Look, we won’t lie – planning a wedding can be a stressful experience. From the guest list, to the dress selection and venue choices, there’s an awful lot to consider! However, it’s very important to keep in mind that one of the most crucial aspects of a successful wedding is the decor. It sets the tone for how guests will experience your event, so it’s essential to get the details right. To help ensure YOUR big day is a hit, we’re going to let you in on 10 of the WORST wedding decor mistakes that you should be sure to avoid!
So, let’s see what they are, shall we?
10 of the WORST Wedding Decor Mistakes (and Why You Should Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Failing to Consider Your Venue
When you’re planning your wedding decor, the most important factor to keep in mind is how the overall space looks and feels. If you don’t take into consideration your venue’s architecture and existing decor, it could clash with your desired design scheme. Not to mention, it’ll also make for a visually jarring event!
So, take the time to really look at your venue and consider how it can be best utilized. That way, you won’t have to worry about an unfortunate clash of styles or colors.
PRO TIP: Need help finding the perfect venue? Make sure it’s got these 7 key things!
Mistake #2: Overlooking These Wedding Decor Three Elements
There are three main elements to wedding decor that mustn’t be overlooked:
- Lighting;
- Florals;
- And furniture.
Firstly, lighting plays a HUGE role in setting the mood and creating ambience at an event. You can get creative with it, too! From paper lanterns to fairy lights, there are plenty of ways to make your decor shine.
Next, florals are another essential element that you should think about, as they help tie everything together. From centerpieces to bouquets and arrangements, there’s a lot of scope for creativity with flower decor.
And finally, furniture! You’ll want to choose pieces that complement the overall aesthetic of your event, as well as being comfortable for your guests. For example, if you’re going for a rustic wedding, why not incorporate some vintage chairs or sofas into your decor scheme?
Basically, these three elements will help pull together the entire look of your wedding. So, don’t forget to include them!
PRO TIP: Want to learn how to create your wedding’s floral pieces all on your own? Check out Thesolarloo Event School’s self-paced, online Floral Design Course! Not only will it teach you everything you need to know – in as little as 3 short months, you can even earn an internationally-recognized certification for this newly acquired skill!
Mistake #3: Not Doing a Test Run
One of the most common (and worst) wedding decor mistakes is not doing a test run of your decor prior to the event. This is especially important when you’re dealing with tricky items such as furniture and lighting. You don’t want to be dealing with any surprises on the big day!
Therefore, it’s a good idea to set up all your decor elements in advance and think through how they’ll look together. That way, you can make sure everything is just right before the grand unveiling!
Mistake #4: The Cake is All Wrong
The cake is often the centerpiece of a wedding, and it needs to look perfect. That’s why you should make sure that there’s good communication between your baker and florist! This way, you can guarantee that everything will match up with the rest of your wedding’s decor and overall design.
Also, be sure to have a tasting session with your baker – don’t just rely on pictures. Having a tasting session prior to the wedding is the only real way to make sure the cake tastes as good as it looks!
Mistake #5: Too Much DIY
Don’t get us wrong – we are HUGE fans of DIY wedding decor! Not only does it allow the couple to make their wedding day unique and add that special touch; it’s also a great way to save some money, too.
However, too much DIY can end up looking messy!
Most couples realistically don’t have time to craft everything from scratch. So, make sure you only DIY the elements that are most important to you. For example, these would be some good (and safe) wedding decor elements to DIY:
- Invitations
- Ceremony programs
- Table numbers
- Favors
On the other hand, these elements might be better left to the professionals:
- Floral arrangements
- Lighting
- Table settings
These things require a bit more skill to pull off, so it’s best to leave them to the experts in those fields.
Now, obviously, we can’t tell you what to do. If you’re confident and have the time, go for it! Just make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Mistake #6: Not Thinking About Your Guests
When planning your wedding decor, it’s important to think about the comfort of your guests. Meaning, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of places for them to sit and relax. Also, think about the flow of your decor – you don’t want your guests to feel crowded or overwhelmed!
When it comes to seating, you’ll want to think about both the style and quantity of chairs. Additionally, you should also make sure that all tables are a comfortable distance away from each other. This will help ensure that your guests can mingle easily and enjoy their evening.
Finally, don’t forget to include refreshments! Having some food and drinks available to your guests will help keep them feeling comfortable. After all, no one wants to be stuck in a stuffy room with nothing to eat or drink.
PRO TIP: Struggling to create your wedding’s seating chart? Our Beginner’s Guide will help walk you through the process!
Mistake #7: Your Wedding Decor is Too Matchy-Matchy
Another wedding decor mistake to watch out for is having everything match too perfectly. While it’s great to have a cohesive look to your decor scheme, you don’t want it to be too matchy-matchy. For example, if all the colors and patterns of your decor are too similar, it can make the entire space look dull and uninteresting.
Therefore, try to mix things up a bit! Use different colors, textures, and patterns. This will help create an interesting visual that your guests will appreciate.
