draping

Dress Your Wedding Entrances

 

Your wedding is all about entrances…

Making that first special entrance into the church or ceremony venue. The entrance into your venue for the first time on a red carpet, that unforgettable entrance into the meal as a married couple and your entrance onto the dancefloor for the first dance.

Tradition and ritual wrapped up together in the perfect recipe for a wonderful day.

So when it comes to your wedding décor, remember to add some key adornments to those entrances to make them extra special. Think about adding draping on doorways, florals, trees and even simple touches like lanterns or candles can really bring these entrances to life.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

                                     

 

Draping

Draping is probably one of the most underrated pieces of wedding décor there is. Simple though it is, its power to transform and soften the look and feel of any room is remarkable. It works so well on entrances. Be it your church or ceremony entrance, the entrance to your wedding venue or reception room, it is a look well worth investing in. To top it off, make sure to add some fairylights for a really romantic and ethereal look.

Florals and Trees

Today there a whole range of options to choose from when it comes to adding some florals or tress at entrances. And there’s a reason why these are such popular choices, because they draw the guests eye in and add instant panache. Think about classic bay trees, floral arches, blossom trees, super tall urns and arrangements which can be artificial or real… these days the artificial versions are so good it’s hard to tell the difference.

 

Lanterns

Another seemingly simply touch, yet when done well, lanterns and candles can really make a show stopping impact on your entrances. Try mixing and matching the size of lanterns, with oversized storm lanterns to mini versions, filled with differing candles and even florals. The contrasting sizes will really maximise the impact.

 

Signage and Mirrors

Finally don’t be afraid to add some signage and or mirrors to your entrances. These will serve to give guests practical information, but they often also form a beautiful part of the wedding décor itself.  From antique style mirrors, to wooden signs, on trend transparent signs, etc, they are an addition well worth considering to the other items mentioned above for a complete look.

Tall Wedding Decor

 

It can be easy to forget about ways to make use of the vertical space around us in general, but when it comes to wedding décor, this space is often an untapped resource that can have a truly stunning overall impact.

If you’re scratching your head on ways to fill this space, or maximise it, then don’t panic, as there are literally dozens of fresh and modern ideas on ways to do this, that don’t have to be overly extravagant or break the bank either.

Using vertical space requires a little bit more thought and attention. Indeed you don’t need to go overboard filling space everywhere you see it, as blank space is a great contrast too. It’s getting a balance between the two that works the best.

Here’s some ideas to get the creative juices going. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

                                     

Urns/Bay Trees

Maximising the vertical space doesn’t have to be confined to your wedding reception, you can start at your ceremony too. Features like oversized urns or bay trees at the entrance to your church or ceremony entrance will make a really show stopping statement, as will tall pew ends lining your aisles.

 

Trees and Foliage

The mention of having trees and foliage at your wedding ceremony or reception might seem like an extravagant move, but in reality there are so many affordable options for ways to bring these elements into your wedding style. They are a great way to draw the eye upward and make the most of your vertical space. Be it blossom style trees, green trees, etc on tables, dotted around the room or as pew ends, they really are worth considering.

 

 

Hanging Décor

One of the most on trend ways to use the vertical space in your wedding reception is with hanging décor. It’s a style that is popular at the moment and it’s not hard to see why. Think about hanging elements like Chinese lanterns over your dancefloor, hanging tea lights over your tables or hanging floral or greenery installations over your top table for maximum impact.

 

Draping

Probably one of the most economical, yet show stopping ways to style your wedding’s vertical space is with simple, beautiful draping. It can be arranged and styled from ceilings and over dancefloors, the top table, or over your cake etc, to make a stunning focal point in the room. Add in some fairy lights for that dreamy, romantic feel.

 

 

French Romance Wedding Theme

French romance. It often doesn’t get more beautiful than that for a wedding theme and it’s one that is a universally chic choice that will stand the test of time.  Think dreamy and ethereal colours and textures of creams, pinks, French greys and Versailles style gilding.

Elegant draping and romantic fairylights help to set the scene, as well as candelabras, blush florals and chic Chiavari or Hannah Jane chairs.

Of course French food and drinks are key. Think an array of sweet treats like macaroons, mini cookies and pink champagne too.

If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

Colours

Getting the colour palette right, will really help to set off this stunningly romantic wedding theme. So consider carefully choices such as pinks, blush, creams, gilding, French grey and lavender. Be creative with how you use these fabulous colours. Think about having them in your flowers, bouquets and bridesmaids dresses as well as the general décor.

