Plan a “Mamma Mia!”-Themed Wedding at The Betty: Decor, Music & Mediterranean Vibes
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” surrounded by sunshine, blue-and-white décor, and the joyful soundtrack of ABBA, then a Mamma Mia!-themed wedding may be your perfect match.
At The Betty Event Center, our vintage-modern Long Beach venue offers the ideal canvas for bringing those sun-soaked Mediterranean vibes to life, without flying to Greece.
Here’s how to plan a celebration that channels the island magic of Mamma Mia! while keeping it timeless, elegant, and uniquely you.
Set the Scene: The Mediterranean Look
Start by capturing the essence of the Greek islands, think fresh, airy, and full of texture. The film was shot primarily on Skopelos Island, known for its whitewashed chapels and turquoise water.
To evoke that look inside The Betty:
Color palette: Crisp white, soft blue, and warm neutrals. Add pops of cobalt or olive green through glassware, linens, or florals.
Florals: Mix bougainvillea, olive branches, and white roses. Drape greenery over arches or chandeliers for that windswept island feel.
Textures: Think linen table runners, terracotta vases, and wicker accents.
Lighting: Use string lights or hanging lanterns to mimic the glow of Mediterranean evenings.
Our open-concept ballroom and high ceilings let you layer these elements for a sun-washed aesthetic that still feels refined.
Music: ABBA All Day Long
No Mamma Mia! wedding is complete without ABBA. From the ceremony prelude to the reception dance floor, their hits set a fun, carefree tone that keeps energy high.
Consider this playlist flow:
Ceremony entrance: “I Have a Dream” or “Chiquitita.”
Cocktail hour: Light acoustic or instrumental ABBA covers.
First dance: “Lay All Your Love on Me” for couples with a playful side.
Reception: Build a dance-party sequence around “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Waterloo.”
Need a live band? We can connect you with local musicians who blend pop, folk, and Mediterranean sounds to give your wedding a genuine island twist.
The Menu: Bright, Flavorful & Shareable
Food is the heart of any celebration, and Greek-inspired cuisine naturally lends itself to a festive, family-style dinner.
Work with your caterer (or ours) to design a menu inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors, such as:
Mezze platters with hummus, tzatziki, and grilled pita
Lemon-herb chicken, grilled lamb, or stuffed peppers
Fresh seafood options like shrimp skewers or white-wine mussels
Roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil and sea salt
For dessert: baklava, olive-oil cake, or Greek yogurt parfaits
The American Heart Association notes that the Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, thanks to its focus on healthy fats, fresh produce, and lean proteins.
Dress the Part
Encourage guests to wear breezy, coastal-chic outfits (light fabrics, flowy silhouettes, and pastel hues). Brides and bridesmaids can embrace lace, chiffon, and off-the-shoulder gowns that move effortlessly.
For groomsmen, linen suits or rolled-sleeve shirts in soft neutrals pair perfectly with the relaxed seaside vibe. Add floral crowns, pearl accessories, or even sandals to complete the aesthetic.
Our bridal suite offers a serene prep space flooded with natural light, perfect for capturing those movie-moment photos before the walk down the aisle.
Signature Drinks & Décor Details
A Mediterranean wedding isn’t complete without a nod to Greek hospitality.
Set up a signature drink bar featuring:
Sparkling Ouzo lemonade
Citrus-infused spritzes
Local California white wines or rosé
Decorate with blue-and-white tiles, vintage glass bottles, or small bowls of lemons and olives as table accents. These inexpensive touches add charm and color while keeping the theme cohesive.
If you want to elevate the photo ops, consider a “taverna-style” lounge area with rustic wood tables, patterned cushions, and string lights. This allows guests to relax between dances.
Ceremony Moments & Photo Ideas
The Betty’s architecture and lighting make it easy to stage cinematic moments reminiscent of Mamma Mia!’s iconic scenes.
Try these ideas:
A floral arch with flowing white drapery, resembling the seaside chapel from the film.
A petal toss featuring bougainvillea leaves for the grand exit.
Group photos on our steps or patio area at golden hour, ideal for that warm, island-sun glow.
We’ll work with your photographer and planner to coordinate the best timing for light, décor setup, and crowd flow.
Why The Betty Is Perfect for Your Mamma Mia! Wedding
Our Long Beach location blends classic design with contemporary amenities, perfect for transforming into your own Mediterranean escape.
Couples choose The Betty because:
Our open-air courtyard brings the ocean breeze indoors.
The indoor-outdoor flow makes for seamless transitions from ceremony to reception.
We partner with trusted local vendors who can customize décor, florals, and catering to fit your theme.
Our coordination team manages permits, timelines, and logistics so you can simply enjoy the day.
You can learn more about our venue and amenities on our Weddings page.
Final Touches & How to Book
The Betty offers a blank-canvas venue where your imagination sets the scene. Whether you want a full-scale Mamma Mia! experience or subtle Mediterranean inspiration, we’ll help you design every detail.
To schedule a private tour or speak with our coordination team, contact us today!
Let’s start planning your seaside-inspired celebration, complete with music, laughter, and that unmistakable island magic.
