You’ve chosen your venue, picked your photographer and started trying on dresses but what about your wedding décor? Where do you even start? Well, here! With over 10 years planning, designing and styling weddings, we feel ourselves pretty adept at guiding you through everything wedding décor. From setting you up for morning magnificence, to helping you choose the perfect centerpieces. Our checklist has got you covered!
What’s covered in this article:
- Morning Preparation Décor
- Ceremony Décor
- Cocktail Hour Décor
- Reception Décor
- Table Décor
- Outdoor Décor
- Must Have Wedding Décor
Your wedding day is all about sharing a promise with your partner. Your wedding décor is all about showcasing you and your partner’s personality. It sets the atmosphere for your day allowing you and your guests to create lasting memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Whether you are dreaming of a lavish and luxury celebration, perhaps something a little more refined and contemporary; you are going to need to make sure you get everything covered. From start to finish, a comprehensive wedding décor checklist will ensure your wedding day looks and feels like everything you’ve ever imagined.
Wedding Decor Checklist – Photo By David Lindsley
We’ve broken our checklist down into 8 different sections. Each section is either focused on a period during your wedding day schedule (ceremony, reception, morning etc), or a specific section of your wedding location (outdoor, tables etc).
In addition, we’ve also created a “must have” décor checklist for couples looking to save on the budget.
If you prefer to browse via pdf, you can skip ahead to the end of the article and download our wedding décor checklist pdf. Easy to print off and check off as you go.
Just a note, all of the suppliers mentioned in this list are there because we absolutely love their products. We DO NOT earn a commission from featuring them, nor do we have any financial incentive for mentioning them in our article.
Anyway, let’s get started and jump into the ultimate wedding décor checklist for your special day.
Morning Preparation Décor
Starting off our list is décor for the morning. Morning décor actually ranks pretty low on our list of importance, mainly due to the limited number of guests that will actually get to experience it. However, with it being such a long part of the day, plus a period where you are likely to have a lot of photos taken, it’s important to ensure everything looks magical.
In addition, it’s the morning of your wedding day! It’s the start of arguably the biggest day of your life, setting the stage for the excitement ahead. A few thoughtfully chosen décor elements can go a long way to setting the right mood, creating a beautiful atmosphere and ensuring the perfect backdrop for those magical morning wedding photos.
For us, focus on two main areas; décor that helps set the mood and décor that is directly going to be photographed. Think photos of you all in your personalized bride/bridesmaids gowns, or scented candles to help create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. However, don’t blow your budget here! A few key items can go a long way to maximizing your wedding morning experience.
Finally, don’t forget the men! It’s easy to get carried away choosing the perfect floral arrangements, but it’s also important to choose a few key pieces to help with the groom and groomsmen. Think personalized drinking flasks for the perfect group photo!
Just a note, we recommend utilizing your wedding invitations and stationery during your prep, it makes a great photo for the photographer to capture.
Related Reading: Our Wedding Stationery Checklist
Morning Prep Décor Checklist
| Floral Arrangements | Personalized Hangers | ||
| Personalized Robes (Silk) | Scented Candles | ||
| Glassware + Champagne | Emergency Bridal Kit | ||
| Bride & Bridesmaids Gifts | Groom & Groomsmen Gifts |
Floral Arrangements
Without doubt the most important morning wedding décor is your wedding flowers. Heck, you don’t even need to add to your ceremony/reception floral, simply re-purpose for the morning!
Most florists will drop off the bouquets in the morning of your wedding, this is so you have them ready for your aisle walk. Your bouquets can then be used for photos and to create a beautiful backdrop for your morning. Furthermore, that smell of fresh flowers is just dreamy!
Personalized Hangers
We’ve all seen those stunning photos of a beautiful wedding gown hanging elegantly on the morning of a wedding. But how can you achieve wedding gown photo perfection? Easy! Hire a good photographer AND hang your dress on your very own personalized hanger.
You could opt for a hanger embezzled with the word “Bride”, or perhaps “Mrs.” with your new surname? Maybe add a little comedy with “Star of the show”. Whatever you choose, a personalized hanger can help display your wedding gown perfectly.
Matching Personalized Robes
Next up we have matching personalized robes for yourself and your bridesmaids. Both stylish and practical, matching robes are a great addition to your morning décor. Perfect for creating fun wedding photos as well as acting as a great gift for your bridesmaids. You can personalize with fun and friendly names or just keep it simple and use the actual names. This way your bridesmaids can continue to use them after your wedding day.
Scented Candles
Choosing a scented candle is all about setting the right atmosphere for your morning. We completely understand that you may be a little stressed, perhaps over excited for the day ahead. Choosing a soothing candle scent (lavender works great) to help calm is a great way to keep everyone relaxed.
Glassware + Champagne
Everybody loves a bottle of bubbly right? Make sure to choose a great bottle for that classic getting-ready shot. You can even personalize glassware for something a little special or the perfect gift for your bridesmaids.
Emergency Bridal Kit
Think lip balm, tissues for tears, hairpins and emergency stain removal (rolls eyes). All the essentials that you and your bridesmaids may need over the course of your wedding day. All these can be displayed in a decorative box.
