
I planned my entire wedding in 6 months exactly. You can do it. The venue is the most important thing. And you’ve got it.
I didn’t actually have a theme… or even a color scheme until maybe 3 months before. But everything went well and it was pretty easy.
Hope you have lots of good luck and help like I did!
You completely have enough time to change up the themes. As long as you didn’t throw yourself into projects you are fine!
Beautiful dress too!!
holy shit! your dress is amazing. seriously the best dress I have ever laid eyes on! too bad i’m already married or i would have to copy that dress!
I say go for it!
You’re already half way there with a dress that looks like it was made for your venue! You’re right–both have a very French, romantic feel. I think you’ll be happy with a theme change.
LOVE that dress!
LOVE your dress and REALLY REALLY love your venue. I am not big on themes and fitting your venue, but you’re right about how things are naturally falling into place. Maybe that means it’s meant to be.
Best wishes! How exciting that you’re in the home stretch!
oooh so romantic. just perfect! i can’t wait for your wedding.
Everything looks so beautiful. And I totally wouldn’t worry about the time. You have plenty of time. My comment would be to maybe blend. My FI and I are doing that in our wedding. Our ceremony and reception decor is shaping up to be very rustic and casual, but our printed material is all more modern and very cleanly designed. At first I thought it would clash and considered redesigning everything to match, but then realized that it was a perfect portrait of us. We’re a complex couple with multiple styles and I think the way we are blending the two is going to turn out beautifully.
Don’t give up on something that you really feel exemplifies you! There’s always a way to be creative and blend the two with out compromising. Good luck and can’t wait to hear and see more!!!!
When you ordered your dress did they say if it would come in stark white or an iredescent shade of white? I am looking at the same dress but am worried about the color since I was only able to try it on in blue.
I think you’re my wedding twin…. I’m getting married right up the street from you, in White Plains with the reception then at Rudy’s in Dobb’s Ferry, AND I chose a Sophia Tolli dress as well (a different one, but your selection rocks - that thing is gorgeous). And both of those factors completely changed my theme around, too: I originally envisioned a semi-casual affair with bright colors, but everything seems to be lending itself to a more formal event with a more limited palette. I’m still working on talking myself into the new theme, but I’m compromising by throwing in fun, less-traditional elements wherever I can….and I only have four months to go.
I always like to think that limits (or unforseeable circumstances) force more creative ideas than I’d have had if my options were completely open. Think like that, and I’m sure your wedding will be personal and beautiful. Enjoy!!!
Mrs. Peony, New York
Age and Occupation: 27, Marketing Coordinator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, QA Engineer
Engagement Date: June 28, 2007
Wedding Date: April 18, 2008
Venue: The Fountainhead
Blogging Since: August 7, 2007
About Me: Both Mr. Peony and I are huge computer nerds, and our conversations usually consist of the latest gadgets, programming languages, and video games. At the same time, I can also be very girly with an obsession with handbags, makeup, and high heels. And art! I've studied studio art extensively, almost majored in art history, and freelance as a web and graphics designer. Mr. Peony and I are having a ball of a time planning a wedding for 250(!) guests, doing our best to infuse our personalities (geeky chic) with the wishes of our very traditional Asian parents.
The venue and the dress are the things that supposedly take the ‘longest’ and since you have those - 6 months is plenty of time!!
I planned my whole wedding start to finish in 4 months
LOVE THAT DRESS!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!