 

Ethereal

Channel the dreamy French romantic feeling with lots of draping and fairy lights. Think about using draping on entrances, from ceilings and on chairs to really ramp up the look. Intersperse with romantic fairylights, curtain lights and plenty of candles in varying sizes. Also use pin lighting, gobo lighting and coloured lighting to great effect.

 

 

Table Décor

Soft colours and a touch of gilding are key for this look. So consider having floral centrepieces, tall candelabras and lots of candles. Think lanterns filled with florals, gilded glassware, antique style menus and beautiful Hannah Jane or Chiavari Chairs to complete the look.

 

Food and drinks

When it comes to food and drinks, the French are masters, so why not incorporate it into your wedding day? Think Macaroons, croquembouche towers, elegant French fancies and lots of sweet treats, like delicately iced sugar cookies. And don’t forget the pretty pink champagne in antique style glassware with non-alcoholic versions on offer too.

 

Images via Pinterest 

Industrial Wedding Theme

If the idea of a traditional style, hotel ballroom wedding doesn’t float your boat, then consider something a little different. An industrial wedding theme is not only right on trend, but it’s also a super chic style that’s very unique and different.

It often calls for city venue with lofty ceilings, exposed brickwork and lots of natural lighting. Think metallics juxtaposed with florals, soft backdrops, draping, paired back table settings, antique style metal chairs and a more casual feel throughout.

It’s a theme that can look visually stunning in photographs and is perfect for those seeking something different.

If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

 

Location

Location is key for this wedding theme to really work. Think about more unusual venues. The traditional style hotel ballroom don’t truly work with this theme, however you can still bring elements of the look to a venue like this. However, try and source venues that have loftier feels. High ceilings, lots of natural light and exposed brick work really well. Many of these type of venues tend to be in an urban environment too so start your search there.

 

Lighting

If venue is king, then lighting is queen with this look. The right lights can set the theme perfectly. Think unusual industrial style lightbulbs suspended from the ceiling. Festoon lighting, string lights or even bistro lights can work really well. Oversized illuminated letter are perfect too and can be stunning in your photographs.

 

Metal and Flowers

Metal and flowers are the perfect contrast for this type of wedding theme. Try and use them in your centrepieces and accent with candles. Have fun with metal piping pieces as candlesticks, lightbulbs filled with florals, lanterns and old tins. You could even paint bottles or mason jars with metallic paints instead of going for traditional metallic features. Also why not think of metallic chairs and tables?

 

 

Backdrops

There are many facets of an industrial theme that can seem harsh, so it’s important to juxtapose those with something softer. So why not consider having a backdrop of flowers to offset the brick and metallics? Or consider adding some draping with soft material. Streamer style backdrops work well too, interspersed with softer smaller fairly lights too.

 

 

 

 

Muted Wedding Tones

Classic colours are classic for a reason. They stand the test of time and work with almost any wedding theme and venue. And there’s nothing wrong with sticking to classic colours. There can be a lot of pressure to try and channel the latest looks and colours when it comes to wedding planning, but there’s a lot to be said for sticking to tried and tested colours that deliver every time.

And don’t think that just because you’ve chosen to stick with a muted colour palette, your décor will be boring. Far from it. As well as using shades of beige, ivory and whites, think about adding subtle hints of lighter grey, taupe, dusky pinks and sage to accent and highlight your décor. Metallics work really well alongside neutral colours too.

Also use contrasting textures like burlap, wood and lace to make things stand out for a stunning effect.

If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

Colour Palette

When you think of neutral colours, what comes to mind first tends to be muted tones of beige, cream, ivory, white. These are certainly the pillars of the trend, but think about branching out with some subtle hints of greige, taupe, tan, blush pink, sage and even pops of metallics.

 

Features

Going for a muted colour palette means you can add extra drama with features around your venue. Draping is a wonderful example and can be used on entrances, ceilings and walls. Mix with fairylights and greenery for a stand out look. Also think about adding flourishes to your chairs, such as oversized pompoms, streamers or again draping can look stunning.

 

 

Texture

Contrasting textures will highlight your muted tones even more. Think about using accents of wood, burlap lace and metallics on your centrepieces. Stack candles on wooden bases, use burlap as your table runner or place settings, add touches of lace to your floral arrangements and candles or even on lanterns.

 

 

Naked Cakes

Carry on the theme with your cake. Naked cakes are a very on trend look at the moment, but it also fits in perfectly with this colour theme. Discuss the theme with your cake maker and talk about adding berries or glitter accents for a touch of subtle colour.

