If you're planning a wedding, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about what you want your decor to look like.Coming up with your perfect wedding design can seem overwhelming, but you can make it more manageable by asking what decorations your venue allows, then breaking it down into wedding decoration themes or color schemes.Take into account all of the elements you'll need at your ceremony site and reception area to create a one-of-a-kind look for your special day.
Step 1: Find out if the venue has any restrictions on the decor.
It is a good idea to talk to your venue before you start decorating.It's a good idea to know ahead of time if anything will be forbidden.Many venues won't allow you to hang anything from the walls, and some may not allow lit candles.Some outdoor locations may not allow decorations that could damage the lawn.
Step 2: You should ask if the venue has any decor you can use.
Venues that host weddings will often have furnishings and decorations on hand that you can use, like tables, chairs, vases, or fabric for the ceilings and walls.It's a good idea to ask if they're available at no extra cost or for a small fee.If the site has pictures of previous weddings, you can see how other couples chose to use the in-house elements.
Step 3: The on-site lighting may not be adequate.
You should be able to visit the venue at the same time as your ceremony.The altar site and reception area have lighting.Candles, lamps, string lights, or other light fixture may be needed if the lighting is too dim.Talk to the venue staff about the lighting options that are acceptable.
Step 4: How far in advance you can set up is up to the venue.
In some cases, you can come in the day before, but you may only be given a few hours for setup.Knowing the details will help ensure you don't plan something more elaborate than you can execute.If you only have a few hours before the ceremony to set up, it might not be possible to transform the entire space into a winter scene.Before you have to tear down the wedding decor, be sure to ask how long you will have.
Step 5: Make a plan for when you'll decorate and who's going to help.
Before your wedding, you should decide how many people you need to help you set up your decor.If you want, you can reach out to your family and friends or even hire professionals to decorate for you.If you can, give each person clear instructions and provide reference photos on the day of the decorating.Some of your vendors, like your florist or wedding planners, may be able to help decorate.The venue may have someone on hand to help with the setup.It's a good idea to add more time than you think you need.It can take a long time to blow up balloons, set the reception table, and hang fairy lights.
Step 6: You should prepare as much as possible.
Take care of any small details that you can as you prepare for your wedding.It will help decrease your stress on the actual day, and you won't waste time on something you could have done at home.You can fold your programs in advance or roll your silverware.It will be easier to set up if you organize your decor.You could have a box with all of the elements needed for each reception table.
Step 7: Everything you'll need to set up your decor is in a tool kit.
Things might get a little busy once you get to the venue to begin decorating.If you want to keep yourself organized, you need to put one person in charge of keeping up with everything.Depending on the decorations you'll be using, you might pack fishing line, a hammer and nails, sticky tac, ribbon, tape, scissors, or spare light bulbs.You can put everything in a tote or duffel bag.
Step 8: To narrow down a theme, write down 3 words that describe your style.
Depending on the theme you choose, your wedding decor may be based on "rustic" or "modern".Take some time to think about the style that will suit you and your spouse.Pick 3 words that fit you and your style.You'll be able to narrow down your options quickly if you keep those words in mind as you choose your colors and decor.You might look at how your home is decorated, for example, or the two of you could look through wedding websites or inspiration boards to narrow down what you like.You could choose words like "classic, elegant, and floral."In that case, your decor might feature timeless accents like lace, pearls, rhinestones, and satin ribbon, with beautiful floral arrangements placed throughout the venue.If you choose words like fun, colorful, and vibrant, you can choose a bold color scheme like teal and yellow.Your decor could include things like a photo booth or hanging lanterns.
Step 9: For a simple option, choose a distinct color scheme.
You can make a theme for your wedding if you know what colors you want.When choosing your decor, use the words you wrote down along with your colors.If your colors are pink and gold, and you write down words like "elegant," "modern," and "vintage," you can pick items that fit that criteria.If you want to give yourself more flexibility with your decor, consider going for a color family.You can choose between "cool greens" or "summer wildflowers."
Step 10: Decor that works with your venue is a good choice.
A decor plan that accents some of the details of your venue is a must.If you work against your venue, you will spend more time, money, and energy.If the venue for your ceremony is a beautiful church with ornate stained-glass windows, you may want to keep the decor minimal, with an elegant aisle runner, a floral arch, and ribbons on the chairs or pews along the aisle.If you'll be getting married in a converted barn, you might want to decorate with mason jars, raw wood, and greenery.For a seaside wedding, you can use starfish-shaped napkin rings or centerpiece made of candles and seashells.You can decorate with various shades of blue and green.If there's anything you need to balance out in your venue, you might consider it.If you're getting married in an ultra-modern loft space, you might want to use drapey fabrics and large bows.
Step 11: Consider the season or holidays.
Simple wedding decoration ideas for your reception can be found at the time of year.If there are any holidays around the time of your wedding date, that can be a great way to simplify your theme, and the decor will be readily available during that time.If you are getting married in the fall, you might want to use warm autumn colors like red-orange, cream, and burgundy.If your wedding is near Christmas, you can use bowls full of Christmas tree ornaments as your centerpiece and decorate in white, red, and gold.
Step 12: If you have an outdoorsy or natural style, choose elevated rustic decor.
