Make Your Ballroom Wedding Uniquely Unforgettable

Ballroom weddings are a popular choice for couples due to their versatility, elegance, and practicality. They offer a blank canvas that can be transformed to fit any wedding style, from modern and minimalist to bold and boisterous. With their high ceilings, intricate architecture, and ample space, ballrooms provide the perfect backdrop for a unique and memorable wedding reception. Whether you're looking for a glamorous, rustic, or bohemian vibe, there are endless possibilities to make your ballroom wedding one-of-a-kind.

Use the ballroom's high ceilings to your advantage with tall centrepieces, hanging installations and other vertical decor

Ballrooms are known for their high ceilings, so it's only right to make the most of this feature and create towering centrepieces and installations. If you're looking to make a statement, opt for tall centrepieces, such as clouds of baby's breath or strands of silver origami, that will soar above the tables. To make these stand out, keep the other table items to a minimum to avoid any clashing.

You can also hang installations from the ceiling to create a unique and eye-catching display. For example, at a wedding in Mexico City, the couple drew guests' gazes upward by suspending rattan lanterns, disco balls, and garlands of greenery and flowers from the ceiling. This is a great option if you're not a fan of the light fixtures in the room.

Another way to utilise the high ceilings is by creating vertical decor. Tall vases with flowers, topiaries, and candelabras can add height to your table centrepieces. By alternating between tall and table-level centrepieces, you can create visual interest and prevent the room from feeling too crowded.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of installations, hanging decor, and centrepieces to create a unique and memorable ballroom wedding.

Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere by dividing the room into specific zones, such as lounge areas, a cocktail area, and a photo booth

Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a ballroom wedding setting is all about making the space feel intimate and inviting. By dividing the room into specific zones, you can add a layer of interest and encourage guests to mix and mingle. Here's how to do it:

Lounge Areas

Create cosy and comfortable spaces for guests to relax and socialise. Bring in lounge furniture, such as sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables. These areas can be styled with soft lighting, candles, and fresh flowers to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.

Cocktail Area

Designate a space for guests to enjoy cocktails and socialise. This area can be styled with a unique bar setup, perhaps featuring a statement floral installation or a personalised cocktail menu. Add standing tables and stylish bar stools to encourage guests to linger and chat.

Photo Booth

Photo booths are always a hit at weddings, providing entertainment and creating lasting memories. Set up a dedicated space with a fun backdrop, props, and a camera. Consider a themed photo booth that ties into your wedding aesthetic, such as a vintage-style setup or a floral-filled bohemian backdrop.

Dining Area

The dining area is where guests will come together to enjoy a meal and celebrate the newlyweds. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, mix and match table shapes, such as round and rectangular tables, to add depth and dimension to the space. Use soft lighting, such as candlelight or fairy lights, to create a cosy ambiance.

Dance Floor

The dance floor is where the magic happens! Create a dedicated space for guests to show off their moves by choosing a large dance floor as the focal point of the room. Consider a custom dance floor with a monogram or a unique design that reflects your style.

By dividing the ballroom into these specific zones, you'll create a dynamic and engaging space that encourages guests to mix and mingle. Each area can be styled with unique touches, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make your wedding truly memorable.

Enhance the ballroom's existing colour palette with complementary colours or pull colours from the room for your decor

When it comes to styling your ballroom wedding, you'll want to work with the room's existing colour palette. This can mean pulling colours from the room for your decor or introducing complementary colours that won't clash with the existing shades.

Before deciding on your colour palette, take photos and make notes of all the colours in the room during your initial walk-through. If the ballroom has patterned walls or distinct shades, lean on these facets to inform the rest of your design. For example, if there's blue wallpaper, patterned vases, and ornate plates, you could style your tables with blue tablecloths, gold-rimmed glassware, and gold candlesticks.