 

 

 

 

Add Atmosphere to Your Wedding Day

Most couples want to add a sense of romance and atmosphere to their wedding day décor, no matter what sort of theme they are going for. Whether you want to have an alternative glamping style wedding, a small and hip city centre vibe or you’re after a traditional elegant ballroom affair, there are a few key pieces that will work with any wedding theme to give it instant atmosphere.

Fairy lights, draping, candles and uplighters are the simple, yet super effective essentials you need to give your wedding day that truly romantic mood and thoroughly atmospheric feeling.

If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

Fairy Lights

Few things add instant romance to your wedding than the addition of fairy lights. The traditional fairylight backdrop still packs a real punch and looks truly stunning. But if you want to take a new twist on the old classic, then consider string lights or bistro lights and look to hang them in unusual places, rather than just a straight backdrop. Consider pillar lights, curtain lights and try to mix them with draping and coloured uplighters as described below.

 

Draping

Fairylights and draping are a match made in wedding heaven and work together like a charm. Using both of these at the same time will instantly transform the look and feel of your wedding venue. When it comes to draping think about using it on the ceiling draping for real depth and a sense of drama. But also think about having it on entrances, on staircases and even on the backs of chairs instead of the traditional covers.

 

Candles

My philosophy is that you can never have enough candles. Easy to source and budget friendly, this is one element you can really go to town on and the payoff is fantastic. Think about simple touches like a load of small tea lights lining a hall, use candles in lanterns of differing sizes dotted around your venue. Try using a mix of tall pillar candles and smaller tea lights. If you’re going for long style tables, then use a barrage of candles as your running centrepieces. Think about having hanging tea lights over tables, try candles in mason jars and don’t forget floating candles too.

 

 

Uplighters

Uplighters are a fantastic addition to your wedding day décor and can really set the mood to a tee. Think about using a mix of filters and colours, such as pinks, purples, golds and blues to achieve that truly dreamy look. Mix them with pin lighting to highlight certain aspects of the venue and why not add some gobo lighting with your initials or wedding date?

 

 

 

Village Hall Wedding Theme

There’s something so beautiful about that dreamy, vintage, village hall wedding scene. It conjures up images of a by-gone era and evokes a truly laid back feel and a balmy summers evening’s festivities.

It’s a wonderful theme to have for your wedding day and one that is super popular thanks to its visual appeal and the fact that many of the pieces needed are quite economical and easy to source – it’s also a DIY or craft-lovers dream.

Whether or not you’re actually able to source a village hall for your wedding reception doesn’t matter, as with a little imagination you can still transform your venue into a village hall style destination for your big day.  Try and find somewhere with high ceilings and lots of wooden features. Think bunting, string lights, long tables, buffet style dining, draping, wildflowers and a truly casual feel.

If you’d like to chat about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

 

Tables

Tables are an essential part of the village hall theme. Standard round tables are fine, but for the genuine article go for long tables. Think casual communal dining with long tables, covered with wildflower runners, vintage jugs or lanterns and the classic bistro style wooden chairs and cushions.

 

Bunting & String Lights

If there’s one thing a village hall wedding must have, it’s bunting. You can’t really go over the top when it comes to bunting, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun. If you want to deviate from the traditional style of bunting, think of using streamers and draping. Also string lights are another essential ingredient and work so well interspersed with the bunting.

 

 

Signage

From signs welcoming guests, to charting your love story, to your favourite romantic quotes, to signs showing guests where to go and even the menu, think chalkboards and rustic wooden signage even made out of palettes.

 

Relaxed Food and Drinks

Everything about a village hall theme screams laid back and casual so make sure to extend this to your food. Think buffet style dining with everything from BBQ stations, to pizza or slider making stations, antipasti boards and dessert stations. The emphasis is on communal dining and letting everything dive in. Also consider naked cakes covered in wildflowers and boozy/non-alcoholic lemonade served in large Kilner jars or hire in some retro food trucks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dramatic Draping at a Wedding

When you first see your wedding venue, it’s nice to try visualise how it will look on your own wedding day. Often it can be set up fully or partially to give you an idea of how it can look, but if you have your own vision of how you want the room to look on the day, then it’s important to try and visualise in your mind where you plan to add your own little touches.

