Lyla Dejesus
If you're worried about your wedding reception venue feeling cramped, there are several ways to make the space seem bigger and ensure your guests can enjoy the day. Firstly, avoid overcrowding the room with decor. Keep things simple and minimal, and opt for one or two statement pieces of wall art rather than lots of smaller ones. Using mirrors is a great way to give the illusion of more space, reflecting light and making the room feel bigger. You should also consider using translucent materials, such as glass vases, and ghost chairs, which are aesthetically pleasing and help guests see more of the room.
When it comes to tables, you could use a combination of round and rectangular tables to maximise the space. Avoid oversized furniture, and consider using folding tables and chairs that can be put away after dinner to make room for a dance floor. Short centrepieces will also help the room feel more open, and it's best to avoid bright, bold colours, which can be overwhelming. Neutral shades, light colours and white will help keep things airy.
If possible, move the bar outside the room to save space, and opt for a DJ instead of a band to save room and money. You could also set up a separate lounge space to give guests a cosy area to chat, and make use of food stations instead of a sit-down dinner to create a sense of intimacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of colour | Avoid bright and bold colours; use neutral colours and shades of white to keep things light and airy |
| Table shapes | Play around with different table shapes to see what works best; a combination of round and rectangular tables might maximise space |
| Centrepieces | Opt for short centrepieces to keep things feeling open |
| Seating | Avoid oversized furniture; consider folding tables and chairs which can be put away after dinner to make more room for the dance floor |
| Bar | If possible, set up the bar outside the reception room to save space |
| Lighting | Get creative with lighting; use candles to give off a natural glow and create a romantic, intimate feel |
| Mirrors | Hang mirrors strategically to reflect light and make the space seem bigger |
| Decorations | Avoid overcrowding with decorations; keep things minimal and simple |
| Tables | Use translucent tables, such as glass votives and vases, to help guests see as much of the room as possible, making it seem larger |
| Chairs | Use translucent chairs ("ghost chairs") to make the space seem larger |
| Food | Instead of a traditional sit-down meal, consider passed trays for food, allowing the use of smaller bistro tables |
What You'll Learn
Use mirrors to reflect the space
Mirrors are a versatile and elegant way to elevate your wedding decor and make a small reception space feel bigger. They can be used in a variety of ways to create the illusion of more space while also providing stunning visual effects and photo opportunities. Here are some ideas to use mirrors to reflect the space and make your wedding reception feel more open and airy:
Mirror Decorations
Incorporate mirrors of different shapes and sizes into your wedding decor. Hang mirrors on the walls or place them strategically around the venue to reflect light and create a sense of openness. Mirrors can be combined with flowers and candles to add elegance and depth to the space. Consider using mirrored trays or platters for your centrepieces or hors d'oeuvres to reflect the light and enhance the natural beauty of the venue.
Mirrored Tables
Using mirrored tables or tabletops is a creative way to make a statement and create the illusion of more space. A mirrored tabletop paired with ghost chairs and candelabras can create a minimalist chic look. You can also use a combination of mirrors and flowers or linens to make your head table or sweetheart table stand out. For a glamorous touch, try a sleek mirror with metallic accents and bold, bright flowers.
Mirror Signage
Welcome your guests with a gorgeous mirrored sign at the entrance. You can write a fun quote, a personalised message, or simply the word "Welcome". Mirror reception signs can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your decor. You can also use mirrors to display your menu, table numbers, or seating chart. For a vintage or elegant look, consider an ornate or framed mirror, while a frameless or simple mirror is perfect for a modern vibe.
Mirror Backdrops
Create a dramatic backdrop for your ceremony or photo booth by using mirrored cubes or panels. For a romantic touch, add candles and simple flowers to the display. A mirrored backdrop can also enhance your head table or dessert table by reflecting your wedding cake and sweet treats, allowing your guests to admire them from all angles.
Disco Balls and Dance Floors
Add a disco ball to your dance floor to make it shine and create a festive atmosphere. The light reflecting off the disco ball will also bounce off any other mirror decor, creating a stunning visual effect. For an even more eye-catching display, consider a wall of mirrors or a mirrored dance floor.
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Opt for translucent materials
Opting for translucent materials is a great way to make a small wedding reception space feel bigger. This is because translucent furniture, such as glass votives and vases, allows guests to see as much of the room as possible, creating the illusion of a larger space.
A popular and aesthetically pleasing option is "ghost chairs" These are translucent chairs that are not only functional but also stylish, adding a unique touch to your wedding décor. They are also often lightweight and easy to move, making them convenient for various seating arrangements.
In addition to chairs, consider using other translucent furniture pieces such as acrylic or glass tables. These can be used as bistro tables for passed trays of food or as a unique alternative to traditional tables at your reception. Using translucent tables will create a sense of spaciousness and depth, allowing light to pass through and brighten up the room, making it feel more inviting and open.
To further enhance the sense of space, complement your translucent furniture with other decorative elements made from translucent materials. For example, you could use glass candle holders or vases for centrepieces, or even hang translucent decorations from the ceiling if your venue allows it. Remember to keep the overall décor minimal and simple to avoid overcrowding the space.
