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 Pennsylvania wedding location, such as a resort in the Poconos, they may have a dedicated decorator who already knows the spaces and may have ideas on what 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.
Wedding Decoration Basics
There are a number of different types of decorations to consider. Are centerpieces filled with your favorite flowers right for you? 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 warm-season wedding call for sculptured fruit and melons 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 Pennsylvania 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? 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 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 creates 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, amountsT and locations for these floating beauties. Do not go overboard, or it will look more like a graduation party than a wedding.
- Special firefly-style or twinkle lighting: Fireflies are one of Pennsylvania's cherished state symbols!
- 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 dramatic billowing curtains and lovely bunting.
PA Wedding Decoration Ideas
If you haven't already chosen a color set or theme, or would like to add a bit of local flavor to your decoration style, think about options such as local wildflowers, including PA's state flower, the mountain laurel. As mentioned above, special firefly-style lighting can also add to your event, as can homespun, hand-dyed Amish linens in your favorite pastel tone or pure white. Season and location will give you ideas, as well as what you want your guests to remember most about your wedding.
