Reception hall decorations

carmony20

The reception sites that we're looking at are basically all big white rooms, there isn't much in our area for unique receptions. So I'm trying to figure out how to decorate the walls or ceilings without spending too much or looking cheesy. I've seen a lot of ideas for hanging fabric or even paper, but I'm afraid we couldn't do that without attaching things to the walls, and that won't work. Any ideas? Is anyone else trying to cover boring walls somehow? Have you seen any great ideas?

~mRm~

How about uplights or spotlights? http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS295US295&q=reception%20uplighting&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

Catwoman708

You can always do soft lighting, draped material, folding screenes, scene-setters, or plants, but to get enough to make a difference, and actually have it look elegant and attractive, you would have to spend a small fortune. So your energy and money will be put to better use elsewhere. Ignore the bare walls, and put all the focus on the tables, by using attractive linens with contrasting topper or runners, eye catching centerpieces, candles, nice place settngs, maybe even chair covers. Move all the tables to the center of the room if possible, in a cozy grouping, as far away from the walls as possible. And make sure you have a few nice "photo op" areas, like the cake table, and head table, where you have an attractive "backdrop" so the photos will look nice. At least make sure there is nothing distracting in the background. Some draped material, a folding screen, a decorated arch, a wall of plants with twinkly light, etc... If the walls are really bare, see if the venue has something that can be borrowed to dress it up, or borrow or rent tall floor plants.

squirrly

We have a big, empty, white tent to dress up.  Ficus trees with twinkly lights (day after Christmas sale, here I come!) and paper lanterns are the current plan.

marcyj

Your wedding coordinator at the facility should be able to suggest some people to work with to decorate.  Otherwise, call a wedding coordinator or a flower shop and see what they suggest.  It's hiring another person, but if it's important to you it will be worth the money.  Remember though.  The lights will be low and the reception hall looks completely different during the day.  Try to get a look at your location in the evening - or at least look at evening pictures which the venue should have. 

shabstx1

We have decided to really do up the centerpieces on the tables to draw attention from other areas.  The centerpieces are 4ft trees...branches only, with silk orchards, hanging crystals, and hanging candles.  To set it off we have about 14 tea lights on each table for up lighting.     We have large trees that will be behind the bride & grooms table with grapevine, ivy and ivory roses entwined, and medium trees mounted in pots to place around the perameter of the room.  These will have twinkle lights in them. Our wedding is October 31, in the Austin area.  If anyone is interested in using these, we'd be happy to pass them on.