Decorating Wedding Reception Halls

Apr 5
08:46

2012

Aaliyah Arthur

Aaliyah Arthur

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Wedding reception halls usually mirror the ceremony location in decorations. Begin with centerpieces and work your way out!

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Many couples choose to decorate for the reception using their wedding ceremony colors,Decorating Wedding Reception Halls Articles the same types of flowers, and many similar elements that tie the ceremony and reception together. With so many wedding reception halls to choose from, you're sure to find a style that fits your personality, and decorating options that reflect the atmosphere of your wedding. But when it comes to decorating, where do you start?

Centerpieces for the Tables

The centerpieces often set the stage for decorations throughout the entire hall. You'll probably want to choose centerpieces that mirror the flowers you and your bridesmaids carried, or choose arrangements that feature the same color scheme. The head table (where the wedding party sits), displays the largest and most elaborate centerpiece. Those that are placed on the guest tables mirror the primary arrangement. Some centerpieces use candles. Perhaps the head table features a pillar candle surrounded by flowers, while the guest tables display floating votive candles in an exquisite bowl of water. Your wedding coordinator can provide you with many more options!

Atmospheric Lighting for the Hall

The lighting chosen for wedding reception halls definitely sets the atmosphere and mood for your event. If you don't want the harsh lighting from fluorescent overhead bulbs, you can bring your own lamps and other lighting options. Perhaps you'd like to string tube lighting from the ceiling, or utilize those small white or colored lights we put on Christmas trees! Candles offer a romantic ambiance too.

Coverings for the Tables

Find a tablecloth that compliments the centerpieces. For instance, if you have a simple centerpiece (something without much texture, like a candle), you can choose a patterned tablecloth (perhaps white with textured flowers or another design). If you have a more detailed centerpiece like a bouquet of flowers, you'll probably want to choose a tablecloth that's either the same color as some of the smaller flowers (so it will contrast with the primary flowers) or a white tablecloth that will showcase the arrangement.

You'll also need to choose between cloth or plastic tablecloths. Cloth tablecloths are definitely gorgeous, but they also require a lot of work after the reception. Besides washing, there will probably be some stains that need to be removed. Clean up with plastic tablecloths is super easy. Just wad them up and throw them away!

The Second Centerpiece: The Cake Table

Besides the table where the wedding party sits, the cake table is the second most important table in many wedding reception halls. The wedding cake needs to be showcased. Perhaps you can choose to use a different colored table cloth, or decorate the table differently from the other. Of course, the cake itself will serve as the major centerpiece! Some brides choose to have the bridesmaids lay their bouquets around the cake while others may sprinkle rose petals on the tablecloth.

Decorating the reception hall is definitely one of the many fun aspects of wedding planning. Whether you choose to extend the ceremony decorations to the reception or do something very different, take the time to enjoy this preparation for your big day!