By incorporating translucent materials into your wedding reception, you'll create an elegant and airy atmosphere while also making the venue feel more spacious. This will ensure that your guests can relax, enjoy the celebrations, and move around the room with ease.
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Avoid oversized furniture
If your wedding reception venue is on the smaller side, it's best to avoid using oversized furniture such as couches or big armchairs. These pieces can take up a lot of square footage and make the space feel cramped. Instead, opt for smaller, more compact furniture that will allow your guests to move around comfortably.
When choosing furniture for a small reception space, look for pieces that have a small footprint but still provide functionality. For example, you could use small bistro tables instead of large dining tables, or folding tables and chairs that can be easily moved or put away after dinner to create more space for dancing.
Another way to maximise space is to use translucent furniture, such as glass votives, vases, or even "ghost chairs." These pieces help to create the illusion of space by allowing guests to see more of the room, making it seem larger than it is.
If you're set on having a lounge area, consider using smaller-scale furniture, such as loveseats or armchairs with a narrow profile. You can also use benches or ottomans, which can double as extra seating without taking up too much room.
Remember, the key to making a small wedding reception space feel bigger is to avoid overcrowding and to choose furniture that is proportional to the size of the venue. By opting for smaller, more streamlined pieces, you'll create a more open and inviting atmosphere for your guests to enjoy.
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Choose the right colours
Choosing the right colours is essential to creating the illusion of space at your wedding reception. Opt for light and neutral colours, such as whites and beiges, to keep the space feeling airy and open. Avoid dark or rich hues, as these will make the venue seem smaller.
If you're set on having some pops of colour, consider using them sparingly and in translucent materials, such as glass vases and votives. These will ensure that the room still feels spacious as guests can see more of the room. You could also use ghost chairs, which are aesthetically pleasing and also translucent.
Mirrors are another great way to open up a space. Hang a few strategically around the room to reflect light and make the venue feel bigger.
When it comes to table linens, stick to solid colours and avoid busy patterns. Large florals and multi-coloured stripes can be used to unify different areas of the room, but they will also fill the space. If you want to make the room feel bigger, opt for solid colours that match the walls to create a cohesive look.
Finally, if you're looking to add some draping to the room, go for white or cream tulle, chiffon, or sheer voile. These fabrics will help to soften the venue and make it feel more elegant and romantic.
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Use creative lighting
Creative lighting can be used to make a small wedding reception space feel bigger and more welcoming. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Choose the Right Light Colour
The colour of light can significantly impact the atmosphere and perception of a space. Warm lighting, such as Edison bulbs or candle lights, can create a cosy and intimate setting. On the other hand, cool-toned lighting in white or ivory can make the venue appear more spacious and airy. If you want to add a playful touch, consider using coloured lights to create a festive and cheerful ambiance.
Play with Lighting Intensity
The intensity of light can also affect the atmosphere of the venue. A dimly lit room can make guests feel relaxed and comfortable, while a brightly lit room can make them feel energised and exposed. To avoid an empty dance floor, ensure the dance area is well-lit with approximately 20 lumens per square foot. This will make it easier for guests to see and move around without feeling like they are on display.
Use Uplighting
Uplighting is a great way to embellish walls or columns without the need for physical decorations. It can instantly make a room feel chic and stylish, and it works especially well in large banquet halls and ballrooms.
Create a Lighting Plan
Work with a designer to create a lighting plan that transforms your space. Consider using pin spotting or spotlighting on tables to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Uplighting in warm colours can also bring a cosy feel to the venue. Keep areas that you don't want to be seen or used dark.
Use Fairy Lights and Paper Lanterns
Fairy lights and paper lanterns can add a whimsical and weightless decorative element to your venue. Layering paper lanterns or hanging fairy lights from the ceiling can make the room feel more open and airy. For a pop of colour, opt for pastel-coloured lanterns or fairy lights.
Use Candles
Candles can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Tea lights, votive candles, and candlelight chandeliers are excellent choices for wedding receptions. They provide a gentle, warm glow that is perfect for setting a relaxed and intimate mood.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want your wedding reception to feel bigger, there are a few tricks you can use to create the illusion of space. Avoid overcrowding the room with decor, and opt for simple, minimal pieces. Use translucent materials, such as glass, to help guests see as much of the room as possible. You can also use mirrors to reflect light and make the space seem larger.
When decorating a small space, it's important to avoid oversized furniture and too many hanging decorations. Consider using folding tables and chairs, which can be put away after dinner to make more room for the dance floor. Use neutral colours and solid shades to keep things light and airy, and add mirrors to give the illusion of more space.
If your reception space is too large, there are several ways to make it feel more intimate. Divide the space with trees or large branches, or use pipe and drape to create a lower ceiling. You can also use tall centrepieces and large tables to fill the space, and add a dance floor or photo booth to create a more personal atmosphere.
To make a large reception space feel smaller, consider partitioning off part of the room with fabric or a trellis. You can also use lounge furniture to create a cosy seating area, or set up a DIY photo booth to create a fun, intimate atmosphere.
