Decorations

Whatever style the couple has chosen for the attire and the wedding ceremony should also be recreated in the reception venue. The reception should not be a surprise for the guests and should remain in union with the rest of the day. The main colour used for the stationary, dress and flowers should also be used in the reception venue. It is entirely up to the couple if they wish to have a flamboyant or themed reception, but understated elegance is the best option.

When choosing the lighting it is important to make sure the right tone will be set. Bright lights will ruin the atmosphere, but too little light will kill the party. Dimmers are a great choice so that the level of lighting can easily be amended when necessary. Coloured lights can be used after the sit-down dinner in order to mark the end of the formalities and the start of the party. Pin-spots directed onto flower decorations can bring the room to life and draw attention to focal points of the room. For a more romantic glow candlelight is a brilliant, romantic option, but this must be checked with the venue before-hand as candles are often not permitted. Try not to use scented candles as they can become too overpowering. If candles are not permitted then fairy lights are a great alternative. When placed on doorways and other focal points the venue will have a magical glow about it. Up-lighters are a sophisticated option and are perfect for summer weddings as guests who wish to go outside the marquee will still receive the glow of the venue. To add to this it is a nice touch to place strings of fairy lights or paper lanterns in a few trees or use flares/candles along the pathways to extend the ambience outside. This also helps to keep paths well-lit to prevent accidents.

Flowers should be kept simple and sophisticated in the reception venue. One type of bloom with some greenery added to it can have more of an impact than various blooms together. Arrangements should be placed in prominent areas of the venue such as walkways, corners and on the buffet table. If the venue is large then plants in large urns or small trees are great ideas for filling spaces. This can look quite dramatic, especially when an up-lighter is placed near them. Floral garlands are a nice touch for archways and doorways.

Flowers that have been placed on the ends of rows of seating at the wedding ceremony should be brought back to the reception and placed on the back of the bridal party’s chairs by an usher. If possible it is a good idea to try to bring some of the larger flower arrangements from the wedding venue to the reception venue.