Decorating Wedding Gazebos

A gazebo is a perfect solution if you want an outside wedding with a little shelter from the great outdoors. You can reserve the gazebos in parks and wedding chapels; you can rent one from a rental or party store; you can even build one in your backyard from scratch or from a kit. Then comes the fun part: decorating the gazebo. Whatever decor you decide to use, let your imagination be your limit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use tulle or organza to soften the straight lines of the gazebo. Attach the fabric at the top, and then tack it along the sides in cascading folds. Put an eye-catcher at each tack such as flowers, fall leaves or balloons.

2. Look for ribbon that reflects the colors of your wedding. Tie it around flowerpots, or intertwine it with the flowing, gauzy material. You can make big, beautiful bows out of wired ribbon and add them on the gazebo wherever a touch of color is needed.

3. Decorate different parts of the gazebo with flowers. Try bouquets tacked on at eye level around the structure. Use flowerpots along the ground. Garlands of flowers and greenery are an elegant touch. If you can't afford fresh flowers or you have to decorate ahead of time, silk flowers and/or garlands make a great alternative.

4. Hang fun items from the ceiling of the gazebo. You can turn it into a sky filled with stars, use paper lanterns or hang cutouts that look like jewels. If your wedding has a theme, extend it here. For instance, if it's a beach wedding hang shells, starfish or even upside-down beach umbrellas.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach your decorations firmly to the gazebo. You don't want anything to blow away during the ceremony.

Resources

• Learn more about decorating wedding gazebos
• Buy or build a wedding gazebo