Decor: Potential Scope of Work
As you embark on your journey to wedding planning, one of the biggest areas to consider is decor. Decor can range from grande backdrops to personalized details - it can be one of the hardest areas to tackle.
If you're wondering: what are some decor elements I need to consider for my wedding? We've broken down all the possible areas of opportunity to show your personal styles through your wedding decor. Keep in mind, we have only listed the areas of opportunity, not necessarily the potential option and/or styles - that's a different discussion altogether!
This is a pretty long list but don't be overwhelmed ! Remember, this is a comprehensive list intended for you to identify and select the areas that you want to include, by no means is there a standard to how much you should be including, that's all up to you! Likewise, if you want to get creative and include more decor, let us know and we'd love to help you bring your ideas to life!
Welcome Table / Sign-In Table
Remember, the decor for your welcome table can be doubled for your ceremony and reception. If you plan on having a more elaborate guestbook, consider having a separate table to prevent long wait times.
Table Linen
Linens are an easy and effective way to accent the table and further accentuate your wedding theme.
Guestbook
Don't forget to account for the writing utensils.
Card Box
However you decide to store your cards, make sure there's an option to lock it for added security.
Florals
Floral accents are always a great way to dress up any table.
Photos
Whether it's in a photo album or with a series of mini frames, this is a great opportunity to share some photos with your guesys.
Initials
You can have them painted to match your wedding colours, add a bit of glow or even stuffed with florals.
Signage
A simple welcome, instruct your guests or share your hashtag.
Memorabilia
Make it your own by adding personal touches.
Themed Decor
Really showcase who you are through personal touches that reflect your personality or wedding theme.
Ceremony Decor
There are great opportunities to re-use the ceremony decor during the reception, that way you can maximize the use of each element!
Aisle Markers
They can be seated on the ground, hung off chairs or elevated on pedestals.
Your aisle markers can be later used as reception table centerpieces.
Aisle Runner
Traditionally reserved for the bride as she walks down the aisle, consider blocking it off from guests to keep it as clean as possible for the bride.
Backdrop
Brings extra attention to the bride & groom during the ceremony and offers a great canvas for photos.
Seating Accents
Get creative with your seating to really elevate your wedding style.
Themed Decor
The materials you use can really change the style of your wedding decor.
For example, this wooden pedestal will give a more rustic feel while a clear acrylic podium may offer a more modern feel.
Signage
Greet or direct your guests with a variety of signage options. Keep in mind, the materials, font and colours of your signage are great opportunities to play out your style and/or theme.
Registry Table
The registry table (also referred to as the signing table) is often overlooked when planning for a wedding. You are only there for a short moment during the ceremony, but keep in mind, the table will be there throughout your entire ceremony, which means it may appear in your photos. You may not need to invest a lot of decor for your signing table, but you don't want to leave it completely empty either.
Table Linen
Linens are an easy and effective way to accent the table and further accentuate your wedding theme.
Table Accents
Simple decorative accents can be achieved through floral arrangements, banners or bunting. Or use specialty chairs for something different!
Pen Display
If you're going to use a fancy pen to sign your wedding registry, make sure you display it.
Memorabilia
Make this your own.
Add the content you want.
Themed Decor
Not all decor needs to be florals, there are tons of alternatives out there to bring together your wedding theme
Signage
Add a cute saying to showcase your personalilites.
Backdrops
Backdrops deserve a category of their own because there are so many different options. In general, a backdrop is used to draw emphasis on a particular space, typically used to frame the couple and/or for beautiful photo-ops.
Flat
It can vary from a simple linen to elaborate flower walls and anything in between. You can even include your wedding logo or your favourite quote, the options are endless!
3D
Add more dimension to your backdrop by extending it in 3-dimensional space and make it more interactive with your guests.
Pedestals
Use taller arrangements to frame your desired space.
Decorative Arch
Square, circular, asymmetric, copper rods, floral, balloons, the sky is the limit.
Floor Display
If you don’t like having something behind you (that could block off an amazing view), consider staging your decor elements on the floor instead.
Hanging Display
Hang sparse florals for a light, whimsical feel or have a full floral installation above the table for that extra wow factor.
Reception Tables
These are the tables that your guests will be seated at for the majority of the wedding reception. Keep in mind how your meal will be served, will it be a buffet, a traditional course meal, a Chinese styled course dinner, etc.? This will help you gauge how much space there is on the table to decor vs. tableware (i.e. plates, glasses, cutlery, etc.).
Table Linen
Linens are an easy and effective way to accent the table and further accentuate your wedding theme.
Centerpiece
There are no rules to to keep the same geometry of your centerpiece(s) and your table. There are also no rules to sizes and how many pieces you can have.
Table Numbers
With assigned tables, table numbers are a must to inform your guests where they should be seated.
