Need creative wedding decorations? You’ve come to the right place! If you’re wondering how to decorate your wedding or you’re looking for beautiful wedding backdrops, a wedding arch, wedding decoration ideas on a budget, and more, I hear you. When I planned my wedding, one of my biggest worries was figuring out how to decorate, not knowing where to decorate, and how to make sure I used the right wedding decorations for the ceremony and reception. I also didn’t want to buy wedding decorations we didn’t actually need; who wants to blow their budget on frivolous things? I also tried as much as I could to buy wedding decor that tied into our theme and style as much as possible. (Bonus points if something can be used again at home, like guest book art or cool candle holders. I’m all about reusable decor!

Anyways, our decorations went off without a hitch, thanks to the plethora of helpful wedding decor ideas online. But I know how it feels to be the bride, unsure where to start, and feeling slightly overwhelmed over the task of decorating everything at your ceremony and reception. But don’t you worry, we’ll get through this together! We’re making it our mission to share the most creative wedding decoration ideas in pictures so you can get plenty of inspiration for your ceremony and reception. And while you’re here, don’t forget to grab this wedding checklist for other must-haves so you don’t miss a thing.

In this post, you’ll find wedding decorations for every theme from start to finish. We’ve included decorations for your ceremony, your reception, even some extras like how to decorate your bridal suite for getting ready the morning of the wedding. Demand is HUGE in the “getting ready” part of the morning, from the cute photos you take to the adorb bridesmaid pjs and robes to wear. It is fun to include these creative touches and definitely adds a little something to the morning of the wedding.

Since there are new wedding decorations online all the time, we’ll be adding to this wedding decorating guide all year long as we find new ones. When I see one, I want to tell you about it right away, so check back — pin it, Facebook it, bookmark it — whatever you have to do!

Now… let’s get decorating! :)

First, let’s talk about the initial step to decorating your wedding: visualization. This is a step many brides skip but it’s just as important as choosing your actual wedding decorations.

To visualize what kind of wedding decorations you’ll really need and want, first you need to imagine your wedding day from start to finish.

Visualize Your Wedding Decorations

Imagine:

1. your getting ready space / bridal suite
2. your ceremony space, and
3. your reception

Think of your wedding itinerary and each space you’ll be: where you’ll get ready, where you’ll have your ceremony, and where your reception will be held. These are the three places where you’ll definitely need wedding decorations. (Your bridal suite / hotel room / etc. is optional for wedding decorations, but I’ve included it in case you wish to decorate there, as well.)

Schedule a Walk-Through

I’ve found it very helpful as a wedding planner when venues allow the couple to see the ceremony site or venue location prior to an actual wedding taking place (very early in the day, of course). This gives you an idea of what another couple did (or didn’t do!) in terms of wedding decorations. Of course, your theme and colors may be totally opposite of what another couple chooses, but the more visual inspiration you can get, the better off you’ll be.

Take Notes of Wedding Decorations Needed

If possible, bring a notepad (or your wedding planning book) and write down any notes you can think of. Does your ceremony aisle need a runner? Do you need something at the altar or chuppah? Will your venue provide a backdrop, or do you need to secure wedding backdrops of your own? Do you want to make your own DIY ceremony backdrop? Will you place signs down the aisle, paper flowers, fresh peonies, or something else? These are just a few questions to ask.

Take special attention of any empty walls, entrance-ways, and open spaces that could use a little accent piece or memorable detail. Do you have doors that need wreaths, like this? Do you want signage to welcome guests? What kind of guest book will you use? Do you need to include menus with your place settings? These questions aren’t meant to overwhelm you; instead, it’s just a great way to work with what you have, whether that means a very simple location or a grand ballroom.

The Most Important Tip About Wedding Decorations

The one thing every bride needs to know: don’t overdo it! Think of each area by itself in terms of decorations and work an area at a time. Don’t overwhelm your space! A few wedding decorations here and there will do. You don’t want to overthink it or it will start to look cluttered.

Remember, every bride starts in the space place: it’s four walls, darlin’, and you need to decorate it! And now I’ll show you how.

50 Best Wedding Decorations in Pictures

For this list, I’ll walk you through the areas that may look best with a little decorative touches added here and there.

