Deborah Chan
Hosting a wedding reception at a restaurant is a unique and budget-friendly option for couples. Restaurants are already beautifully decorated, so you won't need to start from scratch. The existing decor can be enhanced with simple additions such as floral centrepieces, candles, and table runners. To make a statement, consider hanging decor, dramatic tabletop decorations, or a balloon installation at the entrance. If you're feeling crafty, custom signage is a fun DIY project that adds a personal touch to your special day. Remember, less is more, and you can focus on sprucing up the tablescape with colourful linens and napkins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Venue | Restaurant |
| Decorations | Floral centerpieces, candles, flower arrangements, pumpkins, vases, lanterns, balloons, drapes, disco balls, runners, napkins, custom signage |
| Table Decorations | Tablecloths, flowers, vases, table runners, coloured linens, napkins |
| Lighting | Twinkle lights, uplighting |
| Venue Hire Items | Tables, chairs, linens |
| Permanent Decor | Exposed brick walls, industrial ceilings, marble fireplaces, spiral staircases, antique floors, picture windows |
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Centrepieces, candles and flowers
Candles, flowers, and centrepieces are essential elements to decorate a restaurant for a wedding reception. They can be used in a variety of ways to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.
Centrepieces
Centrepieces are a great way to dress up the tables at a wedding reception. Floral arrangements are a popular choice for centrepieces. These can be combined with candles to create a captivating and enchanting tablescape. Flowers can be used as a base for the centrepiece, with candles placed in the middle. This can be done by using a wreath made of flowers and placing three pillar candles of varying heights in the middle. The flowers can be chosen according to the wedding theme and colour scheme. For a more rustic look, a variety of greenery, such as ferns, eucalyptus, or ivy, can be used as the base, with small blooms like baby's breath or roses, or larger flowers like peonies or hydrangeas added for a pop of colour.
For a more contemporary look, birdcages can be used as centrepieces, with candles placed inside. Floating candles are another elegant option, where candles are placed in water in a vase or bowl, with decorative elements such as flowers or petals placed around the base. For a simple and sleek look, a few votive candles can be placed in the centre of each table, or for a bolder statement, coloured taper candles can be used, either along the centre of the table or displayed in a ring around the table.
Candles
Candles create a romantic and intimate atmosphere at a wedding reception. They can be used in a variety of ways, from table centrepieces to hanging decorations. The soft, flickering glow of candlelight adds warmth and elegance to the space. For a classic look, white candles are a popular choice, but coloured candles can also be used to complement the chosen colour scheme and create a special mood. Candles of varying heights can add interesting dimensions to the tablescape, and antique candlesticks in gold or silver can add a touch of vintage glamour.
Hanging votive candles in geometric orbs can add a romantic touch to the space, especially in an industrial venue. Candles can also be placed in front of mirrors to create a fabulous atmosphere, with the reflection of the flame multiplied. For an outdoor wedding, lanterns with pillar candles inside can be used to line the pathway, guiding guests and adding a whimsical charm.
Flowers
Flowers bring a touch of nature's elegance to the wedding reception. They can be used in centrepieces, as mentioned above, or as decorations on their own. Floral arrangements can be placed on tables, and bud vases with flowers can be used on cocktail tables and bars. The fragrance of flowers adds to the intimate atmosphere, and the colours and shapes of the flowers can complement the chosen theme and colour scheme.
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Tabletop decor
If you're on a budget, simple wedding table decorations like textured runners and table numbers can bring extra style to your venue. You could also opt for a simple floral arrangement or candles, which can be purchased cheaply and add a thoughtful touch to your tables. If you're looking for something more creative, consider hanging decor above the tables to minimise clutter and create a clean, elegant look.
If you have more room in your budget, flowers and candles are a great way to elevate your tabletop decor. Tall floral centrepieces allow for large, impactful arrangements without taking over the table or blocking guests' views. Flowers don't have to be limited to centrepieces, either—a garden-style table garland made of flowers and foliage can be accentuated by candles in ornate glass holders. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into your tabletop decor with coloured candles and stationery.
