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Decorating Your Wedding
You have chosen the dress, selected the honeymoon locale, and you're
sure the groom is showing up -- what now? It's time to get creative and
plan the decorations for your special day!
There are a number of things to consider prior to deciding on the
decorations: location, budget, color and theme, season, and time of
day. Looking at these different factors will help you determine exactly
how to decorate for your wedding ceremony and reception.
Location
Is your wedding taking place in a church or are you tying the knot on
Great Grandma's farm? Where the nuptials take place is the first thing
to consider when planning your wedding decorations.
Outdoor locations often need little embellishment -- a pretty bride and
her bouquet are all you need when surrounded by towering oak trees, a
botanical garden, or a white sandy beach. A location that has strong
architectural elements, such as a fancy hall or historic building, may
only need a lovely centerpiece on the table.
For a traditional church ceremony, it is typical to have a few large
flower arrangements near the altar, and small flower arrangements or
ribbons decorating the first few pews. If you are using simple folding
chairs for the guests, you can use a decorative slip cover or a bow or
small flower bouquet on the chair backs.
During the reception, you will decorate the guest and head tables.
Depending upon the location, you may also add decorative touches to the
wall or ceiling with lighted strings, candles, greenery, or garlands.
Color and Theme
You will want to choose a color or theme that represents you. It is
very common to choose a main color or color palette that will be used
throughout the ceremony. From the invitations, to the bridesmaids
dresses and centerpieces, these colors will be showcased, so choose
something you and the groom love!
You don't have to stop at choosing colors -- some couples choose a
theme for their wedding. It may be a simple idea, such as an oak leaf
or your monogram, or more involved, such as an eco-friendly wedding or
a ceremony with a historical twist.
Budget
Soon after you accept his proposal, it will be time to start planning
your wedding. The first decision to make is the size of your budget.
You can have a beautiful wedding regardless of your budget, but put the
numbers down on paper so that you can make decisions accordingly.
Determine an overall budget, and then divide it amongst your largest
expenses: location, food and drink, photographer, wardrobe, and
decorations.
This will let you know exactly how much you have to spend on
decorations, and will give you a good idea of how much work you need to
do yourself, versus hiring professionals. If you have a tight budget,
ask friends to help, and visit your local craft store for lots of
do-it-yourself ideas. Find a friend with a bountiful garden to help
supply the flowers, or decorate seasonally with items from the local
farmer's market.
Visiting wedding fairs, browsing bridal magazines and web sites, and
talking to friends who have planned a wedding are all great ways to
find unique, and economical, wedding decorating tips.
Season and Time of Day
What time of year and what time of day will also help you decide on
wedding decorations. Is it a daytime spring wedding, or an after-dinner
winter affair? Casual or formal? This will help you find appropriate
and beautiful decorations.
No matter what decorations you choose, the loveliest thing at a wedding
ceremony is the happy bride and groom. But choosing decorations that
represent you can make the day even more special.
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