If you're set on a specific colour palette that doesn't complement the room's existing colours, consider draping the ceiling and walls with fabric. This can help create a more intimate feel and an upscale look, especially when paired with twinkle lights or uplighting.

You can also use drapery to conceal or refurbish wallpaper that doesn't fit your vision. For instance, installing dreamy clouds and baby's breath shaped like a crescent moon can frame the couple's special seats in a new and unexpected way.

Don't forget about the smaller details, such as napkins, place settings, and menus. These elements can also help enhance the ballroom's colour palette. For instance, a gold marble napkin can add depth and dimension to a ballroom full of embellishments.

Make use of the ballroom's built-in lighting, or opt for alternative forms of lighting to create a romantic and dramatic atmosphere

Ballroom weddings are a popular choice for couples, offering elegance, comfort, and versatility. While chandeliers are a traditional lighting option, there are many ways to create a romantic and dramatic atmosphere using alternative forms of lighting.

Firstly, you can make use of the ballroom's built-in lighting. Chandeliers, sconces, and other glamorous light fixtures can be used to create a classic and elegant atmosphere. If the ballroom has large windows, you can also utilise natural light during the day to create a bright and airy space.

However, if you want to create a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, you may want to opt for alternative forms of lighting. For example, you can use cascading string lights and candles, as seen in a glamorous New York City wedding, to illuminate the ballroom and create a dreamy and romantic setting. The warm glow of candlelight can instantly transform the space and create a cosy ambiance.

Another option is to use uplighting to embellish walls and columns, adding drama and elegance to the room. You can also consider a colour wash, which can be a great way to dramatically change the atmosphere and create a unique setting. Fairy lights or twinkle lights can also add a touch of magic and sparkle to the ballroom, especially when incorporated into ceiling drapery.

Don't be afraid to mix and match lighting options to create a unique and personalised atmosphere. For example, you can combine candles with fairy lights, or uplighting with string lights, to create a romantic and enchanting setting.

Additionally, you can use lighting to highlight and accentuate certain features of the ballroom. Spotlights can be used to showcase a marble fireplace or a spiral staircase, while a monogrammed gobo light can be shone on the dance floor to draw attention to the beautiful antique hardwood floors.

By making use of the ballroom's built-in lighting or opting for alternative forms of lighting, you can create a romantic and dramatic atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests.

Take advantage of the ballroom's amenities, such as tables, chairs, and in-house catering, to save on costs and create a seamless event

Ballroom weddings are a popular choice for couples, offering elegance, comfort, and flexibility. One of the main advantages of hosting a wedding in a ballroom is the range of amenities included, such as tables, chairs, and in-house catering. These amenities not only enhance the event's seamlessness but also help save costs.

Firstly, utilising the ballroom's tables and chairs can significantly reduce expenses. Rather than renting furniture, couples can work with the venue to select suitable table and chair arrangements. This is especially beneficial for those on a tight budget or aiming for a more cost-effective celebration. The ballroom's tables and chairs can be set up in various configurations to create a unique and personalised atmosphere. For instance, a mix of long tables, circular tables, and rectangular tables can add depth and dimension to the dining area, catering to different group sizes and dynamics.

Additionally, in-house catering is a valuable amenity that can elevate the wedding experience and reduce external catering costs. Couples can collaborate with the ballroom's catering team to design a menu that aligns with their preferences and dietary requirements. In-house catering also ensures a seamless flow of food service, as the catering staff will be familiar with the venue's layout and facilities.

Moreover, ballrooms often include other essential amenities such as restrooms, dance floors, linens, and service staff. These conveniences further contribute to a smooth and stress-free event, allowing the couple and their guests to focus on celebrating without worrying about logistical challenges.

By taking advantage of the ballroom's amenities, couples can not only create a cohesive and elegant event but also streamline their wedding planning process. This cost-effective approach enables them to allocate their budget to other aspects, such as unique decorations, entertainment, or their dream honeymoon.

Frequently asked questions