Your wedding decoration guide

Having a vision for your wedding is a must but turning it into a reality requires planning and innovation. Bringing your vision to life on a budget is possible when you focus on the right elements. From table decorations to lighting, you’re able to execute every element of your vision and create the wedding day you’ve always dreamed of. Take a look at this wedding decoration guide for tips to make the most of your big day.

One of the simplest ways to make an impact with your decorations is with the wedding reception tables. Guests will spend most of their time seated at a table, so this will form the basis of their impression. Elements to consider for the table decorations include linens, table runners, placemats, plates, crockery, cutlery, table numbers, menus, candles and/or other lighting options, and since it’s a wedding, table flowers can be more opulent than usual. While this sounds like a big spend, you can rather focus on the bridal table and recreate more minimal versions on the guest tables. For linens, crockery, cutlery and other table decorations, visit @home in Canal Walk or any of our other decor stores.

Flowers are a vital part of your wedding decorations. From the ceremony to the reception and the bridal bouquet, flowers are the ideal way to bring your wedding theme to life. But this is also where costs can start to skyrocket. If you plan on having many table centrepieces and floral arrangements, consider using a few vibrant flowers and filling the rest of the arrangement with leaves, shrubbery or fynbos. This way, your floral arrangements will look full and visually appealing without spending thousands on bouquets of roses. Visit Canal Walk and pop by Ilhaam's Flowers or Foxglove Studios for everything from wedding centrepieces to bouquets and create breathtaking floral designs.

Your wedding programmes, table numbers and menus can make or break the coherence of your theme. Think carefully about the overall feeling your wedding should evoke. Should guests experience it as formal, rustic, modern or vintage? Your wedding programmes and other stationery provide the perfect opportunity to communicate this.

While often overlooked, wedding pictures need to be considered when crafting your overall wedding design. Whether you have a photo booth, a professional photographer or couple pictures displayed decoratively, make sure they correlate with your theme and colour scheme. For a photo booth, include flowers or decorations in the same style as the rest of your decor. With a professional photographer, discuss whether your wedding theme is modern, vintage or otherwise and request the photos to match this.  Make sure you head to Superfoto to explore their photographic and printing services.

The final touch to your wedding’s appearance is the lighting. With many options available, the choice is dependent on your theme and budget. For example, a winter wedding can feature blue lighting against the walls for an icy edge, while a more traditional or vintage theme will call for candles. Find the balance when placing the lighting – not too dark yet light enough for photographs.

Decorating your wedding ceremony and reception venue is arguably the most enjoyable part of the planning process. The possibilities are endless and with some careful thought, you can bring your dream wedding to life without breaking the bank. Start sooner rather than later and you’ll have more than enough time to craft your vision and pay attention to detail. Remember to have fun and tap into your creativity!

 Be the best guest at a wedding 

 Bridesmaids duties, dresses and dimes

Groom's ultimate wedding guide