Tips for Styling Multifunctional Wedding Spaces 🎉💐

Reception halls or function spaces are convenient but can feel generic if not styled thoughtfully. Here’s how to make them look magical without spending a fortune.

DIY Styling Tips

• Focal Point: Set up an arbour or backdrop for your vows, even if it’s in the middle of a reception hall — this gives your ceremony a clear visual centre.

• Lighting: Uplighting, fairy lights, or candles instantly warm up a space and make it feel inviting.

• Aisle & Décor: Rugs, petals, lanterns, or greenery can define your ceremony area and create a sense of journey for your guests.

• Personal Touches: Photos, signs, or meaningful décor make a large or neutral space feel uniquely yours.

• Multi-Use Planning: Consider how the space will transition from ceremony to reception; use décor that can stay in place or be easily moved.

• DIY Flower Hacks: Potted plants, flowers in jars, or artificial blooms add colour and texture without stress.

Common Mistakes Couples Make ⚠️

• Forgetting the Space Flow: Make sure guests can easily navigate from ceremony to reception without awkward obstacles.

• Overcrowding: Too much décor can make a hall feel cluttered and reduce space for seating or dancing.

• Ignoring Acoustics & Lighting: Even the prettiest décor won’t compensate for poor sound or harsh lighting — consider soft fabrics, draping, or extra lighting to balance the room.

• Not Considering Photography: Think about what will appear in photos — empty walls, cluttered corners, or poorly lit areas can be distracting.

Quick DIY Hacks for Stunning Results 💡

• Hanging Décor: Use floral hoops, greenery garlands, or ribbon swags from the ceiling to add vertical interest without taking up floor space.

• Transform Neutral Spaces: Rugs, lanterns, and chair sashes instantly personalise a blank room.

• Repurpose Reception Decor: Use table florals or aisle pieces for ceremony décor to save time and cost.

• Signage for Flow: Wooden or acrylic signs guide guests and add a personalised touch without extra furniture.

Pro Tips from Experienced Wedding Stylists ✨

• Layer Textures: Combine fabrics, flowers, and greenery to make the space feel warm and welcoming.

• Keep it Balanced: Use sym#metry or repeated design elements to create cohesion between ceremony and reception areas.

• Mix Real & Artificial Flowers: Fresh blooms for focal points like the arbour, artificial for aisle or secondary décor — perfect for long days or quick transitions.

• Think About Lighting: Add soft uplights, lanterns, or fairy lights near your arbour to create photo-ready areas.

• Test Setup in Advance: Walk the room from different angles to see how the décor looks from guest perspectives and in photos.

Quick Tip

A multifunctional space doesn’t have to feel generic — planning your focal points, lighting, and pathways can make it feel intimate and personalised, even if it’s being used for both ceremony and reception.

For more inspiration, check out our wedding arbour styling tips and indoor ceremony styling ideas to see how easy it is to transform any venue into a magical space.