Wedding Decorations for the Bridal Suite

Getting ready before the wedding in the bridal suite, hotel room, your mom’s house, etc. is becoming a big part of the wedding day festivities. The groomsmen typically do their own thing (play football, watch baseball, shoot pool, etc.) but the bride and bridesmaids spend this time getting pampered: hair and makeup is done, bridesmaids lounge wearing these or these or these cozy pants, and plenty of cute photos like these are taken of the hang-out time together. Here are some decorations you can add to this space that will add a creative touch. My favorite? The donuts, obviously. :) Don’t forget the coffee, in your Mrs mug, of course.

1. Diamond “rings” for decorative donuts

These diamond “rings” make the cutest wedding decorations for getting ready! Serve them up with orange juice, bottled water, coffee, and mimosas for toasting. Wedding donuts is one of my favorite trends right now.

2. Or these diamond toppers for muffins

Equally cute, if muffins are more your thing.

3. Labels for mini champagne bottles of “Bridal Suite Bubbly”

So, so cute! Toast to the bride with these labels from Joie Labels.

You’ll also want these champagne flutes (they’re affordable!):

4. A sign on the door to keep the groom away

In case you doesn’t want the groom to see you before the big reveal! Sign by Wood & Ink Co.

5. Or this printable sign with personalization

Cause you’re gettin’ gorgeous in that bridal suite! Printable sign by Whimsical Stationery.

Moving right along, let’s go on to wedding decoration ideas for your ceremony.

Ceremony Wedding Decorations

6. These wreaths on the doorway to the ceremony, if applicable

Wreaths are always one of my favorite wedding decorations, especially when placed on double doors outside a church. It looks beautiful and pulls your whole look together. For your own wedding decor, be on the lookout for seasonal wreaths or wreaths that borrow accents from your theme. Some classics like boxwood or baby’s breath are always a good choice.

This baby’s breath wreath features a burlap sign that says “Mr and Mrs” inside. This is one of those wedding decorations you should pick that you really love, as it can double as home decor after the big day. Wreath by Crystal’s Cottage Home.

Here’s another we love from Adeeing:

7. A welcome sign at your ceremony entrance

We’ve talked about our love for wedding welcome signs at length, so you can definitely get even more inspiration here. A wedding welcome sign is one of the must-have wedding decorations because it really personalizes your space in an instant. Guests know they’re in the right place, especially if your wedding ceremony is in a very busy area or a unique, outside-the-box location — like the woods, on a farm, or a barn wedding. A welcome sign is one detail many couples overlook, but it really pulls in your theme. Here’s one of my favorites (sign by CF Wedding):

8. This wood wedding welcome sign

Place a sign like this one a standard easel (most venues already have one you can rent; if not, get one here for cheap) near the entrance of your ceremony. Sign by OAKY Designs.

9. A sign for programs, if having them

If you’re using wedding programs, a sign telling guests to “take one” is surprisingly easy to print or buy; it will draw attention to programs so guests will actually take one. If you’re having ushers pass out programs to guests, you can skip this (and the basket shown next). Sign by Paper Butik Prints.

10. And a basket to put them in

A nice programs basket is often overlooked on wedding decorations list, probably because you’re thinking, geez, it’s just a basket. It’s helpful to have one so everything is kept in one place. Buy a basket you won’t hate using later, i.e. one that’s not overly wedding-y. This is a personal favorite and does the trick UNDER $7. Obviously, you’ll need to pick one that is big enough for your programs, but this is a small one for tiny booklet-style programs. By Phuchema.

11. A custom wedding party portrait

If you’re skipping programs altogether, that’s totally OK – but one thing guests like to know is who’s who in your wedding party. (Related Read: 7 Things TO Include In Wedding Programs) As such, we found this custom wedding party portrait to be a totally fun addition to our wedding decorations list so we couldn’t help but add it in. By Unearthed Paper Co.

Okay, so guests are walking into your ceremony space… what wedding decorations are they going to see? Here’s what you should have in place.

12. A personalized aisle runner

An aisle runner can add a personalized touch to your ceremony. If your venue allows an aisle runner (mine didn’t), choose something that has a customized touch. This custom aisle runner is made of real fabric so it won’t tear or rip (a common gripe among other aisle runner styles). By Starry Night Design.

13. Or this sequin aisle runner

This is one of my top wedding decorations for 2018. I love what artists are doing with sequins; they’re everywhere! We told you about this sequin wedding dress, these sequin bridesmaid dresses, table runners, and now… a sequin aisle runner. By Mrs Freund.

