Say ‘I Do’ to These Must-Have Wedding Reception Backdrops
String lights make for a stunning wedding reception backdrop. Photo Credit: CV Linens
The wedding reception venue is where you and your new spouse will kick off your shoes and celebrate your love with those you love most!
Your wedding reception decor is just as important as how you style your ceremony space. Not only will it set the tone for your celebration, but it will appear in countless photos!
That’s why it’s important to consider wedding reception backdrops and how to craft them around the space. Here’s everything you need to know so you can say “I Do” to the right wedding reception backdrop for your wedding!
Understanding the Role of Backdrops in Wedding Receptions
A backdrop is a decorative, eye-catching installation that acts as both decor and a solid background for a photograph. It anchors your space and gives guests an amazing place to pose when it’s time to take pictures.
Wedding reception backdrops also serve as a focal point for your decor. You can place it where speeches will take place or on a stage where the action of your event will happen.
Not only will it make your space more beautiful, but it will be a covert photo booth if you place props and good lighting around the area!
Top Wedding Reception Backdrop Ideas
Floral Walls
A stunning floral wall accented with rustic crates. Photo Credit: Elizabeth James Events
Create a lush, vibrant backdrop using fresh or artificial flowers! Choose blooms that match your color scheme and bouquets and pack them in to make a dense, luxurious background your guests will adore!
You can go for the monochrome look or mix shades to reflect your full wedding color scheme.
Greenery and Foliage
Any plant-loving bride would love this greenery-filled backdrop. Photo Credit: Something Turquoise
If you prefer the minimalist approach, use leaves, vines, sprouts, and plants to create a more natural look. You can buy a pre-made greenery screen and add foliage or build your own from scratch!
Fabric Drapery
A simple fabric drape wall has a huge impact. Photo Credit: The Bridal Journey Wedding Inspiration
An affordable, yet stunning, way to set up a wedding reception backdrop is to drape fabrics. Choose flowing fabrics like chiffon or velvet that drape well. Combine neutrals and your wedding colors and get creative with how you place them!
Balloon Installations
A stunning balloon installation is elevated with lush flowers and greenery. Photo Credit: Something Turquoise
Balloons aren’t just for kids! Highlight playful and colorful balloon arrangements. Choose to craft an epic arch, stunning columns, or use helium to stage an ethereal backdrop with floating balloons.
Rustic Elements
If you’re planning a rustic wedding, incorporate wood, pallets, or even vintage doors to bring in that lived-in charm. This will enhance a rustic space
Neon Signs
A neon sign enhances a simple space. Photo Credit: Nightglow Studio
If you’re hosting an eclectic or modern wedding, add some personalized neon lighting. Have a neon sign made with the happy couple’s names and wedding date. Hang it on a plain background and let it take center stage!
Geometric Designs
Geometric shapes and patterns that feature crisp lines and pointy edges will give a minimalistic but artistic vibe.
Themed Props
If you have a specific wedding theme, like beach, vintage, or boho, channel it with some authentic, themed props. For example, a boho backdrop, hang strips of mismatched fabric amongst beautifully woven macrame pieces.
You can even hang some unique wall art for an eclectic look!
Vintage Heirlooms
Add vintage charm to your backdrop with fun antiques. Photo Credit: Eventory
Visit your local antique store or the attic of your favorite relatives to find amazing vintage heirlooms like lamps, old trunks, or even a chandelier!
Arrange them against a blank wall in your venue and add smaller trinkets, like hand mirrors and clocks.
Fairy Lights & Tulle
Fairy lights give off a romantic ambiance when layered under tulle. Photo Credit: BBCrafts
Layering transparent tulle over LED fairy lights creates a soft glow that will add a beautiful ambiance to your photos and events.
Photo Wall
Whether you use photos from the couple’s engagement photo shoot or take a walk-through time with childhood photos, creating a gallery wall of photos will add a personal touch to the event.
Sequin Fabric
Buy sheets of sequin fabric that match the wedding color scheme to hang on the wall. This will create a glitzy, shimmery background that looks great in photos!
Go a step further and get double-sided sequins so guests can “write” messages to the couple onto it!
Boho Ribbons
Collect mismatched fabric remnants that fit your palette and cut them into strips. Then, tie them onto a long wooden dowel. The varying colors and lengths will look boho-chic!
