With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’ve got our rose-colored glasses on when it comes to wedding inspiration. Pink wedding color palettes run the spectrum from romantic to vibrant to playful to classic. If you’re considering a dose of pink in your wedding decor, get inspired by these totally swoon-worthy color palettes!
When it comes to reception table styling, the options are endless! Filling long tables can make this task a little daunting with so much space to decorate. A great table runner can be a real wedding décor workhorse, both in the space it occupies and the sense of personality it offers. When you close your eyes, what do you envision beneath your centerpieces and table numbers? Don’t have a clear vision? Get inspired by these 34 creative table runner ideas; there’s something here for everyone!
Crêpe
The crinkled, effortless look of crêpe adds a dose of romantic charm to your table decor and overall reception ambiance. You truly can’t go wrong with crêpe, whether you’re inside or outside, or use the lightweight fabric on your all farm tables in a soft neutral shade or just to highlight your sweetheart table with a bold-hued fabric!
Perfect for celebrations with a rustic or elegant aesthetic, lace provides a bit of vintage texture to your wedding reception. With so many intricate and unique lace patterns to choose from, you can find one that speaks to your personality as couple, or mix it up with a different one on every table!
Whether your reception is indoors or outdoors, a strip of moss down the center of your table achieves a perfectly au natural affect. Complement the moss with other natural accents like driftwood, antlers, fruit and berries, terrariums, and small arrangements of flowers. We also love the addition of a few tall candlesticks to give your look some levels!
It’s no secret that macramé is a huge trend right now. Macramé table runners give your reception a bohemian feel that simultaneously relaxes your guests and impresses them with your attention to detail. Complement your macramé table runner with wildly arranged florals and greenery and an eclectic assortment of vases and tableware.
Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Instead of a table runner and centerpieces, opt for a lush garland of greenery down the center of your farm tables. Coordinate with your florist to select interesting leaf shapes and pairings. Keep it natural and minimalist with a garland of pure greenery, or give your tables a pop of color with a few blooms scattered along the garland!
We’ve got a soft spot for beautiful patterns, and your table runner is a great place to employ them! Throwing a destination wedding? Use local textiles in unique prints to wow your guests. Got an especially bold print? A black and white fabric keeps things from getting too busy with everything else going on in your table décor.
For some brides, a wedding isn’t a wedding without a little sparkle! One of our favorite places to see the glitz and glam is in a sequin table runner. Play with volume in the width of your sequin fabric, size of your sequins, and the space between each sparkly circle.
Looking for even more table décor inspiration? Check out these ideas for what to put on your farm table to make your wedding reception beautifully yours!
In a great venue, your reception décor can take on a life of its own, transforming the space from ceiling to floor with a design that embodies your love. Well-rounded reception designs really bring the wow factor by creating an atmosphere that guests can take in from every angle. While we’ve shared plenty of table décor and even signage inspiration lately, we’re kicking it up a notch with these hanging reception décor ideas to help you go beyond the bunting. Your guests are sure to be starstruck when they walk in and see these dangling beauties!
Reclaimed Wood with Suspended Florals
If DIY projects are your favorite weekend pastime, this suspended statement is for you! Stringing flowers or foliage through found lattices, wooden palettes, or even crates is a great way to create visual interest above your party while also making the ceiling look higher than it is!
Add a burst of color and a modern touch to your reception with folded or cut paper shapes hanging from the ceiling. There’s nothing more one-of-a-kind than something you make yourself, and this DIY décor shows off your personal style unlike any other. For beginner crafters, a mobile of cut paper is easy to achieve. For more advanced makers, try 3D geometric shapes!
If your venue has a lot of room to fill, both in depth and height, floral chandeliers and halos of greenery are a great way to make use of your space! The key to this design element is determining the best distance between structures: do you prefer one large piece over each table or several smaller clusters throughout the room?
If suspended flowers and dangling colors would be overwhelming for your venue aesthetic, glass globes are the sophisticated answer to your hanging needs. Electric candles sparkle against the glass for an elegant look, while air plants are a modern choice with a natural touch.
When it comes to these floral installations, you’ve got to go big or go home! Team up with your wedding planner and florist to design a major statement piece your guests won’t soon forget. Due to their size, placement is key for these epic installations. Utilize this hanging reception decor idea to draw attention to your sweetheart table, the dance floor, or a romantic lounge area to get your guests using the flow of the room.
