I love to decorate, and this next topic in the series: decor for your ceremony and reception is one of my loves. Some may say that planning wedding decor in advance to selecting your wedding venue is a bit crazy. However, 2020 has been a bit crazy, and for couples having to postpone their wedding, it’s good to keep planning.
Decor planning areas that can continue while you wait: selecting colors/style, source and, possibly book vendors for rentals ( with the slower wedding season there may be some deals), and plan DIY decor projects no matter where your ceremony & reception site.
Let’s start planning by looking at four new trends that are emerging and influencing wedding decor planning. Trending now is
1. Smaller weddings with a focus on wedding attire, entertainment, and decor for the ceremony and reception.
2. Couples are feeling more comfortable stepping away from or altering some wedding traditions – some examples: favors are on their way out, changing your wedding day to a day of the week instead of the weekend like a Friday or Monday, and foregoing
3. Skipping elements that are on popular wedding checklists:
• Save the dates ( all of the important people already know and have 💖 your Instagram) and opting for e-invitations via your wedding website saving time and adding money to your budget.
• Favors unless your people love a candy buffet -which is always memorable and gives the best photo ops.
•Renting chair covers-tablecloths-overlays -runners- sashes- opt for a venue with rustic wooden tables and chairs. A Win-Win since rustic goes with most wedding themes.
• Ceremony programs/ order of service instead use a sign at the entrance of your ceremony with all the details.
4. DIY wedding themes have increased in popularity because couples have more time to make their decor.
To start decor planning now makes sense because these how-tos work for most wedding venues. No matter your style, you are sure to find inspiration from these how-to’s for your wedding day decor.
Selecting Color + Style
When selecting colors and the style of your decor think about what will reflect your love story. Family and guests will remember and cherish your wedding memories when your wedding is planned around your favorite colors and decor. Whatever you decide for colors and decor is good and whatever you decide to leave out is also good. Because it’s your day, your way, your look, always.
For style and color inspiration there are so many choices from Pinterest to Etsy to Wedding blogs & websites. Start with these blogs & websites: itgirlweddings – “Inexpensive Wedding Decor Ideas”; burnettsboard – brides can search for inspiration based on color palettes; The Budget Savvy Bride; Style Me Pretty; and Cake and Lace.
Regional Magazines – Regional magazines are great for finding inspiration in your area. DAINTY OBSESSIONS MIDWEST WEDDING INSPIRATION “-Dainty Obsessions‘ is a bi-annual coffee table wedding magazine filled with the latest wedding inspiration and resources for the Midwest bride.” I love everything about this magazine from the cover to every article about all aspects of wedding fashion and venues. A recent issue had a feature article on “Glamping Into Marriage.” A great read and full of inspiration for a non-traditional venue.
Book – Rock N Roll Bride – The Ultimate Guide for Alternative Brides authored by Kat Williams. Kat starts out her book with … ” Perhaps you are arguing with family over your “wacky” wedding ideas? Wondering how to reconcile tradition with modern-day feminist values? Or simply wondering where to start?” This book is jam-packed with information on every aspect of a wedding. I love, love the pictures and the Real Weddings Sections and think you will too.
You’re sure to find ideas to personalize and define your wedding day style from one or more of these sources. Organize all of your inspiration on a Pinterest Board that is secret to you with invitations to family and friends as you wish.
DIY DECOR
It’s the perfect time to start on DIY decor if your into these type of projects. If your not, perhaps a family member or friend may be the DIYer. I researched blog posts on DIY projects and found 2 of the best sources available on the web: 60 DIY Wedding Decoration Ideas for Every Wedding Style brides.com, and 30 Best DIY Wedding Decorations to Give Your Day a Personal Touch country living.com
Here’s 3 other sources for DIY projects:
Sourcing Decor
Now that you’ve decided on the style and colors for your wedding decor it’s time to source the materials, vendors, and craftspeople.
Vendors I’ve met and/or worked with and trust, plus photos of their work/venue.
• The Wedding Nest
• Gatherings on the Ridge
Sourcing ready -made decor and supplies for decor is a bit challenging in current times where we are social distancing and relying more on online ordering. To simplify this process go to sources like Etsy which have both ready made decor and craft supplies available. And sites like Rose Mille have vintage craft supplies, FrouFrouChic is a luxury, handmade silk ribbons and styling goods for brides, and we’ve had really good luck at Target for luxe accents for a bridal table. Target periodically showcases collections from top designers at their always affordable prices. Having a list of vendors, online sources and craftsperson when it comes time to set your new date for your wedding will save you stress, time and money. All wins when it comes to wedding planning.
To start decor planning now makes sense because you have time, resources are available, and most of all, because you’re still planning to get married and share your love story with family and friends. Have fun choosing one of these how-to’s for your decor planning. Leave a comment below with your ideas for planning decor for your ceremony & reception. I’d love to hear your wedding story! 💖