Bride & Bridesmaid Gifts
While not technically part of your morning décor, you can definitely buy gifts to be used in photos or that help create a caring and emotional vibe to your morning prep. Everything from small jewelry to thoughtful cards can be photographed and used as décor during your preparations. Of course, also a great way to show your bridesmaids how much they mean to you.
Groom & Groomsmen Gifts
As with the bridesmaids, groomsmen gifts are a special touch that should be added to the morning prep décor. Think photos of the themed cufflinks and ties. Perhaps a photo of all the groomsmen toasting with their matching flasks.
Ceremony Décor
Your wedding ceremony is the beating heart of your wedding day, it’s where your vows are exchanged and your promises are made. Heck, it’s the most important part of your day, the reason why everyone has joined to celebrate with you! As a result, your ceremony décor game needs to be on point.
Your décor should represent you and your feelings for each other. It should reflect the joy of the celebration. Every tiny detail helps create a beautiful scene for this special day. The perfect frame for the perfect moment.
We’ve seen many wedding blogs gloss over the wedding ceremony décor as, time wise, it’s only a short part of your wedding day. They are right, you will likely only spend between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your ceremony length. However, for us, spending wisely is the best way to decorate your ceremony. Think about how you can re-use and re-apply your décor across your wedding day. Candles and lanterns can help create a dreamy ceremony aesthetic as well as intimate reception vibe.
Whether you are planning a more traditional church wedding, perhaps a funky wedding in a shoe shop, or something rather grand in an old hall, getting your ceremony décor right is vital for the photos and overall vibe of the ceremony. Focus on the bigger aspects such as floral arrangements and chair décor. Wedding signs and programs will go a long way to ensuring your guests are aware of your rules allowing a perfectly harmonious wedding celebration.
Ceremony Décor Checklist
| Welcome Sign | Floral Arrangements | ||
| Aisle Runner | Chair Decorations | ||
| Altar/Archway | Candles & Lanterns | ||
| Confetti Basket | Programs | ||
| Bouquets | Boutonnieres | ||
| Ring Pillow | Flower Girl Basket + Petals | ||
| Card/Gift Station | Other Signage |
Welcome Sign
First up on the ceremony décor checklist is your welcome sign. While it might seem obvious that you guests can find your wedding, you’d be amazed at the amount of times we’d see a guest stand up halfway through the ceremony after realizing they were at the wrong event.
Choose a sign with a font that matches your wedding theme and you can’t go far wrong. It’s a charming addition to welcome your guests to your celebration.
Aisle Runner
Most of the weddings you attend will include an aisle runner. Traditionally it’s white in nature and often lined with candles, lanterns and floral petals. Depending on your venue choice, it may be included as part of your package.
Try to think of your aisle runner as a red carpet. It’s the entrance to your ceremony, the path you must walk in order to say precious vows and make those important promises. It should compliment your wedding theme, gown and overall vibe of your wedding décor.
If you want to take it even further, you can even personalize the aisle runner with your names.
Floral Arrangements
Flowers, flowers, flowers. It’s all about the flowers when it comes to nailing your wedding décor. Flowers to line the aisle, adorn the altar or placed strategically around your venue. Whether you like it or not, flowers are likely going to play a massive part in styling your venue, and impacting your budget.
That being said, choosing a floral arrangement to suit your wedding theme is a must. It is likely the biggest décor element when it comes to setting the mood and creating that dream-like wedding vibe that pretty much every bride hopes for.
Chair Decorations
When it comes to ceremony décor, most couples forget the chairs. Adding bows and flowers can go a long way to adding a touch of elegance to your nuptials. Furthermore, don’t forget to add reserved seating signs for important members of the congregation and of course, the bridesmaids and father of the bride who are likely to arrive late to the ceremony… I’m kidding!
Altar/Archway
The centerpiece of your ceremony décor, the wedding altar. A frame to showcase your vows and create an enchanting backdrop for one of the biggest moments of your life. Ok, perhaps a little overboard… However, a beautifully decorated archway or altar space should be a priority when it comes to your ceremony décor.
Many couples opt for a floral archway, or something a little more minimalist with fabrics draped across. Pinterest is a great place to start to find fabulous wedding arch inspiration.
Candles & Lanterns
Another perfect “aisle liner”, candles can go a long way to setting the right atmosphere for your ceremony. In addition, if you are mixing it up and going for an evening affair, the pure romantic vibes you get from strategically placing candles around your ceremony, oh wow. Just extraordinary.
One of the reasons we love candles is their versatility. You can rent faux candles that still give off that enchanting feel or you can choose candles that you will use in the future. Everyone loves lighting a good candle on a cold winter’s night. Am I right?
Confetti Basket
Trust us, when you receive your wedding photos back, you are going to absolutely love your confetti shots. We know, we were photographers for nearly 10 years before moving into the world of planning, styling and décor. There is something about the sheer joy and excitement on your faces, as you walk hand in hand as newlyweds, showered by colorful confetti.
