How to give this space the wow factor?

atandby · July 2014

I recently posted on another discussion string of how to make a small venue seem bigger. But I decided this needed a separate posting because now I would like to know how to decorate this place to give it a wow factor. I'm so lost, wedding designs are not my thing but my budget cannot afford a wedding planner. Please help!

southernbelle0915 · July 2014

What are your colors and what type of feel do you want for your wedding?

theartistformerlyknownas · July 2014

I personally prefer more understated decorations for weddings. You don't want it to feel like a high school dance. I would try to keep your tables light and airy with light, sheer linens and low centerpieces. If your reception is after dark, lots of candles would be beautiful. I wouldn't do anything to the walls - once the tables and guests are in there, the walls will fade away and you won't notice them if you don't draw additional attention to them.

My venue is similar - high ceilings, but the same floor-to-ceiling dark wood walls (100+ year old country club). We're doing sheer, colored, square overlays on our tables sort of like below (venue provided white floor-length table linens, we're topping them with alternating aqua and antique gold) and small centerpieces somewhat similar to the second picture (clusters of clear glass and mercury glass vases and candles to flicker off the mercury glass).

atandby · July 2014

My colors for my wedding are blush and pale mint. I read somewhere that tall and short centerpieces can work for a small space. The tall centerpieces (contrary to popular beliefs) will make a small space look taller. Thoughts?

theartistformerlyknownas · July 2014

Ehhh...idk if I buy that. I guess it depends how tall.

rooz103 · July 2014

If you're looking for wow factor, I like a mix of tall and short centerpieces, since it's a nice visual variety, but my immediate thought was that it's going to take a little wrangling to get blush and mint to work with that carpet. It might just be my screen, but that looks like red, teal and yellow carpeting...

manateehugger · July 2014

rooz103 said:

If you're looking for wow factor, I like a mix of tall and short centerpieces, since it's a nice visual variety, but my immediate thought was that it's going to take a little wrangling to get blush and mint to work with that carpet. It might just be my screen, but that looks like red, teal and yellow carpeting...

I thought the same thing. Before you charge ahead with a pastel color scheme, I'd take in some swatches to the venue. Blush and mint in that room could look a little off.

I agree about the high (please don't make them a table conversation obstruction though) and low mix of centerpieces. Keep it simple; think about the tables more than anything else.

atandby · July 2014

Even though my colors are blush and pale mint, do you think I can use the attached example for decoration? Do you think it'll clash?

atandby · July 2014

I was going to use more ivory colors since it's so dark. I'm not a fan of the carpet either

atandby · July 2014

Here's a picture of the reception chairs. I don't plan on covering them because it might look like a blanket since the room is kind of small.

southernbelle0915 · July 2014

1) I like your colors and I don't think those colors in the centerpiece pictures clash. They look nice! However, I agree with everyone else to not have the Eiffel tower center pieces - they will obstruct the view and draw the eye upward toward the short ceiling.

2) The chairs are fine - no need to cover. Sometimes covering chairs draws more attention to them.

3) I would use all white linens - everywhere. Including your auxiliary tables.

4) I would stay away from lanterns that hang from the ceiling, if you were thinking of that.

5) I would not do anything with that post in the middle of the room - just make sure people can see you.

I don't think the mahogany is a big deal, personally. The less you try to mess with it, the more it just becomes part of the background. Same with the carpet. Get some tables with crisp, white linens in there and you'll hardly notice it.

As far as a wow factor, I think this depends on your budget. Your sweetheart/head table is probably the biggest focal point so I would make that extra special since that's where people will be looking most of the time. I always think flower pedestals that flank doorways are gorgeous; well decorated cake, guest book, and/or escort card tables; perhaps feature your dance floor corner with fabric panels and uplighting... really it just depends how much you're willing to spend.

theartistformerlyknownas · July 2014

Quick, what color was the carpet at the last restaurant you ate at? The last wedding you attended? Can't remember because you didn't pay attention to carpet?

icecreamS04 · July 2014

1.) Have you considered to have some kind of uplighting? If so, someone experienced with those kind of things might be able to transform the atmosphere into what you imagined. 2.) I second the suggestion of using white linen for tables. 3.) No decor hanging from the ceiling. The room isn't high to begin with, so this might make it look even smaller 4.) Once all the tables are set up and people in the room nobody will pay much attention to the floor anyway, so don't worry about it to much.

zitiqueen · July 2014

You should install a water feature with fish of gold.

WOW factor.

rooz103 · July 2014

Eh, I don't remember the color of the carpet at the last restaurant I went to, but then again they usually go out of their way to make sure things coordinate well. To me, it's akin to noticing how people dress on the street. I won't notice 98% of anyone's outfits, but I will notice if you're working a tutu/feather boa combo. Not judging unless you also try and pair that with crocs, but I'll notice it.

I am in love with the centerpiece ideas though, and agree with PP about white. Can I also upvote the fish thing, because why not?

FiancB · July 2014

Ehh you're overthinking it. Like others said, keep things simple/neutralish and throw in lots of candles and it'll look great. Ceiling draping/lights/uplighting help too but don't go nuts or broke with them.

My space looked so sad and plain the night before but when it was the real deal and the tables were set and the candles were lit, it really did look wonderful.

atandby · July 2014

Thanks all! I'll definitely take all your ideas... maybe minus the fish of gold. But I will do the up lighting for sure!! Much appreciated!

MollyandD · July 2014

FiancB said:

Ehh you're overthinking it. Like others said, keep things simple/neutralish and throw in lots of candles and it'll look great. Ceiling draping/lights/uplighting help too but don't go nuts or broke with them.

My space looked so sad and plain the night before but when it was the real deal and the tables were set and the candles were lit, it really did look wonderful.

I agree with candles. Candles always make me feel wowed. We had candles on the tables and some up lighting around the room at our reception. We had some flowers and things here and there, but really didn't need much more than this.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

I agree with the suggestions of candles. I also am more into the second flower décor option; the tall vase feels like too much and makes the table seem smaller.

With the carpet, I don't like it either, but as mentioned, with the candles and flowers in the venue, I don't think your guests are going to notice.

cupcait927 · July 2014

lolo883 said:

Quick, what color was the carpet at the last restaurant you ate at? The last wedding you attended? Can't remember because you didn't pay attention to carpet?

Threadjacking real quick - FI can remember the color of the carpet in most places. I don't know how, or why, considering he doesn't remember anything else, but he can. I asked him the same question after we toured our venue and he didn't like the carpet. He rattled off carpet color for a wedding we'd been to about a year and a half earlier. I told him it was his issue then. I still can't remember what color the carpet is at our venue and I chose it.

How to give this space the wow factor?

Re: How to give this space the wow factor?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards