How to Decorate for a Reception Without Attaching to the Walls

Instead of hanging decorations on the walls at the venue, hang them from potted ficus plants.

Some reception venues will not allow the attaching of decorations to the walls. You can still have a party without resorting to nails or tape that might damage the party location's interior. Rented ficus trees will support your wall decorations just as sturdily as the walls themselves. Potted ficus trees serve as supports for stringing lightweight tulle fabric and white lights to add an elegant decoration to the sides of the reception area without harming the walls.

Things You'll Need

• Potted ficus trees
• Tulle fabric
• White twinkle lights
• White ribbon
• Tape

Instructions

1. Place potted ficus trees at regular intervals along each of the walls of the reception area.

2. Wrap tulle fabric around a string of white twinkle lights for each tree you have.

3. Tie the tulle fabric to the base of the ficus tree trunk.

4. Wrap the tulle and white lights up the tree trunk and around the leaf canopy on the tree, as though putting lights on a Christmas tree. Repeat decorating each tree with tulle and Christmas lights.

5. Tie a white ribbon around the pot of each ficus tree, and tie a bow in the ribbon at the front for an accent.

6. Tape any cords from the twinkle lights to the floor to keep the cords from being a trip hazard.

Tips & Warnings

• Omit the twinkle lights if you do not have access to electric outlets or if the party will be outdoors.

• Replace the ficus trees with rose trees or small rosemary trees.

• Nest white silk roses into the branches of the trees for a floral accent.

• Hang dove Christmas tree ornaments in each tree, especially if you chose to have a dove release in lieu of rice throwing.

• Stretch the tulle and lights between the trees to create a clear boundary for your reception area. This is especially useful outside to keep guests from wandering off premises.

References

• "Wedding Companion"; Tanya Bywater; 2007
• "The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook: More Than 1,000 Cakes, Centerpieces, Bouquets, Dresses, Decorations, and Ideas for the Perfect Day"; Carley Roney; 2010
• "Wedding Plans, Wedding Crafts: Organize, Personalize, Accessorize"; Creative Publishing International; 2003
• "The Lifetime Wedding Planner"; Lifetime Press; 2003