A Thorough Wedding Decor Checklist for Every Detail
A bride and groom strolling through an open field holding hands Via Tim Stagge.
You want your wedding day to be perfect. So it’s no surprise that the details can feel a little overwhelming. Most venues are blank slates meant for brides to put their own unique stamp and make the space truly their own.
The best way to get the vibe you’re going for is through decor. From mood lighting to floral accents, these details will fill in blank spaces, look great in photos, and help you achieve the wedding of your dreams.
But it’s easy to overlook small details, especially when you’re trying to build the big picture of your special day. And because planning a wedding is stressful enough, you need all the help you can get to prevent any detail of your wedding from going unnoticed.
Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Use this wedding decor checklist to ensure you don’t overlook any decor needs for your big day!
Pre-Ceremony Essentials Wedding Decor Checklist
A bride smiling at her bridal party while getting ready for the wedding.
Pre-wedding spaces set the tone for the entire day. You and your wedding party will spend a lot of time getting ready in the preparation space. So it’s important to find the right decor to make everyone feel at home.
Plus, the wedding entrance will make a big impact on your guests’ first impression of the event. They will need signage to know where to go and interesting touches that will reflect your unique taste.
Gather decor that will help your wedding party arrange what they need to prepare for their part in your big day. This will prevent earrings, eye shadow, and other small items from disappearing when you need them most!
You don’t need to spend a lot to make a good impression. Consider asking a crafty family member to make custom signs or thrifting unique pieces that will stand out.
Entrance and Wedding Signage
Welcome signs
Floral arrangements
Directional signs
Lighting
Agenda signs
Runners for the pathway
Photo display of the couple
Gift table signs
A box for wedding cards
Seating tags
Program display
Getting-Ready Rooms
Candles or mood lighting
Bluetooth speaker
Charging station
Accessory trays
Flowers
Throws
Pillows
Extra mirrors
Wedding Ceremony Decor Checklist: The 'I Do' Backdrop
An outdoor wedding ceremony set up with flowers and a decorated arch Via Shardayyy Photography.
The ceremony may seem like the most important setting on your wedding day, but in reality, you and your guests will spend the shortest amount of time here. So there’s no need to spend a big chunk of your budget on ceremony decor.
Instead, look for statement pieces that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Focus on making your guests comfortable by providing decor items that will protect them from the elements. This will allow them to focus on the most important thing: you and your spouse!
Remember that this area will be the backdrop for some of the most important wedding photos, like the exchanging of vows and the first kiss. So while you don't need to spend a lot on the wedding decor for this space, you’ll want to include some statement pieces that photograph well.
Seating Decor
Chair covers
Chairs
Bows or accents to decorate metal folding chairs
Flowers
Personalized signs for reserved seating
Fans, blankets, or umbrellas, depending on the weather
Aisle and Ground Decor
Aisle runner
Flower petals
Pew ends
Aisle markers
Hanging decorations
Alter & Arch Decor
Fabric to drape your wedding arch
Floral arches
Thrifted finds, like whiskey barrels or antique end tables
Creative touches for the ceremony backdrop
Statement pieces, like a chandelier or pieces of art
Mood lighting
Photos of the bride and groom
Ring box or pillow
Cocktail Hour Decor Checklist
A cocktail bar at a wedding Via Zane Persaud.
The cocktail hour is prime time for socializing, so you’ll want to include special decor to make the area shine.
Since the reception is packed with dancing, dinner, and special moments, this is probably the only time your guests will get to mingle and talk with one another. So you’ll want to arrange the cocktail area to facilitate conversation and connections.
You can also design interactive displays that will keep your guests entertained and create memories you can look back on for years to come. Chances are you’ll be busy and miss all the fun of cocktail hour!
Photo booths, selfie stations, and creative memory makers, like signing the mat of a large photo frame, will keep guests busy and give you something tangible to remember this moment by.
