Décor - Weddings by design

Designing your wedding is fun and allows you to play with a variety of elements to suit your personal style and budget, writes Christina Holt, MD of Wedding Concepts.

Don't be shy to dream big! But do take care to set aside some funds for the often less obvious, yet highly impactful elements such as lighting, special furniture elements, creative paneling and unique stationery details. Less is often more, and unique, distinctive items can turn into conversation pieces and styling highlights. Here are some of the latest wedding design trends.

 

Lighting
The importance of lighting on your wedding day cannot be overemphasized; without careful lighting your wedding would lack that magical special touch that brings it to life. Depending on the venue of your choice it can become more important than floral décor. For a marquee wedding, lighting is the essence to a great ambience. Tip: Make sure you have your lights connected to dimmers.

• Crystal chandeliers - in sparkling white or black - are the most popular choice to add glamour and drama to your dinner space. For outdoor weddings consider hanging chandeliers dripping with crystal from trees.
• Lanterns of multiple sizes clustered above dance floors naturally demarcate your dance area, whilst lounge spaces require small coffee table lamps to give you the required "chill out lounge" feel.
• Lamp shades can be designed and personalized with your initials or favorite design element - there is no limit to your imagination.
• Lounge table lamps can be battery operated omitting unsightly cables - you are guaranteed to create an impact with lamps on your dinner tables.
• Don't forget to uplight the walls of the venue or some features such a wall panels, your cake or the tree outside.
• Be aware that darker colours fade in the evening light. If you choose rich pink, purple or red flowers, only pin-spotting them from the top will allow you to see them in full splendour at night.
• And, of course, clusters of floating candles in crystal glasses add magic on the table top too - candle light is an obvious and cost effective choice for that special glow at night.

Furniture
A myriad different furniture items are for hire these days and choosing unique seating elements can turn your ceremony, pre-dinner drinks and reception into a stylishly designed space.
With pre-drinks lounging having become increasingly popular, there's a strong move towards styling with individual stools that are being upholstered in chic fabrics, white couches enhanced with quirky scatter cushions or ottomans arranged around low coffee tables.
Another latest trend is the creation of dedicated "lounge tents" - elegant seating pockets framed by a tented structure, showcasing stylish daybeds and sofas.
These of course look equally great under shady trees in garden settings or next to the dance floor in a dimly lit area reminiscent of a trendy nightclub. Your options are endless - be sure to include a few special pieces on the day. At least style your sit-down reception with quality chairs that have been matched to your personal style.

Creative Paneling
Weddings with true "wow" factors tend to showcase tailored paneling to create clever divisions within open spaces. For small groups celebrating in larger spaces, paneling works wonders in demarcating areas for dining, dancing and lounging. It also lends a sense of enclosure and warmth. Elsewhere, paneling can be used to echo design themes found on stationery and table settings to ensure consistency and dress up otherwise rather dull wall surfaces. Use chic fabrics or print your favourite pattern on a large canvas and you may even be tempted to reuse the panels at home after the wedding.