The date is set, the dress is ready, and the invites have been shipped. But have you planned your wedding venue decorations yet? Decor sets the tone for a wedding. It’s the first thing your guests notice, and it leaves a lasting impact when done right.
Unfortunately, interior design doesn’t come naturally to most, and chances are, decor is the last thing on your mind. If that’s the case, Vivaldi Venues is here to help.
Our event venue and banquet hall in Los Angeles have hosted weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and various other kinds of events. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on decorating your wedding venue. How do you ensure your decor is functional yet aesthetic? Upscale yet within budget? Let’s take a closer look.
Wedding Venue Decor: What to Consider
Even if you don’t have years of experience in event planning decorations, don’t worry. Planning decor is easy enough, provided you start planning well in advance and follow certain best practices. Consider these points, for instance:
Understand the Venue
First, understand your space.
Visit your choice of venue in Los Angeles during different times of day to see how natural light affects the vibe. Take note of features that can enhance your decor — things like exposed beams or columns can become focal points rather than obstacles.
Remember it’s always better to work with your venue’s existing style than try to reinvent it. If you’re having a beach wedding, for instance, include plenty of blues, whites, and beiges to match the surroundings. Similarly, for weddings at large event venues in Los Angeles, go big when you decorate your wedding venue.
Balance Functionality with Aesthetics
When planning reception venue decoration ideas, remember beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of practicality. Guests need to move freely, servers need clear paths, and everyone should be able to see the ceremony. This is especially important when working with a small or medium-sized venue in Los Angeles, where space optimization is key.
Decide and Stick to a Theme
When deciding how to decorate a wedding venue, consistency is crucial.
Choose a theme that reflects your personality as a couple and stick with it throughout. Whether you’re going for romantic vintage, modern minimalist, or boho-chic, your choice can help guide every decision. So, if you’re ever torn between two decorations for a wedding venue, simply ask which one better supports your overall vision.
Plan for Different Areas
No matter whether you’re hosting a massive party or a micro-wedding, each area must be accounted for appropriately. To do so, consider how guests will move through your space.
An ice sculpture may seem like the right choice for the entrance, but may not work so well when placed around the tables, as it could leak all over the floor. Similarly, it’s not worth blowing all your budget on the ceremony area if guests are only planning to be there for 20 minutes. Instead place your best decorations in the dining area.
What Parts of the Wedding Venue Need Attention
With basic considerations out of the way, it’s time to dive into the specifics. What areas of the venue should you focus on when planning event decorations?
Altar and Aisle
During the actual wedding, all eyes will be peeled on the altar and aisle. It’s crucial to get the wedding venue decorating right. You could decide to create a stunning backdrop using draping fabric, floral arches, or even water fountains. For the aisle, consider petals, lanterns, or simple floral arrangements that won’t obstruct the view.
Table Linens and Centerpieces
Tables are the foundation of reception decor. Choose linens that complement your theme, as well as the other wedding venue decor. If you struggle to pick the right colors, consult one of the many color palette matching tools online.
When it comes to centerpieces, too, it’s choices galore. You could have lush floral arrangements, vibey lanterns or lamps, or more theme-specific displays. Whatever you decide, ensure that your guests can still see each other across the table.
Entrance Decor
First impressions matter. Don’t forget to transform your entrance with a welcome sign, floral arrangements, or displays that match your theme. The entrance is also the perfect spot to place a guest book, where loved ones can leave messages for the happy couple.
Lighting
Lighting can transform an event space from ordinary to extraordinary. String lights, candles, uplighting, or projected monograms on floors can create ambiance that photographs beautifully, as well as set the tone for the night.
Don’t Forget About Special Areas
Even small venues in Los Angeles can feel empty and impersonal when space isn’t used correctly. To make the most of your venue, consider including a few specialty areas that match the vibe and decor you’re going for.
Think photo books, grand bars, lounge areas, and more. After you calculate catering portions, you could also decide to supplement meals with a snack station.
Tips for Decorating a Wedding Venue Within Budget
The best decor isn’t necessarily the flashiest. Sometimes simple, elegant touches create the most memorable atmospheres. If you’re working on a tight budget, here are some ways to balance costs and aesthetics.
Craft DIY Decor
Creating your own decorations can save significant money while adding personal touches. Consider making your own centerpieces, welcome signs, or fabric arrangements. Start early and enlist help from creative friends and family members.
Shop Secondhand
Many wedding venue decoration ideas can be executed with vintage or secondhand finds. Antique vases, vintage books, or old linens add character while keeping costs low. This approach works especially well for couples planning intimate celebrations.
Rent Don’t Buy
When working with large event venues in Los Angeles, renting decor is more economical than purchasing it outright. Rental companies offer everything from linens to lighting and more. Plus you won’t even need to worry about storage after the event.
Think Outside the Box
Consider unconventional simple wedding venue decoration ideas that create impact. You could, for instance, create floral arrangements out of paper, or use natural elements like branches and stones to create stunning displays.
Match the Season
Use seasonal elements to your advantage. Fall weddings can incorporate pumpkins and autumn leaves, while spring celebrations can feature local blooms. This approach to decorating your wedding venue ensures everything stays on theme and affordable.
Speak to the Experts at Vivaldi Venues
Planning wedding reception venue decoration ideas can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Vivaldi Venues, we’ve helped countless couples transform their vision into reality — whether it’s helping create a wedding floor plan for 100 guests, or through our premium catering in Los Angeles.
Ready to start planning? Contact Vivaldi Venues today to discuss your ideas and we’ll help you create the perfect atmosphere for your unforgettable day.
