VENUE DECOR

Decorating the venue for the Reception is usually a given, but deciding whether or not to decorate the venue that the Service will be held in is an entirely different matter.

Before making the final decision, there are a number of factors that should be considered, some a little less obvious than others. 

Let’s take a look at each one in turn.

Venue Rules

Each venue will have various rules and regulations which need to be abided by. The one that will be most publicised to couples in advance of the day concerns the throwing of confetti, although other rules surrounding what and where decorations can be placed are normally not far behind. Venues will need to conform to strict Health and Safety regulations, which will mean no large floral arrangements to hide unsightly fire hydrants nor mass balloon structures blocking fire escapes will be allowed. Couples should always ask about the rules about the throwing of confetti (and make sure that these rules are relayed to their guests!) and take this opportunity to also discuss decoration restrictions. Remember, to ask doesn’t mean that you have to go ahead and decorate the place from head to toe, it simply gives an indication as to what scope there is should you decide to do it!

Venue Events

Venues will hold more than one ‘event’ each week, and sometimes more than one per day. The events can range from Harvest Festivals in Churches to Business AGM’s in hotels – even another couple’s Wedding Ceremony. Each event could mean that the room will either already be decorated, or will need to be free from decoration for the activity that will be taking place in the room as soon as you have left. In the majority of cases, venues will not be cramming the diary full each day and require such a quick turnaround that you are not allowed to add your own decorations, but sadly, in some odd few cases, this will happen so it is well worth double-checking. Couples tying the knot in a Church may be lucky enough to benefit from other events taking place around the same time as theirs – the various festivals across the calendar often mean that beautiful decorations and floral arrangements will adorn the Church and for a small contribution to the Church you may be even able to influence the colour scheme. Before making the decision to decorate the venue, first of all check out if you are able to on the day you are marrying, and secondly ask if you can benefit from decorations that will already be displayed.