Aisle Marker Wedding Decorations

Down the aisle, you’ll want to see some wedding decorations placed as small accents; many brides choose flowers, which are always a classic choice. Here you’ll find some creative wedding decorations for the aisle way using signage, dried lavender, dried grass pampas, lanterns, and more.

14. Aisle signs

Now, aisle decorations are a huge section in itself. Essentially, the ends of your aisles should have something as a decorative accent. Aisle signs, like these “love is patient, love is kind” aisle signs are another decoration I absolutely love. It can get pricey, but if this is the look you’re really going for, I say do it. I’ve seen these duplicated, but this is the (best!) and original set. By Flora South Designs>

Here it is in a darker wood:

15. Or these hanging signs

Signs hanging over the sides of chairs are another wonderful touch; here, you’ll find the “love is patient” theme in various hanging signs all the way down the aisle. By Cattie’s Corner.

16. Lavender mini bouquets

An alternative to wood signs is lavender bouquets, like these dried minis from Lavendoola. I’ll bet they smell amazing!

17. Dried grass pampas

These grass pampas are quite a whimsical touch! You can re-use them as wedding decorations throughout your reception, too. By Studio Pampas.

18. These dried flower bouquets

These beautiful flower arrangements are the perfect size for wedding decorations along the aisle. By Pick A Bloom Flowers.

Many varieties available here.

19. Seashells for your beach aisle

We love beach wedding decorations; there are so many creative ways to use natural accents found all around you! (Read: 21 Easy Ways to Decorate for Beach Wedding Theme). These beautiful shells make decorating your wedding aisle so easy! By Sweet Ingredients.

20. Mason jar baby’s breath vases

These mason jars are popular wedding decorations for rustic / barn weddings. You can hang them with ease (and without worry they’ll tip over) using these shepherd’s hooks. If you aren’t using them outdoors, use these mason jar handles instead (since you can’t stick them in the ground). You can re-use these after the ceremony on reception tables as wedding decorations or a few extra centerpieces; in addition, you can do this to turn them into mason jar candles for romantic glow at night. We also love these twinkle lights which look amazing in glass bottles or mason jars. Jars by Domestic Engineer.

21. Antique inspired pendant light

Something about this pendant light just speaks to me; I want one in every room! Use these as centerpieces, have bridesmaids carry them down the aisle, or just use one on an altar table as a beautiful modern design. I wish I could tell you these were a steal, but they’re a bit costly; reign it in a bit and use just one or two for maximum wow-factor (and savings to your budget). By Waen.

Here it is as a centerpiece:

Wedding Backdrops

Ah, now we get to ceremony backdrops. These wedding backdrops can be used for your ceremony or reception space. For even more inspiration on wedding backdrops, read: 14 Creative Wedding Reception Backdrops In this section, you’ll find a ton of unique wedding decoration ideas, including where to buy wedding arches for maximum wow-factor. Here are some of our favorite wedding backdrops that make beautiful decorations at your wedding.

22. Tulle backdrop

It pools oh-so-romantically! By Mrs Freund.

23. This beautiful copper backdrop

By Oh Kawaii Dreams.

24. I Have Found The One Whom My Soul Loves Backrop

This psalm from Song of Solomon has become a huge trend in wedding decorations; we love it as a tapestry or backdrop, like this one by Blushing Drops.

25. This hand-painted backdrop

Completely hand-painted from top to bottom; this is a true work of art. By artist Brittany Branson.

26. Huge name cut-outs

These name cut-outs make a stunning backdrop! Set it up on a tall faux boxwood panels (like these, which are highly rated)! Cut-outs by Narwall.

27. Happily Ever After banner

This is easily one of those wedding decorations you can use as a ceremony backdrop, as a backdrop behind your head table, and then hang it up at home as fun rustic wall decor. I love it, especially for a wedding in the woods. By Blushing Chanterelle.

28. Large macrame backdrop

Great for boho inspired weddings! By The House Phoenix.

29. Colorful pom backdrop

These paper poms are bursting with creative pops of color! This is one of the most whimsical wedding backdrops we’ve seen yet. Pomtree.

30. Lighted tulle backdrop

Whoa, this is one of my favorite wedding backdrops! Lighted tulle makes your space look ultra romantic. By Crafty Cousins Co., photo by Tiffany Parrott.