Which hanging reception decor idea fits your wedding the best? Looking for more wedding décor inspiration? Help your guests find their seats with these unique escort card ideas!
Purple and coral and yellow, oh my! Anna and Dan’s Australian wedding is full of all of our favorite vibrant colors and tons of style. After a particularly beautiful ceremony at Heide Museum of Modern Art surrounded by colorful paper fans, the couple’s reception at Two Ton Max featured amazing DIY paper mobile chandeliers, modern tropical vibes, and quirky décor. Madeline Druce Photography captured Anna and Dan’s day perfectly, including Anna’s killer vintage bridal style!
The most important element of the day was to make it as genuinely ‘us’ as possible. And this had to do with the people we surrounded ourselves with. We wanted to make sure that they had a fantastic time and in turn, that’s what make it so great for us. Our main theme of the day was ‘fun.’
We wanted something that was ‘us’. And around our home, we have plenty of pops of colour, and we wanted to create this at the reception as well. Our key motif for the day was ‘So I Think We Should Taco Truck’ – which was basically the first line I used to ask Dan out.
My favourite photo was just before the ‘first look’, Dan is about to turn around to see me, and Ernest ‘Ernie’ Hemingway- our dog- is trying to get his attention. Ernie’s on his back legs while Dan‘s trying to calm him down. It ended up being a hilariously timed photo with me laughing in the background.
We wanted a wedding venue that worked as a blank slate for us, where we could make the space into something amazing and other-worldly. The other consideration was to choose a venue where it would be easy for people to get home from. There was a train station nearby, as well as being close enough for guests to catch taxis.
We had our ceremony at Heide Sculpture Garden, and had a gorgeous arbour which was covered in brightly coloured fans. This really made it ‘pop’ against the backdrop of a classic Australian landscape behind us.
We got some dresses made up for the bridesmaids which were a very simple summer dress design. We chose the fabric collectively (going for a Sarah Watts design). The guys all wore a Jack London suit, opting for a more slim-fitting mod look.
I wanted to go for a more vintage style- but something that was cute and quirky. Not many people look for a ‘cute’ wedding dress, (as it’s all about being ‘womanly’) but this was exactly what I was after. I found my wedding dress online at Dear Golden. It was the huge bow on the front that really got me! My dress was a vintage dress from the 1950s which was in fantastic condition.
Our photographer, Maddie, was nothing short of amazing. So much so, that two lots of our friends are also using her as their wedding photographer as well! She was unbelievably patient (especially when it came to doing the family photos), and was so gracious and lovely during the whole day.
Honestly, the best thing we did was to get a wedding planner and stylist on board. I understand that this isn’t something that everyone has the luxury of being able to incorporate into their wedding, but this made the whole process totally stress-free and relaxing.
Our wedding colours were made up of bright pinks, purples and green. Chairs were alternating mint, pink and yellow. All up, we used many bright colours!
We DIY’ed the colourful mobiles for the reception. We picked up hula hoops, and many different colours of paper. With some string, we attached triangles of coloured paper to the hula hoop to create a hanging mobile effect. If you’re planning on making something like this, make sure you leave plenty of time to do it- start 3 months prior to the wedding date if possible!
We gave our guests a mixtape of all of our favourite songs in our relationship. It was an absolute ball to put together.
Although Hadley and Philip fell in love in Southern California, they decided to return to Hadley’s hometown to have their Montreal wedding. Wanting a venue that mixed nature and city, the couple wed at the Tour de Lévis, which has breathtaking views of Saint Helen’s Island, downtown Montreal, and the Saint-Laurent river. More than anything else, Hadley and Philip wanted their guests to have a good time at a ceremony that was true to their personalities. As luck would have it, they all got to enjoy the intimate celebration while watching the fabulous fireworks displays of the Montreal International Fireworks competition.
If you make sure everyone knows the vibe you’re going for – and surround yourself with people who know you and understand your aesthetic – you can relax a little more on your wedding day.
We wanted to feel as close to nature as possible, while being in the city. My sister found the Tour Lévis in Montreal and it was perfect. Tree lined hilltop in the middle of Parc Jean-Drapeau with views of the city – and on a fireworks night to boot!
I made directional signs using white paint and roof shingles. The guests had to walk up a bit of a hill through the woods to get to the venue, so along the way they were enticed with signs pointing them towards “Oysters” and “Fireworks” and “Dancing.”
