George Boyle
Wedding decor is an important aspect of creating the perfect atmosphere for your big day, but it can be expensive. Couples can save money by choosing a venue that already has a lot of charm, such as a rustic barn, a whimsical garden, or a historic park. If you're on a budget, you can also opt for non-floral centrepieces, such as books or photos, or choose faux flowers, which are cheaper and more convenient than real blooms. To save money, you can also rent decorations, buy second-hand items, or borrow from friends and family.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a colour palette
Consider the Venue
Take into account the existing decor and features of your venue. If your venue already has a lot of character, such as a rustic barn or a garden, you can use draped linens and faux greenery to complement the space. Work with the venue's existing features to create a cohesive look. For example, if you're marrying in a foliage-covered pergola, you can highlight the architectural feature with draping in your chosen colour palette.
Choose a Theme
Selecting a theme will help guide your colour choices. This could be as simple as choosing a few complementary colours or going with a specific style, such as rustic, elegant, or minimalist. A colour palette of neutral shades like beige and white can create a simple and classic look. Alternatively, you can opt for a bolder palette, such as burnt orange, which works well for rustic or outdoor weddings.
Focus on Key Areas
Identify the key areas that will be the most photographed and decorated, such as the cake table, altar, head table, and escort card table. Concentrate your colour palette in these areas to create a visually appealing and memorable impact.
Use Colour to Create Ambiance
Different colours can evoke different moods and atmospheres. For example, pink drapes can add a cozy feel to an outdoor wedding, while black and white can create a minimalist and elegant aesthetic. Consider the vibe you want to create and choose colours that enhance it.
Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix and match different colours and textures to create a unique and personalised palette. You can use coloured linens, table runners, centrepieces, and flowers to add pops of colour and interest to your venue.
Remember, your colour palette doesn't have to be limited to the visual. Scented candles in your chosen colour family can add another layer of sensory experience to your wedding decor.
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Table decorations
A popular choice for table decorations is flowers. Floral centrepieces can add a touch of elegance to your tables, and you can use fresh or faux flowers. If you're on a budget, consider using non-floral centrepieces such as books, photos, or greenery. You can also use bridesmaids' bouquets on the tables as decorations. If you're feeling creative, try making your own floral garlands or hanging arrangements to embrace the vertical space above the tables.
Table linens, such as tablecloths and runners, can add texture and colour to your tables. They are a great way to introduce a coherent colour palette and style to your wedding decor. You can also use linens to drape over chairs or hang from the ceiling for a romantic, flowing effect. To add a touch of sparkle, consider mirror-topped tables or mirror tiles on guest tables.
Candles are another popular choice for table decorations. You can use scented candles to create a romantic ambiance or mix them with flowers on the tables. For a more rustic look, consider using terracotta vessels or amber glassware as part of your tablescape.
Don't forget the small details, such as table numbers and place cards, which can add a personal touch to your tables. You can also use signs to welcome your guests or display the bar menu. These small decorations can be printed at home or purchased from stores.
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Venue-specific decorations
The type of venue you choose will determine the decorations you need. If you opt for a venue that already has a lot of charm, such as a rustic barn, a whimsical garden, or a historic park, you may not need to add much in the way of decor. In this case, simply enhance the existing features with your chosen colour palette and style. For example, if you're marrying in a garden with foliage-covered pergolas, you could highlight this architectural feature with draping fabric.
If your venue is more of a blank canvas, such as a warehouse or a hall, you may want to consider hanging decorations. You could try draping fabric, bunting, streamers, or paper pom-poms from the ceiling, or creating a feature wall with different coloured or textured panels.
For an outdoor wedding, you could hang fairy lights or lanterns in the trees, or drape fabric along the aisle, to create a simple yet effective backdrop for your ceremony.
If your venue has an industrial feel, you could embrace the juxtaposition between the concrete walls and soft, plush furniture. A simple, refined aesthetic can be very effective in this type of space.
For a waterfront wedding, keep the decor simple and let the view do the talking. A few white and woven lanterns and some hanging greenery will create a stunning yet understated effect.