It’s smart to put some of your decor budget towards making the cocktail area feel cozy and inviting. Remember to choose elements that reflect your wedding’s theme and colors. This will help maintain continuity throughout the big day.
Lounge and Seating Areas
Sofas, chairs, and other seating areas that encourage conversation
Pillows
Throws
Centerpieces
Conversation cards
Board games or card games
Bar and Refreshment Stations
Directional signs
Custom cocktail menus
Decorative glassware
Bar accents
Infused water stations
Appetizer displays
Grazing table
Unique serving platters
Transition Decor
Decor that reflects your wedding theme
Guest book table
Photo booth
Memory walls
Selfie station
Sign with the wedding hashtag for social media sharing
Wedding Decor Checklist Items for the Reception
Guests toasting at a wedding reception with champagne.
Once you’ve said your I do’s and taken photos, it’s time to celebrate your union! This is where the bulk of your night will be spent, so it makes perfect sense to splurge on exciting decor.
The reception will also be where most of the candid photos are taken, so you’ll want it to look perfect from every angle. Take the time to collect wedding decor items that fit your theme and color scheme. This will allow everything to flow and come together for a great look.
Sometimes your caterer or venue will provide these elements. But these may not reflect the aesthetic you’re going for. This is the best setting to truly express yourself. Take the opportunity to put your own stamp on the space and infuse a little bit of you in every corner.
Table Settings and Centerpieces
Table cloths
Runners
Napkins
Napkin rings/ties
Chargers
Cutlery
Buffet and Food Station Decor
Thematic displays
Decor that reflects the food being served
Food signs/labels for buffet food displays
Allergy warning signs
Lighting
Vessels for cutlery and napkins
Table cloths
Interesting accents like wood slices or platters
Dance Floor and Stage
String lights
Spotlights
Customizable LED lights
Fog or bubble machine
Light-up accessories for guests
Fun props like glasses and hats
Backdrop
Signage for the DJ or band
Banners
Dessert Table & Cake Display Decor
A wedding cake display with table decor and silverware.
Every wedding ends with a sweet treat. And your beautiful wedding cake deserves stunning decor that will make it stand out. And remember, this area will be where your cake-cutting photos are taken! So the right decor will have it looking picture perfect.
Plan a good backdrop that will help your special moment stand out. Decorate the table with interesting elements, like flowers, sparkles, or interesting lighting. Choose a serving set that makes it easy to cut the cake. Finally, you’ll need the right cake topper. Some couples prefer a miniature bride and groom while others go for monograms or florals instead.
If you’re planning to offer a dessert table, choose to display the sweets in an interesting way. This will make them more appealing and have your guests filling their plates! Besides, everyone loves a dessert buffet!
Cake Table
Cake stands
Table cloths
Backdrop decor
Flowers
Lighting
Cake topper
Serving set
Dessert Display
An assortment of easy-to-eat sweets, like cupcakes, candy, and cookies
Interesting trays
Tiered dessert displays
Containers
Serving utensils
Napkins
Post Wedding Reception Checklist Necessities
A bride and groom kissing before their departure with guests lined up with sparklers.
The end of the ceremony doesn’t mark the end of your wedding day. The bride and groom need to make their exit in style!
This is a great opportunity to get even more special photos and soak up all the love from your wedding guests as they send you off in style.
So you’ll need some decor elements to really take this final hoorah of your wedding day to the next level. Bubbles and sparklers are fun additions that line the aisle with a festive spirit.
This is also a good time to thank your guests for coming with signs, special note cards, or other elements that will let them know how much you appreciate them.
Send-Off Area
Bubbles, sparklers, or confetti for a special send-off
Instructions for guests
Thank-you messages or signage
Markers for the send-off area
Balloons
Transportation Decor
Flowers
Banners
Washable vehicle paint for special messages
“Just Married” signs
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day should be enjoyable, so don’t waste it stressing about gathering every detail! Plan ahead, use this wedding decor checklist to tick off every needed item, and sit back and enjoy your day!