Wood Paneling
Wooden palletes get a new life as wedding reception decor! Photo Credit: Top 5
If your venue has wood paneling, embrace it and enhance it by hanging string lights, soft fabric panels, or just go minimalist for a warm backdrop. You can also bring your own paneling to create the look you want.
Beaded Curtains
Whether you go with wooden or glass beads, hanging beaded curtains will create a romantic, magical vibe. Match them to your wedding theme and accent with flowers or vines!
DIY Backdrop Ideas and Tips
Creating a DIY backdrop is a cinch, especially if you take some steps before you begin crafting! First, visit your venue and analyze the space and lighting, so you know where you’d like to set up your backdrop. If your issue is not being able to find a wedding venue, you can always opt for a non-traditional wedding venue.
Remember, it should go in a prominent place where most of the action will happen. So behind the sweetheart table, on a blank wall near the dance floor, or where you plan on having the bridal party stand for speeches.
Measure the Area
Next, measure the area. This will allow you to buy enough materials to fill the space and prevent it from looking sparse. Your cost breakdown will depend on the size of your backdrop and which method you go with.
For example, if you choose fresh flowers over artificial for a floral backdrop, you’ll need to factor in the cost of floral foam and water to keep everything looking fresh.
Take Advantage of Sales
As you shop for materials, take advantage of craft store sales and clearance discounts. You can also ask friends, family, and neighborhood buy-nothing groups for extra decor that fits your theme.
Don’t forget to also buy the tools you will need to hang the items, like command strips, tape, and string.
Always ask your venue for guidance on how they prefer you decorate the space. Some will not allow adhesives or excessive hanging on walls. If that’s the case, you can use a wooden frame as your backdrop base rather than the wall.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY
A bride DIYs her wedding reception backdrop Photo Credit: Gladys S.
As with most aspects of your wedding, you can choose to DIY your wedding reception backdrop or hire a professional to style it for you. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
DIYing your wedding reception backdrop will save you big, especially since you can buy supplies in bulk and enlist a creative friend or family member to style it prior to the big day. Or you can do it yourself!
This allows you to get the backdrop just right. However, you may run into some issues like running short on supplies or not being about to secure the backdrop properly.
Hiring someone to create your backdrop will save you lots of time and ensure the finished product is gorgeous and sturdy.
Since the person has prior experience, you can rest assured the backdrop will not only look stunning in photos, but will last the evening! Hiring a vendor, however, is very expensive. And you run the risk of not having the finished product meet your standards.
If you are hiring a vendor or designer to create your vision, start by researching them online. Many have an online portfolio as well as reviews you can view before setting up a consultation.
Once you meet with them, show pictures and your color palette so they understand the look you are going for. Be sure to communicate the date, time, and location of your wedding so they can put you on their books!
Current Trends in Wedding Reception Backdrops
As you start planning your backdrop, consider some of the most cutting edge trends popping up in the wedding world. Sustainable or repurposed materials are huge with the environmentally conscious.
This means taking items and giving them a new life in your design or choosing materials that are biodegradable and won’t add to the waste problem.
Another trend is integrating technology to make an interactive experience. This could be as simple as using customizable LED lights that guests can adjust on their own or LED screens that display.
But remember, your wedding reception backdrop doesn’t need to be trendy or cutting-edge. It just needs to reflect your taste. According to Brides.com, your backdrop can be as simple as a plain wooden frame or a piece of fabric, so long as it embodies your wedding vision!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Backdrop
Align the backdrop with the wedding theme and color scheme: Every component of your special day should call back to your unique vision.
Consider the venue’s space and lighting: Tour the venue and preview the lighting and space restrictions. This will help guide your ideas.
Ensure the backdrop complements other decor elements: The backdrop should tie in to all of your other decor, not stick out like a sore thumb.
Set a budget early on: Decide how much you want to spend on the backdrop before you begin planning. This will help manage expectations.
Be creative: Take inspiration from other sources, but stay true to your own creativity! Don’t try to attain something that you’re unsure you can accomplish on your own.
Your wedding reception is a time to celebrate your vows and love story. A wedding reception backdrop will anchor the space and amplify your theme.
Once you know what you’re working with, let your imagination run wild! With a little ingenuity and a whole lot of heart, you can make a wedding reception backdrop that is worthy of your dream wedding!