We had the ceremony outside and had an eclectic mix of blankets, chairs and picnic tables for people to sit on. A few friends read excerpts from literature. The whole thing was very brief but entirely personalized.
We wanted a secular ceremony, and for it to feel as intimate and meaningful as possible, so we had our best friend Graeme and my sister Morgan officiate for us together.
The speeches from our best friends and my father during dinner were surreal. The hours and hours of dancing were also very memorable!
Dancing the night away under a sky full of fireworks seems like a perfect way to end the night! Planning a villa wedding of your own? Check out this thoughtful French wedding at Majestic Chateau in Saint-Privat-des-Prés, France.
As 2015 settles in, modern vintage is becoming one of our favorite wedding styles of the year. Nothing compares to vintage romance, and when paired with contemporary elements and clean lines, the wedding album is guaranteed to be breathtaking. Catherine and Chika’s San Francisco wedding was held at a log cabin, which is pretty much the coolest venue we can think of. Photographer Madeline Druce captured the most captivating images of the impeccable wedding styling, as well as the lovely and dark wedding portraits of the newlyweds in the nearby greenery.
We had a vintage modern log cabin wedding. The flowers were blush, peach, reds and cream, and the bridesmaid dresses were navy.
The Moments:
The ceremony itself was my absolute favorite part of the day. It was breathtaking to walk down the aisle with my dad with the view of San Francisco behind all of our guests that came from near and far to take part in our day. Standing with my husband saying our vows to each other is a moment I’ll never forget.
My favorite part of the decor was the light box my husband built to hold our escort cards. The escort cards were vintage slides of bay area urban and nature images.
The Couple Recommends:
All of our vendors were excellent. Our photographers were patient, professional and took the most gorgeous pictures. Our coordinator was organized made every detail turn out just right. The paella was delicious, the DJs played a great selection of soul tunes on vinyl, and the flowers were just amazing.
A special thanks to Madeline Druce for sharing a glimpse into Catherine and Chika’s enchanting San Francisco wedding. For more San Francisco wedding inspiration, be sure to check out Abigail and Nick’s City Hall Wedding.
Ceremony arches continue to be a favorite trend in wedding decor, and 2018 has been the best yet for inspiration! We’re seeing more couples add unique twists to the shape and design of their ceremony arch to make it fit their style and stand out from anything we’ve seen before. From a-frames to cascading florals to shapes that redefine the idea of a traditional “arch,” we’re so impressed with the ways couples are reimagining this classic decor piece. So, without further ado, here are the ceremony arches that have made the biggest splash in 2018 — and, we imagine, will keep popping up all year long!
The day you ask your bridesmaids to stand beside you at your wedding is filled with butterflies and emotions. They are the group you’ll count on throughout the entire wedding planning process. They will help in any way needed and spend whatever is necessary to make your big day perfect. Before you get too far into the details, take a moment to remember one important thing: your bridesmaids are people with their own jobs, responsibilities, and budgets. Many of them may not be able to spend hundreds of dollars for your wedding without making sacrifices in other parts of their lives—they also might not admit it. Rather than put anyone in an uncomfortable budget situation, consider these tips for saving your bridesmaids money.
The mismatched bridesmaids trend is stronger than ever and doesn’t look like it’ll be fizzling out anytime soon. Not only does this option add a fresh and modern look to your wedding, but it’s more budget-friendly than choosing one dress from one store. Plus, it removes the stress of trying to pick one style that fits different body types.
The mismatched trend doesn’t just apply to dresses—it includes shoes! Some of your bridal party might love to rock heels while some might feel their best wearing flats. Keep your bridesmaids comfortable for the entire day with shoes that fit their style, personality, and budget.
To create some uniformity, you can choose one color or tone in a specific finish—satin, matte, etc—and let them choose the style. That way they can find shoes in their price range, wear a pair they already own, or borrow from a friend. Not sure where to start? Nude is always a safe color option and will look great with just about any dress your girls choose.
If they need a store to start looking for inspiration, we love Nordstrom. They offer many styles in various price ranges.
The sweetest way to show your bridal party some extra love is with a thoughtful bridesmaid gift. While something purely sentimental or novel might be your first thought, consider giving your bridesmaids an item that they can wear on the wedding day and beyond. This could include a cute and comfy getting ready look or accessories that complete their wedding day look, such as a necklace, bracelet, or wrap. This takes at least one important item off their must-buy list and will be something they cherish for years to come. Whatever gift you choose, don’t forget to include personalized thank you cards to let them know how much you appreciate their love and support!
