7 Wedding Style Hacks You Need to Know About
The venue is the perfect size and free on the date you want…but
the carpet is terrible, the wallpaper clashes your colors and
the lighting is all wrong! We tapped our favorite wedding pros
for clever solutions to the most common décor challenges.
By Lauren Kay
1. The space’s chairs are dated, and they don’t fit my color
scheme or style.
PHOTO BY SYLVIE GIL PHOTOGRAPHY
The Expert: Krystel Tien of Couture Events in San Diego
The Style Hack: This is an easy fix: Rent ones that complement
your wedding style or colors, like classic chiavari chairs
or rustic wood benches. "We love to incorporate specialty lounge
furniture and beautiful vintage pieces," Tien says. If budget
is a concern, select a couple of pieces that will have maximum
effect, like king and queen chairs for the sweetheart table.
"A few properly placed items can make a huge visual impact,"
Tien adds.
2. The ballroom carpet is patterned and totally unbearable.
PHOTO BY SAMUEL LIPPKE STUDIOS
The Expert: Brooke Keegan of Brooke Keegan Weddings & Events
in Newport Beach, California
The Style Hack: If your budget allows, roll in some new carpet
and completely cover the rug. Not in the cards? Keep your
guests looking up. "Once you put down the band stage, the
dance floor and a dozen tables, you've covered a lot of that
carpet," Keegan says. So draw your guests' eyes to focal
points around the room, like hanging market lights or a giant
floral installation.
3. The venue is large and wide open, and you want an intimate
feel.
PHOTO BY
KRISTEN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
The Expert: Amy Zaroff of Amy Zaroff Events & Design in
Minneapolis
The Style Hack: Space is usually a bonus, but if you're after
a cozy atmosphere, a big room with high ceilings can present
a challenge. "Creating spaces within spaces and points of
interest throughout will help keep guests' eyes front and
center," Zaroff says. Hang long centerpieces low—just over
the table—to bring their gaze down and to create a more romantic
feel. Use furniture, flooring and fabric draping to define
spaces throughout the venue. Designing vignettes will make
it feel smaller and more intimate—and show off your wedding
style.
4. The walls are the worst—ugly wallpaper and medieval sconces!
PHOTO BY MCCLANAHAN STUDIO
The Expert: Brian Worley of yourBASH! in Santa Monica, California
The Style Hack: While you can't exactly redecorate, you can
shift the focus. "I like to transform a space with what
I call 'moving wallpaper'—we use projectors and add moving
images to the walls," Worley says. This trick also doubles
as a lighting feature, giving the space a unique look.
If a dozen projectors aren't in your budget, stick to lighting
that masks the design. Uplighting and gobos can transform
a space instantly—even old wallpaper can disappear amid
a soft, colorful glow.
5. The drapes are patterned, and the venue won’t take them
down.
PHOTO BY BRIAN DORSEY STUDIOS
The Expert: Annie Lee of Daughter of Design in New York City
The Style Hack: "Buy yards of simple fabric and pin them
over the offending drapes," Lee says. It's a quick fix—no
sewing required—and it can really transform the venue.
Unlimited budget? Drape the whole space! Coordinate your
fabric choices with your table linens, working in a texture
or small pattern to keep things fresh and fun.