Simple Wedding Decoration Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

2020 has been a rollercoaster but one thing that I am loving is the return back to more simple wedding decorations. Instead of over the top floral installations, couples are considering small, thoughtful touches for their guests and more subtle touches that feel luxurious. As many couples are choosing to (or forced to) downsize their guest list, there is an opportunity to make things more personable and special for each guest who does attend.

Here at Write Pretty for Me, we have been busy creating hand-written details for so many weddings here in Hoboken, New Jersey. Hand-written details add such a warmth to your event and these details matter to both your and your guests’ experience. From envelope addressing and stationery design, to event signage and gift accessories, we love it all. You can read more about our wedding calligraphy and design services here.

Simple Welcome Sign for Your Wedding Reception

If you are trying to keep your wedding reception decorations simple, start with the welcome sign. Calligraphy on a mirror (large or small) is always stunning. In the photo below, we paired the classic vintage gold frame with asymmetrical flowers in the wedding colors. Add two larger lanterns and some small tea light candles, the decor looks very grounded and well put-together. If you look at the pieces separately, it wasn’t overly elaborate to pull off the look! And to make things even easier for you, we’ve got a selection of mirrors available for rent!

Table Numbers That Aren’t Boring

Whether you are planning on having two tables or twenty, you have likely thought about table numbers. You can never go wrong with something simple and elegant like a hand-written acrylic sign. For the wedding below, we named the tables after different locations and chose a frosted acrylic finish. It was absolutely stunning paired with the candles and greenery.

If you want something a bit more unique (but equally stunning), consider adding hand written details to one of the vases on the table. This adds a subtle, but powerful, warmth. In the below example, they kept the wedding table simple and classic with only greenery, candles, and a folder napkin and menu card. Writing on curved surfaces takes practice, which is why if you do want to add hand written details to your wedding decor, make sure to hire a professional!

Menu Card Ideas: Adding Hand Written Touches to Your Reception Decor

Another simple wedding decoration idea (that doesn’t feel simple) is hand written menu cards. A lot of times couples are searching for menu card ideas looking for “something different” but truly nothing beats hand-written details here. Especially for weddings with smaller guest lists, this can be wonderfully done. And if you don’t want to splurge with a hand written card for each guest? You can always create one card for the table (or for every second seat). Quality is important here because these will be something your guests physically touch.

Escort Cards

If you are interested, I wrote a whole blog post of the difference between escort cards, place cards, and a seating chart. If you want more details on the differences (and advice on what might be right for your wedding) make sure to check it out here. If you want to keep to simple wedding decorations, escort cards are perfect for a small wedding.

Adding Place Cards to Your Wedding Reception Decor

You may not think of place cards as simple wedding decorations, but they can be. If you want wedding decor that is less flashy, but makes your guests feel really taken care of, place cards are a way to do that. Unlike escort cards, place cards assign a specific seat for each guest at a table. No more wondering where to sit! Place cards can often double as wedding favors depending what you choose to use as well. Place cards can be simple or elaborate depending on your wedding style. These simple place cards paired with a busier (but stunning) tablescape below are a perfect example!

For 2020 Weddings, Social Distancing Instructions

With COVID still affecting weddings, consider a simple way for guests to show how they are feeling about social distancing. The below signs let guests say if they are okay with hugs, if they prefer to talk and not touch, or if they prefer their space. Every couple I’ve talked to lately has felt the pressure to ensure that their guests feel safe and comfortable during this crazy year. A station like this is a way for guests to set their own boundaries (and feel very well taken care of while doing so!). Trust me, they will feel grateful that you thought of them!

Elevating Your Simple Wedding Reception Decorations

As you can see, adding touches of handwriting to your wedding decor really elevates the overall design. One of the things I love about wedding calligraphy is the warmth it adds to the space. If you have questions about hiring a wedding calligrapher for your event, please don’t hesitate to contact me using the button below. For bigger pieces, I can serve wedding couples all over New Jersey. For smaller pieces (like acrylic sheet table numbers), I can work with couples all over the US. For more inspiration, check out my gallery page or follow me on Instagram.