How to Decorate Inside of Shelter for Wedding Reception

Use soft drapes to cover shelter walls.

Having a wedding reception inside of a shelter may not seem like a glamorous or contemporary venue location, but a shelter can be transformed into a chic and comfortable environment to accentuate the facility's authentic features. Consider the natural materials that the shelter is constructed out of, such as metals, woods or brick, and use these aesthetics to inspire decoration ideas for the wedding reception. Think about the types of decorative textures and colors that work well with the rest of the environment, so that you can create a theme that weaves in and out of the venue.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric drapes and draping equipment
• Assorted furniture
• Floral centerpieces
• Candles
• Easel
• Large portraits
• Flower petals

Instructions

1. Cover the shelter's inside walls with drapes, unless you wish to show off the walls' natural textures and colors. Drapes give the inside of the shelter a romantic ambience and add a softer appearance. Hang drapes from the ceiling to the floor, taking into consideration whether or not to conceal the windows of the shelter. If you are hosting the wedding during the winter, you might want to cover the windows with drapes to keep the inside more insulated.

2. Move assorted furniture into the shelter for the wedding reception. Besides the standard tables and chairs for guests to sit down and eat, bring in lounge furniture, such as sofas, oversized cushion chairs and coffee tables. Lounge furniture is not only decorative, but gives guests a place to sit down and relax, aside from the tables. Create a cozy corner out of the lounge furniture in one designated area of the shelter.

3. Bring attention to the tables, instead of the shelter itself, by decorating the reception with floral centerpieces. Floral centerpieces provide a natural element, that work effectively with shelters constructed out of any material. Work the centerpieces in with your color scheme, or stick with white flowers since white never goes out of style for weddings. Decide whether you want low and lush centerpieces, or tall centerpieces with flowers that tower over the tables.

4. Decorate the inside of the shelter with candles. Candles add a romantic ambience, as well as serve as effective lighting for the reception. Place the candles on the tables, at the bar, the buffet stations, the gift table and next to the cake. Choose from pillar candles or tea lights. Depending on your theme, you might find it more appropriate to use lanterns instead of candles.

5. Mask unsightly corners of the shelter by setting up easels that hold large portraits of the newlyweds. Use the pictures from the engagement session -- or regular pictures of the couple -- enlarge them and display them around the shelter to serve as decor.

6. Make the shelter floor look more pleasant by sprinkling flower petals over the surface. Rose petals add a sweet fragrance that will be pleasant for guests, and come in a variety of colors to match your color scheme.

References

• The Knot: 15 Unique Reception Ideas