Wedding Decor: How Much Fabric Do You Need?

The amount of fabric needed for wedding decorations depends on the type of decoration. For example, the fabric required for a wedding dress depends on the design, style, fabric used, and the size of the wearer. A trumpet-style wedding dress may require 4 to 6 yards of fabric, while an A-line wedding dress may need 5 to 7 yards. Similarly, the fabric needed for other decorations, such as tablecloths, chair covers, or backdrops, will vary based on their dimensions and the desired fullness or drape. It's always a good idea to have extra fabric on hand to account for any mistakes or last-minute changes.

Wedding arches

The arch can be decorated with flowers, soft fabrics, and intertwined vines. For a fuller look, it is recommended to use at least 10 boxes of flowers and 8 boxes of greenery.

If you are looking to save money, you can make your own arch. Here are the steps to make a simple wooden arch:

• Choose and cut the wood to size.
• Sand the wood to remove any rough patches.
• Assemble the top frame.
• Position and secure the four-by-four posts (legs) in the corners of the top frame.
• Add diagonal supports to the legs.
• Disassemble the arch for transportation (if required).
• Anchor the arch with stakes to stabilise it.

For a round wedding arch, follow these steps:

• Cut four posts, each 80 inches long.
• Cut shorter pieces with 45-degree angles on both sides, measuring 48 inches long.
• Remove any sap or sticky substances with a putty knife.
• Sand the wood.
• Assemble the arch, marking the correct measurements and positions for each piece.

There are many ways to decorate your arch, from flowers to candles, fabrics, vines, balloons, and ribbons. Get creative and make it your own!

Table decor

When it comes to table decor for a wedding, the tablecloth is a key element. The right tablecloth can transform a mundane table into an elegant and inviting space. It can also help to set the tone for the overall event.

The amount of fabric you will need for a tablecloth depends on the size of your tables and the shape—whether they are round, rectangular, or something else. You will also need to consider the width of the fabric you are buying. Fabric usually comes in widths of 35-36 inches, 44-45 inches, 54 inches, 58-60 inches, and 72 inches.

For example, if you have a rectangular table that is 3 metres long and 1 metre wide, and you are using a 58-60-inch-wide fabric, you will need 3 metres of fabric for a tablecloth with no overhang. If you want the tablecloth to hang over the edges of the table, you will need a larger piece of fabric.

Different fabrics create different looks, so it is important to choose the right one for your style. Here are some popular options for wedding tablecloths:

Poly-Cotton Blend

A poly-cotton blend is a good choice if you are looking for something durable and wrinkle-resistant. This fabric is also stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical option for a wedding.

Satin

Satin is a popular choice for wedding tablecloths because of its luxurious look and feel. It is also durable and wrinkle-resistant, ensuring your tables look perfect all night long. Satin is a neutral fabric that will not clash with other wedding decor.

Cotton

Cotton is a practical and popular choice for tablecloths because it is durable, easy to care for, and relatively inexpensive. Cotton tablecloths are available in a wide range of colours and patterns, so you can find one that fits your wedding theme. You can also add a personal touch by embroidering your names and wedding date on the tablecloth or adding photos or quotes.

Remember that you can also get creative with your table decor by using fabrics in other ways. For example, you can use fabric to create chair ties or to drape over the chairs for a romantic and whimsical effect. This will likely require less fabric than a tablecloth, but the amount you need will depend on the size and style of the chairs.

Lighting

The lighting at your wedding is an important aspect that will help set the mood and showcase all the details, from the wedding cake to the guests. It is often considered as important as other aspects of wedding planning, such as the flowers or the food.

There are many different lighting options available to choose from, each creating a different atmosphere and requiring a different setup. Here are some lighting options to consider:

• String Lights: Also referred to as twinkle lights, fairy lights, bistro lighting, or cafe lights, string lights are a versatile and cost-effective way to light up any space. They can be hung vertically to create a ceremony backdrop, draped from a tent for a canopy effect, or used to light up trees or pathways for an outdoor wedding.
• Chandeliers: Chandeliers can be hung from the ceiling to create a glamorous and intimate setting. For a rustic wedding, consider a unique chandelier treatment, such as mason jars or Edison bulbs.
• Lanterns: Antique lanterns, paper lanterns, or marquee lights can add a whimsical and romantic touch to your wedding. They can be suspended from trees or used to light up pathways.
• Gobo Lighting: Gobo lighting is a custom template that light shines through to create a pattern, monogram, or motif on the floor, ceiling, or wall. This can be a great way to personalise your wedding and create a unique atmosphere.
• Colour Wash: This technique fills an entire room with colour, creating a particular mood and enhancing the decor.
• Uplighting: Uplighting involves placing lights on the floor to shine up walls and decor, often in various colours. This can be used to accentuate architectural features or change wall colours to match your wedding palette.
• Pinspot Lighting: Tiny pinspot lights can be used to illuminate small areas, such as centrepieces on a table.
• LED Lights: LED lights are a cost-effective and long-lasting option that provides vibrant colours. They can be used for accent lighting or in floral arrangements for mood lighting.