Confetti – Photo By David Lindsley
A confetti basket is a great way to ensure your guests are fully loaded. The more confetti, the better. Simply place in an obvious location for guests to grab as they walk out, or have one of the groomsmens hand out as you have your registration photos taken!
Ceremony Programs/Order of Service
A wedding program is a great way to let your guests know the schedule of your ceremony plus provide lyrics they may need for any hymns or songs you want them to sing along with. In addition, it’s a thoughtful keepsake that often gets saved by close family members. We included it in our wedding stationery checklist so it must be important…
Bouquets
Yes, we’ve covered floral arrangements but your bouquets are also a vital part of the ceremony décor. Yourself and your bridesmaids all carrying a gorgeous bouquet just screams picture perfect wedding.
Boutonnieres
The same goes for the men. Let’s be real, how often do you get to wear a flower on your blazer? Exactly! It’s your wedding day, go all out and get those button holes. You are going to love looking back on the photos of all the groomsmen looking their best.
Ring Pillow
The ring pillow is a little silk covered pillow often carried by the page boy and handed from the best man to the groom before the exchange of the wedding rings. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a nice little touch but perhaps a way to save on your ceremony décor costs. Have your page boy and flower girl hold hands as they walk down the aisle and let the best man keep the ring in a ring box.
Flower Girl Basket
If you are all about cute wedding moments then you literally can’t get better than the flower girl walking down the aisle. Add a dainty little basket for her to spread flowers as she walks. A little touch but a special touch that your guests will love. Ahhhh.
Card/Gift Station
If we are being honest, while we’ve included the gift/card station in the ceremony décor, it’s more a part of the cocktail/reception décor. Still, guests need a place to drop off any gifts or cards before they take the seat for the ceremony, you might as well make it obvious where they should do so.
Other Signage
We’ve covered the wedding ceremony entrance sign, but what other signs may you need? There are actually quite a few…
Over the last couple of years, unplugged ceremony signs have become popular. Essentially a method of telling your guests to put their phones away and enjoy the moment. These signs are a great way of ensuring everyone is present and enjoying your ceremony. Plus, it allows your professionally hired photographer to capture happy faces, not phones in front of faces!
Other popular signs include “pick a seat not a side” as a way to navigate your guests to their seats. It will likely be your groomsmen and ushers responsibility to ensure your guests are sitting in the right place and not taking up any reserved seats.
Cocktail Hour Décor
During your wedding, cocktail hour will likely occur immediately after your wedding ceremony. As a result, cocktail hour is much more than just a time to drink, it’s a time where you will celebate and mingle with your guests. It’s the first opportunity for them to congratulate you. It really is a time of happiness and joy.
All that being said, décor is still a vital part of cocktail hour. However, practicality and functionality is crucial. Think directions signs point to the drinks, customized napkins for cleaning residue hors d’oeuvre, even comfy seating for your wedding guests to relax after your epic ceremony.
For us, keep everything simple during cocktail hour. The focus is on yourselves and meeting and greeting your wedding guests. If there is anywhere to save budget, cocktail hour is the time. Don’t go overboard, try to make your designated cocktail area pretty, suiting your overall wedding aesthetic while helping your guests be comfortable.
Cocktail Hour Décor Checklist
| Bar/Drink Signs | Accent Pieces | ||
| Lounge Seating | Drink Props | ||
| Napkins | Other Decorative Signage |
Bar/Drink Signs
“This way to the bar” is, without question, the most important sign you will purchase for your wedding. Joking!
Your cocktail hour will likely be full of hugs and laughter as well as a few celebratory drinks. Usually there will be venue staff members dispersing cocktails, champagne and other drinks. However, as a décor item, quirky bar signs that have a little bit of fun are both practical and pleasurable. They set a fun tone while looking amazing on wedding photos.
Bar/Drink Signs – Photo By David Lindsley
Accent Pieces
What are accent pieces? Well accent pieces are thematic elements that help build the theme of your wedding.
Barn weddings have grown in popularity recently, rustic items such as hay bales, crates, milking buckets are all good examples of how you can style your barn wedding theme. Think of a bucket full of cold beer or hay bales for your guests to sit on.
Lounge Seating
More of a practical décor element rather than something to stylize your venue with but lounge seating is important. If you are having older guests, they will need somewhere to sit after congratulating you.
Drink Props
Another little touch here, but if you are having cocktails, umbrellas and stirrers can add quite a little something extra. Fun for the guests to use and great for the photos.
Napkins
Same goes for napkins. Having personalized wedding napkins with your initials on can be really special. A keepsake for guests and yourselves.
Other Decorative Signage
We’ve discussed the bar signs but general decorative and direction signs are a way to elevate your wedding décor and help your guests navigate your day.
Drinks, photo booth and direction signs are just a few of the different signs you may need for your specific wedding day.
Reception Décor
If we are ranking by importance, your reception décor is right up there. It’s the time where you truly start to party and celebrate your union. Furthermore, your reception is the longest part of your day as you spend time enjoying the festivities of your wedding with your guests. Your reception is where you should outlay the majority of your wedding décor budget whether you are on a tight budget, or wanting to splash the cash.