31. 1000 Paper Cranes backdrop

Can you imagine this breathtaking backdrop, constructed from 1000 paper cranes?! It’s so elegant and quite a handcrafted labor of love. These wedding backdrops are by Design Hues Studio.

32. Handwritten vows backdrop

This backdrop features your wedding vows written in beautifully calligraphy on fabric. Vows wedding backdrops by The Little Canopy.

33. Birch wedding arch

This is one of my all-time favorite wedding decorations. It’s a birch wedding arch you can assemble yourself and then add your favorite floral swag. By Blue Skies Forever.

34. Lanterns

At a table at your altar, carried down the aisle by bridesmaids, or along the aisle as decor, lighted lanterns are one of the most-loved wedding decorations right now. Perfect for day or night weddings, lanterns add a romantic glow to your space. Lanterns by Open Vintage Shutters.

On to the reception!

Wedding Reception Decorations

35. Reception backdrop

Here’s one of our favorite wedding backdrops that will look amazing behind your head table or cake table. Wedding backdrops by Fivedot.

36. Reception Wedding Sign

This custom portrait is a favorite of mine because I’ve seen it in person. Hello Am is awesome. These portraits are completely customizable and look beautiful at the entrance of your wedding reception.

37. This Mr and Mrs sign

Great for bringing attention to the head table.

38. These geometric table numbers

Table numbers are one of the most important wedding decorations. These geometric table numbers are just one example of brilliant wedding decorations. You’ll see more here. By ZCreate Design.

39. These custom name signs

Great as place cards and favors in one! By Dear Heart Signs.

40. These wood slices

Great for your centerpieces or as individual place settings. By Rustic Wood Slices.

42. Chair signs

Loving these chair signs from Sablewood Paper Co.

43. This cute “I Do”, “Me Too” cake topper

The perfect topper for your wedding cake. By SkyeArt.

44. This keepsake cake server

This cake server is truly beautiful. I’m including it in this list because I own it myself and it is even more beautiful in person! By BHLDN.

45. Skeleton key escort cards

Love these escort cards! They are skeleton key favors that double as escort cards.

46. This dance floor decal

By Sign Junkies.

47. These beautiful candlesticks

By BHLDN.

48. This amazing custom cake topper

By The Roomba.

49. This “ring for a kiss” cowbell

Cute idea! By Refunked Junkies.

50.These geometric centerpiece containers

Perfect for succulents, candles, plants, anything! I love these for a geometric wedding theme. By Stereometric Design.

Want more centerpiece ideas? See: 18 Unique Rustic Wedding Centerpieces.

In conclusion, this is a creative launch pad to your own wedding decorations, but hopefully it gave you some much-needed inspiration to get started! I know I could add hundreds to this list, but instead I’ll leave you with a list of HUGE round-ups we’ve done on very specific wedding decorations.

More Wedding Decoration Ideas

You’ll want / need to see these posts on wedding decoration ideas, wedding backdrops, wedding arch, wedding candles, and more.

1. 20 Unique Crepe Paper Wedding Ideas
2. 6 Etsy Wedding Decoration Ideas (That Look Amazing)
3. These fun + whimsical chair ribbons
4. Favors! Here’s pretty much everything you need to know with 100 Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas
5. Where to Buy Wedding Arches
6. How to score the most beautiful wedding linens, i.e. where to buy round tablecloths, sequin table runners, and where to buy chiffon table runners or velvet table runners, two big wedding decorations right now
7. Candles! Read this on where to buy tealight candles for weddings (that actually last)
8. Make this mason jar centerpiece with floating candles because it looks amazing
9. Figure out (finally!) how to make a wedding centerpiece with wood slices
10. Obsess over these beautiful 40 Alternative Wedding Bouquets (PHOTOS) and choose a bouquet that lasts forever
11. These inspiring Wedding Place Settings

That’s just the start of the wedding decorations we have for you! Be sure to subscribe for the latest. We share creative wedding ideas every day!

♥

As I mentioned, there’s plenty of wedding decoration ideas to add here! We’ll be updating this list all year as we continue to follow 2018 wedding decorations, wedding backdrops, and trends. Be sure to bookmark this and follow along! :)

What are your favorite wedding decorations or wedding backdrops?

Tell us in the comment box below! We’d love to hear from you. :)
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Happy Planning!

xo
Emma