Creating An Elegant Wedding Venue: Tips For A Sophisticated Look

There are many ways to make a wedding venue look elegant, from simple touches to more elaborate undertakings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Use decorative lighting: Uplighting can embellish walls or columns without the need for other decorations, making the space feel chic and stylish.

- Hang disco balls: Disco balls add a fun and glamorous touch to any venue, and they look especially stunning when paired with string lights or hanging installations.

- Create a floral photo booth backdrop: While flower walls can be expensive, a garden-inspired backdrop using individual flowers is a great DIY alternative that will impress your guests.

- Use elegant table settings: Opt for gold or brass cutlery, ornate candle holders, and tapered candles in gilded holders for a touch of opulence.

- Drape fabric or garlands: Draping fabric or garlands of greenery can add softness and intimacy to a venue, especially when used to frame doorways or entranceways.

- Incorporate natural elements: Bring the outdoors in by using potted plants, fresh flowers, or branches as centrepieces or hanging installations.

- Use elegant seating: Velvet furniture or lounge areas with plush cushions can create a refined and inviting space for guests to relax.

- Hang marquee letters: Oversized light-up letters can be a fun and simple way to welcome guests to the reception, especially if they spell out a word that ties into your wedding theme.

- Showcase a stunning dessert display: Artfully arrange colourful desserts, cakes, or sweets on a tiered platter, surrounded by florals, to create a unique and elegant focal point.

Use elegant lighting

Lighting is a great way to elevate your wedding venue and make it look elegant. Here are some ideas to achieve that:

• Use bistro lights: Hang a few strands of bistro lights along the perimeter of your wedding venue to brighten and personalise the space. You can also infuse the cables with garlands and leaves for extra flair.
• Hang string lights vertically: Instead of hanging string lights horizontally, try experimenting with hanging the strands vertically. This will create a whimsical scene that looks like magic. You can even continue the feel by clustering them together and creating a full-fledged light curtain.
• Use paper lanterns: Paper lanterns are a great way to illuminate your wedding venue. You can hang them horizontally or vertically, or even create a light curtain by clustering them together.
• Add fairy lights: Fairy lights are a classic way to add atmosphere and ambiance to any space. You can wrap them around wooden beams or drape them over trees to create a glamorous look.
• Use candles: Candles can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Consider using tapered candles or candelabras as part of your table decorations. You can also use candleholders of different heights and sizes to add dimension to your decor.
• Use chandeliers: Chandeliers can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding venue. Hang them over dining tables or dance floors to create a stunning visual impact.
• Incorporate neon signs: Neon signs are a fun and modern way to light up your wedding venue. You can use them as photo backdrops, dessert bar decor, or even as a unique way to display your names.
• Use disco balls: Disco balls are a fun and retro way to add lighting to your wedding venue. You can hang them from the ceiling or place them on tables to create a glowing effect.

Create a floral photo-booth backdrop

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding decorations, and for good reason—they're romantic, elegant, and versatile. If you're looking to create a floral photo-booth backdrop that will wow your guests, here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

Choose Your Flowers

Select flowers that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can go for fresh flowers or opt for silk flowers, which will last longer and can be more cost-effective. Consider the size of the flowers and whether you want a mix of different types or a monochromatic display.

Design and Create Your Backdrop

There are a few ways to approach this:

• Floral hoops or arches: These can be used to create a whimsical and ethereal backdrop. You can make a large arch for the centre or have multiple smaller hoops arranged together.
• Floral wall: Create a stunning floral wall by attaching flowers to a backdrop. This can be as simple or as intricate as you like. You can use fresh flowers, silk flowers, or even paper flowers for a budget-friendly option.
• Floral canopy: If your venue has a canopy, you can decorate it with flowers and hanging plants for a romantic and rustic feel.
• Floral garlands: Make floral garlands and hang them on a wall or from the ceiling. This creates a beautiful, flowing backdrop.

Add Some Extras

To enhance your floral backdrop, consider adding some of these elements:

• Lights: Fairy lights or string lights can add a touch of glamour and sparkle to your backdrop.
• Fabric: Drape fabric over your backdrop for a soft, romantic feel. You can choose a sheer fabric to allow the flowers to peek through.
• Balloons: Combine flowers and balloons for a fun and romantic look.
• Greenery: Mix in some greenery with your flowers to add texture and create a natural, rustic vibe.

