Wedding Ceremony & Reception Decor Upgrades

There is A LOT that goes into wedding planning.  You have a budget to stick to, details to consider, endless vendor options, and timelines to figure out!  Until you've either a) experienced the wedding planning process, or b) worked in the wedding industry, it can be hard to fully comprehend every little detail that goes into planning a wedding since there are so many different moving pieces involved.  Many couples focus on the tiniest of details to make their day unique which I love!  When this kind of thought is put into a wedding I hate to see part of the budget wasted on details that no one notices (just speaking from experience here).  Below I'm sharing some wedding upgrades that are totally worth it!  They'll add even more impact to your wedding photos and your guests will be sure to notice them!

Ceremony Decor

Your guests will "ooh" and "ahh" at a beautiful ceremony location, especially if it's decorated with gorgeous florals that will carry through the rest of your wedding design.  A personalized ceremony space will be one of the first things your guests experience on your wedding day, so why not make it memorable and romantic?  Floral runners paired with candles will never go out of style!  If you're getting married at a church, ask your florist to create arrangements for the pews as well as the door (these floral arrangements can all be reused at your reception on the tables, the bar, or even the bathroom!).

Quick Tip: Florals will dress up any space, no matter how simple or lavish!

Draping

Draping is a great option for any wedding since it adds a level of softness and romance to the atmosphere.  It's also perfect if your ceremony and reception are taking place in the same area.  If you choose to drape the space only for your reception, it will totally change the vibe of the room from what it was during the ceremony.  Draping also creates an intimate setting beneath an open-air tent or another outdoor area.

Special Entertainment

Some of the best parts of a wedding reception are the elements guests don't see coming! Surprise them with a special musical or dance performance (bonus if it includes something unique to your culture or family traditions!).  One of the most memorable wedding receptions I experienced as a wedding guest was a Colombian dance group that performed before the floor opened up to the rest of the guests.  To get the party going during cocktail hour, you can hire a string quartet or bluegrass band to perform some fun and memorable songs!

Lounge Area

While all couples wish their guests would stay on the dance floor all night long, even the partygoers with the highest energy levels will need a break or two!  Give them a place to mix and mingle during your cocktail hour and the reception by using specialty rental items such as couches and other furniture that will flow with the rest of your wedding style and decor.  You can cozy up the space by adding in some throw pillows and votive candles!  Even when your guests are resting, they'll still feel like they're involved in the celebration.

Late Night Snacks

A great time to surprise your guests is at the end of the night when they think the party is winding down.  Liven it up again with some late-night food options from a local food truck.  There are all kinds of food trucks out there, everything from sliders to tacos to waffles and more... the options are endless!  You can also ask your caterer to bring out trays of desserts or munchies (think low-key comfort foods)!  To keep your guests caffeinated, offer a coffee bar with special syrups and toppings to keep everyone's energy levels up so they wish the party would never end!

I hope you found these wedding decor upgrade suggestions helpful!  What are some fun ways you're sprucing up the decor to wow your wedding guests?  Share your suggestions by commenting below!