When you get engaged, what is the first thing you do in the planning process? Some will choose their dress, some will choose a venue and some will choose their wedding theme. Many couples are now opting to get married or have their reception in an alternative venue rather than hotels such as barns, warehouses and village halls.
Deciding how to decorate your venue is another task you will need to consider. Venue stylist, Lindsey Hunter loves the challenge of decorating alternative venues and talks through her tips on how to style a village hall, which tend to be spacious with high ceilings, perfect for creating something spectacular for your wedding.
Entrance: Spruce up entrance halls with a large rug, some rustic décor and painted chairs to double up as a chill out area as well as giving guests a taste of what they will experience inside. Further homely touches such as lanterns and candles will also create a warm welcome.
Ceiling: Add some colour and warmth to the large space. Tie fresh branches tobeams on the ceiling to create a pretty green canopy. For some additional mood lighting, suspend lanterns or baubles with tea lights in for a subtle twinkle when the light fades.
Tables: Extra wide trestle tables allow for large table groupings and garlands. Place white, floor length linen tablecloths on the tables for a crisp white background on which to display the garlands and groupings.
Garlands of greenery look stunning when teamed with gold and copper tin cans – the metallic effect is very on trend this season. Add candles of various heights to the tables with some succulents placed on them and through the garland to add some extra detail.
Floor: Add some contrast to wooden floors by placing large coloured or black and white rug in a central position to make it a feature. Add rustic barrels around the venue and on the rug to make stands for your wedding cake and drinks.
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eating: Keep it contemporary by using white folding chairs at your reception tables. Not only will the chairs match the white linen used on your tables, they will also enhance the authenticity of your venue and make your decorations stand out. To the side of the room, use ivory inflatable furniture and coffee tables to create chill out areas for guests to use.
Lighting: Festoon lighting is perfect for any wedding theme and venue. Hang them informally over a stage and combine them with some topiary balls to the front. Add a little DIY by painting topiary ball pots the same colours as your table decorations.
Bar: A rustic bar is fantastic in a venue like this. You can get really creative by some industrial shelving and old wooden crates. Add some large BAR letters at the back of the bar to compliment the on-trend look. Continue the rustic look by filling galvanised pails with ice and drinks for guests to help themselves.
Styling a venue such as a village hall is fun, as you can really get creative with the details you add. However, it requires a lot of hard work, materials and manpower. If styling isn’t your forte, Lindsey is a professional wedding planner and venue stylist. For more information about Lindsey and for some more inspiration, visit www.get-knotted.net.
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