Draping is one such way to add your own stamp on your big day and it can have a dramatic effect on your wedding day décor. A relatively simple thing, yet it instantly adds an air of romance and an elegant inviting atmosphere for your guests. Think light, chiffon style material that can be hung from the ceiling to add a soft ethereal feel, on walls as backdrops, on room pillars, at entrances, on staircases, on chairs and don’t forget all the different ways you can adorn the draping – such as with lights, metallics, and colour.

If you’d like to chat about this or any aspect of your wedding day décor, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

 

In the Church/At the Ceremony
Always remember that your church or ceremony venue is going to be your guest’s first impression of your wedding day, so it’s important to make sure you add some little touches to make it feel personal and special and that it reflects your theme for the day to come. Draping can look stunning on the entrance to your church or venue. Think white chiffon style material draped in either one or two curtains, as well as draping on the pew ends. Also if your church or venue allows, why not have a gazebo-style look over the ceremony itself made out of chiffon and if you’re saying ‘I do’ outdoors, this can work particularly well.

 

In the Venue

Make sure to discuss your plans for draping with your venue in advance so they can accommodate your wishes. Draping was made for ceilings and you can place the material in a variety of ways depending on your room size and of course ceiling height, but draping works so well on practically all venues, including barns, ballrooms and marquees. Also think about draping on walls for backdrops, over the top table, on any awkward pillars, windows and staircases too.

On Chairs
Draping can look truly stunning on your chairs and there’s so many ways you can go with the look. From elaborate draping designs, to just small touches on one side of the chair itself, it really depends on how you want the draping to look in terms of the overall theme of the room.

 

Variations and Adornments
Draping doesn’t just have to be plain white or cream. In fact, it can look particularly well if you match in with the colour palette of the day. Also consider the addition of small fairy style lights with the draping itself, for a totally incredible look that is nothing short of stunning. Also play around with different materials and don’t be afraid to use a contrast of materials too for great effect.

 

 

Wedding Backdrops

Wedding backdrops are a wonderful addition to your big day décor. They can serve a number of locations depending on the style of your ceremony. For example, if you are getting married outside or in a venue other than a church, you have more freedom to include a bespoke backdrop into the ceremony itself. But fear not, if you’re going for a church ceremony there are still lots of options for a beautiful backdrop in the day’s decor. Think about having it outside for your photographs or inside for a dedicated part of your décor, behind the top table or as a handy photo prop.

A wedding backdrop is also another fantastic way to underpin your wedding theme; be it rustic chic, glamorous, floral, nautical, or even film or book inspired. There’s no limit to the ways in which you can include a backdrop. Also they can be complete multi-taskers! You could have your backdrop serve as part of the seating plan, for example you could have your rustic pallets adorned with antique style picture frames with the tables seating arrangements and then use it as your wedding photo backdrop later on!

Finally, if you’re a bit of a DIY’er, then putting together your own wedding backdrop can be a fantastic project to work on in the lead up to the big day.

If you’d like to discuss any aspect of your wedding day planning or décor with us, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can work with all budgets to bring your wedding dreams to life.

In the meantime, here is some beautiful backdrop inspiration.

 

Rustic Chic
If you’re going for a rustic chic feel for your wedding day décor, then think distressed wood, palettes, old doors, trellis, and antique screens. If you’re a dab hand at bringing new life into old pieces of furniture, then think about upcycling some of these items yourself for a great DIY wedding project.

 

Florals & Greenery
This is a trend that we’ve seen in numerous celebrity weddings, but with a little thought you can bring a flavour of it into your wedding day décor. Think about the colours carefully. Too many white flowers and the impact will get lost, but again too many bold colours may not work with your overall décor. Try and have a chat with your wedding planner or florist about what’s in season and what will work well, both on camera and in the flesh with the space you have available. A burst of greens without florals are another beautiful option to consider and have become quite popular in recent times, especially for that ‘secret garden’ feel.

 

Paper
While big floral walls are not something every budget will stretch to, it’s still possible to create a beautiful alternative with paper flowers! Also consider streamers, paper shapes like birds or stars or pom poms for a visually stunning, yet often more economical option.

 

Lights & Draping
There’s little that can rival the twinkle of fairy lights and draping for a romantic effect and this much loved duo, continues to be a popular choice for many brides and grooms today. Think about the different sorts of lights and bulbs sizes you can use to set yours apart and how they are placed for maximum effect. Add in some carefully chosen draping and you’ve got the perfect backdrop.

 

Letters & Initials
For a bold, modern, visual statement, oversized initials or letters spelling out words like LOVE or I DO are an incredibly popular alternative to a traditional background. They are often lit, adding to the effect and look stunning in both the photos and in the room itself.