Related Reading: How To Have A Wedding Under $5,000
Whether it’s choosing a trendy neon sign to light your venue, a stunning chandelier to hang from the ceiling or even a place to showcase your guest book, there is a lot to consider when it comes to styling your reception.
With the reception being such a big part of your day, we’ve decided to break it all down a little further. Directly below you will find a checklist that covers various different reception décor items. However, we’ve skipped over outdoor décor and dance floor décor. Furthermore, with your table styling such a big part of your reception, we’ve included a checklist just for that.
Your wedding reception should reflect your own personal style, match your general wedding theme, while also ensuring the right ambience is set for you and your guests to catch up, feast and party hard.
Reception Décor Checklist
| Reception Entrance Signage | Lighting | ||
| Hanging Décor & Drapes | Seating Plan | ||
| Escort Card Table Plan | Candles & Lanterns | ||
| Guest Book Station | Photo Booth & Fun Props | ||
| Cake Table & Cake Topper | Sweet Table | ||
| Card/Gift Station | Lounge Seating |
Entrance Signage
You could keep it cool and choose a simple wedding sign, something along the lines of “Welcome To The Wedding of Mr & Mrs”, or, hear me out, you could go a little crazy and create a grand entrance archway, decorated with flowers, letters and beautiful lighting. An exciting way to welcome your guests to your wedding reception.
In all seriousness, your signage should match your wedding theme, match the overall style and feel and let guests know when the main area of your wedding will be held. You can include various aspects such as your names, initials and a welcome message.
To save on budget you could always re-use your ceremony welcome sign.
Lighting
Lighting holds the key to the ambience of décor. It can be used to create the right mood at the right time. Perhaps a spotlight as you are announced into the room for the first time as Mr & Mrs? Maybe some low hanging fairy lights to create an enchanting, fairytale like scene? Maybe just something simple like a chandelier to create a luxurious elegance? Whatever you choose, be sure to check with your venue what’s included and consider renting over purchasing to save.
Hanging Décor, Linens & Drapes
I’m pretty sure that by now, you’ve browsed countless images on Pinterest? Yes, I thought so. And I’m sure you’ve seen those stunning outdoor weddings with wonderful white drapes hanging over long wooden tables? You know the ones. Well hanging décor, drapery and linens really can help set a wedding scene so breathtaking and elegant, that it will be the envy of many a future bride and groom to be.
As you likely won’t be able to re-use them after your wedding, it’s always best to hire. In addition, talk to your venue about setting up and consider hiring a professional decorator. This is a big job, not something that you should task with your bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding!
Seating Plan
One of, if not the most important signage you will need to purchase as part of your wedding décor. The seating plan should sit at the door of your wedding breakfast room so guests can check their seats as they enter. The last thing you want is that annoying third cousin popping themselves on the top table!
Generally speaking, unless you are having a more relaxed wedding breakfast rather than a sit down meal, it’s a requirement and is going to take up part of your budget. Fear not though, you can usually pick one up quite cheaply, depending on the size you are going for.
Seating/Table Plan – Photo By David Lindsley
Escort Card Table Plan
What’s an escort card table plan I hear you ask? Well, essentially an escort card table plan is a three in one wedding décor element.
First of all it acts as a seating plan for your guests to find their table. Second, it acts as a place card as the guests actually remove the escort card from the seating plan when they enter the room. Finally, many couples have opted to integrate wedding favors as escort cards. Rather than just a simple paper place card, coasters or other favor items have been adapted to be both an escort card and wedding favor.
While escort card table plans might be a little more expensive on the face of things, the fact you can reduce the place card and favor costs means they are great value for money.
Candles & Lanterns
We’ve already covered candles and lanterns as part of your ceremony décor. Nothing says romance, like a candlelit room. If you’ve ordered for your ceremony, simply move them to your reception.
Guest Book Station
We absolutely love guest books, a beautiful way for guests to share their love for you. All organized into a beautifully crafted book. Super easy to pull out over the years as you look back on your wedding day.
If you want to choose something a little bit different, we are absolutely in love with the funky guest books from The Guest Book Collective. The designs are full of fun and joy, perfect for every type of wedding.
If you have opted for a guest book, you are going to need somewhere to display it so your guests find it easily. The last thing you want is an empty guest book at the end of your wedding day.
Cake Table & Cake Topper
If you are planning on cutting your wedding cake in front of your guests, you are going to need a cake table to display it. It’s always nice to make this table as stylish as possible as it’s going to appear in loads of photos. You only really need little décor touches, maybe a framed picture of a lost loved one, a few floral arrangements or perhaps even a Mr & Mrs wooden sign.
In addition, the décor for the table is great, but you can also decorate your wedding cake itself. Wedding cake toppers are a fun way to add your own personal touch to your cake. You can choose a cake topper that is a little comical, or perhaps one that resembles the two of you. Many companies even offer custom cake toppers that you can design just how you like.