Other Considerations

When creating your floral photo-booth backdrop, keep the following in mind:

• Scale and proportion: Ensure your backdrop is large enough to be noticed and to accommodate groups of people in photos.
• Colour and style: Choose flowers that complement the colour scheme and style of your wedding.
• Timing: If using fresh flowers, consider when you'll be setting up the backdrop to ensure the flowers stay fresh and vibrant.
• Budget: Fresh flowers can be more expensive, so consider your budget when planning.

Opt for a simple colour palette

Opting for a simple colour palette is a great way to make your wedding venue look elegant. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose a Neutral Colour Scheme

Selecting a neutral colour palette, such as beige, white, or green, can create a simple yet elegant look for your wedding venue. These colours are versatile and can be easily complemented with other design elements.

Use Long Tables with Green Linens

Instead of using multiple small round tables, opt for a few long tables covered with green linens. This creates a sleek and elegant look while simplifying your wedding reception floor plan.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements such as flowers, leaves, or potted plants into your colour palette. Use them as centrepieces, hang them from the ceiling, or place them on guest tables to add a touch of nature to your venue.

Use Disco Balls and String Lights

Disco balls and string lights can add a touch of glamour and elegance to your venue without overwhelming the space. Hang them from the ceiling, place them on tables, or use them to illuminate pathways, adding a whimsical and elegant touch to your wedding décor.

Create a Cozy Lounge Area

Create a cozy lounge area with velvet furniture and soft lighting. This will provide a comfortable and inviting space for your guests to relax and socialise. Use neutral colours and simple décor to create a refined and elegant atmosphere.

Add Personal Touches

Incorporate personal touches that reflect your style and personality. For example, display family photos, use books as décor if you love reading, or add a pop of colour with your favourite fruit. These simple additions will make your wedding venue unique and elegant.

Decorate with vintage rugs

Vintage rugs are a great way to add a touch of elegance and a global influence that can instantly transform any wedding venue. Designed to evoke a classic, nostalgic feel, these rugs usually feature intricate floral motifs, detailed borders, distressed textures, and emblems with cultural and historical meanings.

Boho-Chic

Vintage rugs are the perfect finishing touch to any boho-chic wedding ceremony set up. Opt for preloved vintage-style furniture to customise the space and create a relaxed, eclectic look. Mismatched chairs will also add to the boho vibe, giving the ceremony a quirky and laid-back feel.

Shabby Chic

Shabby chic decor combines various design elements to create an intentionally aged and artsy look. A vintage floral rug with soft, feminine colours will complement this antique-themed space. Add other vintage details such as rustic suitcases and a bicycle welcome sign to complete the aesthetic.

Rustic Charm

For a rustic wedding, a vintage rug can soften and balance out the rugged elements of the venue. Exposed wood beams, distressed doors, and metal details can be complemented by an intricate vintage rug, adding a touch of elegance to the space.

Scandinavian Simplicity

Nordic-inspired spaces are known for their simple, functional, and minimalistic design. While modern or geometric rugs are typical choices, a vintage area rug with rich colours like red or burgundy will add warmth and contrast, creating a homey vibe.

Contemporary Classic

For a contemporary space, pair sophisticated and modern furnishings with a vintage rug that features a traditional pattern, such as damasks or medallions, in neutral, understated hues. This combination will add a timeless feel to the venue while showcasing an elegant blend of old and new.

Add a creative twist to your seating plan

Adding a creative twist to your seating plan is a great way to make your wedding venue stand out. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Escort Card Flower Wall

If you plan to gift your guests flowers and colourful vases as wedding favours, you can use them as decor too. Create a flower wall with an oversized display of flowers that will stun your attendees as they arrive at the reception.

Hanging Floral Installation

Think creatively about how your guests will experience the space and go beyond the tablescape. Wow your guests with a unique environment featuring a dramatic hanging floral installation.

Explosive Floral Display

Why have just a few flowers when you can have a whole lot? Put flowers just about everywhere at your reception for a creative and memorable twist.

Abstract Disco Ball

Disco balls are cool, but you can take it up a notch with abstract disco ball designs. Try a melting disco ball for a truly next-level, epic dance floor design.

Carnival-Inspired Ferris Wheel

Bring the fun of the carnival to your wedding with a ferris wheel installation. This idea is especially great if you're looking for a creative way to entertain your guests.

Serpentine Dinner Tables

Think outside the box and go beyond simple rectangular or circular tables. Curvy serpentine tables will give your reception a unique and elegant look.

Suspended Pampas Grass Arrangement

Add a boho touch to your reception with a suspended pampas grass arrangement. This idea is perfect for a whimsical and elegant wedding.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creative seating plan twists. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and draw inspiration from your own unique style and personality.

Frequently asked questions