Your Complete Wedding Décor Checklist

Weddings

February 15, 2022

As a New Jersey wedding calligrapher, it’s safe to say I have a love for beautiful things. Couples come to me for all sorts of wedding décor ideas and suggestions: from wedding invitations, to ceremony signage, table numbers and everything in between. I LOVE it. And specifically what warms my heart, is knowing how much your guests love the pieces we create. Unlike some other wedding décor pieces, handwritten touches are created with the intention they will be interacted with by your guests. Your guests will look to your welcome sign, or unplugged ceremony sign, with eager anticipation of what’s to come. They will pick up an escort card, look for their table number, salivate while reading their menu card. It makes my heart sing!

But that brings me to the inevitable question: how do I make sure I’m not missing anything? Enter: your Complete Wedding Décor Checklist! I’ve been working on this for the past few weeks, as I know that your wedding day might be approaching quicker than you realize (2022 weddings are booming!), and it always helps to have everything in one place. I also include a few extra tips on what you can reuse, so make sure to download the list below, and I will share some of my favorite wedding décor inspiration with you below!

Wedding Ceremony Inspiration

When it comes to thinking about your wedding design, I usually like to walk through the day in chronological order! What will be the first piece your guests see once they enter the space? Both welcome signs and/or unplugged ceremony signs are stunning choices! If you choose a welcome sign, you can even make it do “double duty” by reusing it at the wedding reception to. On top of that, depending on the medium you choose, you may be able to reuse the signage in your home after the wedding. Mirrors are a perfect example of this – I love when couples use them in their homes after, or rent them instead of purchasing for an eco-friendly choice.

Next, we can start to think about wedding ceremony seating! After your guests have been greeted, they start to look for where they will sit during your ceremony. You can always have a “choose a seat, not a side” sign, but you can also consider something stunning to indicate the first row or two that is reserved for immediate family. You can also create custom programs (fans are popular!) that give your guests something to read while they wait for your ceremony to begin! Now is a great time to share your wedding hashtag too so guests can start doing it for the ‘gram!

Although not technically décor, I can’t help but mention another Write Pretty for Me favorite over here before I move on to reception décor. Vow Books! At the end of your wedding day, all you have are the promises you made to one another. Why not cherish them forever in a vow book?

Cocktail Hour Ideas!

Next, it’s time for cocktail hour! Although most couples tend to keep the décor fairly simple for cocktail hour, signature cocktail signs are a ALWAYS a huge hit! I always give a few extra bonus points when couples incorporate their fur babies, but I will leave that up to you!

Wedding Reception Ideas & Inspiration

After your guests have filled up on your signature cocktail, we can move on to the reception! Again, I like to move through the wedding décor you might need in chronological order. Will you repurpose your ceremony welcome sign? What other wedding signage might you need at the door greeting your guests? At minimum, you might want to consider a cards/gifts table, a guest book sign/instructions, and a way for guests to find their seats. You might also want to consider a display for favors, or something to represent those “in loving memory”.

Seating Charts, Escort Cards, Table Numbers and More

Next, we need to help guests find their seats! Both a seating chart or an escort card display can be equally stunning, depending on your personal style. Once you have decided on the right fit, you also need to have wedding décor elements that show them to their table (like table numbers) and their seat (like place cards). Feel free to have a lot of fun with these elements as they set the tone and greet your guests on what is sure to be the best night ever.

For more information on the difference between seating charts, escort cards, and place cards (and tips for each!), make sure to click the button below.

Wedding Table Décor

Your guests have finally made it to their table! On top of the stunning centerpieces you have chosen, the beautiful chargers and cutlery that make up your tablescape, you may also want to include a place card (which can double as a favor!) and/or a menu card. Ultimately, your guests will spend more time at their table than anywhere else on your wedding day so if you are looking for where to splurge or have a little extra fun, this is definitely it! Don’t forget, you can work with a wedding calligrapher or designer that offers rentals so that not every piece has to be custom!