Personalizing an array of decoration items can add a unique and memorable touch to the special day.
Wedding designers work with the bride and groom to create their vision for decorations and can share current trends.
Katie Brown, owner of Spectacular Settings in St. Joseph, says popular wedding colors this year are gold sequined tablecloths and table runners or plush pink and navy decorations.
Versatility can allow for decorations of similar colors to be adjusted to design a standalone event.
Here are some tips for planning an individualized wedding:
Pick a color scheme
Usually brides start the process with choosing bridal gowns and coordinate the color palette to compliment those colors. After the bride chooses a basic color scheme, the decorator needs to discuss the vision for the wedding, such as if the couple wants an antique or modern look.
Grace Dahlgren, a local wedding designer, says she enjoys working with brides to create the vision they have for their wedding days and likes to incorporate ideas the bride views online.
“Every bride has their own picture in their mind already of what they would like and it takes a special designer to be able to capture that vision and make it happen,” Dahlgren says.
Consider unique or homemade pieces
Dahlgren says she has collected around 200 mismatched china pieces. She can set up china plates for salad and dessert along with cups and saucers.
“This is about just finding pieces that somebody else doesn’t want anymore and trying to recreate a beautiful purpose for them,” Dahlgren says. “I want to share these items that make any event beautiful.”
She makes candlesticks to use for unique centerpieces on tables with the option of vases, lace backdrops and flower arrangements. In addition, she is collecting formal picture frames that can be used at the name card table.
Choose between self-setup or contract the work out
Shannon Noble, owner of Elevate Your Event in St. Joseph, says the items the bride selects can be set-up and torn-down by the decorator or the couple can set the décor up themselves or have a friend do it at the facility.
Noble is in the process of building a studio in her home and she is focusing on décor item rental. She started with collecting lanterns, candlesticks and glassware.
It is important to verify with the venue owner what dates and times the items must be removed to ensure enough time is allotted to take the items down.
In addition, be prepared to pay a damage deposit at some businesses.
Local companies usually ask for a payment to cover unforeseen losses of items. The funds will be returned if items are returned in reusable condition.
Decide on the centerpieces
The centerpieces set the tone for the reception and allow the designer to step outside the box to showcase the couple’s personal style at each table. The decorations allow for the wedding décor to personalize the experience with flowers, candles, photos and props that coordinate with the overall theme.
It has become popular for couples to mix and match the décor colors and decorate each table differently and allow for its own flare.
To choose the right centerpieces, the couple should consider how they want guests to interact with each other. Tall decorations and vases may block the view across the table while others can serve as an icebreaker.
Make an appointment with the designer
The bride can meet face-to-face with the designer to discuss the reception, wedding ceremony and dinner afterwards.
Noble says she reviews the number of tables and their shapes in order to scale designs and disperse the décor to prevent the room from appearing cluttered.
She also advises couples to remember decorations for the cake and gift tables that can add to the overall feel of the venue setting.
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