Your wedding decor, along with your dress, is one of the best ways to let your personality fully shine on the big day. There are so many ideas you can utilise to make the space personal to you, whether your wedding venue is a blank canvas or already has some decoration.
But, before you start marking items off your wedding décor checklist, keep in mind that there's more to the process than simply picking the first thing you see. Choosing decor that is attractive, harmonious, and expressive of your tastes as a couple takes time and effort, but we promise it will be worthwhile in the end. Use our ideas to identify exactly what you need and to discover the perfect decorations for your special day.
Pinpoint Your Aesthetic
Classic, glamorous, Bohemian or minimalist wedding, make your special day extra special with fabulous reception ceremony decor. Instead of collecting random decorative items, having a crystal-clear vision of your wedding style will help you find the right items thus saving you time, effort and of course money.
For example, if you're having your wedding at an outdoor location, such as a beach, lakeside, or anywhere else with a view, you might not need much decor to begin with. In certain circumstances, going overboard with decor may detract from the scenery of your venue, which we assume is one of the reasons you chose it in the first place.
To prevent feeling overwhelmed when going through your wedding decor checklist, begin with the most important elements first. This comprises all of the utilitarian items, such as tables, wedding chairs, flatware, china, and, if necessary, decorative lighting. You'll also need table numbers and a seating chart or escort cards to help guests find their seats at the reception.
Then you can go on to the "decorative basics"—items that don't have a technical purpose but play an important part in highlighting your wedding theme and giving character to your location. This includes ceremony aisle markers, the altar background, centrepieces, tablecloths, and other things that will lend a lot of flair.
Splurge on the Wedding Arch
The wedding arch is one of those wedding reception decorations that take the décor to the next level instantly. If you’re hiring a wedding designer to do the décor then it’s probably best to leave this matter to them as they know best what type, size and style will work well with your wedding theme. However, if you’re doing it on your own then there are some important considerations to take into account when choosing and designing the perfect wedding arch since not all are created equal.
The ideal arch should be between 7 and 8 feet long and 6 feet wide as you will want adequate room between the two sides for you, your partner, and the officiant.
You have an infinite number of decorating options as well. Choose the right fabric for your arch for a wedding and embellish it with flowers, which may be seasonal or something that matches your theme or leave it plain for a rustic effect. It's entirely up to you. When buying, look for retailers that offer a miscellaneous selection of wedding reception decor that will save you hours of in-store browsing without breaking the bank.
Use Lights and Linen for the Reception Desk
Because your guests will spend the majority of their time at the reception, it is logical for it to consume the majority of your expenditure. Invest in attractive bedding and lighting if you have a huge guest list. These wedding ceremony decorations will heighten the sense of exclusivity and intimacy.
Draping lighting can serve to make an event feel more private and luxurious. It's also quite adaptable, as it may be used to disguise less attractive walls, conceal goods, or divide spaces. Hanging installations such as floral chandeliers, balloons, paper lanterns, and string lights also make the popular reception ceremony decor.
Go the Extra Mile with the Tableware
Dinner is the longest your guests will stay in one place at your wedding, so make sure it’s where the magic of your reception ceremony begins. Prioritise the place settings, which should contain one-of-a-kind linens and tabletop rentals. Choose plain white dishes and silver flatware for a minimalistic decor or pink dishes, gold silverware, a smart patterned napkin, and a great table runner for maximalists and making a statement approach.
Flowers arrangements are also essential for enhancing the appearance of your table décor. For dimension and visual balance, try mixing high and low arrangements around the room, but pay attention to how high and low these arrangements can be.
Jazz up the Cocktail Bar with Flowers
Cocktail hour is when people mingle the most. Focusing on how your guests will interact at this time is a terrific approach to bring in the wedding reception décor. Decorate the bar or drink station first with florals, signage, unique wraps, and other accessories, then add hilarious cocktail napkins and drink stirrers. And, if you want to take things a step further, consider delicious paper wraps, branded ice, or a beautiful non-alcoholic beverage station.
Lawn games, a photo booth, or even something as simple as signing a guest book are fantastic ways to incorporate your wedding theme, as can your seating chart or escort card display. Plus, they can all be bought in bulk, making it an affordable and so next-level décor option.