Your Wedding Decor Checklist
Wedding decor is arguably the most fun to buy, but can quickly become wildly overwhelming. There are tons of different ideas out there, your venue will have things they do and don’t provide, your mother will be garage-sailing for you, you’ll be gathering all the hand-me-downs from people who had their wedding, you’ll see a clearance sign at target and go wild, etc. It gets to be a lot and you’ll want to create a list to keep yourself organized and on budget.
It’s best to think about your decor needs in sections - Getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. What do you need for each of these sections and will anything get double use out of it?
There is a PDF printout at the bottom of the page to print and take with you if needed!
Getting Ready Areas
Detail shots for your photographer
Props for photos, robes, sparklers, champagne, sunglasses, etc.
Ceremony
Anything to direct the guests- Welcome signs, rows of lights, etc.
Aisle decor
Arch decor
Chair Decor
Runner
Welcome gifts, drinks, and little items (like tissues, fans, timelines, etc)
Unity ceremony needs
Ring boxes or pillows for ring bearer
Flower girl items like a basket, petals, etc
Vow books
Flowers:
Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, etc.
Cocktail Hour
A place for those bouquets to go (double use)
Cocktail table centerpieces
Decor at the bar, like flowers or signature cocktail signs
Drink accessories like custom napkins, straws, stirrers, etc.
Games or activities, like date night cards or your guestbook
Food table decor if needed
Bathroom decor
Memorial table
High-top tables if your venue doesn’t offer
Lounge area needs
Reception
A tent if needed
Draping if needed
Hanging installations
Seating chart
Centerpieces
Chair or tablescape decor, like covers or linens, how you decorate each placing,
Food table decor
Cake/dessert decor like stands, toppers, etc
Sweetheart table or head table
Chair decor for the married couple
Any signs you’ll need for things - like table numbers, where the bathrooms are, explaining how to use a photobooth, menu items, etc
Any activities
Dance floor
Lighting needs, like uplighting or string lights, etc
Favors or thank you’s
Gift and card box
Random tips about decor:
Think about the decor needs individually AND collectively - will each piece add to the collective theme you have? Don’t go buying rose gold items because they’re cute when you have all silver theme plans
What can you buy in bulk?
See if your venue has any decor inventory
Research if renting is better than buying - also if DIY is more affordable
Come up with a storage plan on how you’re going to keep all these things, prep them for set up, and prep them for clean up. I suggest using clear bins with good labels so everyone knows what’s inside
Get on Facebook markets and bridal groups to take advantage of 2nd hand stuff
Finding a nicely decorate venue helps with the decor budget
Ask yourself before you buy - do you actually need this thing for your wedding?
Consider double-use decor items to get the most bang for your buck
Download and print the Wedding decor checklist below!
BONUS: If you are wondering how much to budget for decor items check out my recent blog on Budgeting for your Wedding Day- Decor!
Happy Planning!!
Lynea
TheWeddingTalk.com
