Your wedding day is the day you’ll remember for the rest of your life. And while some choose to throw lavish parties, others prefer more intimate wedding celebrations. With the right decor and a gorgeous wedding venue, smaller-scale weddings can be equally, if not more, enchanting. Below, a few decor ideas you can use for inspiration.
Drape the room for texture and visual interest
In the world of interior design, drapery has the power to transform the room and enhance visual interest by acting as a textural element. When it comes to wedding venue design, drapery can be used for everything from concealing certain elements and sectioning off a large venue to softening the edges of the venue and giving it a warmer, more personal feel. Fabrics such as voile, organza, and chiffon are especially convenient as their sheer texture adds a luxurious touch to a wedding venue while still retaining that cozy, intimate feel. The beauty of this enchanting decor element lies in its versatility, meaning it can be used in a plethora of ways and for a variety of wedding venue styles.
For a coastal wedding ceremony, combine it with string lights and drape it over ceiling beams to create the illusion of a starry night. For rustic barn reception, rely on floor-to-ceiling drapery panels to create a softer, more intimate feel. Drapery also works perfectly for stairway draping, and it’s equally enchanting when used outdoors (e.g. draped over gazebos).
Focus your attention on details
While the overall feel of the venue is crucial when deciding which one to choose for your special day, it’s often the details that make the biggest difference and act as the deciding factor. Of course, not all couples want the same things from their venue. A lot of it has to do with the season of the year, climate of the region, and of course, personal preferences.
For instance, a California-based groom and bride-to-be may prefer saying the fateful yes in a vineyard or winery because of the scenery and amazing photo ops while another couple may cherish the vintage vibe of a mansion and unique opportunities for some amazing portraits. On the other hand, a couple from Australia may choose to tie the knot in one of the photo-worthy wedding venues equipped with everything from a palatial decor, glittering crystal chandeliers and luxurious gold detailing that provide the perfect opulent backdrop. Whatever venue style you select, focus your attention on the details, and make sure to use certain decor elements en masse for a stronger visual impact.
Embrace a theme on your big day
Planning a wedding means making a lot of choices, and sometimes, that can feel pretty overwhelming. Having a wedding theme in mind makes this process so much smoother. It takes a lot of stress out of the equation and helps reduce the wedding decision fatigue. Ask yourself: what elements speak to us as a couple? Moody color palettes and alternative decor are ideal for offbeat couples while multicolored balloons, mismatched chairs, and boho-inspired elements may be the perfect fit for couples on the more whimsical side.
Ashley Smith, a Bay Area native and the owner of Ashley Smith Events, has planned events all across California, and has been in the wedding industry for over a decade. She takes inspiration from couples themselves and their lifestyles. Her advice? Stay true to yourself despite the countless wedding trends and don’t feel the need to copy others. Instead, pull inspiration from yourself as a couple, and let your own individual style and taste take the center stage on your big day.
Light it up with some extra lights
Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior design, and for good reason. Lighting has the ability to change the feel of a space, meaning you can easily adapt it to fit your idea of a perfect wedding ambiance.
Want to keep things eco-friendly on your big day? LA-based company i love lamP Lighting is there to offer just the right solution for eco-conscious couples, offering a range of unique lighting fixtures made from recycled and reusable materials. Whether you choose to go with chandeliers and candles or string lights and lanterns, make sure to bring in lots of lighting to make the atmosphere warmer and more intimate.
Rely on greenery to bring the outdoors in
Last but not least, another thing your intimate wedding celebration can’t do without is greenery. Another versatile wedding decor element, greenery can be used to separate an enclosed space into zones, make certain features stand out, and create an enchanting backdrop.
Outdoor venues can also benefit from incorporating a bit of greenery, even though they’re already naturally beautiful. According to an Australian bridal website Easy Weddings, this can be anything from an arch and a flower wall to a deck or a pavilion. Whatever type of greenery you choose for your special day, embrace the season, incorporate some local foliage, and rely on natural elements to add romantic touches to your wedding venue.
Wrapping up
As a soon-to-be-married couple, there are a lot of decisions you’ll need to make –wedding decor is one of them. Use these tips as an inspiration during the planning stage and you’ll have no trouble coming up with an intimate wedding celebration that’s as enchanting as it’s unique.