Customizable Cake Toppers – Photo By David Lindsley
Sweet Table
If you are having children at your wedding, a sweet table is a great way to keep them busy while also adding to the décor of your wedding day.
Sweet tables come in all shapes and sizes and can fit any wedding theme. You can choose something a little more vintage to fit your DIY wedding, or something quite luxurious if you are having a more contemporary wedding style.
Card/Gift Station
We won’t spend too long explaining the gift card station as we’ve already discussed earlier in the article. However, in today’s world you can really get creative and choose a card box that matches your wedding. We’ve seen postboxes, vintage suitcases, even a beer barrel. The options are endless.
Lounge Seating
Your wedding day is a long day with your reception alone likely to last between 4-5 hours. As a result, guests are going to need somewhere comfortable to sit throughout the day. In many venues, the main reception room will need to be “turned around” in order to prepare it for the evenings partying. During this time, having a few cozy couches for guests to sit on is quite important.
You want your guests to mingle with each other throughout the day and having an alternative seating option, so that guests aren’t just stuck in their assigned seat, is a great way to make this happen.
Photo Booth & Props
Everybody loves a good photo booth! Coming to popularity around 2014, photo booths have exploded and are seen at pretty much every wedding we attend even 10 years later. They are a fun addition to your wedding, a great way to keep your guests entertained, and will also result in keepsake photos for everyone to take home with them.
In terms of types of photo booths, once again the styles are endless. You can choose a photo booth that matches your wedding décor and overall wedding theme. If you are looking for something a little bit different, we absolutely love Issue Booth. Their magazine style booth is an epic approach to photo booths that your wedding guests will go crazy for!
Table Décor
You’ve glitzed up your ceremony, stylized your reception, now you’ve just got to design the perfect table décor. No problem! Our wedding checklist will help, but it’s all about showcasing your own personality and creating a wedding theme to make your guests swoon.
When it comes to your wedding tables, once again it’s about finding the right balance between form and functionality. There is no point in creating elaborate floral centerpieces if your guests don’t know where they are meant to sit. Think name cards over napkins. Actually, wait, napkins are just as important. Don’t even get me started on how to fold them!
For us, it’s all about creating a seamless aesthetic that allows your guests to relax, enjoy their food and enjoy the company, in comfort. That’s the most important part.
Happy guests means a happy bride and groom. Trust us, we’ve been involved in thousands over the years!
Finally, let’s talk about the budget! Your table décor budget is where you can either save big, or spend big. It’s really up to you. You could order your own personalized wedding plates, or you could skip something that seems so essential like place cards. It really is a great way to save or a great way to go all out!
Your biggest expense is likely to be seen in the centerpieces but smaller items such as favors are likely to add up, especially if you’ve got lots of wedding guests.
Related Reading: How Many People Should I Invite To My Wedding?
Table Décor Checklist
| Table Numbers | Place Cards | ||
| Menus | Wedding Favors | ||
| Napkins & Napkin Rings | Chargers & Placemats | ||
| Glassware | Dinnerware/Flatware | ||
| Chairs & Chair Décor | Candles & Lanterns | ||
| Floral Arrangements | Centerpieces |
Place Cards
As we’ve discussed, place cards are a way to show each individual guest to their seat. This is a requirement as many of your guests will have dietary requirements that your venue needs to adhere to. The place card allows them to easily locate every wedding attendee and where they are sitting.
You can either opt for place cards or escort cards. Both come under the “on the day” wedding stationery and can be printed to match your wedding theme.
Table Numbers
In traditional weddings, the wedding breakfast is likely to include several round tables for your guests to sit. In order for guests to find their table you are either going to need table numbers or table names. A way to distinguish between the different tables.
There are many different options when it comes to choosing your table numbers with many suppliers, like ourselves, offering an all in one package where your entire “on the day” wedding décor stationery can match. This usually includes wedding signs, place cards, table numbers, menus and so on.
Menus
You will likely need two types of menus on each table, perhaps a couple of print outs per table. Some couples even opt to include a menu for each guest or to combine with the place card in order to save budget.
The food menu will of course give an outline of the meal and what the guests can expect to eat. It is likely they have already chosen their meal in your invitation process. In addition, a drinks menu is a great way to add a touch of stylish décor to your table, whether that’s outlining the wine choices, or if you are having cocktails, explaining the options.
Food & Drink Menus – Photo By David Lindsley
Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a small gift for your wedding guests to say thank you for attending your celebration. Think of them as a small token of your appreciation, but also a lovely way to decorate your different tables. Furthermore, seeing your guests open your favors is a really nice moment during your day.
Whether you need wedding favors or not is a decision you will have to make based on your budget. Should you wish to gift your guests, there are many different ways to do so. In addition, your favors can always match the general aesthetic of your table décor.
Napkins & Napkin Rings
It’s likely that your wedding venue will provide both napkins and napkin rings. However, should you wish to take it up a notch, you can both customize your own napkins and choose a chic and trendy napkin ring to complete the look of your décor.
Chargers and Placemats
Designing your table décor is all about creating a sleek and fashionable look and feel that your guests can swoon over, while enjoying their meal.
