If you're getting ready for your upcoming wedding and wondering which items you need to have on hand, this post is for you. In this blog, we're sharing our ultimate wedding decor checklist to help you get and stay organized for the big day.
Wedding Decor Checklist
This list not only provides a comprehensive overview of common items you might need for your wedding decor, but also dives into a couple of "nice to haves" that you might not have thought of.
Our first list of items is for the wedding ceremony. Your wedding ceremony is one of the first places where guests will get a taste for your wedding theme, so make it memorable!
Ceremony Decor:
Altar or archway
Aisle runner
Aisle markers (e.g., flowers, lanterns)
Pew or chair decorations
Unity candle or sand ceremony set
Welcome sign or board
Your wedding reception is one of the centrepieces of the entire event. As such, this area of a wedding usually gets the most attention. Here we wanted to highlight decor items such as place cards, that can add to the aesthetics, but also has a functional component to ensure a smooth transition for your guests.
Reception Decor:
Table linens (tablecloths, runners, napkins)
Chair covers or sashes
Centerpieces (e.g., floral arrangements, candles, lanterns)
Table numbers or names
Place cards or escort cards
Seating chart or display
Buffet or dessert table decor
Cake table decor (cake stand, cake topper)
Hanging decorations (chandeliers, hanging florals)
Dance floor decor (monogram decal, lights)
No wedding is complete without lighting and some good ambiance. This area should not be skipped, especially for events that takes place after sunset.
Ambiance and Lighting:
String lights or fairy lights
Candles (pillar, votive, tea lights)
Lanterns (hanging or tabletop)
LED candles or flameless candles
Uplighting or spotlights
Chandeliers or pendant lights
Lighted signs or marquee letters
Gobo projector with custom design
If there's one way to add luxury elements to your wedding without spending a fortune, it's through florals. I know, fresh flowers can add up, but with faux floral rentals looking so real these days you can go wild with florals on your decor.
Floral Decor:
Bridal bouquet
Bridesmaid bouquets
Boutonnieres
Corsages
Ceremony floral arrangements
Reception table centerpieces
Floral garlands or swags
Flower petals for aisle or tables
Floral hoop or wreath
Table decor plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance and overall aesthetic of a wedding reception. From florals and plates to the table linen, they all work together to create a look that ties into your wedding theme.
Table Decor:
Charger plates
Flatware (cutlery)
Glassware (wine glasses, water glasses)
Dinner plates
Salad plates
Dessert plates
Cake cutting set
Salt and pepper shakers
Napkin rings
Menu cards or stands
Bridal party decor adds to the overall cohesive theme of you wedding, but also acts as a way to honor and celebrate the individuals who play a special role in the wedding day.
Bridal Party Decor:
Bridal party robes or matching outfits
Personalized hangers for bridal party attire
Bridal party bouquets (bridesmaids, maid of honor)
Groomsmen boutonnieres or pocket squares
Flower girl basket and petals
Ring bearer pillow or alternative ring holder
Bridesmaid proposal gifts or cards
Groomsmen proposal gifts or cards
Bridal party accessories (sashes, corsages, boutonnieres)
Bridal party signage or banners (e.g., "Bride Tribe," "Groom Squad")
Bridal party getting ready space decor (banners, balloons, mirrors)
Bridal party thank you gifts or favors
Bridal party chairs or seating markers at the reception
Bridal party photo frames or photo display
Personalized bridal party gifts (engraved jewelry, custom items)
The lounge and bar area at your event is pretty straight forward, so you might be thinking, "what decor does it need?". Well, the lounge or bar area also serves as a space for guests to relax, socialize, and enjoy themselves throughout the wedding reception. A well-designed decor sets the tone for the space, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle with each other.
Lounge or Bar Area Decor:
Lounge furniture (sofas, armchairs, ottomans)
Coffee tables or side tables
Area rugs or carpets
Throw pillows and blankets for cozy seating
Decorative lighting (floor lamps, string lights)
Cocktail tables and bar stools
Bar cart or portable bar setup
Signage for bar menu or signature cocktails
Decorative drink dispensers or decanters
Bar accessories (cocktail shakers, bottle openers)
Ice buckets or coolers for chilling beverages
Bar napkins and coasters
Floral arrangements or greenery for decor accents
Lounge area signage or directional signs
Personalized or thematic decor elements to match your wedding theme or colors
The photobooth or entertainment area of your event helps to keep your guests engaged and ensures they have a great time, during which is sometimes a long day. A nicely decorated area helps to enhance that overall guest experience.
Photobooth and Entertainment Area Decor:
Photobooth backdrop (sequin backdrop, floral wall, customized backdrop with wedding hashtag)
Photobooth props (funny hats, glasses, masks, signs, boas, mustaches, lips)
Frames or frames-on-sticks for guests to hold up in photos
Themed props and costumes (vintage, retro, Hollywood, tropical, rustic)
Chalkboard or letter board with customizable messages or prompts
Personalized signage with photobooth instructions or wedding hashtag
Seating area for guests waiting to use the photobooth (benches, stools, ottomans)
Table or shelf to display props and accessories
LED or neon signs with fun phrases (e.g., "Strike a Pose," "Say Cheese," "Capture the Moment")
Additional entertainment props or activities (giant Jenga, cornhole, oversized board games)
Themed decor elements to match your wedding theme or colors (banners, garlands, balloons)
Guest book station near the photobooth with pens, stickers, and adhesive for guests to create a scrapbook-style keepsake
Hanging decor elements (streamers, pom-poms, paper lanterns) to add visual interest to the area
Interactive elements (props on sticks, masks, speech bubbles) to encourage guests to interact and have fun with the photobooth experience
Personalized backdrops or frames for guests to take home as souvenirs
Miscellaneous Decor:
Wedding signage (directional signs, restroom signs)
Guest book or alternative guest book
Card box or card holder
Photo booth backdrop and props
Memory table or memorial display
Favors or favor display
Ceremony program or fan
Sparklers or confetti for send-off
Lounge furniture or seating areas
Personalized decor items (monogrammed items, custom signs)
Conclusion: Wedding Decor Checklist
By investing in well-designed decor elements and creative touches, you can enhance the ambiance, entertainment, and overall enjoyment of your wedding day. If you need help selecting the best decor items, please connect with our team.
You can also check out our extensive collection of affordable wedding decor rentals for Toronto and the GTA.
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