Professional hair and makeup can cost each bridesmaid anywhere from $75 -$200, which can be a total budget buster. Most folks are capable of doing their own makeup and could totally pull off one of these romantic half-up hairstyles or even a pretty braid. Perhaps you even have a beauty guru friend who could help out.
If you decide you want everyone to get their hair and makeup professionally done, you should offer to pay for it. If you can afford to pay for hair/makeup and a bridesmaid gift, more power to you! But if you have to choose one or the other, consider opting to take the burden off your bridesmaids’ budgets.
Your bridesmaids have to buy dresses and shoes, plan and pay for a bachelorette party and shower, pay for travel and accommodations, and volunteer a significant amount of their time for pre-wedding events. Yikes, that’s a long list of pretty substantial and fantastic gifts! Rather than expecting them to buy something off your wedding registry, assure them that their presence is the only present you need. Besides, your guests will have the registry covered.
Some of your bridesmaids might feel guilty showing up to events empty-handed, so let them know early on in the planning stages that you don’t expect a gift. Not only will they appreciate the sentiment, but it’ll open up their budget for other things—like an epic bachelorette party!
Between the wedding shower, the bachelorette party, the rehearsal, and the actual wedding day, travel expenses can add up quickly. Consolidate some of those events to the same weekend to cut down on the number of plane tickets, hotel rooms, or tanks of gas your bridesmaids need to buy. Ask your Maid of Honor to pick one city for both the wedding shower and the bachelorette party so they can take place on the same weekend—or even the same day.
If the events can’t line up, suggest that the bachelorette party be the night before the wedding rehearsal so your bridesmaids can simply come in a day early for the wedding weekend. Whether you’re able to consolidate events or not, it’s important to be supportive and flexible if a bridesmaid cannot attend every event. She’ll be there for the most important day, which is what really matters.
As you look for accommodations for your out-of-town bridesmaids, keep budget-friendly options at the top of your list. If you’re going the hotel route, thoroughly research options around the city and choose the most reasonable ones. Then reach out to the hotel to negotiate a room block discount or keep an eye out for discounted rates that pop up.
If you want an even less expensive option for your guests—or just your bridal party—check out listings on Airbnb or VRBO. You and your bridesmaids can split a large rental house the night before the wedding, which would be cost-effective for everyone and give you much more space to get ready in the morning. If you want to be super generous—and have space—you could even offer your place while they’re in town for the best slumber party ever.
Brides shouldn’t get to have all the fun when it comes to getting dressed for their wedding, which is why we’re focusing on killer groom style! It’s easy to see why patterned groomswear is a major trend this year — it’s a total showstopper! Guys are done being left in the dark when it comes to their wedding day fashion choices, so we’re here to inspire with 33 grooms who took their outfit to the next level with a punch of print. See something you love? Shop your favorite styles right here in this post!
You and your bridesmaids may have all your dresses fitted, tailored, and ready to go, but have you thought about what to wear before zipping them on? While getting ready looks may not sound too important, if you’ve hired your photographer to snap photos while you’re in hair and makeup, you’ll want to put a little thought into what you wear before walking down the aisle! Think comfy, cute, and photogenic when selecting getting ready looks for you and your bridesmaids. Need some inspiration? Scroll on to see our picks!
Robes
Want to feel fancy while you prep for your big day? Matching robes add a dose of elegance to the getting ready room as you sip champagne and get your hair done! Pro tip: don’t forget to steam the robes ahead of time for flawless getting ready photos! We’ve rounded up the prettiest getting ready robes below!
The most important part of choosing your getting ready look is selecting something that won’t mess up your girls’ hair and makeup when they change into their dresses! Rompers are a cute solution since you can’t take them off over your head anyway. Printed, floral, matching, or mismatched — your girls will love getting ready in rompers! Shop our favorites below!
Like with rompers, button down shirts or dresses solve the problem of not wanting to ruin your hair-do. Go for a comfy look with oversized button downs in chambray or linen, stripes or polka dots, or personalized monograms! Check out comfy-cute options for your girls below!
Got something to say on your wedding day? Say it with a catchy tee or tank! These cute graphic shirts have more personality than your traditional “Bride” or “Wifey” tee — and both you and your girls will totally want to wear them again. Shop below!