decorations

Essential Pieces of Decor To Consider for Your Big Day

Decorations are a large part of a wedding. While you may have a vision for your event, there are some important items you don’t want to overlook. Decor is not just about making your nuptials appear a certain way — some pieces serve essential purposes. Read on to see which decorations will help with the overall feeling and flow of your big day.  

Signage 

These days, people host weddings in all kinds of interesting locations. Whether you’re tying the knot in an old barn or the middle of a sprawling national park, you must consider how your guests will get around the grounds. Thankfully, signage can be a lifesaver when it comes to delivering pertinent information to your friends and family. From the welcome sign that informs guests they have arrived at the correct location to the directional indicators utilized to guide people to bathrooms, using this decor in the right way can make a big difference in your event’s functionality. 

The beauty of using signs for your wedding is that you can get as creative as you want with the design. As long as the information displayed on each sign is easy to read, you can play around with a variety of styles in order to ensure the items fit the theme of your event. 

Decor As Centerpieces

Few decorations scream “wedding” like centerpieces. Traditionally, this type of decoration was handled by the florist and included blossoms that matched the other arrangements scattered throughout the venue. However, couples are thinking outside the box when it comes to the look and style of centerpieces. Instead of flowers, one popular alternative is lighting. Candles are a perfect example, as the soft glow emitted by these items cultivates a romantic feel around the table. Experts advise using electric candles, however, as real flames can prove dangerous as the night goes on and guests drink more. 

Another point to keep in mind with centerpieces is the size. Large and elaborate items might seem beautiful in theory, but you don’t want to block the view for any of your guests. Additionally, it is a good rule of thumb to allow friends and family to take this decoration home as a souvenir after the event ends. This is a sweet gesture, and it saves you the trouble of having to cart all of the centerpieces home at the end of the night. 

Displays

There are several aspects of your wedding that you are going to want to highlight. If you have a signature drink, then you want to let guests know what is in it and what the finished product will look like. Similarly, you may want to show off your cake before the time comes to wheel it out and cut it up. To achieve this, consider working creative displays into your decor plan. Like signs, displays help to boost the visual appeal of your event while also calling attention to important elements in a creative way. 

Lighting Decor

Finally, knowing how to light your event is a big part of using decorations to your advantage. Hanging string lights around the space can add a whimsical touch to your reception. Putting tea lights in glass jars gives the event an amorous edge. Use a combination of the lighting available at the event space and items that you bring along yourself, as this will help you cultivate an ambiance that is entirely unique to your wedding. You may wish to ask the photographer for input, especially if you want to limit flash photos and opt for natural lighting.

Decor plays a big part in a wedding. By using decorations in a utilitarian way, you can create an event that is as functional as it is beautiful.

A Quick Guide to Planning Your Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding can be way more cost effective than the bloated chapel-centered counterparts.

A backyard wedding can be closer and more intimate than the traditional church wedding.

A backyard wedding can be a great alternative to traditional nuptials in a house of worship or an expensive venue. This is great for couples who want to publicly celebrate their love and long-term commitment while saving money. Arranging such an affair takes some time and careful planning to ensure you don’t miss any of the important details. Before you dive headfirst into pulling together your intimate backyard wedding, consider these important tips.

Decide on Your Backyard Wedding Budget Early

As couples like Leigha and Todd from Ontario frequently prove, it is possible to hold a lovely affair for less. Intimate Weddings profiled the pair in a 2015 featured post, detailing how they planned their 2014 ceremony and reception. They opted to keep the guest list small, with only 24 people in attendance. They also opted for a backyard wedding with home-cooked food for their guests. As Leigha revealed, this allowed them to devote significant portions of their budget to food, flowers, and photography. Overall, the couple spent less than $5,000. Similarly, if you know your own upper limits for what you and your sweetie can set aside for your nuptials, it will enable you to make decisions and prioritise where you spend your money.

Is Your Backyard Ready?

Of course, the backyard or acreage in which you hold your nuptials must be prepared for you, your sweetie, and your guests. HGTV Canada published several tips in an October 2016 article about backyard weddings, recommending that you examine the land and layout of your yard first. The level of the ground is important, as you’ll need to know whether your land is flat or sloping, as well as the approximate number of people it can realistically hold. If you evaluate your yard and then realise it will not hold 100 people comfortably, you have a crucial choice to make: Either invite fewer people or decide on another location for your nuptials.

In addition, you must consider other factors besides the size and layout of your yard while planning. If your location boasts a lot of natural flora and greenery, you could save significantly when it comes to site decorations and flower arrangements. Moreover, you should think about how to accommodate parking for your guests as well as be prepared for any potential noise concerns from your neighbours.

A Wedding at Home Isn’t Always Cheaper

With a backyard wedding, the costs can be as much or as little as you make them. In other words, you can plan anything from a lavish, extravagant affair to a simple yet tasteful celebration. It’s all in the details—or rather, the prices of them. Shop wisely, and get a good idea of what each item will cost before paying any money or signing contracts. You’ll need to factor in extra items that you don’t require for an indoor celebration, like tents, tables, and seating. If you’re aiming for less expensive nuptials, consider these cost-cutting ideas:

  • Hold a breakfast, brunch, or lunchtime reception.
  • Choose fresh flowers for only the wedding party and ceremonial focal points.
  • Wed on an off-peak day or time, avoiding Saturday evenings.
  • Purchase inexpensive party decorations in bulk.
  • Design and print your own invitations and programs.

Planning Your Affair Takes Attention to Detail and Forethought

There’s no need to stress over your upcoming nuptials. Nevertheless, making sure that you take the time to plan the details is important to ensuring your backyard wedding happens with as few complications as possible. Thinking of the size of your guest list, your budget, your physical location, and other important factors will aid you in successfully arranging your special day.