Out of the box wedding decor ideas

Lighting accesories that you can incorporate into your wedding ideas.Photo by equilearn. Photo courtesy of www.sxc.hu

What is the first thing guests notice when they go to a wedding? Yes you guessed it. The décor! This is what most people spend on in their wedding to get that wow factor. For any theme to be executed, décor has to be part of it as this is what actually helps bring out a particular theme.

So what do you do to achieve that? Read more…………….

Décor is made of certain elements such as the centerpieces, floral arrangements, draperies, lighting, accessories etc. To have that unique décor you may need the following ideas to bring out that wow factor:

Centerpieces

Before you settle on the cliché floral centerpiece or candles floating in colored water or fish in a bowl of water, think of your theme and what you and your partner love then use it as a guide to come up with something unique.

For example, if you’re having a party theme, you can use wine bottles as centerpieces then use a tag with your engagement photos, names and wedding date to act as a label then have an intricate flower hang downwards and lastly have small wine or martini glasses filled with colored water and little umbrellas on the side.

You can also have fruits and vegetables incorporated in the centerpiece by having slices of fruits in your color scheme sliced and put in clear vases e.g. oranges, limes, coconuts, peas, cucumbers etc. This might be quite tricky and some people may not take it well considering the food crisis we have but it your special day so hey you are allowed to lose it just for this one time.

Another example would be an African theme where you could use wooden or banana fiber boats with miniature people rowing the boat on top of a water set up or create a small jungle effect with wild miniature animals in the wild, including the dry savannah soil with trees, etc.

Another interesting theme centerpiece was a high school theme where miniature blackboards were placed on tables with bright colored pencil poaches and cases placed as centerpieces.

Floral arrangements

When it comes to flowers use bright and beautiful flowers such as sunflowers, gerberas etc which add color and a hint of fun. Such flowers are so pretty they look good on simple set ups even on a clear long stemmed vase which is then tied with a nice ribbon to make it look chic.

Another idea would be to use different flowers such as calla lilies instead of common flowers such as roses which have been overdone and come in royal colors such as purple, white etc.

If you’re not a fresh or live type of flower person you can ask the florist to use dried flowers which can be sprayed to your theme colors.

Another idea would be to incorporate flower pots and hedges in the décor to bring out a garden effect which can have live flowers and bushes trimmed into certain shapes that fit with the theme.

You can also have a hanging garden effect where chandeliers are put up then flowers are made to hang from it e.g. ivy's.

When it comes to aisles, do away with the netting and have simple flower stands with pomanders or flower pots placed on roman pillars etc.

Draperies

To add definition to a tent or venue, draperies do exactly that when done well. Instead of using scallops which are always done, go for something simple that still looks good for example have curtain drop effects done on poles and have the inside top part of the tent covered in layers of draperies in your colors.

You can also have a huppah effect by using draperies which are tied on every side and tied to the pole. This would be lovely especially for the couple’s photo shoot and for some privacy and chit chat while sipping cocktails.

When getting your draperies done, make sure you note the type of fabric it is made of and the effect each has. Use different colors if your color scheme has instead of using one throughout.

Lighting

For evening dinner receptions, have some fairy lights done on the tent or walls and ceiling of an indoor venue as well as the poles. If possible ask for lights in your color scheme to bring out your theme more. Not only do they look good but create an intimate and cozy feeling.

You can also bring in spotlights effects where they can be in different colors and light up the whole place. Have the fairy lights done round the dance floor and the spotlights to give abit more light.

You can also have tikki torches, lamps, lanterns and candles put in simple brown bags with sand to light up the walkway and even tables.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories I am spoilt for choice. Use those that will complement your theme. For example if you're having a party theme you can use disco balls, neon lights, ice sculptures filled with beer cans and bottles underneath, smoke machines for the dance floor etc.

You can also add things such as marbles, confetti, butterflies, photo frames with your photo, candles etc. to bring out that particular theme you're aspiring to achieve.

As much as you would love to have a beautiful centerpiece you should consider certain factors:

The size of the table with relation to the centerpiece. You should consider the space guests will have at the table or it will look crowded.

You don’t have to have an elaborate centerpiece especially if the table already has the complete crockery and cutlery set up which could even include colored glasses, plates, napkins etc. You can simply add confetti, glitters, simple flowers etc.

Consider the height of the centerpiece. Have some good height where guests can see each other from opposite sides and they can also look around instead of bending over to talk to the person opposite which may end up being annoying no matter how beautiful it is.

 Now that you have an idea, feel free to exercise your creative side!!!!!!!!!