When planning your wedding lighting, it is important to consider the venue, desired style, and budget. If you are hiring a lighting designer, be sure to ask about labour and delivery costs, as well as their power requirements. For outdoor weddings, power may be a challenge, and generators may be needed.

• Indoor Wedding Lighting: Understand the lighting that is already in the venue so that you can add to it or work around it. Colour washing can help create different moods in different rooms, while uplighting can accentuate architectural features.
• Outdoor Wedding Lighting: Ensure that all pathways, the venue, parking lot, and bathrooms are well-lit for guests, especially if your wedding is taking place at sunset. For a small backyard wedding, simple string lights and votive candles may be enough, but for a larger outdoor celebration, consider hiring professionals who can bring in generators.

With the right lighting, you can transform your wedding venue and create a memorable atmosphere for you and your guests.

Flowers

Bouquets:

A bridal bouquet typically contains 25 to 30 stems, while an adult bridesmaid's bouquet contains 12 to 15 stems. If you're going for a simpler option, a Gypsophila-only bouquet requires 5 to 7 stems. These numbers can vary depending on the type of bouquet, flowers, wedding style, and the bride's dress.

Boutonnieres and Corsages:

A standard boutonniere uses 1-3 stems, including 1 focal flower and 2 filler flowers and/or greenery. A standard corsage uses 2-6 stems, including 2 focal flowers and 2 filler flowers and/or greenery.

Centerpieces:

The number of flowers needed for centerpieces depends on their size. For small centerpieces (6-8 inches), you'll need about 10-12 filler flowers. Medium centerpieces (10-12 inches) require 15-20 filler flowers, while large centerpieces (14-16 inches) call for 10-12 greenery stems and 20-25 filler flowers.

For small arrangements like bud vases, you'll need 5-7 stems of filler/volume flowers, 3-5 stems of accent flowers, and 1/3-1/4 bunch of greenery. Centerpieces in 3-inch vases or mason jars use even fewer stems: 2-3 filler/volume flowers, 1-2 accent flowers, 1/6 bunch of texture flowers, and 1/6 bunch of greenery.

Venue Decorations:

The number of flowers needed for venue decorations depends on the type of arrangement and the size of the venue. A good starting point is 75 stems for venue decorations. For a statement piece like a floral arch, you'll need about 20-35 stems for a small arch, 50-70 stems for a medium arch, and 100-120 stems for a large arch.

For flower wreaths for storm lanterns, an 8-10 inch lantern would use 9 to 15 stems plus greenery, while a 16-18 inch lantern would use 30 to 40 stems plus greenery.

Other Considerations:

When planning your flower budget, it's worth noting that the average cost of wedding flowers in the US was $2,800 in 2023. This amount has been steadily increasing due to inflation and the impact of climate change on flower availability. The industry standard is to allocate about 10% of your total wedding budget to flowers, but if flowers are a high priority, you may want to set aside 15%.

The type of flowers you choose will also impact the quantity needed. Larger blooms like hydrangeas and peonies will require fewer stems, while smaller blooms like roses or ranunculus will need more stems to achieve the same fullness.

Finally, don't forget to consider reusing flower arrangements from the ceremony at the reception to save costs and reduce waste.

Entrance

The entrance to your wedding is the first impression your guests will have, so it's important to make it memorable. Here are some ideas to create a romantic and stylish entrance for your big day:

Billowing Curtains

If your wedding theme is romantic, billowing chiffon curtains or pre-made curtains hung from simple wooden or metal frames can be placed at the end of the aisle. This creates a soft and dreamy atmosphere for your entrance and can be easily adapted to the wedding colours.

Rustic Signs

For a rustic-themed wedding, wooden signs can be placed at the entrance to direct guests and announce the names of the happy couple. Combine these with other rustic items like crates, lanterns and wine barrels to create a charming, rural atmosphere.

Dreamcatchers

For a boho-themed wedding, dreamcatchers made of lace, ribbon and crocheted designs hung from hoops can add a whimsical and ethereal feel to the entrance. Metal hoop wreaths can also be used for a more modern look, with flowers and other decorations attached.

Ribbon

Ribbon is a simple and cost-effective way to decorate an entrance, especially for a relaxed backyard wedding. Hang long ribbons from above to create a reveal as the bride walks down the aisle, or stake them into the ground so they blow gently in the wind.

Twinkling Tunnel

For a nighttime wedding, a tunnel of fairy lights can be set up at the entrance to create a romantic and magical atmosphere. This can be enhanced with fabric and flowers for a more whimsical look, or kept simple for a modern wedding.

Balloon Arch

A fun and festive entrance can be created with a balloon arch, using balloons of various sizes. Combine with ribbon and other decorations to create a colourful and playful welcome for your guests.

Frequently asked questions