Whether you’re planning a city hall ceremony, an intimate affair in a far-flung destination, or a black-tie extravaganza, the many moving parts of wedding décor can be overwhelming. That’s especially true if you’re planning to be a hands-on bride when it comes to the design of your big day.
However, planning your own décor can also be a great way to stick to your budget while crafting the day of your dreams. If you’re foregoing a wedding planner or simply prefer to double-check the details yourself, we’ve created a handy list that covers all the basics of wedding day décor.
However, planning your own décor can also be a great way to stick to your budget while crafting the day of your dreams. If you’re foregoing a wedding planner or simply prefer to double-check the details yourself, we’ve created a handy list that covers all the basics of wedding day décor.
Every wedding is different, and your exact décor needs will be determined by your venue, theme, budget, and personal preferences. This list includes the basics to get you started, but you can certainly add and edit to suit your needs! We also recommend reviewing this checklist with your florist and other key vendors to understand how their contributions will fit into your big day.
Now, let’s get planning!
When planning your ceremony décor, start by thinking about the sequence of events leading up to your vows. Will you need a sign to point guests in the right direction when they arrive at the venue? How about a table to hold programs, or one where the celebrant can place his or her notes? If you have a flower girl or ring bearer, have you picked out what they’ll be carrying down the aisle?
Ceremony décor essentials include:
Ceremony décor essentials include:
- Welcome sign
- Aisle runner
- Table for the celebrant
- Flower girl basket & petals
- Ring pillow or box
- Seating markers
- Altar flooring
- Altar arch
- Altar backdrop
- Vow journals
- Confetti to throw
Tables, Tabletops & Signage
If your wedding plans include a dinner, place settings and linens are likely on your décor checklist already. However, you might not be thinking about the many other types of tables that help a wedding run smoothly, from place card pickup to dessert.
Each type of table needs its own décor, and many – like the guestbook and favor tables – require some explanatory signage. Here are a few types of tables that play a part at most weddings:
Entrance/Exit Tables
As the first tables that greet your guests, your guestbook, gift, and sign-in tables should set a clear and comfortable tone for the evening. As the last, the favors table should send guests off with a fun and festive treat.
Guestbook Table
Sign with instructions
Tablecloth
Pens or markers
Gift Table
Sign with instructions
Tablecloth
Box for cards
Sign-In Tables
Sign with instructions
Place cards, or list of names with seat numbers
Favors Table
Sign with instructions
Tablecloth
Dining Tables
Before they hit the dance floor, your guests will spend most of the reception at their tables, so you’ll want to make sure your dinner décor shines.
Dinner Tables
Tablecloth or table runner
Chargers, plates, glasses, silverware, napkins
Centerpieces
Table numbers/names
Printed menus
Printed directions to the after party, if you’re planning one
Dessert Tables
Cake stand
Cake toppers
Cake knives set
Tablecloth
As the first tables that greet your guests, your guestbook, gift, and sign-in tables should set a clear and comfortable tone for the evening. As the last, the favors table should send guests off with a fun and festive treat.
Guestbook Table
Sign with instructions
Tablecloth
Pens or markers
Gift Table
Sign with instructions
Tablecloth
Box for cards
Sign-In Tables
Sign with instructions
Place cards, or list of names with seat numbers
Favors Table
Sign with instructions
Tablecloth
Dining Tables
Before they hit the dance floor, your guests will spend most of the reception at their tables, so you’ll want to make sure your dinner décor shines.
Dinner Tables
Tablecloth or table runner
Chargers, plates, glasses, silverware, napkins
Centerpieces
Table numbers/names
Printed menus
Printed directions to the after party, if you’re planning one
Dessert Tables
Cake stand
Cake toppers
Cake knives set
Tablecloth
Ceremony: check. Photos: check. Cocktail hour: check. Now it’s time to party! The reception is a chance for you and your spouse to let your personalities shine as a newly married couple, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun and think outside the box when it comes to celebratory décor. Though your reception needs will vary widely based on your space and your plans for the night, these common categories will get you started.
Photo Booth
Whether you’re planning to hire a professional or just pick up a couple of Polaroid cameras, keep these photo booth essentials in mind:
Backdrop
Props
Photo equipment
Signage with instructions
DJ Table Or Stage
Backdrop
Signage
Write-in sheet for requests
Do-and-don’t playlist
Bar
You’ll likely select your glassware for cocktails and wine at the same time as your table settings, but don’t forget a few festive decorations to make your bar area feel extra special.
Garlands
Signage listing drink options
Bathrooms
Signage
Baskets with necessities
Lounge Area
A chic lounge area allows guests to take a much-needed breather, chat, and snap a few photos with friends.
Soft lighting
Centerpiece
Board games and/or cards
Whether you’re planning to hire a professional or just pick up a couple of Polaroid cameras, keep these photo booth essentials in mind:
Backdrop
Props
Photo equipment
Signage with instructions
DJ Table Or Stage
Backdrop
Signage
Write-in sheet for requests
Do-and-don’t playlist
Bar
You’ll likely select your glassware for cocktails and wine at the same time as your table settings, but don’t forget a few festive decorations to make your bar area feel extra special.
Garlands
Signage listing drink options
Bathrooms
Signage
Baskets with necessities
Lounge Area
A chic lounge area allows guests to take a much-needed breather, chat, and snap a few photos with friends.
Soft lighting
Centerpiece
Board games and/or cards
DIY Must-Have Items Checklist
If you’re installing decorations yourself, it’s likely that you’ll have a limited window of time in the venue before the big day and after the wedding wraps up. To make sure décor setup and breakdown goes smoothly, put together a simple tool kit filled with handy elements that can solve almost any décor conundrum.
- Command hooks
- Fishing line
- Twine
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
- Thumbtacks
- Double-sided tape
- Duct tape
- Hot glue gun
- Step ladder
- Extension cords
- Screwdriver with attachments
Our Printable Wedding Day Décor Checklist
Tackling your wedding day décor can feel like a big commitment, but with thoughtful planning and a little help from your friends, you’ll be able to turn your décor dreams into a beautiful reality. To make things a bit easier, we’ve transformed this checklist into a printable PDF that you can take along to your venue when it’s time to decorate. Best wishes!