Chic and sporty tennis-inspired details are winning additions to your wedding celebration. The tenniscore aesthetic blends the classic, country club-elegance of the centuries-old sport with the relaxed, casual atmosphere of an afternoon on the court. Whether you love the timeless look of tennis whites or you’re drawn to the sporty side of a tenniscore aesthetic, the concept offers nearly endless options for customization. Understated elements, like adding court reservations to your pre-wedding activity lineup or subtle tennis ball illustrations to your drink stirrers, let you suggest a love of the game without overwhelming your guests; more dramatic elements—like a tennis ball-green color palette, hanging garlands, or racket-themed décor—keep the sport front and center.
The best tenniscore color palettes rely on luxurious neutrals—like deep, blush-colored clay; robust, grassy green; and pristine, bridal white—paired with pops of neon chartreuse, traditional woven textures, and contrasting round and rectangular shapes. Incorporating playful puns, courtside locations, tennis ball-inspired signage, and quintessential equipment, from rackets to balls, makes it easy to serve up a spirited celebration themed to your favorite pastime.
If you're thinking about planning a tenniscore-themed wedding, it's important to create a cohesive design plan; a wedding planner or designer can help you strike the right balance and avoid leaning into kitschy territory. “There is a fine balance that comes with incorporating a theme and trend,” says Heather Balliet of Amorology Weddings. “Leaning on a designer to strike this balance can be so helpful to avoid going overboard into an area that feels too obvious or dominantly done. The sweet spot is giving highlight to a few core places that allow guests to discover that design as they move throughout the event.”
Whatever you do, don’t force an aesthetic that doesn’t fit your personality: If you and your partner have never even picked up a racket, take a bye on tenniscore details. “If it's not meaningful to you, we would suggest skipping on this trend!” says Balliet. “We love leaning into concepts that speak to our couples and their passions, but if that's not what makes your heart skip a beat, we encourage you to work with your planner to find what does!"
But if tennis is central to who you and your significant other are, there's no reason not to make it a key part of your nuptials. Here, we're sharing 25 of our favorite ideas to inspire your celebration—from venues and seating chart installations to paper goods and cocktails, there are plenty of creative ways to plan a tenniscore wedding.
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At Your Service
Photo by Diane Sotero Photography
Neon green isn't the only color available to you when planning a tenniscore-themed wedding. This cocktail hour featured linens in a color best described as a washed court-clay shade, which subtly nodded at the event's theme. A cheeky tennis pun also served as a lighthearted accent to the bar.
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Going Courting
Photo by Wyeth Augustine Photography
Vintage rackets suspended on a leafy backdrop tie this seating chart display into a tennis-themed reception; the instruction to “Please find your court” turns standard seating into a lively game for guests.
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Full Court
Photo by Pablo Laguía
Your wedding venue can help reinforce your tenniscore theme. A clifftop tennis club-turned-lounge offers memorable views and a relaxed atmosphere for a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or post-ceremony cocktail hour.
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Subtly Sporty
Photo by Wyeth Augustine Photography
If you're planning a wedding with any tennis inspiration, set the tone from the jump. Here, the toned-down greens of a tennis-themed save-the-date complement the dusty blue palette of this embossed floral invitation suite.
05 of 25
Net Result
Photo by Wyeth Augustine Photography
Your signature cocktails can get a thematic upgrade to fit your tenniscore theme. A silhouette of a tennis player and the phrase “We are serving….” gives a drink menu a sporty touch, while tennis ball drink stirrers are a fun finishing detail.
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Sweet Shot
Photo by Brooke Nash Photography
Choose a vibrant, colorful tennis court as an unexpected background for rehearsal dinner portraits; then opt for olive menswear and a delicate floral print dress to complement the landscape.
07 of 25
Green Party
Photo by Diane Sotero Photography
Yes, you can work tennis balls into your big-day décor without it being cliché or cheesy. Pale terra cotta-colored napkins, grassy green plates, and neon tennis balls are an understated nod toward a couple’s love of the courts.
08 of 25
In Your Court
Photo by Mary Dougherty
String lights, fire pits, and cocktail tables can transform a vintage tennis court into a dreamy spot for drinks and dessert, as evidenced by this unique setup.
09 of 25
Sweet Spot
Photo by Diane Sotero Photography
Tenniscore wedding ideas can be surprisingly subtle. Take the cane detailing on the front of this dessert table, for instance: It mimics woven tennis rackets in an incredibly understated way, while a few thoughtfully-placed tennis balls add vibrant color to the otherwise neutral spread.
10 of 25
Making a Racket
Photo by Liz Zimbelman Photography
Vintage rackets make for unique, thematic décor. Here, a welcome sign featuring wooden tennis rackets with multicolored handles and a bucket of pristine white tennis balls nods at the theme and previews a casual, colorful party.
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Fair Play
Photo by Brooke Nash Photography
The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, is a dramatic backdrop for cocktail hour on the courts, where woven vases and summery red florals accent the fresh green of the turf. Tying the knot outside of the Ocean State?You can recreate this look on any court.
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Perfect Partners
Photo by Wyeth Augustine Photography
Tenniscore can extend to pre- and post-wedding events, too. Don custom athletic wear for a sweet and sporty portrait session on a fresh green tennis court.
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Sporty Shine
Photo by Adonye Jaja
Lemon-lime sequins and an understated woven polo are playful, pre-wedding party fashion options.
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A Floral Score
Photo by Wyeth Augustine Photography
Your tenniscore theme can pop up in spots small and large. If you're looking for understated décor options, pair found wooden rackets with small flower bundles to create a unique and thematic hanging floral arrangement.
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Something Old, Something New
Photo by Wyeth Augustine Photography
Move over, invitation flat lay! The thematic flat lay is the new kid on the block. For a tenniscore wedding, an antique wooden racket and a pair of brand-new tennis balls are a casual complement to cut-crystal Champagne flutes, creating an vignette that’s sophisticated (but not fussy).
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On the Ball
Photo by Diane Sotero Photography
Stacks of neutral hued globes in front of a woven backdrop create a textural escort display—a subtle but striking backdrop for winding foliage and warm-hued florals.
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Custom Caps
Photo by Brooke Nash Photography
Seersucker baseball hats—each embroidered with a tiny tennis racket—are practical favors and a stylish way to keep the sun out of your eyes when serving (looks or tennis balls, that is).
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Love-Love
Photo by Mary Dougherty
Hit the courts in iconic tennis whites for newlywed portraits that prove you’re on the same team. You can use those photos for your save-the-date or wedding website to let guests know about the theme to come.
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Smash It
Photo by Benjamin Smith
Incorporate a shared love of the game into a welcome party, pre-wedding recreation day, or day-after brunch by hitting the courts with your favorite doubles partner.
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Fresh and Fancy
Photo by Adonye Jaja
When set alongside black-rimmed glass chargers, black-handled flatware, and white napkins, these fresh, tennis ball-hued menus and pale green, asymmetrical florals add a lively pop of color.
24 of 25
A Winning Palette
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Go all in on a tennis-inspired aesthetic with clay-toned linens and chairs, peach and blush-colored flowers, and rich, court-colored greens—all accented by tennis ball-inspired garlands and signage.
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Bounce and Shine
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Serve up your cocktail hour menus on acrylic rounds finished with tennis ball details, including iconic “stitching” at the edges and a floating frame that keeps the ball permanently mid-bounce.
