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Make Chalkboard Signage
Chalkboards are a terrific way to decorate an entrance or jazz up the cocktail bar. Personalize it by thrifting an old frame and spray-painting it to match the rest of your décor. Drape with even a flower or greenery garland and scatter away!
Produce an Escort Card Display
Instead of having an escort card table, create a bulletin board of seats assignments and display it around the entrance of the reception space. Bonus: You won't have guests squinting at tiny tented cards, trying to decode their table number.
Drape the Ceilings
It is amazing what a tiny fabric can perform. Keep it elegant and formal with white cloth, or whether you're after a fun vibe, then opt to get a bright color like yellow. Bonus: you may go light on the dining table décor and Take this approach and still get the identical reception look.
Hang (a Ton of) Paper Lanterns
We know--paper lanterns are not anything new. But multiply the amount of lanterns you see hanging by 100 at a reception space and it is a totally different story.
Insert a Sprig of Herbs
Just because you're having a formal wedding doesn't mean that you can not have a bit fun with your décor. Add herbs like lavender or rosemary .
Add Terrariums
Not a flower man? No need to splurge on a lot of centerpieces. A patch of a terrarium moss, candles, a few blooms and a succulent or 2 and you've got a tablescape.
Order Calligraphed Menus
Rather than printing out your escort cards and menus, then take the design one step further with calligraphy. Like traditional copperplate for black tie formal or something for farm-to-table chic, there are scripts for every type of affair. If your budget does not allow for 200 calligraphed place cards, invest in talent--post the job in the college's art department and also check out a few students for the occupation.
Elect for Wood
If you're choosing between plastic tables and chairs versus wood, go with the natural option. You can opt for folding seats for a cost point, but wood has a way of looking polished.
Rent Colored Glassware
Instead of pouring your whole reception décor budget into the centerpieces, consider using part of that budget to rent extras like colored glassware--it'll make your tables pop at a minute.
Hang Your Flowers
Think flowers are only for your tables? Think again. Suspending arrangements a few feet over your guests' dinner dishes is a fun way to create a space that is more intimate. (This tip is particularly handy if you are not really fond of your venue's carpeting--just keep folks looking up!)
Disposition Lighting En Masse
When paired with some dramatic uplighting and luxe fabrics, the addition of tall taper candles turns out your space to a stunning scene of dancing lights.
Pick Up Patterned Pillows
If you have a lounge area on your reception space (or created one with some rental furniture), then get yourself to a housewares department for some pillows. Find them on sale (IKEA-style) and then cover them with your favorite patterned cloth for a couple of low maintenance pops of festive color and pattern.
Make a Family Photo Wall
For an easy conversation starter, make a wall of household wedding photos. Devote a row one to yours, to your partner's household or mix them all up. Alternative thought: Showcase your (new!) family tree.
Utilize a Table Runner That Pops
Search for contemporary table décor inspiration, such as this patterned table runner. Instead of having several big floral centerpieces, space them out in smaller bud vases to length the length of the runner (and show off the pattern). This detail will make your china pop.
Utilize Table Lamps
Create height on your reception tables with table lamps. Suggestion: You can jump blossoms if you want, but enclosing the lamps with greenery or blossoms is an easy way.
Hang Tapestries
If it's too difficult to bring in big setups to decorate your space but you desire to bring a little flavor to the walls (or cover up a little less than ideal wallpaper), then seem to tapestries. They're simple to transport and require setup.
