Do it yourself decor

TIPS for doing your wedding your way

1. Splurge on lighting!

One of the most underrated elements of a wedding is lighting. It can change your space, enhance the ambiance, set the mood and make or break the rest of your décor and design so set aside room in the budget to make it all shine.

2. Don't forget about the little areas!

Dress up those bathroom counters, order flowers for your cake table and do a walkthrough of your venue to find all those little spots that could use something special to wow your guests.

3. Make your event feel inviting with a residential vibe!

Incorporate the use of sofas, ottomans, coffee tables and other welcoming and familiar pieces to warm up an atmosphere (and show your guests your personal style at the same time).

4. Uniform isn't always best.

Be creative and mix and match. Square tables with round tables, some with linens, some wooden, high centerpieces and low centerpieces – keep guests guessing and looking for more!

5. If you can't decide on a theme or palette, make it progressive!

Start the ceremony off with a delicate and lighter palette and with each additional space you move into, deepen and darken the design for lots of {good} drama!

Expert advice

Event decor

By Harmony Walton, Bridal Bar®

Dealing with trends

Personalization has been and continues to be on trend and a great way to make your wedding unique and more like you! Infusing your personalities, favorite things, and lifestyle (look for ideas from your own home) into your big day makes for a more entertaining and connected experience with your guests and your event!

DIY is still trending but don't over-DIY your big day. Consider tackling one task on your own (and preferably something that you can do months in advance and not the day or week of). Avoid getting overwhelmed by leaving the rest to the pros!

Never let trends take over your decision-making! If your wedding reflects all the trends of today, then tomorrow it will feel dated. Pick and choose what hot elements today you won't regret tomorrow. And of course, only do it if it's YOU!

One trend you won't regret is to create an inviting environment reminiscent of a home. A wedding should welcome guests into a warm and friendly place for the night, and one way to do that is to infuse a residential vibe into your design. Whether you incorporate sofas and throw pillows or hanging mirrors and artwork, make your reception feel like a place no one will ever want to leave.

Using color

You don't have to wear white! If you love the look of blush, blue, ivory or cream – you can wear whatever color suits you! Gone are the days of the traditional white wedding dress, so toss the rules out the window and see what gowns might fit your perfect hue.

Can't decide on a hue? Why not incorporate multiple tones of your favorite color? Ombre is a hot, hot way to design a wedding cake, create an invitation look, and even dye linens!

Don't be afraid of color! Weddings are celebratory in nature and bright, bold colors bring out that fun and festive feeling of love, so don't be afraid to show a little color in your décor.

Do you love feminine colors and your fiancé fancies a different palette? Then use your shower, post-wedding brunch or even engagement party to use the pops of color that aren't right for the two of you on your wedding day.