Menu
You can display the menu 1 per table, 1 per guest or not at all. It’s all up to you.
Favours
As a small token of thanks for your guests, you can chose to include favours 1 per place setting, gathered for the table as a centerpiece or displayed on a separate table all together to be picked-up.
Specialty Tableware
Using specialty tableware can really elevate your wedding decor and style.
Signage
A simple welcome, instruct your guests or share your hashtag.
Place Cards
These can be simply sit on top of each place setting, displayed in a holder or freestanding. If you’re doing custom favours, they can double up as your place cards as well.
Themed Decor
Not all decor needs to be florals, there are tons of alternatives out there to bring together your wedding theme.
Decor Fillers
Worried that the table will look “too empty”? You can incorporate small filler elements like votives or bud vases.
Table Accents
Any added touches to table - can be a sprig of green to adorn the napkin or special chair covers - to bring out your personal style.
Reception Games
Some wedding games include props or instructions for your guests, you can display these on your reception tables so the guests can refer to them easily.
Head Table
If you decide to have a head table (whether it's a sweetheart table or a head table with your wedding party or select loved ones), here are a few decor items for you to consider to accentuate the head table.
Table Linen
Linens are an easy and effective way to accent the table and further accentuate your wedding theme.
Centerpiece(s)
Don't know what to do with your bouquets? You can incorporate them as floral arrangements along the head table.
Backdrop
A backdrop is a great way to draw emphasis to the head table and frame the couple. You can re-use the same one from the ceremony to maximize use.
Menu
You can display the menu 1 per table, 1 per guest or not at all. It’s all up to you.
Favours
Don't forget favours for yourselves and your wedding party.
Specialty Tableware
Using specialty tableware can really elevate your wedding decor and style.
Signage
Include a cute saying to showcase your personalities.
Place Cards
These can be simply sit on top of each place setting, displayed in a holder or freestanding. If you’re doing custom favours, they can double up as your place cards as well.
Themed Decor
Not all decor needs to be florals, there are tons of alternatives out there to bring together your wedding theme.
Decor Fillers
Worried that the table will look “too empty”? You can incorporate small filler elements like votives or bud vases.
Table Accents
Any added touches to table - can be a sprig of green to adorn the napkin or special chair covers - to bring out your personal style.
Cake Table
If you’re planning to have a wedding cake at your wedding, it will most likely be displayed on a cake table. Here are some ways to spice up the cake table decor.
Table Linen
Linens are an easy and effective way to accent the table and further accentuate your wedding theme.
Lighting
Add a little extra glow to the cake table with votives, marquee letters or fairy lights.
Backdrop
If you plan on displaying your cake on a dessert table, you can include a backdrop for that bonus photo-op.
Cake Topper
A cake topper can add an extra few inches of height to your cake, get creative, or silly or keep it classic.
Cake Stand
Add some height to your cake by using a cake stand. Select a contrasting colour or material to make your cake pop or select a similar colour to help it blend seamlessly.
Cake Knife
If you’re going to be cutting the cake in front of your guests, make sure you have a cake knife, a small plate, some forks and a napkin ready at the table.
Table Accents
You can dress up the cake table by adding floral accents, draping, bunting (hanging banners) or themed decor. You can also consider adding small accents to the cake itself as well.
Other Reception Decor
You may have a cocktail hour in a separate space from your reception or a lobby that your guests will pass by to drop off their cards and gifts - these fall into the “other” category.
Signage
A simple welcome, instruct your guests or share your hashtag or a message with your guests. These signs can be displayed on easels, in picture frames, hung from trees… whatever your venue allows.
Seating Chart
A seating chart will help your guests identify which table they will be seated at for the reception.
Escort Cards
You can have them displayed in the lobby / during cocktail hour where guests can them pick-up themselves or have them prepared at each table setting. A place card can be a helpful tool for your caterer to identify what meal option has been selected by each guest
Photo-Op
Create photo-op locations for your guests. See our Backdrops section above for ideas.
Lighting
Having additional lighting can really help set the mood for any space (we’ve all seen the magic of fairy lights).
Memorabilia
If your the sentimental type, having memorabilia incorporated into your wedding can add a truly personal touch.
Entertainment
Worried that your guests may be bored? Set-up fun stations as entertainment for your guests. These can vary vastly and be customized to any age range.
Care Stations
Show how thoughtful you are with care baskets in the washrooms, for the dancefloor or for the kiddies that might get restless.
Themed Decor
Whatever your wedding theme may be, there are always creative ways to bring it to life.
Dance Floor
If you’re unhappy with the finish of the flooring at your venue, you can change it up with a vinyl floor wrap. These can also be customized with any image or text.
Late Night
You may have a dessert or a late night table- even though it might be late at night, it can still have style.
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