Wedding Reception Forum

New Orleans themed wedding? Idea for table decor anybody??

So I'm planning a new orleans themed wedding.  I'm having a hard time trying to figure out color schemes and how to decorate the tables at the reception etc.... I was thinking a tan or beige table cloth with mini black lanterns to light up the table with beige ecuador rose spray for the flower?  I was even thinking the osterage feathers for a centerpiece.  I also want to incorporate the fleur de lis.  I was also going to get mini street signs made for all the different famous streets in NO and use those on each table instead of table numbers. I'm really not too sure.  Can someone help me out?  I want to go for the vintagy french look just like your down in the big easy...But I can't really think of any good ideas

Re: New Orleans themed wedding? Idea for table decor anybody??

  • When I think New Orleans themed, I think Mardi Gras and the colors for that are bright purple, green and gold.

    You might do a Google search, and Google Images search, for New Orleans theme wedding or Mardi Gras theme wedding.  Or even just New Orleans wedding.
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  • When I think Fleur de Lis, I do think a lot of Mardi Gras. If you'd like that type of theme, you may want to use Mardi Gras Krewes as your Table Numbers (Rex, Bacchus, Shangri-La, etc.)

    If you'd like to stay away from the Mardi Gras theme, take a look of pictures of the French Quarter.  I think the cream/beige and black could work.  As for table "numbers" the street signs are a good idea, but you may also want to look at foods N.O. is famous for or maybe influential people... or if you want to do a little research, movies that were filmed in NO.  Or maybe famous landmarks.
  • moslimosli member
    100 Comments
    it really depends on whether you're thinking more "Mardi gras" or "French quarter." from your description, i'm thinking you mean more old classic, elegant - like this. I think your idea with the lanterns would be right on - feathers would work more for Mardi gras.  anything wrought iron, art nouveau, or brick coloured would work with the scheme. I agree with Skiptink that food would be major. when someone says N.O. i think baguette, beignet, etouffee...mmmm....

  • Catwoman708Catwoman708 member
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited June 2010
    New Orleans is not just about Mardi Gras decorations, there is a lot of history in the food, architecture, and decorating styles.  Using food for a touch of N.O. is a great idea, touches of fleur de lis, and charming elements of the old South. 

    I don't know what your budget is, or what your venue is like, but it would be cool to walk into the reception and feel like you are outside at night in a lush private courtyard, with lush sub-tropical plants everywhere, garden urns, wrought iron bistro tables, a dark ceiling with twinkly lights like stars, lanterns on tables, antique lamp posts, etc... 

    Maybe incorporate some magnolias, gardenias, or jasmine into the flowers, centerpieces, or potted flowering azalea plants mixed in with the decorative plants.  Planter box type flowers, or some water features, like a vignette with some plants, and a tabletop fountain or birdbath with water and floating candles or blooms (or small tabletop sized birdbaths).  There are solar powerd landscape lights that have an antique lantern look.  Many of these things can be rented, borrowed, or purchased and re-sold, or re-purposed after the wedding.

    Centerpieces of ornamental iron work, lanterns, ornate antique looking candlestick holders or candelabra, tabletop birdbaths with floating candles or blooms, surrounded by small plants.

       

       

       

      



  • edited June 2010
    A few ideas- Mardi gras colors of green/gold/purple. I did the bouquets for a friends wedding in New Orleans, and we used yellow and purple flowers with some natural folaige and it was lovely.

    For favors, get masks- domino masks, funky ones of different colours

    Table decorations- lots of candles, maybe finding candle holders w/ fleur de lis, with low vase of bright jewel tone colored flowers, and then scatter mardi gras beads along the table for guests to wear and play with when dancing starts. Your beads could be pearls.

    Incorporate the fleur de lis on your STDs, invitations, programs, menu and escort cards. Simple, elegant.

    Hire a second line band for the reception. The bride should have a white parasol, the groom a black one, for dancing outside with the band.

    There's a few ideas for you- have fun!
  • As long as you stay away from Mardi Gras aspects, a NOLA theme could be really nice. 

    I would incorporate it in a couple food items too like beignets, po' boys, crawfish, creole or gumbo. 

    Play some music by New Orleans artists.

    In addition to the street signs, have a picture of a landmark or aspects of architecture found on those streets.
  • Oh, and FWIW, when I think New Orleans, I'm talking more about the architecture and such.  Which it sounds is like what you're going for.  I'd keep the colors on the neutral side lthough you could use some subtle variety.










  • Definitely masks, saxaphones, etc. - vibrant colors including sequins and feathers!
  • I like your ideas so far.  YOu could use Mardi gras colors: purple, gold and green for your colors.  Actually, I'd stick with just purple and gold.  you could have images of different landmarks in new orleans for each table number.  You should have a second line dance at your wedding because it's fun.  
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