The Tenniscore Wedding Trend, Explained: Everything You Need to Know About Theming Your Nuptials Around This Beloved Sport

Whether you're a couple who favors classic style or one who likes to lean into current trends, planning a tenniscore wedding could be the right decision for you. Like most things, tenniscore initially emerged as a fashion trend, with the sporty-chic aesthetic surging to popularity in spring of 2024. Since then, it's reach has extended into other spaces, including weddings. Now, with tennis season in full swing and the US Open just around the corner, tenniscore weddings are more timely than ever.

As it turns out, the tenniscore wedding trend is one that's expert-approved. "We're here for the tenniscore trend!" affirms Heather Balliet of Amorology Weddings. "There are so many ways that you can lean into it with design; from playing with color, customizing tennis balls, or bringing in a court motif dance floor. We're all for embracing our couple's playful sides, whether it's for rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception itself."

Here, experts share what you need to know about tenniscore weddings.

Why Are Tenniscore Weddings So Popular?

Lauryn Prattes, founder of Lauryn Prattes Events, thinks it comes down to both the look and feel of these events, but also a couple's connection to the sport. "I think the growing appeal of tennis-themed events stems from a mix of aesthetic and emotional elements. Green has long been a staple in wedding design—it’s timeless, fresh, and pairs beautifully with both classic and contemporary palette, so weaving in tennis-inspired details feels like a natural extension," she says. "Beyond the visuals, there's something nostalgic and inherently social about tennis. It evokes memories of afternoons spent courtside, sipping cocktails and mingling, or playful matches shared between couples and friends."

It also tends to feel approachable, since it's both a sport couples like to play and watch. "Unlike sports that require a higher skill threshold, like golf, tennis or even pickleball can be inclusive and approachable, making it a fun and engaging element for guests of all levels," Prattes adds. "It’s a lifestyle as much as a sport, which makes it an easy and stylish fit for wedding celebrations."

Should You Theme Your Entire Wedding Around Tenniscore?

Ultimately, the answer to this question is up to you. Our pros urge you to consider your lifestyle and whether or not you really live and breathe tennis. If you do, then a wedding themed entirely around the sport and its associated lifestyle is a lovely idea. "Like most trends, tenniscore may come and go, so I usually advise against designing an entire wedding around current design trends unless it’s truly meaningful," Erica Adams of Erica Adams Design explains. "If you or your partner are part of the tennis community, then it absolutely makes sense and can be such a personal, stylish nod to your story."

If tennis isn't central to who you two are as a couple, consider working the tenniscore aesthetic into your big day in smaller ways; you could use this theme for a pre- or post-wedding event, nod to tennis in your signature cocktail or escort card display, or have a small design element that ties back to the theme. "Personally, I love seeing it incorporated into pre-wedding festivities like welcome events or rehearsal day activities, where there’s more room to be creative and casual," Adams adds.

Keep It Subtle.

Whether you're planning a tenniscore-themed wedding or working it into the day in smaller ways, our experts suggest taking a subtle approach. "For me, subtlety is key. There are so many elevated ways to incorporate tennis into the wedding experience without it feeling overly themed," says Akeshi Akinseye, the founder of Kesh Events. "I love playing with a palette of crisp whites, creams, and soft greens in the dress code or décor, along with textures like pleats or mesh that nod to tennis fashion."

Choose Your Moments.

Too avoid being too kitschy, our experts suggest choosing high-impact moments and letting your tenniscore theme shine in those. Balliet recently planned a tenniscore wedding, and she cites the escort card display as one of the best places to bring the theme to life. "We leaned into 'the ball is in your court' with a ball/circle motif, and guests found their names on oversized paper maché calligraphed balls," she explains.

Other great options? Lounge areas or photo backdrops. "Design-wise, grass court-inspired lounge areas or vintage rackets styled as photo props can offer a refined editorial moment," notes Akinseye. "I also love creating photo backdrops that feel like elevated takes on classic tennis scenes."

Lean All the Way in at Cocktail Hour.

One place the pros say you can be a little more heavy handed? Cocktail hour. "The cocktail experience is a perfect place to start," says Akinseye, who notes that the US Open's popular Honey Deuce cocktail is a perfect option to copy or riff on for a wedding's signature drink. "With it's refreshing flavor and signature melon ball garnish, it's crowd favorite and easy to elevate for a wedding." If you're looking for something a little more unique, she suggests Champagne-based cocktails, elderflower spritzes, or "a custom 'courtside cocktail and mocktail" station that feels both thoughtful and on-theme."

And don't forget about the food at cocktail hour. Prattes says this is a great place to work nods to tennis in, too. "A well-curated grazing table works wonderfully. Pimento cheese tea sandwiches, classic chips, and pasta salad made with tennis racquet-shaped noodles can be a subtle but playful nod to the theme," she explains. "These kinds of details feel thoughtful and on-theme without being over-the-top—perfect for keeping the vibe elevated yet fun."

Get Your Guests in on the Game.

If you're open to making the actual game of tennis part of your pre- or post-wedding events, Adams says this is a great way to embrace the tenniscore trend. "I’ve seen couples incorporate tennis or pickleball into their pre-wedding festivities, and it’s a creative, modern twist on the traditional welcome party," she notes. "I love when couples opt for something active to bring everyone together. It sets a joyful tone, encourages connection, and creates memorable moments from the very beginning."