Decoration is one of the most involved portions of your wedding planning, so it's a good idea to start early. If you're working with a person or team at your New Jersey wedding location, they may have a dedicated decorator who already knows the spaces and may have thoughts on what look will wow you and your guests. Your wedding planner or florist may also be able to help you create and realize your special wedding day vision. Careful planning and coordination will ensure your decorations are beautiful and appropriate to your themed wedding. Overall, the personal touches should be defined by the bride and groom to make it unique and lovely.

With so many local specialty shops in New Jersey, you might find it overwhelming at first. Begin with a list of colors you might want and go from there. Your options are endless, but your budget might not be. Here are some tips to deciding on your perfect wedding theme or decor.

Wedding Decoration Basics

There are a number of different types of decorations to consider. Are centerpieces filled with your favorite flowers a good choice for your guests? Will your guests be able to see each other across the tables? Will there be a sparkling ice sculpture of heart-shaped swans to greet your guests, or will your warmer season call for sculptured melons and refreshing drinks instead? Before choosing your wedding decorations, consider:

• Color, motif or wedding theme: match your decorations to your chosen bridal style and the season. A seasonal autumn motif is wonderful for a New Jersey wedding, which is home to a beautiful display of fall foliage each year.
• Location and available space: How many guests will be attending your ceremony and reception, and how much space will you need to accent with your decor? Just the right amount is what you want, of course. Remember that more is not always better. Your decorations are the frame for your ceremony and reception -- let them add to your wedding, rather than overpower it.
• Advice from your wedding professionals: your wedding planner and florist may be able to help you decide on the decorations appropriate to your reception and ceremony locales.
• Your decorating style and budget: how lavish and expensive do your want your decorations to be? You can do a lot with very simple items such as wildflowers, linens, and candles. Remember that your parting gifts can be included in the decoration layout, and can reduce the expense of the centerpieces.

Wedding Decor Options

Once you have a basic idea, you can begin to explore the many decorating options available to the modern bride. These include:

• Centerpieces -- coordinated through your wedding planner or florist. Consider using your parting gifts in them, and making sure your guests can see one another.
• Freeze-dried or fresh flower petals -- sprinkled on tabletops or up and down the aisle.
• Candles -- floating in glass bowls with flower petals give a particularly nice, soothing effect.
• Balloons -- black, white, gold and silver are the most popular colors, but many brides also choose to add their favorite pastel shade. Your decorator or florist may be able to help you choose appropriate colors, amounts, and locations for these floating beauties. Do not go overboard, or it will look more like a graduation party than a wedding.
• Arches -- often lined with lighting, flowers or tulle fabric. Simple and elegant, these can frame guest entries and photo spaces.
• Columns -- often lighted or wrapped in flowering vines. If your space does not have these, move on and focus on other highlighting accents.
• Pew decorations -- linens and small flower arrangements are popular choices. A white linen or silk covering is popular, and highlights this special vow-exchanging space.
• Ice sculptures -- often available through your wedding caterer. Consider the season and length of your ceremony or reception. Flower or fruit sculptures are a nice alternative.
• Linens and tulle -- can be used in many ways, including billowing curtains and lovely bunting.

New Jersey Shore Wedding Decoration Ideas

If you haven't already chosen a color set or theme, consider including New Jersey's state flower, the meadow violet, in your wedding decoration. Violets are pleasant flowers that come in a wide variety of colors and shades these days. A beach wedding tent can easily be strewn with strands of violets to create a romantic and stunning display. The Shore creates an ambiance unique to New Jersey only, and is a fantastic spot to exchange vows, but decorating a beach can be a bit tricky. If you have a wedding planner, ask for suggestions on how to add color and style to open-air ceremonies and receptions. Many props can be brought in and decorated as a romantic haven in the sand. Flowers, lights, candles and linens can create a wedding spot perfect for vows, pictures, dancing and beauty.