Wedding Design Tips You Need to Know
Designing your wedding can feel exciting, but also overwhelming, especially if you’re handling most of the planning and design yourself. That’s where our professional design team comes in. With backgrounds in interior design, we know how to take the principles that make a space feel balanced, stylish, and intentional, and apply them to your wedding day.
In this post, we’re sharing our favorite wedding design tips and tricks to help you create a cohesive, beautiful celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a timeless, elegant look or a bold, trend-forward vibe, these expert insights will help you bring your vision to life with confidence.
Where Do I Start?
The first step in designing your wedding is figuring out where to start, and that begins with your budget. We typically recommend allocating 8-12% of your overall budget toward florals and decor, but this can fluctuate based on what’s most important to you as a couple. Once you have a general idea of how much you want to dedicate to design, take some time to talk through your priorities together. Maybe it’s a show-stopping floral installation, lounge areas for guests to gather, or place settings that make a lasting impression. Once you’ve identified those priorities, you can begin building your overall design with those key elements in mind.
Photographer: Eric & Jamie
Think About Each Space Individually
Most weddings flow through multiple spaces, from the ceremony to cocktail hour, and finally, the reception. Each of these areas should feel cohesive while still having its own personality.
Start by considering the vibe of your venue. Is it modern and sleek? Romantic and historic? Your design choices should complement the natural aesthetic of the space. For example, if your venue has a contemporary art gallery feel, but you’re envisioning a woodsy, rustic design, those two styles might clash rather than blend.
To create a cohesive design, carry similar color tones, textures, or floral styles throughout each space. This helps everything flow naturally from one area to the next while still allowing for subtle variations that make each space feel special.
Photographer: Matlock & Kelly
Tablescape Design
Your tablescape, the overall design of your dinner tables, is one of the best opportunities to showcase your wedding style. Before you begin, decide whether you’re going for a minimalist or maximalist look. Both can be beautiful, what matters most is maintaining consistency and balance throughout your design.
A well-designed table should have depth, balance, and flow. Here’s how to achieve that:
Layer thoughtfully. Layering adds visual interest and dimension. Stack chargers, plates, and napkins, and mix textures like linen, glass, and metal for a collected, intentional look.
Spread out your colors. If your centerpiece features bold tones, balance them with softer hues or neutrals throughout the rest of the table.
Avoid too much “dead space.” Fill empty areas with candles, bud vases, or personal details like place cards or menus.
Vary the heights. Mixing tall and low elements, such as taper candles and votives, creates movement across the tables.
Give your eyes a place to rest and don’t overcrowd the table too much. Intentional open space helps everything feel elevated and elegant.
Photographer: Alexis Dimmer
Linen Placement
This is one of those small details that makes a big difference! When placing your linens:
Always make sure the seam of the tablecloth faces inward so it’s hidden from guests.
Ensure all creases are aligned and centered in the same direction on every table.
Make sure the linen is perfectly placed and touching the ground evenly across all sides of the table.
Always make sure your linens are crisp and wrinkle-free! Whether you’re renting from a company or providing your own, ensure they’re properly pressed, steamed, and neatly folded before the wedding day.
It’s subtle, but it creates a clean, professional look that instantly elevates your design.
Photographer: Linden Bloom
Table Setting
If you’re going for a formal table setting, there’s a proper way to arrange everything. Typically, the forks go on the left, while knives and spoons go on the right, and proper placement for the drinkware (see image below).
When it comes to napkins, there are so many creative ways to style them beyond the traditional rectangle fold. You’ll see a few common examples below, but there are countless other options to explore!
Try experimenting with different napkin folds. Like a waterfall fold that drapes over the edge of the table, a tied knot, or even a pocket fold to tuck in menus or place cards. These small styling choices can completely change the overall tone and feel of your tablescape.
Rule of Thirds
In design, the Rule of Thirds means that grouping items in threes (or other odd numbers) tends to look more natural and visually appealing.
For example, in the images below, the candles are arranged in clusters of three, following this design principle. Notice how they’re also displayed at varying heights, which helps create balance and visual movement across the table.
Photographer: M Visuals
Lounge Areas
Incorporating lounge areas into your wedding design is a simple way to elevate the overall guest experience. This is where guests can relax, chat, and take photos, it should feel inviting and thoughtfully styled.
Keep the Rule of Thirds in mind here as well, group furniture and decor in odd numbers to create balance and harmony within the space.
We typically recommend including one couch, two side chairs, two side tables, and one ottoman or coffee table to create a comfortable, cohesive setup. Arrange the couch and side chairs together with the rule of thirds in mind, this helps achieve a visually balanced and inviting seating area. Similarly, group the two side tables and the coffee table or ottoman with the same design principle to maintain proportion and flow. To tie the look together, add pillows in your wedding colors or a rug that complements your overall design palette. These finishing touches help the space feel intentional and connected to the rest of your design.
Photographer: Hunter Hennes
Other Helpful Tips
See it all together. Whether you’re visiting a rental showroom or designing virtually, use a platform like Canva to create a visual mood board. This helps you see how all your colors, textures, and decor work together before the wedding day.
Trust your gut. In the age of social media, it’s easy to second-guess your vision after seeing something new on Pinterest or Instagram. But remember, your wedding design should reflect you, not what’s trending. Stick with what you truly love, and your day will feel more personal and timeless.
Photographer: Our Ampersand
Designing your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you’re taking the reins yourself. With a few thoughtful tips and tricks, you can create a celebration that feels intentional, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
If you’re looking for extra guidance or want to take your wedding design to the next level, our professional design team is here to help. With our interior design expertise, we offer personalized wedding design services to bring your vision to life. Reach out to us to learn more and see how we can help make your dream wedding design into a reality!
