Creative Ways To Maximize Space For Your Wedding Reception

Planning a wedding reception can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to making the most of your space. The layout and seating arrangement of the venue are crucial to the success and flow of the event. It is important to consider the movement, visibility, and accessibility of the guests. The placement of the dance floor, tables, stage, and bar(s) will have a significant impact on the evening. The newlyweds should be positioned to face their guests, with a great view of the band or DJ if there is one. To make the space feel more intimate, use trees to divide the room, play with lighting, and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.

Use trees to divide the space

Trees are a great way to divide a space organically and create a more intimate environment for a wedding reception. Wedding planner Tracie Domino, founder of Tracie Domino Events, suggests using trees to divide spaces, especially for rustic, boho, earthy, and minimalist weddings. Laura Irizarry-Garcia, owner of LIG Events, agrees, stating that placing large trees or branch arrangements around the perimeter of the room helps to enclose the space visually and provides a living element that transforms the energy of the venue.

To make effective use of trees to divide the space, consider the following ideas:

• Place large trees or branches around the room's perimeter: This helps to visually enclose the space and create a cozier atmosphere.
• Use trees as a natural backdrop: If your wedding ceremony is held outdoors, consider using trees as a natural backdrop for your vows. You can dress up the trees with floral arrangements, linen drapery, or other design elements.
• Create a canopy with trees: If your reception area has multiple trees, create a unique canopy by threading long pieces of cloth or fabric through their branches. This adds a whimsical touch to your decor.
• Use trees to frame your ceremony space: Trees can help guide your guests' gaze towards the focal point of the ceremony. Consider lining the aisle with natural, wild floral arrangements or using trees to frame the entrance or altar area.
• Hang decorations from trees: Hang chandeliers, fabric draping, or floral installations from tree branches to create a glamorous or whimsical effect. You can also wrap trees with fairy lights or string lights for a magical touch.
• Use trees to designate different areas: Place trees to divide the reception space into sections, such as a dance floor, lounge area, dining area, or photo booth area. This helps to create a sense of separation and defines the purpose of each area.

By incorporating these ideas, you can effectively use trees to divide the space at your wedding reception, creating a beautiful and intimate atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy.

Create a lighting plan

Lighting is one of the most important elements of your wedding decor. It can make all the difference in how your photos turn out, and it can help to highlight the details you've spent hours perfecting.

Consult a Professional

Before settling on a lighting plan, talk to a lighting designer. Most venues don't offer lighting services, so you'll probably need to bring in a specialist. A professional will be able to suggest lighting setups and show you before-and-after pictures of various lighting arrangements. They may also have worked with your venue before and will be familiar with its sore spots, built-in lighting, and power capabilities.

Consider the Venue

The type of venue you've chosen will impact the kind of lighting you'll need. If you're hosting your reception outdoors, visit the site after dark to identify what needs to be illuminated to keep your guests safe and to create a romantic atmosphere. Take note of outdoor outlets and ask your venue if permits are needed for any lighting setups.

If you're hosting indoors, walk the space with your lighting vision in mind, and, if possible, with a professional by your side. Even if the space has sufficient built-in lighting, you may want to add extra lighting to convey the right vibe.

Learn the Lighting Lingo

There are many different types of lighting that can be used at weddings, and familiarising yourself with the terms will help you communicate your vision to your lighting designer. Here are some of the most common types of lighting used at weddings:

• Pin spot: A focused beam of light that shines directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, to highlight it.
• Color wash: A blanket of coloured light that covers an entire area to create a mood or change the look of built-in decor.
• Gobos: Circular stencils placed over a light to project a design or pattern onto a wall, ceiling, or floor.
• LED: Light-emitting diodes that use less electricity than regular incandescent lightbulbs and can be wireless.
• String lighting: Strands of lights that can create a magical effect and are budget-friendly, although the installation can be labour-intensive.
• Uplighting: A style of lighting that shines "up" your event space.

Choose Lighting to Match Your Wedding Style

The lighting you choose should complement the style of your wedding. Here are some lighting ideas for different wedding themes:

• Classic: Crystal chandeliers and wall sconces add elegant ambiance to a classic wedding. Silver candelabras on dining tables will give off a soft glow, while a monogram on the dance floor will add a modern touch.
• Rustic: Start with market lights, which add whimsy to outdoor spaces. Line ceremony aisles or outdoor pathways with luminaries, or opt for a unique chandelier treatment, such as mason jars or Edison bulbs.
• Romantic: Enhance your venue with twinkle lights. Hang them vertically to create a ceremony backdrop, or drape them from a tent for a canopy effect. Chandeliers and pink colour-wash lighting will also add to the romantic atmosphere.
• Modern: Add a party vibe to a modern, unfinished space with colour-wash lighting in hues of pink and purple. Sleek, pre-lit tables will offer a warm, contemporary feel, and LED lights in floral arrangements will provide mood lighting.
• Edgy: For a warehouse or historic building wedding, use uplighting to draw attention to architectural details or add a wash of colour to the space. Clusters of iron lanterns can serve as both illumination and centerpieces, while a custom marquee sign or strands of vertical market lights will add a unique touch.

Get Creative

• Curtain rain string lights: Create a glamorous backdrop with these dangling lights for the perfect photo opportunity.
• Paper lanterns: Layer a few lanterns to brighten your space with decor that feels weightless and whimsical.
• Galaxy projectors: Bring the night sky indoors and transform your venue into a vast array of floating nebulas and starry sights.
• Edison bulbs: These cozy, golden light fixtures are perfect for a slow dance with your partner.
• Monogram lighting: Add a lit-up monogram with your names and wedding date to transform your venue into something unforgettable.
• Candlelight chandeliers: These glamorous yet modest fixtures will make a statement without being too over-the-top.
• Tree lighting: Twirl string lights through the trees for a magical, peaceful radiance.
• Fairy lights: Add fairy lights to mason jars to create a stunning decorative piece that provides great mood lighting.
• Spotlight your wedding cake: Place small fixtures around your cake to show off your decadent dessert.
• Marquee light-up letters: Spell out your initials or last name with these light-up letters, which come in various sizes.
• Neon signs: Add a pop of colour to your wedding theme with neon signs, which can also double as mood lighting.

