An Extensive Decor Checklist for the Stressed or Overwhelmed
Let’s set the scene. You just got engaged! Congratulations!
A couple days later, as that ‘engagement-high’ starts to slowly wear off, you realize - oh my gosh - this means we have to plan a wedding!
You immediately pull up your Pinterest boards (that you may or may not have been adding inspiration pictures to for the last five or so years), and begin to feel very overwhelmed thinking about how you’re going to be able to turn your wedding dreams, into reality.
While you have a vision, you don't exactly know how to put it all together, and it can be stressful thinking about all of the things that you need to make a cohesive design.
Well my friend, I’m happy to be able to tell you that you can take a deep breath, un-glue those eyes from your phone/computer screen, and rest assured that everything is going to be okay.
How do I know this, you ask?
Well, because we just so happen to have an in-depth list of a wide array of decor items you may find yourself needing.
This list is meant to help you take the design you’ve envisioned out of your head, and put it into a solidified plan for your special day.
So, let's walk through each aspect of your day, and what you would need for it.
Before we get into things, this list is broken down into four separate sections - Pre-Ceremony, Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception.
You may be thinking - wait - that’s it??
Yes!
And, if you focus on the fact that, in terms of design at least, there really are only four main parts of a wedding, (traditionally, of course) it may make it seem a little easier to tackle and like less of a mountain to climb :)
PRE-CEREMONY
When first hearing the word ‘wedding,’ it’s common for people to only think about it in three parts - the ceremony occurring first, cocktail hour in-between (again, traditionally), and the reception last.
While that way of thinking is correct - it’s more closely aligned to what a wedding guest would typically experience.
For the couple getting married, and even the wedding party/family of the couple, there’s a little more that goes into it.
What ‘pre-ceremony’ basically means is the time leading up to the ceremony - a.k.a - the time in which everyone will be getting ready.
Of the four sections, this one in particular is more so made up of important items to make sure you have with you on the wedding day, rather than decor - but don’t worry, we’ll get to that shortly :)
So, split into three parts, here are some things that may be of importance during the ‘getting ready’ portion of your wedding day:
Attire/Flat Lay Details
Wedding Dress with Nice Hanger
Veil
Shoes
Jewelry - Engagement Ring, Wedding Bands, Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelet
Perfume and Cologne
Groom Attire - Suit Jacket, Suit Pants, Shirt, Shoes, and Socks
Groom Accessories - Tie, Tie Clip, Watch, Cufflinks, Belt, and Pocket Square
Ring Box
Save the Date Card
2 Invitations Suites
Vow Books
A Handful of Extra Florals
Ribbon, Stamps, Trays, etc.
Personal Florals
Bridal Bouquet
Bridesmaids Bouquets
Flower Girl Headband/Flower Petals
Mothers/Grandmothers Corsages
Groom Boutonniere
Groomsmen Boutonnieres
Fathers/Grandfathers Boutonnieres
Gifts
Gifts/Letters for Each Other
Parent Letters/Gifts
Bridesmaid Letters/Gifts
Groomsmen Letters/Gifts
Vendor Thank You Cards/Tips
CEREMONY
Next up, we have things that you may want to consider having for your ceremony.
While a typical ceremony may only last about 30 minutes to an hour, there are many areas where decor can be utilized, including:
Welcome Table
Table & Linen
Cards & Gifts Sign
Card Box
Guestbook
Pens
Container for Pens
Guestbook Signage
Frames with Engagement Photos
Votives/Pillar Candles/Lantern
Florals - Bud Vases or Arrangement
Welcome Sign
Signage
Easel
Florals
Candles/Lanterns for Bottom of Easel
Beverage Station
Table & Linen
Large Beverage Containers
Drinks & Cups
Seating Area
Ceremony Chairs
Reserved Signs for Front Rows
Candles/Lanterns Down Aisle
Greenery/Florals Down Aisle
Altar Area
Floral/Greenery Installation
Microphone(s)
Copy of Readings
Table & Linen (if needed)
COCKTAIL HOUR
As stated before, it is more traditional to have cocktail hour following your ceremony, and leading into the reception. However, if you would prefer to have it at a different time, say, before the ceremony, or even not at all, that is totally up to you!
For those who still wish to have cocktail hour, here are some things (mostly focused around a bar if you choose to have one) that would be good to have:
Bar
Bar Top & Back Bar
Full Bar Menu
Signature Drink Signage
Cups and Straws
Beverage Napkins
Coolers/Beverage Containers
Tip Jar (if applicable)
Greenery/Floral Installation/Bud Vases
Fun Engagement Photo of Couple
High Top Tables
Tables & Linens
Bud Vases with Florals
Variety of Votives
Seating Chart
Signage
Easel
Florals/Candles/Lanterns
RECEPTION
And lastly, of course, we have the reception, which out of all the sections listed here, does happen to have the highest amount of decor. This is for good reason, as your reception is where guests will spend most of their time, and where a multitude of photos will be taken.
Categorized by various table types, here are some important reception items and decor:
Guest Tables
Tables & Linens/Runners
Floral Arrangement
Votives/Candlesticks/Pillar Candles
Extra Florals/Greenery
Table Number
Place Setting:
Water Goblet & Champagne Glass
Charger
Plate & Utensils
Linen Napkin
Place Card & Menu
Dessert Table
Table & Linen/Runner
Cake Stand, Cake Topper, & Florals
Cake & Desserts
Variety of Risers
Loose Greenery
Cake Cutting Utensils
Plate, Napkin, & 2 forks
Sweetheart Table
Table & Linen/Runner
Greenery/Floral Garland across table
Votives/Candlesticks on top of table
Vase with Water for Bridal Bouquet
Floral Arrangement(s)/Pillar Candles/
Lanterns at Base of Table
Place Setting:
Water Goblet & Champagne Glass
Charger
Plate & Utensils
Linen Napkin
Place Card & Menu
Other Reception Tables
Bar (same as cocktail hour)
Welcome Table (same items moved over from ceremony)
Favors
Photo Booth
DJ Table
Buffet
Coffee/Tea Display
While the decor and other items listed here are what seem to be popularly used and are what we feel is a great collection, in no way do you have to have all of these things - or - only these things.
What’s fun about a wedding design is that it’s meant to uniquely represent you. Perhaps it’s a mix of your go-to colors and style, or maybe it’s something a little more out there that you’ve always wanted to see come to life.
While it may seem slightly, or very overwhelming at first, just remember that if you hire a planner, specifically one that has a full design package, from there on you all are a team, working together to accomplish your vision and create a beautiful wedding you’ll remember forever! :)
** Email us at alicia@fancyfoxevents.com for your own copy of this checklist!