Lighting is another important element of tabletop decor. Candles are a classic option, but you can also use ornate lamps or twinkle lights to create a romantic, intimate atmosphere.
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Signage
Welcome your guests with a stylish welcome sign at the entrance. This can be a simple, elegant design or something more creative and bold, depending on your wedding theme and style. You could even create a balloon installation or simple drapes to frame the entrance and make it more inviting.
Directional signage is both decorative and functional, helping guests navigate the space and find their way to different areas. This is especially useful if you have booked only part of the restaurant, as it will help keep the public out of your reserved area. Bistro lights and roped fencing can also be used to map out the designated areas for your guests.
Add a personal touch with custom signage. This could be a neon sign, a printed backdrop, or even acrylic installations. You can use signage to showcase your unique style and add a memorable element to your wedding decor.
Table signage is also important. This includes table numbers, place cards, and even menus with your names on them. These small details can elevate the overall look of the tablescape and create a cohesive design.
Don't forget the bar! A bar sign with your featured cocktail is a fun way to incorporate signage into your decor. You can also add framed photos or other decorative elements to the bar area to make it more inviting.
Remember, signage doesn't have to be overwhelming or excessive. You can choose to keep it minimal and elegant, focusing on the most important information your guests need to know. The key is to strike a balance between functionality and style, ensuring that your signage complements your wedding's overall aesthetic.
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$5.37 $6.53
Linens and napkins
One of the benefits of hosting a wedding reception in a restaurant is that the venue will already have decor in place. Restaurants hire interior designers to decorate for them, so you can use the existing decor to your advantage, saving you time and effort.
That said, you can still add personal touches to make the space feel more like your own. Linens and napkins are a great way to do this. When it comes to table linens, skip the standard white tablecloths and opt for coloured linens or runners that add a burst of colour. You could also consider using napkins in a matching or complementary colour to add interest and elegance to your tablescape. If you're working with a small budget, napkins are a great way to bring colour to your tables without having to commit to full tablecloths.
If you're looking to add a pop of colour, create a mood board and test out as many colours as you like. From there, you can decide whether you want your linens and napkins to be in a matching colour, or if you want to mix and match. You could also consider using linens and napkins in a neutral colour, such as beige or white, and then adding a pop of colour through other elements such as centrepieces or flowers.
If you're having a rustic wedding, you might want to forgo linens altogether and opt for rustic farm tables, which are stunning on their own. Alternatively, you could use a greenery runner or simple white linens with hanging greenery to create a rustic yet elegant look.
Overall, when it comes to linens and napkins for your restaurant wedding reception, don't be afraid to get creative and play up the details that you can control.
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Lighting
Restaurants are already beautifully decorated spaces, so you can focus on lighting to enhance the existing decor.
One couple hung white and woven lanterns above their tables, creating a simple yet stunning effect. You could also hang decor, such as greenery, to minimise the number of items on the tables, keeping the overall look clean and elegant.
If you're looking for a simple, classic colour palette, consider black and white. Black bentwood chairs, white linens, and hanging greenery create a stylish, modern look. Alternatively, a neutral palette can be an excellent choice for a simple wedding reception. You can add a pop of colour with disco balls or sequin runners.
If you want to add a personal touch, consider custom signage. These can be fun DIY projects that double as wedding keepsakes. You can also use signs to help guests navigate the venue, especially if you've only booked part of the restaurant.
Candles are a popular choice for wedding lighting. They can be used during the day and at night and can be paired with small centrepieces for a gorgeous, intimate atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
Restaurants are already beautifully decorated, so you won't need to do much. Focus on the tables with floral centrepieces, candles, and coloured linens. You could also add some simple signage to help guests navigate the venue and bring your personality to the space.
Restaurants already have decor in place, so you can use this to your advantage and save yourself time and effort. Highlight unique elements with spotlights or floral arrangements, or use a monogrammed gobo on the dance floor.
If you're looking for something unique, consider a restaurant with a chic, intimate environment and fantastic food. You can dress up the venue's built-in decor with embellishments that reflect your personality. Don't be afraid to get creative with bold colours or statement installations.
