Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when trying to choose the perfect wedding decorations. With so many details to handle, like table settings, seating arrangements, lighting, and flowers, it’s easy to forget something.
To help you stay organized, we’ve made a wedding décor checklist. This checklist will help you ensure that nothing gets missed. Pro Tip: Find ways to reuse decorations during the day. For example, your ceremony backdrop can also serve as a backdrop for the sweetheart table at the reception, and you can move your guest book and table to the cocktail hour and reception.
Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration or a relaxed gathering, this checklist will help you stay on track, minimize stress, and bring your wedding vision to life.
Wedding Ceremony Décor
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, even if it passes by quickly. You don’t need to spend a fortune on décor to make it memorable; focus on comfortable seating and a beautiful backdrop that reflects your style. Choose décor pieces that enhance the moment and can be repurposed throughout your celebration. If you want to add some extra personal touches, here’s a complete list of ceremony décor ideas to inspire you.
- Aisle Markers
- Aisle Runner
- Arbor | Arch | Chuppah | Altar Structure
- Candle Arches | Candelabras
- Ceremony Backdrop
- Ceremony Signage (Welcome Sign | Program | Directional Signs | Unplugged Ceremony)
- Ceremony Table
- Columns or Pedestals
- Decorative Rugs Under the Altar
- Drapery or Fabric Swags
- Easel for Signs
- Floral Arrangements (Altar | Aisle Markers | Reserved Seating)
- Guest Book or Alternative
- Guest Book Table
- Lanterns, Pillar Candles, Votives
- Memory Table (Typically a Display to Honor Lost Loved Ones)
- Petal Toss Baskets
- Platforms | Risers (Elevation for Bride & Groom)
- Programs | Program Sign
- Ring Pillow | Box | Case
- Seating
- Vow Books
- Welcome Arches or Entry Gates
Cocktail Hour Decor
Cocktail hour is where the fun begins! It sets the vibe for the rest of your wedding reception and offers guests a chance to mingle and relax. Consider dedicating a part of your decor budget to enhance this experience. Focus on creating an inviting bar, setting up snack tables, and possibly including some lawn games to keep the atmosphere lively.
- Appetizer Station
- Appetizer Station Tables
- Bar
- Bar Back Shelving
- Bar Décor
- Bar Menu
- Bar Stools or Cocktail Seating
- Bistro | String Lights for Overhead
- Candle, Lanterns, Votives
- Cocktail carts | Beverage Carts
- Cocktail Napkins
- Cocktail Stirrers
- Cocktail Tables (High-Top Tables)
- Decorative Glassware
- Decorative Trays
- Drink Dispensers
- Floral Arrangements for Bar & Cocktail Tables
- Guest Book or Alternative
- Guest Book Table
- Ice Buckets | Beverage Tubs
- Lawn Games
- Lounge Area (Sofas | Loveseats | Chairs | Ottomans | Coffee Tables)
- Lounge-Area Lighting
- Memory Table
- Mirrors
- Photo Booths | Props
- Plates
- Rugs for Lounge Area
- Shelving for Glassware Display
- Table Linens or Overlays for Cocktail Tables
- Themed Décor Pieces (e.g., Rustic Crates | Barrels | Wine Boxes)
- Trash & Recycling bins (Decorated)
Wedding Reception Table Decor
Your reception tables are where guests will spend the most time, eating, toasting, and making memories, making them the perfect place to showcase your style. From elegant centerpieces to personalized place settings, the right décor sets the mood for the entire evening.
- Candle holders
- Candles
- Candlesticks | Candelabras
- Centerpiece Bases (Mirrors | Risers | Wood Rounds | Acrylic Risers)
- Centerpieces
- Chair Decor
- Chairs
- Decorative Accents
- Decorative Trays or Platters
- Dining Tables (Rectangular | Round | Banquet | Farm Tables | Sweetheart Table)
- Dinnerware | Plates | Salad Plates | Chargers
- Flatware (Fork | Spoon | Knife)
- Florals
- Glassware (Water| Wine | Champagne | Cocktail Glasses)
- Menus
- Napkin Rings
- Napkins
- Place Card Holders
- Place Cards
- Small Decorative Items (Mini Lanterns | Succulent Pots | Mini Bottles)
- Table Linens | Overlays for Dining Tables
- Table Number Stands | Holders
- Table Numbers
- Table Runners (Fabric | Burlap | Lace | Floral)
- Terrariums, Geometric Glass Vessels
- Themed Décor Pieces (e.g., Specialty Decor)
- Vases
Wedding Reception Decor
Last, but certainly not least, is your wedding reception. Since this is where your guests will spend most of the evening, it’s the perfect place to invest in statement-making wedding reception décor. It’s also a chance to express your personality and creativity through unique design elements that leave a lasting impression. Think modern floral installations, personalized escort card displays, sculptural lighting, or chic signage on acrylic, glass, or metal.
- Audio-Visual Equipment (Sound System | Microphones, Speakers, Projectors, Screens)
- Balloon Installations
- Bar
- Bar Back Shelving
- Bar Glassware (Wine | Champagne | Cocktail Glasses | Pilsner)
- Bar Décor
- Bar Menu
- Bistro | String Lights for Overhead
- Buffet | Serving Tables | Display Tables (If not plated.)
- Buffet Risers | Shelves | Tiered Display Stands
- Cocktail Napkins
- Cocktail Stirrers
- Cocktail Tables (High-Top Tables)
- Cold Storage | Refrigeration
- Dance Floor (Wood | Acrylic | LED)
- Decorative Rugs
- Dessert | Cake Table
- Draping (Ceiling | Wall)
- Drink Dispensers
- Electrical Power Cords | Extension Cables
- Escort Cards | Sign
- Escort Cards Table
- Floral Arrangements (Entry | Bars | Cocktail |Buffet)
- Generators (if Outdoor)
- Gift Table
- Gobo Lighting (Monograms | Patterns)
- Guest Book or Alternative
- Guest Book Table
- Ice Buckets | Beverage Tubs
- Lighting (Up-lights | Spotlights | Pin Spots | Moving Heads)
- Linens for Buffet Tables
- Linens or Overlays for Cocktail Tables
- Lounge Area (Sofas | Loveseats | Chairs | Ottomans | Coffee Tables)
- Memory Table
- Mirrors
- Photo Booth | Props
- Seasonal Climate Control (Heaters | Fans)
- Serving Ware (Chafing dishes | Platters Trays)
- Shelving for Glassware Display
- Signage (Welcome Sign | Bar Sign | Menu Board | Directional Signs)
- Stage | Band Riser | DJ Booth
- Stage Lighting Rig | Truss
- Suspended Installations (Chandeliers | Floral Chandeliers | Hanging Greenery | Hanging Lanterns)
- Sweetheart Table Backdrop
- Tabletop Décor (as in “Table Décor” Section)
- Table Themed Décor Elements (e.g., Specialty Props)
- Trash & Recycling Bins (Decorated)
Pro Tip: Download the wedding decor checklist to stay organized and stress-free throughout your wedding planning journey.
Need help bringing your vision to life? Browse our recommended wedding planners, event designers, and rental companies to find trusted vendors in the Nashville area.
Planning your big day from start to finish? Don’t forget to use our comprehensive wedding planning checklist, perfect for staying on track!