Chargers and placemats are just another addition to your table that can really take things up a notch. All add to the aesthetic you are trying to create, and, while you can always just use the ones provided by your venue, choosing your own to match your décor can be really special. Remember, you only get married once, let’s do it right.
Glassware
Not too much to say here as it usually comes as standard with your venue package. However, if you are planning on having cocktails, it’s nice to push the boat out and choose glasses that match the drink. In addition, while you can use the venues provided glassware, choosing beautiful, finely crafted champagne flutes will really supercharge the glamorous feel of your wedding day.
Dinnerware/Flatware
You might be thinking, plates?!?! Why do I need to worry about plates? Well in reality you probably don’t. It’s always best to speak to your wedding coordinator to see exactly what is included with your venue, however, its likely plates will be!
That being said, we are absolutely loving the idea of customized wedding plates at the moment. Take Holly Slays’ handmade plates for example. A beautiful, artistic way to take your table décor up a level and match the rest of your wedding décor.
Furthermore, you can also make your plates your wedding favors, with guests getting to keep their dinnerware at the end of the evening. Logistics might need to be considered but a lovely way to combine elements of your wedding day.
Floral Arrangements or Greenery
Flowers and greenery are vital to creating the exquisite table décor that most brides and grooms strive for. While you can always reuse the floral from earlier in the day, when it comes to table flower décor, you need to follow a few rules.
You are likely to have a centerpiece as part of your table décor, therefore, any additional floral should be small and partner your centerpiece, rather than overshadowing. In addition, good conversation is at the heart of every wedding. Ensuring flowers or greenery don’t obstruct any views will help keep that conversation lively.
Centerpieces
Probably the most famous wedding table décor there is. Centerpieces.
Centerpieces are an important item of display, usually centered in the middle of the table. Traditionally its of a floral nature, however many different styles are possible, from candles and lighting to cloches and books. Heck, we’ve even seen pineapples be the star of the show.
If you don’t choose any other table décor, choose centerpieces. It’s a wedding tradition and likely to have the biggest impact on your table décor.
Chairs & Chair Décor
If you are planning on having multiple wedding speeches, you need comfy chairs. It’s as simple as that. While chair décor is quite limited, ribbons, flowers and chair tags can help add an element of sophistication to your wedding tables.
Once again, venues may provide this service and, if not, they usually have a recommended supplier to help cover your chairs any way you wish.
Candles & Lanterns
If you know us, you know we absolutely adore candles and how they can help maximize the glamorous look and feel of your wedding day décor. Heck, we’ve mentioned them in pretty much every section of this checklist!
For us, candles are so much more than a décor element, they are an atmosphere maker. They create a warm, inviting feeling that puts guests at ease and encourages conversation to flow. They are romantic, and nostalgic. Moreover, they are just the perfect symbol of a wedding in our opinion.
So how can you use candles as part of your wedding table décor? Well for us, you can make candles the highlight and replace the traditional floral centerpiece with something candle themed. Just check out these amazing candle designs by Hormscent. Imagine a selection of these over traditional flowers. Dreamy!
Dance Floor Décor
Everybody loves a good dance at a wedding, am I right? A chance to throw down a few shapes, work off that wonderful wedding breakfast, and let your hair down. But how can you take your dancefloor to the next level? Easy! A few thoughtfully placed decorations can help get the disco really moving.
Of course music is a big part of ensuring all your guests are partying hard, and while a wedding DJ may be expensive, they are a must to ensure your night goes off with a bang. However, great music requires a great atmosphere, so ensuring you’ve got the perfect disco lighting is imperative. Check with your venue to see if lighting is included as part of your wedding package. If not, get the cheque book out. You won’t regret it.
What’s the point in having a rocking DJ and perfect lighting if your dancefloor is empty? Exactly! If your dancefloor isn’t in the main reception room, you might wish to décorate your venue with directional signs. “This way to the dancefloor party people!”
Dance Floor Décor Checklist
| Lighting | Dance Floor Signs | ||
| Decorative Items (Disco Ball etc) | Fun Props |
Disco Lighting
Most venues will include disco lighting as part of your package. In addition, if you have gone for an alternative wedding venue, and booked your own DJ, they may also include lighting. If not, added disco lights are a must.
You put on your best frock (literally), made a few promises, eaten a fabulous meal and now just need to get down and boogie. You are going to need two things, killer music and epic lighting. A sure fire way to get your guests out of their seats and on the dancefloor.
Dance Floor Signs
Signage is actually quite an important part of your evening party that is often overlooked. You need to direct guests to the important areas of your wedding including your dance floor, the bar, and likely your buffet. In addition, if you’ve allowed your guests to have an input in the music, let them know that they can make requests. All little additions will have a nice impact on ensuring your evening party goes off.
Light Up Dance Floor Sign – Photo By David Lindsley
Decorative Items (Disco Ball etc)
If you’re planning on hosting a true disco party, you just know it won’t be complete without a disco ball. Sorry, not sorry.
