Wedding Reception Decorating Ideas

The path you will take with your reception décor will depend on whether it will be held at an indoor or outdoor location. A lot of your decorations will also depend on the theme you have chosen or the theme color. An important point to keep in mind is that every item/element that needs to be part of your reception, from a chair to a paper napkin, can contribute to beautifying and decorating the place. Also, remember to use wedding reception decorations wisely or an excess of color and texture can overwhelm the guests. The following are some wedding reception decorating ideas.

Flowers
Flowers are a universal favorite used in all kinds of décor and no wedding reception is complete without an abundance of them. A factor that may be considered while picking the flowers you want is cost. If it is exotic flowers you desire, they will come at a price. For some, the entire wedding reception theme revolves around a certain flower, such as a calla lily theme or a white rose theme. One of the ways in which you can use flowers are in arrangements placed on tall pedestals with a candle at the center, which are positioned between tables. Another option is to use the smaller arrangements as table centers. An arch or arbor of flowers can be made and placed at the entrance or the couple can stand beneath it while cutting the cake. Fresh or sugar flowers may adorn the cake and rose petals can be scattered around on the cake table. A clever idea is to place empty vases where each bridesmaid is to sit (or wherever they are needed) and have them place their bouquets in them. Flower wreaths can be attached to the backs of the chairs of the bride and groom. Read more on wedding flower arrangement ideas.

Table Centers
Your table centers will depend on your theme. While flower arrangements are the most popular option, candles are a close second. Wax or gel candle arrangements, in the color of the theme, can lend enchantment to the ambiance. A combination of flowers or candles can be used or rose petals and floating candles can be placed in a shallow glass bowl filed with water. Another vibrant table center is a tall glass vase filled with oranges that are cut in half. For a rather unusual table center, you could use a fish bowl with two goldfish in it. For a rustic feel, a lantern would work well. Read more on wedding reception table decorations.

Drapes
Among the wedding reception decorating ideas, drapes (of your color scheme) can create a dramatic effect. If your reception is outdoors and you are using a tent, you can use equally spaced strips of colored drapes on the tent walls. If you are indoors, they can be used around pillars or on the walls. To create a magical effect, use translucent white drapes, with LED lights behind them. Apart from drapes, incorporate your color theme into the tablecloths and chair covers.

Lights
Lighting plays a very important role in creating the desired mood. At the time of the first dance, all the lights can be turned low. One can also have a beam of light focused directly on the couple as they move to the music. Some couples also like having their initials written in light, and projected on a wall. If your budget allows, you can use different color palettes, either alternating between colors, or using different colors in different areas. Use plenty of candles and lamps in outdoor settings, while adhering to fire safety regulations.

While deciding on your reception décor, ensure that you keep quality, not quantity in mind, and remember that 'love is in the details'. These wedding reception decorating ideas will give you a general idea of the areas that need to be worked upon. However, the most original ideas will come from you and your spouse-to-be. My advice is to use at least one idea, such as a photo table with pictures of family members, that speaks about you as a couple.