Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to decorations. The decor is what makes the most immediate impact on the day and sets the tone for the entire event. It is a chance to showcase your personal style and there are numerous ways to do that, from personalised vows to non-traditional dresses and out-of-the-box venues. To help you create the wedding of your dreams, here is an ultimate checklist of all the decorations you need for your big day.
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What You'll Learn
Tabletop décor
Wedding tabletop décor is an important part of the wedding decorations as it is often at the heart of any wedding decoration scheme. It is also where your guests will spend most of their time, so it makes sense to allocate a good portion of your wedding décor budget to it.
When it comes to tabletop décor, centrepieces are a key element. Floral centrepieces are a popular choice, with couples and their floral designers creating something truly unique and memorable. Tall floral centrepieces allow space for large, impactful arrangements without taking over the table or blocking guests' views. Flower types can include classic crowd-pleasers like roses and orchids, or something more unexpected. For a rustic or farmhouse wedding, consider a centrepiece made from organic elements like wood, burlap, hemp, dried grass, mason jars, or tealight candles sprinkled with herbs. If you're looking for something more cost-effective, paper flowers can be a great alternative to fresh flowers, especially if you make them yourself.
Table runners are another way to add interest to your tabletops. Fabric runners can add texture to plain tables, while non-fabric runners like a garden-style garland made of flowers and foliage can also make a statement.
Other tabletop décor ideas include unique place settings with personalised touches, such as personalised cheese plates, chargers laser-cut with guest names, or menus with guests' names written at the top. Customised napkins, bunting, and trivia cards to encourage interaction are also fun additions. For a luxe look, opt for a tabletop dripping in blooms. For a magical touch, add fairy lights or hang a paper canopy with a laser-cut floral pattern above the table.
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Centrepieces
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, consider swapping large centrepieces for smaller bud vases. Flowers like orchids, anemones, and certain lilies look amazing on their own and can be used to create a purposefully minimalist look. You can also use tulle, candles, colourful vases, or vintage finds as centrepieces. To add a unique touch, consider personalising the centrepieces with items like cheese plates or laser-cut chargers with your guests' names.
If you are looking for a grand and luxurious feel, consider mixing high and low arrangements throughout the room for dimension and visual balance. Ensure that your centrepieces are below the chin or above the heads of your guests so that they do not obstruct their view and can facilitate social interaction.
For an outdoor wedding, you can create a faux ceiling with string lights and driftwood and spread out hanging decor lights to create a stunning visual display.
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Flowers
Centerpieces and Table Décor
Aisle and Arch Decor
Create a romantic entrance by lining the aisle with flower arrangements. You can also decorate the wedding arch with flowers, creating a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony. This will not only look stunning but also make for great photos.
Bouquets and Boutonnieres
The bridal bouquet is a must-have accessory for the bride. You can choose flowers that complement the wedding colour scheme or add a pop of colour. Don't forget the bridesmaids' bouquets and the groom's and groomsmen's boutonnieres, which can be coordinated with the bridal bouquet.
Hanging Flowers
For an outdoor wedding, consider creating a faux ceiling with string lights and flowers. Hanging flowers add a whimsical touch to your decor and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Flower Petals
Flower petals can be used during your send-off instead of the traditional rice-throwing. They create a romantic and colourful exit for the newlywed couple.
Remember, when using flowers, you don't have to stick to fresh blooms. Dried flowers, fabric flowers, or even paper flowers can be just as beautiful and may be more cost-effective. The key is to choose flowers that fit your wedding theme and style, whether it's a garden party or a more non-traditional celebration.
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Signage
Wedding signage is an important aspect of wedding decor, serving both functional and decorative purposes. It helps to guide your guests and enhance the overall aesthetic of your special day. Here are some ideas and tips to consider for your wedding signage:
Types of Signage
- Welcome signs: Greet your guests in style with a welcome sign that reflects your personality and the theme of your wedding. This could be a simple banner with a word like "YUM" or a more elaborate design adorned with flowers, pampas grass, or chandeliers. Consider including a custom crest, illustrations, or a painting of the happy couple.
- Directional signs: Help your guests navigate the wedding venue with clear and stylish directional signs. These can be simple arrows with the necessary information or more decorative designs that match your wedding theme.
