8 Ways to Transform an Unappealing Wedding Venue into a Breathtaking One
What makes a wedding venue beautiful?
Before you go on you venue scouting adventure, you need to know what you are looking for, especially if you don’t have an eye for a pretty wedding venue.
Know this: Nearly any venue can be transformed if you already know what look you’re going for.
Also, one venue might be beautiful to one bride, and unappealing to the next.
If you’re specifically looking for a rustic farm-style venue, then you should locate a venue with a suitable setup. If it’s the ideal location, but lacks certain elements, you can always make a plan to hire those things for your wedding day.
The same goes for any other wedding style you wish to use.
Let’s dive right into the 8 ways you can transform your venue!
1 | Draping
We’re not talking about the brightly colored draping in the school hall when you had your prom night.
We’re talking about the magical drapery of white and cream tulle, chiffon and sheer voile… No, we didn’t just make those words up 🙂
Fabric used for draping at weddings
There are a few fabrics to choose from, and you also have to make sure that the length is correct. Measuring for draping is key to get the look you want.
Tulle – stiffer than other fabrics, so it’s best to use this for the cake table or bridal table.
Chiffon, Voile and Satin – these are all better suited for ceiling and wall draping. It’s much softer to use and they come in various colors.
If you’re not up for the task of draping, you can hire a company or team that specializes in draping.
If you would like to see some examples of Satin draping at wedding venues, check out EventProTraining’s post here.
Why use draping?
The main reasons to use draping at your wedding is to:
cover up walls and unsightly things at a wedding venue
give the venue a softer look and feel
make the venue look more elegant
make the atmosphere and look of your wedding more romantic
use any wedding style you want – because full-on draping is like a blank canvas! You can then use any theme, style and color scheme for your wedding, because the venue doesn’t have a certain style anymore.
2 | Decor Elements
Wedding decor is the one thing you can use to make the wedding’s look and feel come together.
When working on your wedding style, theme and color scheme, think about what you can include in your decor. Also think about where you will be able to place all of your decor items.
For example, if you’re going for a vintage theme, maybe include a few strings of pearls in your centerpieces, or a few old suitcases at the gift table.
With a boho wedding theme, you can include a few natural elements such as feathers and dried flowers.
Pinterest is full of ideas for weddings, so if you already know what your style is, go ahead and search for decor, styles, elements, colors and so on.
3 | Flowers
Flowers, even fake ones, are synonymous to beautiful weddings. This is the ultimate go-to wedding element that you can really play around with.
Flowers can be added anywhere and everywhere, provided that you have a budget for it.
Flowers are a big expense of planning a wedding. If you haven’t set up your wedding budget for flowers yet, consider using our Wedding Budget Planner Kit to help you set up and manage your wedding budget correctly.
Even faux and paper flowers can be used to make a venue more attractive. You can place giant paper flowers outside in the gardens or the lawn. Smaller flowers can be used inside and as a backdrop for your guests to take photos in front of.
Which brings us to our next tip…
4 | Backdrops
Any backdrop, big or small, can be used to cover up an eyesore at the venue, or to simply just bring more pizzazz to your wedding.
Also, a backdrop can be used as a photo booth background or prop for wedding guests to take selfies in front of, or photos of each other.
You can also use a backdrop behind the bridal table, or all around the venue walls. The great advantage is that you can then incorporate nearly any theme or style into your wedding.
If you want to create a backdrop, you can use nearly anything. From flowers, balloons and greenery, to giant hoops, draping and arches. Add some sparkle by including string lights to your backdrops.
5 | Lighting
There is simply nothing more romantic and whimsical than the perfect lighting at a wedding. Soft lighting creates a certain ambience that you only ever experience on wedding evenings.
The best methods to bring about this type of lighting is by including lots of candles in your decor and by bringing in some string lights or fairy lights.
Candles can be added nearly anywhere at both your reception and ceremony venues. Use it in floral arrangements, candelabra and on tables. You can also add candles in lanterns and place them either inside or outside along paths.
Fairy lights can be strung along beams, walls and outside in trees. You can also include them in your draping.
Also, when looking at lighting, and if your venue (and budget) allows it, some venues’ lighting can be replaced by chandeliers 🙂
6 | Furniture
Hire in additional furniture for both indoors if there is space, and outside. Your guests will love to lounge about as they enjoy the special evening with you.
You can get couches and ottomans for outside, and make it even more special by adding free standing draping around the furniture to create “booths” or “lounges”.
Don’t make it too private, though!
You still want your wedding guests to dance and mingle with each other to get the event going.
7 | Structures
If you want to go even bolder with making your venue more appealing, consider adding larger structures outside.
You can hire a tent-and-pole structure to create your reception venue. Or, you can use a big marquee tent as a ceremony hall or for your reception (or both!).
Some venues have giant structures in place, such as pagodas, domes or giant arches. You can turn this into a feature by dressing it up with flowers, greenery, draping and string lights. Let your photographer include this feature in your wedding photos.
8 | Features
Additional features can also be used to spice up an unappealing venue.
However, you should definitely have a look at your budget first before deciding on including this for you wedding day.
Features can include things like ice sculptures, water features, potted plants and things like arches.