Disco balls aren’t the only decorative items you may need. Bunting, confetti, neon signs may all form part of your dance floor décor. Perhaps most notably, big light up letters. Commonly seen at weddings with “Mr & Mrs” and “Love” often being spelled out and being the most popular choices.
Fun Props
Last but not least, fun props. Much like your photo booth props, funny glasses, wigs and hand signage with funny slogans is the way to go. You could also mix it up with balloons or bubbles.
Finally, a touch we always love is flip flops. Yes you read that right. Flip flops or sandals are a great option for decorating your dance floor. A nice little basket with a sign offering a comfortable alternative to those high heels. Now everyone can really dance!
Funny Props – Photo By David Lindsley
Outdoor Décor
Last but not least, an area of your wedding that often gets overlooked. Outdoors! Even if you are having a particularly indoor wedding, it’s likely that if the weather is nice, guests will start to congregate outside. Fear not though, there are a few sure fire hits when it comes to outdoor wedding décor.
It seems that like every other part of your day, lighting is a massive part. For outdoor décor, think dreamy festoon lighting to create that super romantic atmosphere. Maybe throw in a fire pit for everybody to snuggle around and you’ve got yourself a cozy outdoor soiree. Oooh Eee. I can just imagine the photos now!
While you shouldn’t go overboard and fork out a load of your wedding budget on outdoor décor, adding a few key elements can go a long way. Whether that’s some fun games to keep guests engaged, or a few rustic blankets to keep everyone warm. Try to think outside the box when it comes to your wedding decorations.
Outdoor Décor Checklist
| Outdoor Lighting | Outdoor Heating | ||
| Garden Games | Decorative Elements |
Garden Games
Every wedding can suffer from a little bit of a lul post wedding breakfast, just before the first dance. However, setting up a series of outdoor games can help improve guest boredom and look stylish in doing so.
Popular options include giant Jenga and Four In A Row. Many companies actually create wedding versions of Connect 4 with a DIY, rustic aesthetic. Croquet and Corn Thow are also good options. You can find rental companies in your area online.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is important if you are planning on having your guests mingle outside. Lighting pathways, creating a campfire like atmosphere and dashing a few candles around your outdoor seating can help elevate the feel of your outdoor area.
Guests will naturally wander outside during the wedding day so it’s good to ensure everyone is accommodated. You can re-use the candles from your ceremony where possible.
Outdoor Heating
Even in summer the temperatures can drop during the evening and the last thing you want is shivering guests. People love to spend time snuggled up outdoors, discussing stories of days gone past and it’s a good idea to ensure everyone is comfortable.
If you’ve got the budget, renting a fire pit is a practical and stylish way to go. The photos of everyone huddling around the campfire at night are sure to amaze. For a slightly cheaper option, patio heaters can also be rented. However, rustic blankets are the cheapest way to go.
Decorative Elements
Other decorated items can also make your outdoor section fantastic. From chinese hanging lanterns, to flag bunting, little additions can help create your joyous celebration outdoors. Most of these elements can be DIY meaning they shouldn’t have a big impact on your budget.
With lanterns, always try and choose an eco-friendly option.
Must Have Décor For Tight Budgets
Your wedding is special, creating a magical environment for you to say “I Do” is a vital part of your celebration. Choosing which décor elements are going to have the biggest impact can be a challenge, but fear not, we are here to help.
Below we have put together a list of essentials when it comes to wedding decorations. This is not so much a list of budget friendly options, more of a list of the items that will have the biggest, most positive impact on how your day looks and feels. In addition, we’ve included a few extras on how you can save but still create a truly magical experience for you and your guests.
Must Have Décor Checklist
| Floral Arrangements | Candles | ||
| Lighting (String & Fairy Lights) | Simple Table Lines | ||
| Ceremony Arch | Rentals | ||
| DIY Signage | Charity Shops |
Floral Arrangements
When it comes to wedding décor on a budget, flowers are still an absolute must. Ok, you could argue that flowers are one of the only items that cannot be repurposed after the wedding. While this is sort of true, the fact they can be repurposed throughout your wedding day, makes them the perfect, must have décor.
Candles and Holders
Yes, candles again. Candles are a great way to add to your wedding atmosphere, but you can also use them after your wedding day. You can get really creative with the style of candles even focusing on scents and designs that suit your own preferences in the home.
For us, candles are inexpensive décor with a big impact.
Lighting
There are loads of budget friendly lighting options that can create a dreamy wedding tone for your big day. String and fairy lights are cheap and cheerful but, provided you choose a good version, are able to set a romantic, dreamy vibe along with your other décor.
Lighting can be affordable and versatile. Able to be used at different parts of your wedding day and in different scenarios.
Simple Table Linens
Ok, so if you are on a budget, it’s unlikely you are going to be able to splash the cash and create a look like we shared earlier in the article. That being said, simple, basic linens in a coordinated color can help create a clean, elegant aesthetic, making your day feel special.
Rentals
Not so much a specific item of décor, but more an approach to budgeting correctly. For us, we use a simple rule. If the item is small and can be reused (you must want to actually use it), you should purchase. Larger items such as seats, loungers, patio heaters, and large lighting can and should be rented.
