Here Is Your Wedding Decor Checklist

Erica Sofia Photography

In addition to celebrating the love between you and your partner, your wedding is your chance to show off your personal style - whether that is your vows, dress, venue, and of course, your decor! 

Pinterest is full of wedding decor inspiration, and it’s easy to get caught up in decision overwhelm - especially when you aren’t sure which decor elements you want to consider when planning your wedding look. Here is your guide to making sure you have everything checked off on your wedding decor checklist!

The Ceremony Decor 

The ceremony may be the most important aspect of your wedding but it’s actually where your guests will spend the least amount of time. Therefore, don’t allocate too much of your budget to ceremony decor.

Focus on a couple or few aspects - such as aisle arrangements or a backdrop or arch. Altar decor should be your main focus but you can also add some flair to your aisle path. Here’s what you need for ceremony decor: 

• Altar decor 

• Aisle decor 

• Aisle runner 

• Ceremony seating 

• Welcome sign 

• Programs

• Bouquets for bridesmaids and bride 

• Boutonnieres for groom and groomsmen

• Flower basket for the flower girl 

• Ring pillow for the ring bearer 

• A gift and card station (if you aren’t including that in your cocktail hour)

The Cocktail Hour Decor 

Post-ceremony, it’s time for mingling at cocktail hour! For this decor, you’ll want to focus on how you want your guests to interact. That means you’ll want to pay most attention to the bar or drink station (think signage, florals, fun cocktail napkins, etc) as well as any appetizers or light bites you’re including in cocktail hour.

You can also incorporate activities for guests such as a photo booth or lawn games. One decor piece you minimize spend on is tables and seatings, since guests will most likely be standing and walking around. A few high top tables will do! Here’s what your cocktail hour checklist should include: 

• Bar decor 

• A signature drink sign 

• Custom cocktail napkins 

• Drink stirrers or straws

• Seating chart 

• Guest book table 

• Lounge area (if not part of your reception) 

• High top tables 

• Card and gift station (if not including it in your ceremony) 

The Reception Decor 

Now is (arguably) the most fun part of planning your wedding decor: the reception! This is where you and your guests will be spending the most time, so this is where the majority of your budget will go. If your guest list is on the larger side, consider splurging on lighting and linens as those will make the space feel more intimate. Candles are another great way to make a space feel more intimate! 

Additional major decor moments can be hanging installations, balloons, or string lights. A fun way to put your personal stamp on your reception is by creating a statement dance floor (if possible!). Neon songs are also a great reception decor piece as they make for a fun backdrop and photo op. Here is what you’ll need for your reception decor: 

• Lighting 

• Draping 

• A tent (if you’re having an outdoor wedding)

• Dance floor (if not included in your reception space)

• Hanging decor 

• Backdrop for your head table 

• Bar decor 

• Cake/dessert table decor and a cake topper 

• Lounge area 

The Table Decor 

Guests will be spending quite a bit of time at their tables during your reception - whether that’s during dinner or taking a dance break. Here, you should mainly focus on place settings using unique linens and centerpieces. This is where you can really let your personality shine through patterns, color combinations, and textures! 

And don’t forget the florals! A wedding reception table would be boring without floral arrangements. Try mixing high and low arrangements to add balance and dimension to the room. Adding personal touches - like menus with your guests’ names on them or even personalized plates - is a great way to elevate your table decor! Here is your table decor checklist: 

• Chairs 

• Table linens 

• Napkins 

• Place cards (if guests will have assigned seats)

• Silverware 

• Drinkware 

• Dinner/dessert menus 

• Table numbers 

• Centerpieces 

Whether you’re looking to keep your wedding decor minimal, grandiose, or something in between, use this checklist to make sure you aren’t forgetting an important piece of your wedding decor!