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Flowers or faux flowers
Flowers are a classic way to decorate a wedding venue, creating a sense of occasion and helping to carry your wedding theme. From hanging floral installations to bright white floral arrangements to bold and colourful centrepieces, flowers can be used to decorate everything from your pew ends to your wedding cake.
If you're getting married outdoors, you could stand under a flower arch to say your vows, providing a picturesque scene for your wedding photos. Floral arches are very much in vogue and look stunning as a backdrop for photographs. You could also line the aisle with tall, lavish floral arrangements to make your walk down the aisle more enchanting.
However, fresh flowers can be expensive, and many couples are surprised at the cost. Faux flowers are a more budget-friendly option, and can be sourced and styled in advance without the fear of wilting. They can also be installed in the venue yourself before the wedding, and open up the types of flowers you can afford. Realistic faux flowers are available in a huge range of wedding colour palettes, and no one will know they aren't real.
Whether you choose fresh or faux flowers, they can be used to decorate fixed elements at your venue, such as fireplaces, staircases, and ceremony structures.
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Lighting
When planning the lighting for a wedding, it is important to consider the time of day, amount of natural light, and the desired vibe. For example, an indoor wedding will require different lighting than an outdoor wedding with a sunset backdrop. Additionally, the lighting should complement the wedding theme and style.
- Uplighting: This type of lighting is placed on the floor to shine up walls and decor and can be used to accentuate architectural features or change wall colours to match the wedding palette. It can also be used to create different moods in different rooms. For a unique effect, blend a few different colours to create a watercolour-inspired backdrop.
- String Lights: Strands of twinkling lights or fairy lights can be draped over reception tables or suspended in rows over the dance floor to create a magical canopy. They can also be used to create a "ceiling" of lights during an outdoor wedding, reflecting the night sky.
- Lanterns: Floating paper lanterns in a pool or fountain can create a magical effect, while candlelit lanterns can illuminate walkways and create a romantic setting. For a whimsical touch, use an assortment of paper lanterns in different sizes above the dance floor.
- Chandeliers: Chandeliers can add a luxurious and dramatic touch to a wedding venue. Crystal chandeliers, in particular, can provide elegant ambiance to a classic reception space. For a barn or countryside wedding, an antler chandelier would fit right in.
- Candles: Candles can be used to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. Pillar candles surrounded by lush greenery can make the space feel welcoming. For a modern twist, fill glass hurricanes with pillar candles.
- Custom Gobos: Projecting initials, the wedding date, or a sweet saying onto an empty wall or the dance floor can add a personal touch to the decor.
- Colour-Washing: This technique involves using lights to wash the venue in colours that match the wedding palette. For a modern space, opt for hues that flatter skin tones, such as pinks and purples, and let them build in intensity over the course of the evening.
- Disco Balls: For a sparkly touch, consider hanging disco balls from the ceiling. They can add a fun and unexpected element to the decor.
When planning the lighting design, it is recommended to work with a professional lighting designer or company. They can help bring a couple's vision to life and ensure that the lighting is installed safely and effectively. It is also important to do a walk-through of the venue with the lighting designer to understand the specific needs of the space and to plan for any necessary installations.
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Frequently asked questions
Choosing a venue that already has a lot of charm, such as a rustic barn, a whimsical garden, or a historic park, can help cut down on wedding decor costs. If you're working with a more affordable venue, you can elevate the space by choosing a theme and sticking to a coherent color palette and style. Draped linens, faux flowers, and abundant faux greenery can also help achieve a luxurious look without breaking the bank.
Some popular ways to decorate tables at a wedding include using table cloths, runners, flowers, candles, and centerpieces. For a more rustic look, consider using wood tables without tablecloths or runners. You can also add personality with unique place settings and terracotta vessels instead of standard glass containers.
Focus your decor budget on statement pieces that will be photographed and create lasting memories. These areas include the cake/dessert table, altar, head table, escort card table, and the bar. You can also create a flower arch as a backdrop for your vows or add hanging arrangements or chandeliers to embrace vertical space.
To make a unique statement, consider marquee letters or a custom pattern inspired by a designer for a bar front. For a simple yet elegant look, opt for a neutral palette or a classic black and white theme. If you're looking for a cozy feel, incorporate velvet furniture or pink drapes.
