How to Decorate for a Banquet Style Wedding Reception

Banquet style wedding decorations do not differ much from decorations for a sit-down wedding reception. The main difference is that you will have the additional duty of decorating the banquet tables. Decorating for a banquet style wedding reception is really up to the bride and groom, and their preferences. Banquet style wedding reception decorations can be fun to pick out and assemble. The bride and groom should relax, be creative and really focus on the feel they want to create with their wedding reception.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vases 3 inches in diameter and 9 to 12 inches tall
• Ribbon 5 to 6 inches thick
• Ribbon 1-inch thick
• Votive candles
• Clear votive candle holders
• Hot glue gun
• Mirror that is 12 inches in diameter or larger
• Flowers that match the bridal bouquet
• Flower petals that match the bridal bouquet

Preparation

1. Decide on your wedding colors. Two or three colors that complement each other will look great. The colors you choose will correspond with your wedding party attire, your flowers and your wedding decorations, so choose carefully.

2. Check with your reception site to see what color table linens they will provide. Most places provide very neutral colors, such as white or cream.

3. Visit a craft store with your wedding colors. Pick out ribbon in one of your colors that is 5 to 6 inches thick. Purchase enough to provide two strips down the length of each of your banquet tables.

4. Pick out a 1-inch thick ribbon that is the same color as your thicker ribbon. This will be used to decorate your vase for the center piece.

5. Select a circular, square or rectangle vase. A 3-inch wide diameter vase is good, but that can vary depending on your preferences. Since the vase will serve as the center piece, you will want to choose one that is taller than everything else that will be on your table. A 9- to 12-inch tall vase should work. Make sure to get enough to place one on every table.

6. Choose either clear or colored stones that will be used to fill your vase. Get enough to fill all of your vases halfway.

7. Purchase enough votive candles and clear votive candle holders to have four at each table.

8. Purchase 12-inch or larger in diameter mirrors. The key is to select one that is large enough to place your vase centerpiece and four votive candles on.

Putting It All Together

9. Cut the thin ribbon you bought into strips that are long enough to just wrap around the center of your vase so that the ends overlap by about a half an inch.

10. Using a hot glue gun, put a dab of glue on one end of the ribbon facing out. Wrap the ribbon around the vase and attach the end to the end that has the glue on it. Hold for a second to let it set. Make sure that you are wrapping the ribbon tight enough to stay up on the vase.

11. Place the mirror in the center of your table. Place your centerpiece in the direct center of the mirror. Place the votive candles into their holders and space them equal distance around the vase, on the mirror.

12. Take one to three types of your flowers and place them in the vase.

13. Cut the thick ribbon so that it will hang about 12 inches off of each end of your banquet table or tables. When you cut the ribbon cut it at an angle on each side so that it forms a point on each end.

14. Place the ribbon running along the outside of each banquet table about an inch from the edge. The food will be placed in the middle.

15. Sprinkle you flower petals along the length of the ribbon on your banquet table.

Tips & Warnings

• Votive candles and candle holders can be found for low prices at discount craft stores. Table linens will look best in a white or cream color. When selecting ribbon, a silky material works best. White votive candles will look the best.