Wedding Reception Decoration Ideas

.....that won't break your budget!

Wedding reception decoration ideas are those little details, that bring the personality and unique touches to your wedding.

Whether you are looking for beach wedding reception ideas, or a reception in a hotel's ballroom or restaurant, the decorations and flowers you decide upon will be the things your guests will remember.

Here are some wedding reception decoration ideas to make your wedding reception stand up and take notice... whatever your budget is.

Your tables don't have to be round:

One of my favorite wedding reception decoration is making a unique space where it matters, and where else but where your guests will be eating!

If you want to branch out of the traditional circle tables, there are a few ways to do this and still create an intimate seating arrangement.

Having one long reception table is beautiful especially for a beach wedding outside, or if your reception room is long it would feel crowded with round or square tables.

Arrange four 6-8 foot tables in a cross pattern with a large potted tree or flowers in the center instead of many small centerpieces is a way to cut extra centerpiece costs.

Don't underestimate the power of lighting:

The right lighting can make even a drab place magical and it's one of the most important wedding reception decorations you can have, particularly if yours is an evening or inside reception.

How?

Use your wedding colors in the lighting to create a dramatic entrance. "Up lights" behind silk plants, trees or floral arrangements is a dramatic and inexpensive option.

Here are some examples for a tent wedding reception decoration ideas


The lighting at this reception is so dramatic and easy with christmas lights hung behind sheer fabric, it almost doesn't look like a tent.	Hanging lights or crystal chandeliers look stunning in a outside wedding tent to create a romantic look from otherwise plain surroundings.	Taking simple candelabras and turning them into tall centerpieces is easy to do with flowers and candles so your guests can still see each other

Plus, don't forget soft lighting on the table, such as small at each place setting or put mirrored glass rocks in vases with candles nestled on top for a sparkling glow.

Small hurricane lamps along a table runner is another inexpensive way to create ambiance and helps flatter your guests in the candle's glow. (An added perk they will love)

Need ideas and guidance on how to choose a reception venue? Read these questions to ask as you look. - Wedding Reception Ideas

Wedding reception decoration ideas for menu presentation:

Although your guests may have an idea of what you're serving through their response cards, it is a nice touch to display a menu as the guests enter the reception area. This doesn't mean it has to be a boring menu card.

How?

For a beach wedding, you could write the menu on a large clam shell and write the menu inside the shell displayed on a table with flowers and glitter.

Or, write in calligraphy in gold or wedding color ink the menu on a special presentation plate or for a more casual beach wedding, a colored metal sand pail.

Clam shells, mango or sand dollars are great for name place cards and ties in your beach wedding theme.

Wedding reception decoration ideas to Twist Tradition:

Who says you need to stick to tradition down to the letter? incorporate your own ideas and tweak tradition to your style.

How?

If putting the single girls on the spot is not what you have in mind for throwing your bouquet, how about giving a bouquet to the couple married the longest? Ask them to offer some tips on how they've stayed married so long.

Instead of an ordinary guest book that will be put away, you could find a large coffee table book that reflects you and your new husbands interests and ask guests to write some words of wisdom that you can prominently display as a keepsake.

Wedding reception decoration ideas for table centerpieces don't need to cost a fortune:

If you want to branch out of the traditional (and expensive) floral centerpieces, you could create a unique look with tall glass cylinders filled with beach glass or shells and simple candles nestled on top.

Or, the cylinders can be filled with fruit and colored water with a simple floating votive candle or large blossom on top- which is one of my favorite wedding reception decorations, because it's so easy and affordable.

Wedding reception decoration ideas for wedding colors

Wedding colors play a key role. Remember to weave your wedding color palette throughout the reception. This can be done by getting colored linens instead of using the standard hotel or restaurant ones; or serve cocktails in your wedding colors.

Check out the wedding colors link for more tips and ideas.

Get personal and display history:

Your history that is. Hang pictures from a low ceiling or off tree branches of you both as children and throughout your dating days. Your wedding reception decorations can be tailor made for your history and personality this way.

Or, display these framed photos on the guest tables with small cards and pens for your guests to write their favorite memories of you both. It's a great touch to add to a wedding scrapbook later on.

Remember, your reception decorations don't need to be plain or expensive, just be creative and use your money to decorate for your reception where it counts, which will be in the table centerpieces and head table.

While you're planning your beach wedding, be sure you also have a wedding website for your guests to be updated on your wedding, directions, photos etc...You can build your own wedding website now. 7 day free trial (no credit card required)

Check out the links below for more unique ideas for your ceremony and wedding reception decorations:

Need more ideas on your wedding decoration? check out Fall Wedding Decorations and Winter Wedding Decorations
If you're just beginning to plan your wedding read our "How to plan a Wedding" page to get started.
For more information specifically on Beach Theme Weddings and the unique ways to plan for one.
Need more ideas to personalize your wedding? Check out our Unique Wedding Ideas pages
Some ideas and tips on Wedding Arch Reception Decorations
If you are forced to carry out all this wedding planning on a limited budget, check out our Homemade Decorations for Wedding Receptions project.