Once you’ve selected your venue, be it a grand ballroom or a tent overlooking a dazzling vista, it is time to embark on the exciting and sometimes daunting journey of personalizing the space. We know that this is a much anticipated part of the process but that it can also be stressful. To help you feel less overwhelmed and more peaceful, here are some simple strategies to help.
Amore Events Co., Blue Ridge Floral Design & Rachel May Photography
Steps to Decorating Your Dream Wedding
First, break down the day into sections: ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Then, select one focal point for each of these. For the ceremony, many couples choose to create a sensational arch or chuppah. This is not only a lovely backdrop for your vows but also an ideal spot for portraits. Covered in lush colorful blooms, monochromatic shades of green or even flowering branches, this is a perennial favorite. Consider adding a matching archway at the entrance to your aisle for more drama.
Image at Left: Just a Little Ditty, Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs & Jen Fariello Photography | Image at Right: Taz Greer Events, Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs & Laura Gordon Photography
The cocktail hour can be a time to infuse fun and caprice into your celebration. Popular focal points can be your bar area, food station or place card display, or even a game zone. But, the place you are likely to spend most of your decorating time and budget is certainly the reception. When your guests enter, you want them to be charmed, warmly welcomed and captivated by its beauty. Whether it’s with overflowing flower arrangements or gently twinkling lights, the presentation should exude your style and southern hospitality.
Many things happen during the reception, which can make selecting a focal point more challenging. The most common areas to highlight include the dance floor, the head table and the cake display. You want the remaining guest tables to support these elements. When planning, always think from the perspective of your guests first look, ensuring the reveal is as sensational as possible. Masses of ribbon, hundreds of strung flowers or strands of twinkling lights are stylish ways to add magic and intimacy to this open area.
Image Top Left: Wild Green Yonder & Rachel May Photography | Image Top Right: Tart Event Co., Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs & Rachel May Photography | Images Bottom Left & Bottom Right: Taz Greer Events, Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs & Laura Gordon Photography
When planning tables, we are no longer restricted to mere tabletop centerpieces. Many couples are opting to add rustic charm with opulent hanging centerpieces that range from chic and sophisticated to rustic and romantic. The first key to a striking hanging arrangement is scale: you want it to be well suited to the size of the table it’s hanging over so it doesn’t feel too large or too small. Second, vary the height of the elements you hang from it. No matter if these are lanterns or petite crystal chandeliers, you can make this component even more compelling by alternating the hanging levels.
Image at Left: May June Weddings, Spring Bouquet Flowers & Weddings by Hana Photography | Image at Right: Taz Greer Events, Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs & Jen Fariello Photography
The culminating detail to consider is lighting. Whether it’s dramatic columns of light positioned around the perimeter, bold chandeliers or subtle washes of color over the ceiling, the power of light can have an astonishing effect on altering the mood of your space.
The good news for all of our couples is that we are blessed with an abundance of talented designers, planners, florists and lighting technicians who are at the forefront of industry trends and who will help guide you through creating your dream reception space.
Castle Hill, The Poset Details & Ashtyn Brooke Photography
We can’t wait to see what you create, so be sure to submit your reception to us on our website here.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