- Bar signs: Inform your guests about the beverage options available during cocktail hour or at the open bar. These signs can be simple and functional or more creative and playful.
- Table signs: Guide your guests to their designated tables or indicate seating arrangements with table signs. A chalkboard with table numbers or names can be a fun and interactive way to direct your guests.
- Decorative signs: In addition to functional signage, you may want to include decorative signs that add to the overall aesthetic of your wedding. These signs can feature meaningful quotes, song lyrics, or even your personalized vows.
Design and Personalization
- DIY vs. custom: You can choose to create your own DIY wedding signs to infuse your personal style and save costs. However, consider the time and cost of supplies, especially if you plan to make multiple signs. Alternatively, ordering custom signs from vendors can save time and ensure a more polished look.
- Materials: Combine different materials like wood, glass, and acrylic to add variety and a unique touch to your signage. This can create a cohesive and personalized decor style throughout your wedding venue.
- Colour and theme: Ensure your signage coincides with your wedding colour palette and theme. For example, a beachsIDE wedding could feature overlapping strokes of blue on the welcome sign to represent the ocean.
- Flowers and foliage: Flowers are a popular choice for wedding signage, especially for nature-focused venues. Fresh blooms or dried flowers can be used to engulf a sign, making them a focal point of your decor.
Remember, when it comes to wedding signage, it's essential to strike a balance. Use signage where there is a need, such as bringing important information or directions to your guests' attention. Avoid excessive signage solely for decorative purposes, as it may detract from the overall impact of your wedding decor.
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Drinks
The drinks you choose to serve at your wedding are an important part of the planning process. You'll want to consider the drinks themselves, as well as how much you'll need, and how to style the bar area.
Types of Drinks
The drinks you choose to serve will depend on your preferences, the season, and your wedding style. You could opt for an open bar, a cash bar, or a combination of the two. You could also have a signature drink or two, crafted by a bartender, or choose your favourite drink to add a personal touch. If you're serving cocktails, it's best to keep the number to two or three, including a classic, to avoid overwhelming your guests and slowing down the bar service. You could also offer a mocktail, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Prosecco is a popular choice for welcome drinks, and you can add fruit purees to create a classic Bellini. For a summer wedding, a refreshing Aperol spritz will add a pop of colour, or a French 75 is a good choice for those who prefer lemonade. For a fun summer vibe, serve rum runners in tiki-style glasses with colourful straws and pineapple garnishes. If you're serving wine, it's a good idea to consider your food and wine pairing. For red or cured meats, a bold red like Tempranillo or Malbec is a good choice, while for lighter meats, a Barbera or Merlot would be better. For fish, a Pinot Grigio or sparkling wine is a good option, and for white meat, a Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. If you're dining outdoors, you can get creative with fruity drinks.
How Much to Buy
It's important to calculate how many drinks you'll be serving to avoid running out or wasting money on too much alcohol. A general rule of thumb is to allow for one drink per guest per hour for your reception. Another formula is to assume each guest will consume five drinks throughout the evening, with more consumed earlier and less later. For a mix of liquor, beer, and wine, the recommended ratio is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine, with a 50/50 split of red and white wine. You can use a wedding drink calculator to help you work out the quantities.
Styling the Bar
You can add extra decor to the bar area to spruce it up and get your guests excited. A stylish wedding bar menu can be created with the help of a stationery designer or your local print shop. You could also have a cute custom sign made to show guests your signature drinks. If you're serving cocktails, you'll need cocktail napkins, and you could order custom napkins for an extra special touch. If you're serving food, you'll need high-top tables for guests to stand and eat, and a lounge area for guests to relax.
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Frequently asked questions
Some essential decorations for a wedding include centrepieces, dinner plates, table linens, and table runners. You can also add flowers, candles, colourful vases, or vintage finds.
To save money, you can use alternatives to floral arrangements, such as dried flowers, leaves, or foliage. You can also use ribbons, balloons, and streamers, or create your own signs and printables.
To make your wedding unique, you can add a photo booth with props, a guest book, a dessert table, or a memorial table. You can also incorporate hanging decorations, such as lights or driftwood, and create a backdrop for photos.