Rustic weddings are a great way to celebrate your big day in a way that still feels authentic.A rustic wedding is perfect for people who love riding horses, camping, or just spending time outdoors.If your wedding is rustic, you can use elements like mason jars and chalkboard signs.You could also use materials like lace and twine.
Step 13: If your style is modern, go for a minimalist look.
A more streamlined vision of your day is what minimalist means.Keep your decor simple and look for neutral-colored decorations.Your centerpiece might be a simple, pretty bouquet or a display of candles, and your color scheme could be white with touches of greenery throughout the space.If you're in a place that is naturally beautiful, like a venue with breathtaking architecture or a spot with a gorgeous view, a minimalist look is perfect.
Step 14: If you love glamor, add metallics, rhinestones, or glitter.
Adding sparkle to your decor is a must if you want your wedding day to be over the top.Decor that catches the light will turn the whole venue into a big party.You could use crystal vases as a centerpiece and fill them with sprays of artificial flowers and live blooms.You could wear gold glitter with various shades of pink for a romantic wedding.
Step 15: You can go behind the altar with a backdrop.
One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the image of you and your partner exchanging vows.You can create any backdrop you want, but floral arches are a timeless option.You can display large letters representing your initials.If the venue has a beautiful view, you can choose not to have a backdrop.
Step 16: For a natural look, use flowers and greenery.
If you want the ultimate fairy-tale, you should talk to a florist about which blooms will be in season.You'll be able to afford more of them if you do that.The most popular wedding flowers include ranunculus, peonies, irises, roses, and anemones.
Step 17: The chair backs can be decorated to add an elegant touch.
Adding decor to the chairs where your guests will sit is a good idea when you're setting up the space for your ceremony.If you have a lot of guests, this small detail can make a big difference.You could tie a bow around the back of each seat or use slipcovers on the chairs.
Step 18: There is an aisle runner along the center aisle.
An aisle runner can be used if you're planning on having the wedding party walk down the aisle.If you want to keep it simple, choose a runner in a neutral color that matches the rest of your wedding decor.If you want, you can even order a runner that's personalized with your design.
Step 19: You can keep the guest book at the entry table.
A guest book is a great way to record the people who attended your wedding.Adding on-theme elements to the entry table where your guest book is located will make this space even more special.You could also include candles, a floral arrangement, or photos of the bride and groom.
Step 20: If it's allowed, hang decor to make use of the space.
If your venue allows you to hang elements from the walls or ceilings, consider incorporating this in your design to make the most use of the space you have available.When it's time to decorate, be sure to bring a ladder.You can drape fabric from the ceilings or hang paper langers or strings of fairy lights to add a special touch to the room.
Step 21: There are signs that tell your guests where to go.
Creating your own signs is a great way to personalize your wedding, but it's also practical.It's a good idea to include signs that let guests know which way to go for the ceremony and reception, as well as where the bar and restrooms are.Match your signs to the rest of your decor by using your wedding colors or a similar one on your invitations.
Step 22: Your table and chairs should be arranged first.
The first thing you should do when setting up your reception area is put the tables and chairs in place.Depending on the venue, this can be done for you, but you may have to set up your own tables and chairs.The seating chart can be based on the dimensions of the venue.If you're having a buffet-style meal, you need to plan where the tables will go.The locations of the cake table, sweetheart table and each guest table need to be considered.
Step 23: Pick out the colors for table runners.
If you're planning to use tablecloths, you should consider whether you want them to be in your wedding color or a subtle neutral.You can also choose to have a table runner that adds a pop of color to the tablescape, although you might prefer it to be neutral as well.If you use neutrals for your tablecloth and table runner, it will make your decor pop more.If you want a more vibrant look, you can use a bright color.
Step 24: The centerpiece should fit your theme and color scheme.
A centerpiece in the middle of the table is a beautiful way to elevate the reception from simple dinner tables to an elegant event.Feel free to let your creativity show as you have a lot of flexibility in the design of your center piece.There are a lot of floral arrangements and candles.Place bowls of fresh fruit at the center of each table if you're looking for cheap wedding decoration ideas.The finished result will be bright, pretty, and fresh.
Step 25: For a sit-down meal, create a table setting for each guest.
Depending on the type of meal you're serving, you may need to provide dishes, silverware, and napkins.If you're doing a buffet-style meal, you may decide that you don't need individual place settings at all, or you might place silverware and napkins at each seat.You don't have to place places at the table if you serve light hors d'oeuvres instead of a full meal.You can add a special touch to your place settings by making custom napkin rings.
Step 26: If you are using assigned seating, include table numbers and place cards.
You can create a seating chart ahead of time for a more formal sit-down meal.If you do this, you can plan out which guests you want to sit near each other, but you will need to have table numbers and place cards for your guests.Place cards and table numbers will fit in with the decor if you use your wedding colors and fonts.
Step 27: If your guests love selfies, include a photo backdrop.
If you want your guests to take pictures of themselves all night, you can either create a photo booth or put up a backdrop that will look great in pictures.This could be as simple as a solid wall with your initials, or you could have your florist set up a wall of flowers for a romantic touch.Guests can wear silly hats, boas, or oversized sunglasses in their pictures if you include fun props.