How to Tulle on Ceiling Decoration

Banquet halls, lodge halls, and church basements are often used for wedding receptions and, in some cases, even the wedding ceremonies. Unfortunately, many of these venues are plain-looking and lack the decor that can set the mood for romantic festivities. What is a bride to do, short of painting and wallpapering? Dim the lights to hide the flaws, and hang inexpensive tulle, or netting, from the ceiling.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 54-inch wide tulle
• Staple gun
• Satin ribbon

1. Contact the manager of the hall to make sure it is all right to staple things to the ceiling. Ensure him that you will remove all decorations and staples and dispose of them properly after the event--and enlist some volunteers to commit to that duty.

2. Decide where you want the focal point to be--on the head table, the wedding cake, the band, the chandelier--and use that as the central point from which the lengths of tulle will radiate.

3. Pleat one of the short ends of tulle in an accordion fashion and tie it firmly with a length of ribbon. Use a staple gun to affix the tulle to the ceiling above the spot you chose as the central point.

4. 
    
   Some tulle and lights make a drab room appear as a fantasy castle.

   Allow the tulle to drape slightly, and about 15-20 feet from the first ribbon, gently open the pleated tulle, tie a length of ribbon loosely around the tulle and staple it to the ceiling. Continue to drape the tulle in the same way until the material reaches the outer perimeter of the room. Tie a ribbon tightly around the final end of the tulle and staple it to the ceiling where it meets the wall. Allow more tulle to hang down from the final stapled portion if you wish to hide an unsightly wall.

5. 
    
   Swags of tulle hightlight a dance floor.

   With a second long length of tulle, repeat Steps 3 and 4; continue radiating long lengths of tulle from the central point to various points around the room. The arrangement of the tulle is reminiscent of the spokes around a wheel, the center of which would be the focal point.

Tips & Warnings

• To add ambiance, place tiny white Christmas lights on top of the draped tulle. With party room lights dimmed or off, and tiny Christmas lights on, the romantic mood will be set. Place long strands of green ivy across the top of the draped tulle for a gardenlike atmosphere. Lay long strips of colored ribbon atop the tulle to emphasize a color theme.
• Be careful not to allow the tulle to hang near open flames, including candles.

Resources

• Decorating with Tulle