Question from Janet:
Help!! I was all set to host a beautiful traditional wedding reception until my daughter announced that she and her fiance wanted a less formal reception. We are now having a Cocktail Reception with a light buffet to accompany the butler style appetizers. We are having an ice sculpture at the bar which will serve a signature drink.
I am having a hard time envisioning the decor. The venue has black table cloths for the cocktail style tables, we have to go with black. We plan to make a runner for the small tables to lighten the pallet. What else can you suggest as far as the decor. I still want to have an ooohhh aahhhh effect. I also want to keep it classy and chic.
Help if you can….thank you.
Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:
Hi Janet. You cannot get classier than black and white, so I would suggest you go with those colours. You don’t mention the colour of the runners or the colours of the bridal party, so I can’t suggest anything more specific in the colour department.
I suggest that you get the wow factor from a dramatic centrepiece that draws the eye when people enter the room. It can be another ice sculture dramatically lit, a water fountain with floating candles in it, a string quartet playing classical music, or a floral display with large trumpet vases that come 3-4 feet in height and have gorgeous flowers flowing out of them. Any of these ideas will create a wow factor.
Another design tip to create a wow factor is lighting. Having subdued lighting (without being too dark) is very elegant. Punches of strong light from inexpensive "uplights" found in any department or hardware store would create drama, especially if they are used to backlight a floral arrangement, or a food station. People will look where there is more light, so having lighting strategically placed at beverage and food stations would be appropriate, as long as the light doesn’t highlight the food/beverages. Subtlety is the key.
If you are having floral bouquets on each table, or floral bowls with a candle, placing them on top of a mirror square is a lovely touch also. The mirror will reflect the light from the candles, adding an elegant touch. Mirror squares are inexpensive and can be purchased from any hardware or DIY store.
Wedding tulle or sinamay mesh wrapped with mini light garlands will create a fairytale effect in subdued lighting. If you click on wedding reception decorations you will find these items and a number of additional ideas. Look at bridal magazines and analyse the decor in the pictures. You will get more ideas there.
Feel free to email again if you have any other questions.
Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert
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