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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Sacramento / Courtland Photography
There are so many fun aspects of wedding planning, and one of them is choosing the wedding décor for the big day!
While every wedding is different and unique in its own way, there are some decorative elements that you’ll find at almost every type of celebration.
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a small, casual outdoor wedding on a beach or a huge indoor event with hundreds of guests.
This is our ultimate wedding décor checklist to help you create the wedding of your dreams!
Wedding Ceremony Decorations
The moment you walk down the aisle will be a moment you’ll never forget, and there are a few decorative elements you can add to make it even more stunning.
These are some key ceremony decorations to consider for your wedding day:
1. Welcome Sign
A welcome sign at your ceremony entrance instantly creates an ambiance and sets the tone for the entire event. A welcome sign can be simple or ornate. It can be a tabletop sign, a tall floor sign, or a chalkboard with a handwritten message.
It’s easy to find signs to suit every style and theme, but if you’re feeling creative, you can DIY your own!
2. Aisle Runner
It’s traditional to decorate your ceremony aisle with a white runner, but that’s only one of many options. You can add color to your aisle by covering it with rose petals. Or a patterned piece of fabric or rug or a solid runner personalized with a colorful monogram.
3. Wedding Arch
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids New Orleans / Sarah Ward
Rounded, square, or in an unexpected geometric shape, a ceremony arch to say your vows beneath makes for great ceremony photos! Cover it in flowers for a romantic look, drape it with fabric for a bit of whimsy, or opt for solid wood if you’re embracing a more rustic style.
4. End of Aisle Decorations
Mark the end of each aisle (or every other aisle) with wedding flowers, lanterns, faux candles, or swags of greenery. You can also use any other decorative accent that speaks to your personal style!
Planning an outdoor wedding? Not sure how to jazz up your aisle and pews? Read 9 Perfect Aisle and Pew Decorations for Outdoor Weddings!
Wedding Cocktail Hour Decorations
Everyone loves a cocktail hour with drinks flowing and yummy hors d’oeuvres! Here are some ways to decorate yours:
5. Bar Signage
A custom chalkboard sign, a customized acrylic sign, or a printed menu sign on your bar is the perfect way to describe your signature cocktail!
6. Cocktail Napkins
Custom cocktail napkins printed with your names, the date, or a cute saying are another great way to make your cocktail hour uniquely yours! Place them on the bar for guests to grab with drinks, or have your wait staff hand them out when they pass hors d’oeuvres.
7. Seating Chart/Escort Cards
You’ll want to set up a display of escort cards or create a sign board that lets guests know what table to sit at during dinner.
Are you planning a formal event where you’re assigning specific tables and specific seats? Then, you can match your escort cards or signage to your place cards.
You can also skip the traditional cocktail hour and reception and turn it into a cocktail reception. Here’s how to make it memorable!
Wedding Reception Decorations
Ready to make your reception venue look incredible? Let’s talk about what you’ll need!
8. Table Numbers
If you’ve assigned guests to specific tables, put a table number on each so they can easily find their seats.
9. Guest Book
Set up a table with a guest book and pens so that wedding guests can sign in. Consider adding other decorative accents if it’s a large guest book table. You could add a tablecloth, vases, lanterns, or other décor that complements your theme.
10. Centerpieces
Every reception table needs a centerpiece. Centerpieces can be small and understated or huge and ornate — depending on your wedding style!
11. Table Décor
Along with centerpieces, decorate your tables with a tablecloth or table runner, chargers, pretty place settings, napkins, champagne flutes, water and wine glasses (glassware), and silverware.
Depending on your venue, dinnerware and linens may be available. If they’re not, you can have some added fun choosing your own!
12. Favor Wall or Favor Table
Turn your wedding favors into décor by creating a playful favor wall! Whether your wedding favors are keepsakes or edible treats, a wall of guest gifts is a fun alternative to a traditional favor table.
13. Chair Décor
Consider adding a slipcover or throw pillow, depending on the type of chairs in your venue. Or add something to the back, such as a floral swag or mini sign, to make your chairs more unique.
If you don’t want to decorate every guest chair, add chair décor to the bride’s and groom’s seats!
14. Flowers
Floral arrangements of all shapes and sizes make for gorgeous decorations! In addition to floral bouquet centerpieces, think about adding:
15. Card Box or Basket
Your lovely guests will need a place to put all their generous gifts. Set up a gift table for presents and create a designated place for envelopes. Vintage suitcases, birdcages, personalized boxes, and rustic wooden totes are all great catchalls for cards and envelopes.
16. Cake Topper
It doesn’t really matter how simple or extravagant your wedding cake may be. With the right cake topper, you can make it an even more unique representation of you and your new spouse.
17. Cake Stand
A cake stand might be unnecessary if you have a huge tiered cake. But if you have a shorter cake, a cake stand is a great way to make it look taller and even more special.
18. Dessert Table Signage
Let your guests know all the deliciousness in store by marking each item on your dessert table with its own little sign.
See also: Our Complete Wedding Signage Checklist
More Decorative Elements to Make Your Day More Gorgeous!
There are sooo many décor items you can incorporate into your wedding day. Below are a few more to make your celebration even more memorable:
19. Lighting
Lighting makes a bold statement! Consider installing chandeliers. Or, think about overhead lighting options, such as fairy lights, Edison bulbs, or string lights.
20. Ceiling Décor
If your wedding venue allows it, suspend décor from the ceiling. In addition to hanging lights, you can add unique flower garlands, playful paper accents, or drapes of fabric.
21. Backdrop for Photos
With people of all ages so active on social media, you could add an Instagram-worthy photo backdrop. Get creative and install a flower wall, a one-of-a-kind balloon display, or a greenery wall with custom neon signage.
If you’re feeling really creative, you can even rent a photo booth for guests celebrating your big day!
No matter your wedding theme or style, it’s easy to find all sorts of decorations to suit your aesthetic.
From the flowers to the table settings to the topper on your cake, every decoration is another opportunity to show your style, create some ambiance, and have the wedding day of your dreams!
Follow Bella Bridesmaids on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more wedding ideas!
