Want to
know a little secret? Weddings aren’t just about
getting married -- they’re about showing off your
style. Flowers are certainly the easiest and most
dramatic way to perk up a room fast. Rule one:
sweating the often overlooked small stuff -- a
pathway, for example -- will make your site something
special. It’s big-ticket embellishments tied together
with often inexpensive details that really put
the sizzle into your space
1. Match the mood
Whether you’re a city sophisticate or a laid-back
beach bride, your site will influence most of your
design decisions. If you haven’t yet decided on
a decorating scheme, look to elements of the room
for cues. A historic mansion is perfect for an
all-white wedding; a wood-walled ballroom calls
for 1920s elegance. You get the idea.
2. Create a common chord
Many brides shudder at the word “theme,” but we
like to think of it as a subtle touch of style
-- a repeated design element that will make a lasting
and personal impression on the space. Don’t get
stuck on Chinese food containers and lanterns.
A theme can be as loose as your color palette --
a chic, natural way to unite a site. Plus, it will
give you a great focal point to start your planning. |
3. Make everyone look
perfect
Carefully conceived lighting will brighten any
room -- and give your party a dramatic glow. Hire
a lighting designer to focus guests’ attention
where you want it (on the cake table, off an ugly
dance floor). Trust us, it’ll be worth it. Colored
gels will alter the intensity of the light stream
to create a softer, more natural look. Think Cameron
Diaz looks that good under halogen lights?
4. Look up
Stuck with an unsightly ceiling? Cover it up!
Try draping hundreds of tiny white lights, swags
of greenery, or coordinating fabric. Or go for
the gusto and look into renting chandeliers. They’ll
distract from the ceiling and give your room added
radiance.
5. Look down
Don’t let a brown shag carpet dissuade you from
booking your dream space. Hide that floor with
ground-sweeping linens. Or cover it with a nice
rental carpet, or a rented parquet wooden floor. |