With the right lighting plan, you can transform your wedding reception space into an unforgettable setting that shines almost as brightly as you do.

Choose the right table shapes

Choosing the right table shapes for your wedding reception is an important step in creating the look and feel you want for your special day. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect table shapes:

Consider Your Wedding Vision

Think about the atmosphere you want to create for your wedding reception. Do you want an intimate setting with small tables for close conversations, or do you prefer long, endless tables filling the room? Your vision will guide you in choosing the right table shapes.

Know Your Guest Count

Before selecting table shapes, it's essential to have an estimated guest count. This will help you determine the number of tables you need and how many guests can fit at each table. A mix of table shapes can add a unique touch to your reception and make it more inviting for guests to mingle.

Assess the Venue Size and Layout

Consider the size and layout of your wedding venue. The space available will influence the table shapes and sizes that will fit best. Work with a rental company that can recommend suitable table options based on their experience and knowledge of the venue. They may also provide a floor plan to help you visualise different setups.

Choose Between Round, Rectangular, and Square Tables

Round tables are versatile and can be used in almost any reception style. They typically come in standard dimensions, seating 2-4, 4-6, 8, or 10 people per table. Rectangular tables create a sense of symmetry and are perfect for outdoor receptions or creating a grand statement. They can seat a larger group of 10 or a more intimate group of 4. Square tables are becoming increasingly popular and offer more surface area for centrepieces. They usually accommodate 4 to 12 people but can feel tight when considering glassware and multiple courses.

Create a Mix of Table Shapes

Combining different table shapes, such as squares and rectangles, adds an elegant touch to your reception. It gives the impression that the space has been tailor-made for your special day. This mix-and-match approach can also be applied to linens, creating a refined and diverse atmosphere for your guests.

Make the most of the room's perimeter

Making the most of the room's perimeter is key to creating a successful wedding reception layout. Here are some tips to maximise the space and create a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for your guests:

• Use the perimeter to your advantage when placing tables. Depending on the shape of the room, you can fill one end of the room with tables if the dance floor is at the opposite end, form a U-shape around the dance floor, or centre the tables along a long wall.
• Consider the spacing between tables and the perimeter. Allow for at least 30 inches between tables and any walls or obstacles to ensure comfortable movement for your guests.
• If you have a large guest list, you can create a more intimate atmosphere by dividing the space with trees or large branch arrangements around the perimeter of the room. This helps to enclose the space visually and adds a living element, transforming the energy of the venue.
• Drape pipes and fabric around the perimeter of the room to lower the ceiling height and create a cosier environment. This technique can also be used to section off different areas within the room.
• Hang decorative elements, such as floral pieces, chandeliers, candles, or cafe lights, from the ceiling to draw attention away from the room's perimeter and create a romantic atmosphere.
• Use the perimeter to highlight unique elements within the room, such as a marble fireplace or spiral staircase, with spotlights or decorative floral arrangements.
• If the perimeter includes windows or natural light sources, consider using translucent materials such as glass vases or "ghost chairs" to maximise the light and create the illusion of a larger space.
• Strategically place mirrors along the perimeter to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.

Use mirrors to create the illusion of space

Mirrors are a versatile and elegant way to create the illusion of more space at your wedding reception. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Use Full-Length Mirrors in Narrow Spaces

Full-length mirrors are ideal for narrow or confined areas such as tight hallways or small rooms. By reflecting the entire length of these spaces, they visually stretch and expand the area, making it feel more open and less restrictive. This technique is especially useful for small wedding venues, as it counteracts the feeling of confinement and makes the environment feel more comfortable.

Position Mirrors to Reflect Light

Mirrors can significantly enhance the brightness and openness of a room by reflecting natural or artificial light sources. Place mirrors strategically to bounce light around, illuminating dark corners and reducing shadowy areas. Position them directly across from windows or ceiling lights to capture and redistribute light, creating a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Create the Illusion of Height with Tall Mirrors

Tall mirrors are perfect for rooms with low ceilings, as they visually extend the height of the room and make it feel more spacious. They draw the eye upward, enhancing the perception of height and making the space feel airier. Proper placement is key—position tall mirrors near walls or behind furniture to maximize their vertical length and ensure they reflect key design elements.

Use Mirrors to Expand Small Rooms

Mirrors create the illusion of depth and make small rooms appear larger. Place them strategically to reflect the room's length or width, visually stretching the boundaries. Putting mirrors on opposite walls or in corners helps maintain a sense of continuity and avoids abrupt transitions, making the space feel more integrated and cohesive.

Incorporate Mirrors into Furniture and Decor

Integrate mirrors into furniture pieces such as mirrored coffee tables or wall-mounted mirror shelves to add style and functionality. Mirrored decor items, such as picture frames or trays, can also add elegance while contributing to the room's openness. These reflective surfaces enhance the room's aesthetic, create a sophisticated atmosphere, and provide practical benefits by reflecting light and making the space brighter.

When using mirrors to create the illusion of space at your wedding reception, remember to strike a balance and avoid overdoing it. Well-chosen and thoughtfully placed mirrors can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of the venue, making it feel more inviting and spacious.

Frequently asked questions