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Unique Wedding Decoration Ideas That Will Wow Your Guests

Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event so it’s no wonder that so many people are ready to go all out to recreate the wedding of their dreams. Yet we can only imagine the tedious amount of planning — and decorating for those who choose to DIY — that has to go into recreating that perfect wedding.

But a perfect wedding does not have to mean a tiresome planning process. In fact, with these simple yet novel ideas and our compilations of where to get them, decorating your wedding hall might be much more stress-free, and wallet-friendly, than you think!

1. Hang Up Paper Lanterns

Wedding decoration ideas - Mottomo Photography

Though paper lanterns are definitely not an unconventional decoration, they still give a magical touch to your wedding reception. Paper lanterns are also now available in a range of different designs and colours, so you can personalise these decorations to suit your wedding theme too.

While these paper lanterns are pretty enough in the day, outdoors at nighttime or in a dimly lit room is where their magic works best.

2. Overturned Parasols

Wedding decoration ideas - Umbrella & Parasol
Credits: Recyclart

Who knew that the humble umbrella could make such pretty decorations too? They not only provide you some shade for outdoor wedding receptions, but also allow you to fully appreciate the beautiful designs of the parasols.

Wedding decoration ideas - Umbrella & parasol

3. Rustic Mood Lightings

Wedding decoration ideas - Peter Herman - Wed Over Hills mood lighting
Wedding decoration ideas - My Bali Photography Mood lighting

Using chandeliers or the hotel/restaurant’s lighting is way too mainstream, so why not make use of some rustic mood lighting to grace your wedding reception?

While they can be simply be placed on the tables, take it a step further and hang them around your wedding reception for a truly unique take to mood lightings at a wedding. Or, if you’re having a poolside wedding reception, use them as floating pool decorations to create a romantic poolside setting.

Wedding decoration ideas - Mood lighting

4. Chalkboards

Wedding decoration ideas - Elias Kordelakos Photography chalkboard

While the use of chalkboards are trending at events, you can take them to the next level by writing something special on them to place on the reception table or even by using them to put your own unique twist on the boring table number signs and dish signs.

Wedding decoration ideas - Chalkboard

5. Picnic Reception

Wedding decoration ideas - Picnic

Who says that wedding receptions always have to be held on tables and chairs? For an extremely simple and intimate yet very original wedding reception, an outdoor picnic is the way to go. In true picnic style, why not have your guests bring a dish each for a potluck too?

Wedding decoration ideas - Picnic
Wedding decoration ideas - Picnic
Wedding decoration ideas - Picnic

You may even make use of the parasols and tealight holders in points 2 and 3 respectively for a romantic touch to your picnic.

6. Flower Petal Walkways or Boundaries

Wedding decoration ideas - Bali Pixtura Petals
Wedding decoration ideas - Padi Photography Petals

Flower petals are far from being a fresh wedding decoration idea. However, rather than simply lining them along the aisle of your reception, why not make shapes out of them to give you and your partner a specially-designed path worthy of gracing your first walk together as husband and wife.

Or if your wedding reception is just an intimate dinner for the both of you, make use of the petals to create a romantic boundary around your table.

7. Decorative Diamonds

Wedding decoration ideas - Flairfolio Photography Diamond

For a classy touch to your wedding reception without the high price, decorative diamonds are the way to go. They don’t look much like real diamonds, but under the lighting their pretty sparkling gives a sophisticated vibe nonetheless.

Simply scatter these around the tables or hang them from candle stands or even place them inside transparent flower vases to add an immediately elegant hint to your wedding reception.

Wedding decoration ideas - Diamond

8. Hanging Garlands

Wedding decoration ideas - Diktat Photography Garland
Wedding decoration ideas - Padi Photography Garland

If you’re looking for a nature-themed wedding decoration, this is the decor idea for you. Hanging foliage garlands low enough so that they’re right overhead your guest is a sure way to make them feel like they’ve been transported to a forested sanctuary.

For an enchanting touch to the rustic foliage, simply hang some lights or candles from the garland.

Wedding decoration ideas - Garland

9. Hang Flowers

Wedding decoration ideas - Peter Herman - Wed Over Hills Flower

I know, what’s so novel about hanging flowers around your wedding reception? But hear me out. Though merely hanging flowers aren’t special, hanging flowers placed in pretty vases around your reception gives a unique twist to it that will get your guests going “why didn’t I think of doing this?”

Wedding decoration ideas - Flower
Wedding decoration ideas - Flower

10. Mini Beach Chair Place Card Holders

To have a simple card placed on your guest’s table just doesn’t cut it anymore. Now, themed place card holders are the way to go. For outdoor and beach themed weddings receptions, why not use these cute mini beach chair place card holders that can double as an inexpensive take-home gift for your guests?

Wedding decoration ideas - Beach chair

11. Mail Your Guests A Gift

Well, not literally mail them, but place small personalised gifts inside these miniature mail box tins and place them at the seats of each of your guests. For your adolescent guests, you could mail them a little sweet treat while for the guests close to you, you could place a small thank you note inside.

Wedding decoration ideas - Mail box

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What’s included:

  • Local photographers who know all the best hidden spots
  • Gown, makeup, and transport all included
  • Personal concierge for stress-free planning
  • No hidden fees – crew travel and accommodation are covered

Find out more about our packages on the OneThreeOneFour website.

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