Decor
Imagine a raw space - perhaps a gymnasium, barn, studio, or industrial warehouse - as a blank canvas for your wedding. Naturally, these options provide the perfect setting for brides with imaginative spirits desiring maximum creative control on their wedding day. From chairs to linens to lighting, you’ll call the shots filling the space with all your favorites. Transformations of this kind will require work and some extra money for rentals, delivery, and staff, but the pay off is unbeatable. The beautified room will be personally meaningful, and undoubtedly your guests will admire the individuality you’ll be able to express in its presentation.
"No one wants a cookie cutter wedding, so there isn’t always an exact replica to show someone what can be done in their specific space. But the finished product is always worth the work when it’s all said and done." - Evans Visual Audio
ROOMS WITHIN A ROOM
Utilize the large empty space to your advantage by creating “rooms within a room.” This means subdividing the larger area to accommodate a ceremony, cocktail hour/lounge, dining room, and dance floor, into sections. Parties that “progress” from one area to the next creates interest, and is an effective trick for encouraging guests to mingle and move about.
DESTINATION BAR
Whether offering an open-bar, cash-bar, or wine-bar, most guests arrive thirsty for a drink (or two). Often times, however, the bar is treated as a design after-thought – perhaps a table covered in black linen in the corner of the room - or couples are forced to use the existing bar in the venue which may or may not be in a convenient location. Another beauty of a raw open space is getting to select the location and look of the well-trafficked bar.
Create a “destination bar” as a party hot spot worthy of attention. If space allows, consider a four-sided bar in the middle of the cocktail hour room fashioned with candles or a tall floral design positioned in the center. The functionality of the bar simultaneously works to fill the open area in an attractive way – which can save on money.
A “back bar” refers to the area behind the bar visible to guests where liquor or glasses are stored, ready for use. This is another opportunity to fuse functionality with style. Instead of a linen-covered table, use rental shelving to add dramatic height and display glassware intermixed with thoughtfully placed candles.
DINNER SCENE
Seeing that you’ll most likely need to rent functional elements such as tables and chairs, embrace the infinite possibilities in your design choices. For example, create instant drama in the dining room by mixing table shapes, linens, and chairs. Whether selecting square tables, round tables, long rectangular tables, or choosing all three – anything goes! An eclectic mix of complementary elements is not only a modern spin on the traditional wedding dinner, it adds visual interest and a unique experience for each guest.
"Some of the most beautiful weddings incorporate things you wouldn’t normally expect...when we hung crystal chandeliers in trees for an outdoor wedding the guests could not stop talking about them. The best part was once it got dark, it looked as though they were floating. It was absolutely gorgeous!" - Evans Visual Audio
LOUNGE
Take your wedding to the next level by sectioning off an area in your reception for guests to get stylishly comfortable. An attractive vignette of rental furniture encourages guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company, while adding swankiness to the party aesthetic. Accessorize nesting tables with “pops” of fresh floral and deck the sofa with soft, textured pillows to complement the wedding palette.
LET THEIR BE LIGHT
Although intangible, color and lighting are important elements in our lives, and when it comes to dressing up a raw space, lighting alone can transform it. Consider one or all of these three lighting tricks to complement your space and add a multi-dimensional experience for your guests:
- Get the party started by including dance floor lighting. Otherwise dark and uninviting, a dance floor with rotating colors projected onto its surface creates excitement and draws the crowd in. Unique patterns, motifs, or even a customized monogram can be projected onto the floor as well, adding to the fun.
- “Up lighting” refers to washes of color that illuminate the walls surrounding your reception. Although positioned on the perimeter of the room, the glow of light and color bounces off the walls and blankets the entire room in warm hues.
- A “pin spot” can be positioned overhead directing a narrow beam of light onto each centerpiece or focal design that you wish to stand out. A pin spot focused on the cake table, for example, will properly spotlight the cake, subtly drawing guests’ attention to the design.
Evans Audio Visual is a full service, locally owned event production company located in Indianapolis. Sound, lights, video, furniture, staging, drapery, special effects, props, signs, design and entertainment. Evans Audio Visual does it all.
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