Rent larger items like arches, seating, and lighting to save costs.
Ceremony Arch
There is one major reason you should choose to splash the cash on a ceremony arch. It’s quite literally a frame of the most special moment of your life. A beautiful floral draped wedding arch will help create a truly mesmerizing moment that will be captured perfectly by your photographers. This is the moment that will live long in everyone’s mind.
DIY Signage
We have a list of wedding signs that you should choose for your wedding day. As you can see the list is quite extensive. With that in mind, it’s time to pick and choose the signs that mean the most to you.
In addition, wedding signs are the perfect DIY décor item, you can pick up a relatively cheap foam board from your nearest craft shop, and have fun creating a series of signs for your day. Why not make it a bit of a bridal party day, everyone gets to design their own sign in their own way.
Charity Shops
Next up, another tip rather than a specific décor item. Charity shops! Charity shops are a great way to find bargains for your wedding day. Many charity shops have drapery, candles, candle holders, drinkware, glassware, you name it, they have it. All at a really good price. Get used to going into your local shops with a plan, over the course of your planning year you are likely to pick up a few great bargains!
FAQ’s About Wedding Décor
Creating the perfect wedding décor can be a challenge. Hopefully our décor checklist goes a long way to organizing your planning and allowing you to create the perfect wedding theme.
If you are struggling a little, and have a few questions, we’ve rounded up a few FAQs from our past brides. A good little starting point to hopefully find the answer to any looming questions you may have.
How far in advance should I plan my wedding décor?
As early as you possibly can. With everything wedding, start early. You only get one chance at this and you need to get it right. Ok, perhaps a little bit dramatic but it’s important to ensure you plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Generally speaking there are two ways to decorate your wedding venue and usually it’s dependent on the type of wedding you are having.
If you are planning on doing DIY décor, you need to leave enough time to ensure you have a chance to create everything you want. However, if you are hiring a company to take care of everything, you should book as soon as possible. If you are getting married on a popular date, it’s likely the best wedding décor teams will book up 1-2 years in advance.
What is the average cost of wedding décor?
Wedding décor is a part of your wedding where you have a lot of control. It can be easy to keep the budget small and go for a minimalist wedding. Equally, it’s easy to get carried away and blow the budget. We’ve all seen the lavish wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in the news recently. It’s rumored they had over 20 million flowers to decorate their series of venues. Imagine the cost.
In the US, the average spend on décor is between $2,000 and $10,000 [1].
Can I reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception?
100%. You should be re-using florals from the morning preparations right through to the dancing in the night. Use your bouquet for photos in the morning and to stylize your wedding cake table later in the day.
There are various different ways you can utilize your flowers throughout your wedding day. It’s a great way to save on budget and get the best value for your money.
What are some DIY décor ideas that won’t look cheap?
“Cheap” really does depend on the style of wedding you are having. If you are having an outdoor, rustic celebration, you can DIY pretty much everything. It’s all part of the charm. However, should you be looking for something a little more luxurious, stick with the smaller items. Favors, sweet tables, garden games etc.
How do I choose a wedding color scheme?
Choosing your wedding color scheme can be a little tricky. For us it comes down to combining two practices. First off, do your research. See what’s trending this wedding season and think about the style of wedding you want to create. Simply then choose a style you like based on your color preference. Think about the mood, atmosphere and feeling you want to reimagine with your wedding.
Should I hire a professional decorator?
If budget allows, hiring a professional wedding designer or decorator is a must. It allows you time to plan your wedding in a relaxed manner. It removes any décor stress from the wedding day. And, let’s be honest, it’s likely going to look better than if you decorated the venue yourself.
A professional can help bring your vision to life, manage challenges from the big to the small all with the knowledge and experience to ensure your wedding decoration is mesmerizing for you and your wedding guests.
What are some budget-friendly lighting options?
Ebay is a great place to start when it comes to budget friendly lighting. However, like most things, the more you spend, the higher the quality of the product you will receive. String lights, candles, LED lights are all cheap lighting options. If you are in love with fancy festoon lighting (we all are), then you are likely to pay a premium for the better versions.
Do I need to decorate the restrooms?
We haven’t included restrooms on our list of sections that need decorating as for us, it’s perhaps going a little overboard and likely to go unnoticed by your wedding attendees. However, a basket full of toiletries will likely be appreciated. Think deodorant, gum, plasters and a bit of eau de toilette.
Wedding Décor Checklist PDF
You’ve scrolled through our wedding décor checklist and are now ready to start ticking off items? Great! To make things super convenient we’ve collated the entire list in one easy to use PDF. Simply download using the link below to use as your heart desires.
Once downloaded you should be able to print off the checklist and carry with you as you work through the various items you have decided to decorate your wedding with. Should you need any further support regarding your wedding décor, reach out to your concierge team via our contact page and we will help advise you on crafting your delicious wedding day décor.
Download: Wedding Décor Checklist PDF ↓
Sources
[1] Zola (2023). “Average Cost of Wedding Decorations”
