Monday, December 15, 2008

Decorations: Turning a Bare Hall into a Festive Wonderland

Decorating for your reception can be one of the most intimidating projects you'll tackle for your wedding. Turning a bare hall into a festive wonderland or stamping your own personality on an already decorated banquet hall can be quite a challenge.

First envision the look you want. Do you want a soft Victorian look with pastels or an upbeat contemporary look with black and white? Today's brides are decorating their reception sites as elaborately and elegantly as budgets allow, and with a style and flair unheard of a decade ago.

Renovating your reception site can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Barring any restrictions on decorating, it is possible to achieve any unique look within your budget. Make sure you ask plenty of questions at the reception site before you select any decorations

When you select a reception site, it is essential that you find out what items the site has on hand and what items you will need to provide. There are many local party rental and decoration companies to service your reception needs.

Don't choose decorations that will clash with your reception site. A fancy ballroom might be overwhelmed with too many decorations or a bare hall might come alive with a little creative decorating. For a garden wedding use a more casual country theme than a reception in a grand ballroom.

Add lively touches with little white lights, greenery, fabric bunting, cascades of ribbons, floral garlands and topiary trees. Don't forget about the bridal, cake and gift tables. Use multilayered table linens, pinned up with bows, in your wedding colors to make them stand out.

Try doing something a little different with ice sculptures. It's a sure way to add an elegant touch. Find out if your reception hall creates ice sculptures or if you need to hire someone to bring it in. Many sculptors will let you make up your own personalized design to customize the sculpture to your wedding. Ask the sculptor about special bases, accent lighting, and pick up and delivery times. The sculpture should be set up about an hour before your reception starts to assure that it won't start melting too soon. Also have the sculptor get in touch with your florist to coordinate the ferns and flowers at the base of the sculpture with your other floral decorations.

Use your imagination to create table centerpieces. Use mirrors, flowers, balloons, floating candles, anything that enhances your tables and the mood you want to create.

Rental companies are a good source of ideas when it comes to decorating your site. Most of them will have items that you'd love to have for your wedding but just can't afford to buy, such as silver candelabras, china, lovely stemware, or color-coordinated linens. Some other popular choices are:

  • Arches
  • Canopies
  • Gazebos
  • Guest book stands
  • Aisle runners
  • Wishing wells
  • Chairs
  • Tables
  • Platforms
  • Flatware
  • Champagne fountains
  • Portable bars
  • Dance floors
  • Table Skirting
  • Serving equipment
Keep in mind that a rental company can do much more to set the tone of your reception than simply provide extras. For example, the china and flatware will complement each other and the total mood of the reception. If you've always liked the romantic look of lace tablecloths, a rental company can give you several patterns from which to choose.

Tents are becoming increasingly popular as another alternative to a rented hall or church. With the beautiful parks and historic areas in Northeast Ohio why not have your ceremony or reception in a tent? Tents are not what they used to be. With new technology they come with chandeliers, hardwood floors, arches, bathrooms, air conditioning and heating. Your rental company can answer any questions you may have.

If the tent is in your backyard contact your homeowners insurance to get insured for one or two days while the tent is up. If it's on public property, make sure they carry the necessary insurance.

Having an outdoor ceremony or reception? Renting a tent in case of rain is a smart idea.

When selecting a rental company, discuss in detail the total color scheme and style of your wedding. Encourage suggestions. The experts should have lots of good ideas.

When selecting a rental company, find out if there will be delivery charges, set-up and take-down costs, when the equipment is due back, and who is responsible for cleaning and returning the equipment. Make sure that if you can't get it back on the day that you agreed upon, that you make arrangements with the rental company or they will charge you for every extra day.

Be aware that when your equipment is delivered, it will be unloaded near the truck. Rental companies usually have many deliveries to make before wedding weekends, and they simply don't have the time to move equipment for you unless it is scheduled in advance. If you want it carried into the house or to the back yard you must notify the rental company in advance and there may be an extra charge.

Most companies require a 25% deposit when an order is placed and cash on delivery. During the summer months rental equipment is in high demand, so try to select a rental company at least four to six months in advance. Confirm exact times of delivery and pick-up the week before to be sure you have everything necessary for a successful and memorable day.

If you're not looking for elaborate decorations but still want to dress up your reception hall and give it a party atmosphere, balloons are the right decoration for you. Balloons can economically decorate a larger area than flowers alone, and their possibilities are endless.

Balloon companies can design arches to span doorways and the bridal party table. Balloons also can supplement or replace flowers as center pieces on the guest tables. Scatter balloons on the dance floor to make the place look festive. You might want to consider a balloon sculpture for a unique touch. Ask your consultant about the different ways you can use balloons within your budget to design a creative balloon scheme.

Another new use for balloons are the balloon machines. They can put flowers, teddy bears, almost any decoration you want inside clear balloons for unique centerpieces.

When you order your balloons, be sure to buy enough for consistency in pictures. Ask the consultant to go with you to the site to get a better idea of what you'll need. Balloons come in almost every color possible, so it's easy to coordinate them with your color scheme.

Try to picture the reception site when it is completely decorated. Balloons are a wonderful decorating tool, but be careful not to overdo it. Make it festive, not a balloon jungle.

Besides your reception, don't forget about bridal showers, bachelor parties and the rehearsal dinner. Balloons are a great way to enhance any festive occasion.

Balloon releases are also a popular option for after the ceremony. Instead of throwing rice or birdseed when the couple leaves the church, each guest releases a helium-filled balloon.

Talk to several balloon companies before you decide, and ask plenty of questions. Make sure the company uses balloons made only of natural latex, which is biodegradable and easy on the environment. Also for environmental reasons the balloons should be hand-tied instead of sealed with a metal clip.

Find out what other services the company provides and what their charges are. Are delivery, set-up, and clean-up included? Is there a rental charge for the balloon sculpture frames?

Plan ahead to secure your date with the balloon company. Elaborate decorating will require more time and planning. Most companies usually require four to six months notice.

With a clear picture of what you want in mind and the help of a decorator with an established name who can guarantee quality service, you can achieve the desired look for your reception. This is your opportunity to make your big day truly unique.

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