Wedding Decoration Ideas and Themes

Bridal Venue and Reception Décor to Make a Lasting Impression

Oct 26, 2009

Keep the focus on the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. The reception is a good place to be creative and show the personality of the couple.

One of the most demanding yet fun aspects of planning a wedding is decorating. Whether the event is a spare-no-expense, lavish event or a tightly budgeted ceremony and party, brides and grooms want their guests to come away with a lasting impression of romance and joy.

Wedding Decorations

Take advantage of the church or other wedding venue décor and build the decorations around that. If the church has stained glass windows, simple bows tied at aisle end of each pew might be all that’s needed. For a garden wedding, nothing else may be needed.

Some simple decorations that will enhance rather than distract will bring elegance to the event.

Be Consistent with the Reception Décor

First impressions always matter, so the tables at the entrance of the reception venue are important. For consistency, it’s a good idea to stay with the same theme throughout the reception venue. If the guest tables have white linens and a centerpiece, continue with the same theme at the guestbook and gift tables.

Decorations for the Traditional Formal Reception

Keep all of the décor elegant and classic. Decorate with white linens, with the cake being the focal point in the room. Floral bouquets with traditional roses, orchids and baby’s breath are perfect for traditional centerpieces. Since a formal reception is typically held at a country club or ballroom with fine furnishings and chandeliers, additional decorations are kept to a minimum.

Decorations for the Casual Reception

A casual reception should be playful and fun. Provide some time for guests to change into something comfortable after the wedding. Luaus, beach parties, dances with DJs, karaoke parties, games and other fun events are fine for a casual reception. Find one aspect of the event and use it to decorate. If the reception is on the beach, sand buckets with candles may be enough. For luaus, light tiki torches, give everyone leis and string flowers everywhere.

Theme Receptions

Receptions with themes are popular, and they leave a lasting impression with guests. They often reflect the personality of the bride and groom as a couple. Use color and flowers for symbolism.

Western Theme—Create the ambiance of the Wild West with cowboy hats as centerpieces, a wedding cake decorated to resemble a cowboy boot, a barbecue buffet, country western line dancing and miniature cowboy hats filled with candy for favors. If this is held outdoors, consider offering horse or pony rides.

Fairy Tale Theme—Suspend silver stars beneath fluffy clouds made of tulle overhead. Pink balloons in bunches attached to columns and filling corners add to the festive atmosphere. Cinderella coaches and footmen make beautiful centerpieces. A traditional wedding cake topped with a prince and princess make a great finishing touch.

Hollywood Theme—Decorate the reception venue in black and white, with touches of red for glamour. Suspend sparkling silver stars from the ceiling. Cover the bare walls with posters of famous Hollywood stars. Run a red carpet through the center so everyone can make their Hollywood entrance. Bouquets of red roses make the perfect centerpieces on white linen tablecloths for the Hollywood wedding.

Nature Lover’s Theme—Keep everything simple and green at the reception. If the weather permits, have it outdoors on rustic picnic tables. Keep the entire event casual and relaxed. Seed packets and tiny flower pots make ideal favors for nature lovers.

Garden Theme—Place tables around the garden and take advantage of the natural beauty of the flowers and foliage. Baskets filled with bouquets are ideal centerpieces. Decorate with wicker and rattan.

Consistency in the Theme

Be consistent with the theme. Add a hint of the wedding and reception theme to the wedding website. This maintains focus on the wedding and will be remembered with a smile in the future.

The copyright of the article Wedding Decoration Ideas and Themes in Wedding Services/Receptions is owned by Debby Mayne. Permission to republish Wedding Decoration Ideas and Themes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.