WEDDING DECOR essentials
Here at Sue Gallo Designs, we love talking everything pretty! From you florals, stationery and tablescape design, we are here to help you with every detail! It can be a daunting task to put together as you begin to think about ceremony, cocktail and reception. So many details, so little time. But, with team SGD by your side, anything is possible.
Below are some of our must haves when it comes to putting together your design and decor, with some of the essentials for an amazing guest experience! Looking for help with this? Get in touch with us today! We hope you feel inspired!
Ceremony
Let’s start with the ceremony! This is the first area where your guests will see your vision starting to come to life! It can be a big wow factor and it can be so totally you.
You’ll see in this photo taken by Sandra Monaco Photography, that the whites, greens and browns all tie together throughout the space. This backdrop really creates a focal point for you as a couple as you begin to say your vows!
Here are some other things to include and consider when thinking about designing your ceremony space:
Aisle decor and florals
Statement pieces behind ceremony chairs as guests enter
Signage including welcome sign, unplugged ceremony, and any reserved signs for VIP guests at the front!
cocktail hour
As your guests move through your wedding, next up is cocktail hour!
Depending on your space, there are few different things to consider when you begin to design your cocktail space. Here you’ll see a lounge set up that brings in the colour palette from the ceremony and helps to give a unique punch of colour.
Your cocktail hour should be a continuation of the overall look, feel and aesthetic of your day - including your signature drinks!
This can be an inclusion in your signage check list to have a bar sign or a cocktail sign that indications the signature drink for your day. You can then add accenting florals or design pieces to match to help the flow of the overall floral vibe.
Other things to consider for your cocktail hour design?
Welcome table including card box, guest book
Memorial table for those who are unable to attend or are no longer with us
Seating chart (see below for more details!)
Floral accents for cocktail and high top tables throughout the space
Linens for any cocktail tables to accent the colour scheme for your day
Napkins with colours or designs from other signage to tie it all together
Let’s talk about seating charts!
These are so important because you’ve definitely worked hard to ensure everyone sits in the best seat possible, with some people they care most about! You can have your seating chart be shown in a variety of different ways:
Large seating chart with all names either by table or alphabetically
Table cards showcased with a backdrop that matches your design
Table cards on a seating chart table amongst decor individually placed
Escort cards shown either all together, or with a helpful drink or favour alongside it!
reception DETAILS
During the wedding planning process, it’s easy to get lost in all of the exciting details. That’s why we’re starting our checklist with the essentials. Though these aren’t the most fun elements to sort out, they tend to be statement pieces that play an integral role in your wedding reception. Here are the standard decor pieces you should plan before diving into your decor.
First thing’s first, you will need to consider the following items and how they match your overall aesthetic and vibe:
Tables
Reception chairs
Tablecloths
Table runners
Table numbers
Then, you will need to dive into the smaller place setting details for:
Place setting cards & holders
Charger plates — decorative base plates that sit beneath your dinner dishes
Dinner plates
Salad plates
Flatware — salad fork, dinner fork, steak knife, butter knife, teaspoon, soup spoon, cake fork
Glassware — water glass, wine glass, champagne flutes
Napkins & napkin rings
Printed menus
And from there, you can work with your florist to ensure that the centre pieces tie into this overall look and feel for the day, matching colours and accents throughout your space, pulling out the different hues and textures you’ve chosen to put together your table details.
This will also include any candle colours! Using different tones of the same colour for your candles helps to bring everything together.
Vendor Details
Photography SANDRA MONACO | Planning + Coordination LINDSAY PLANK EVENTS | Venue THE EARTH TO TABLE FARM by Pearle Weddingss | Linen, Table Top + Chairs + Furniture SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS | Beauty MAKEUP WORX | Stationery RED BICYCLE PAPER CO. | Cake SWEET CELEBRATIONS
Concept + Design, Styling, Prop Rentals + Florals SUE GALLO DESIGNS