Mistake 8: Forgetting About the Little Details
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning your wedding decor. That’s why it’s important to remember the little – but important – details. For example, you’ll want to make sure that all your table settings are complete with plates, utensils, napkins, and glasses.
Also, don’t forget about the small touches like flowers! Even a few strategically placed blooms can really make a decor scheme stand out.
Finally, don’t forget about signage! Having signs indicating directions or activities is a great way to keep your guests informed and organized. It’s a small detail – but one that will be appreciated by all your wedding attendees!
PRO TIP: The most stress-free way to plan a wedding? Hiring a professional wedding planner! If this is an idea you’ve been playing with, here’s everything you need to know about the process of hiring one!
Mistake 9: Not Renting Enough Decor Pieces
When it comes to renting decor pieces, make sure you rent enough! We know that cost can be a concern – and we completely understand. However, it’s better to err on the side of caution than not having enough decorations for your big day.
After all, renting too little will end up making the space look empty… And as a result, your guests may not get the full wedding experience.
(That said, on the other hand, renting too much can end up being expensive! So, make sure to find a happy balance between quantity and quality!)
Mistake #10: Failing to Create an Event Concept in the First Place
Finally, it’s important to think about the overall concept and feel of your wedding decor. This is a step you should take BEFORE you start planning your decorations.
An event concept is basically just a theme that will help guide the overall atmosphere and design of your wedding decor. Obviously, you’ll want to create an atmosphere that reflects both you and your partner. So, take some time to brainstorm ideas together or with a wedding planner!
For instance, here are some questions you and your partner should try to answer in order to create your event concept:
- What atmosphere do you want your wedding decor to create?
- Which colors and textures will work best with the overall theme of your wedding?
- What type of decor pieces should you rent or purchase?
- What vibe do you want your guests to feel as soon as they walk into the venue?
Once you have a vision in mind, make sure to stick to it! This will ensure that all your wedding decorations are cohesive and come together to create a beautiful space that your guests will enjoy.
PRO TIP: Are you a professional wedding planner? Then these are the questions you should be asking clients during the initial consultation to help create their event concept!
Bonus Mistake: Not Being True To Yourself
It’s important to remember that this is YOUR wedding day! So, make sure to do what makes YOU and your partner happy. Don’t get too caught up in trends or other people’s opinions (even ours) – this is YOUR special day!
Have fun with it, add personal touches, and choose decorations that reflect your style. At the end of the day, this is your chance to create a beautiful space that you and your guests will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lastly, let’s wrap things up by answering some of the most common questions we get about wedding decor mistakes…
Q: What traditional wedding decor never goes out of style?
A: Traditional wedding decor never really goes out of style. Florals, candles, and drapery are always on-trend! Also, don’t forget about the classics like table settings, lights, and linens.
Q: What are the 2023 trending wedding colors?
A: Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta. Other popular colors include pastels, jewel tones, and earthy hues.
Q: What are considered to be the “cheapest” wedding colors?
A: It’s important that we make clear that everyone’s wedding is a specific experience to them. As such, what may be a “cheap” wedding color to one person, may not be to another. That said, some of the most popular shades for budget-savvy couples include whites and ivories, neutrals, and muted tones.
Q: What is considered “tacky” in a wedding?
A: “Tacky” is a subjective term, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what will be considered tacky in any given wedding. However, some general rules of thumb would be to avoid over-the-top decorations, gaudy colors and materials, and anything that feels out of place or too chaotic.
Q: Any tips on what NOT to do for a wedding taking place at home?
A: When planning a wedding at home, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to go overboard with decorations. Remember that less is often more here, so try to keep things simple and avoid unnecessary extras. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the space – this can make it feel cramped and uncomfortable. Finally, it’s key to plan ahead and create a timeline for setup and breakdown of the decorations.
Q: How do you decorate a boring room for a wedding?
A: To decorate a boring room for a wedding, start by adding some statement pieces that will draw attention to the space. This could include things like draping fabric, adding a unique backdrop, or incorporating some fun furniture pieces. Additionally, you can also hang lights around the room to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. And lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures!
Conclusion
Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming process – and the same goes for the decor! Since decorations are such a critical aspect of any wedding, it’s essential to make sure you avoid making these 10 worst wedding decor mistakes! From selecting the wrong venue to not considering your guests – there are a lot of things to consider when planning your wedding decorations.
We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of avoiding these common wedding decor mistakes. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that this is YOUR special day! So, make sure to do what makes YOU and your partner happy.
As long as you do that, your wedding decor is sure to be a success!
Good luck and congratulations!
UP NEXT: Discover 4 wedding favors that your guests DON’T actually want!
Industry Spotlight: Mwai Yeboah
Mwai Yeboah is the founder of the destination wedding planning boutique, Love From Mwai, located in the United Kingdom. As the lead planner and designer, she helps luxury and lifestyle clients from all around the globe turn their weddings and events into immersive experiences! It’s with great honor and excitement that we welcome Mwai to […]
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