When planning a wedding, every couple wants their day to be special, memorable, and, most importantly, a reflection of who they are. From the decor and colours to the venue itself, all these elements should come together seamlessly to create a cohesive experience that feels both personal and intentional.
Whether you’re a couple looking for direction or a wedding supplier helping your clients make crucial decor decisions, this guide will give you the insights needed to craft a wedding that tells a unique love story, aligns with the season, and enhances the beauty of the venue.
Let’s dive into how to elevate the wedding experience through thoughtful decor and design choices.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Tables – Keep it Simple, Keep it Elegant
When it comes to table decor, it can be tempting to pack in all the little details you’ve dreamed of, candles, flowers, favors, glassware, and so much more. However, overcrowded tables can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming, leaving guests with little room to comfortably enjoy their meal.
Why It Happens:
Many couples want to showcase all their personal touches on each table, from intricate centrepieces to customised name cards. While these details are important, they need to be carefully balanced to avoid a crowded look.
How to Avoid It:
Choose a Focus Piece: Decide on one element to be the focal point of your tables. This could be a stunning floral centrepiece, a unique candelabra, or an elegant lantern. Build the rest of your decor around this piece without competing for attention.
Mind Your Table Size: The size of your table determines how much decor it can hold. Long banquet tables allow for more extended arrangements, while smaller round tables should feature more compact decor. Make sure your centrepieces don’t overpower the available space.
Multi-Purpose Items: Find items that can serve more than one function. For example, name cards can double as part of the decor or favors. Minimalism doesn’t mean skipping out on the details, it means making every detail count.
Pro Tip: If you love a fuller look, consider leaving off certain items, like favors, until after dinner to free up space during the meal. This ensures your guests have plenty of room to relax and enjoy without sacrificing the personal touches.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Venue’s Aesthetic – Let the Space Guide You
Every venue has its own unique character, whether it’s a rustic barn, a glamorous ballroom, or a minimalist industrial loft. One of the biggest mistakes couples make is not considering the existing aesthetic of the venue when selecting their decor. Instead, they try to force a design style that clashes with the space, creating an inconsistent look.
Why It Happens:
When you’ve spent hours curating your Pinterest board, it can be hard to compromise on your vision. However, the key to a seamless wedding design is to work with the venue’s strengths rather than against them.
How to Avoid It:
Highlight the Venue’s Natural Features: Does your venue have beautiful chandeliers or exposed brick walls? Use these elements to your advantage! Opt for decor that enhances the space, rather than hides it. For instance, a venue with lots of greenery may only need subtle floral touches to blend with the surroundings.
Stay in Sync with the Venue Style: Your decor should complement the overall vibe of your venue. For a rustic barn, consider using wooden accents, soft lighting, and natural tones. If you’re hosting a chic ballroom wedding, go for elegant touches like crystal candle holders, sleek table settings, and metallic accents.
Balance and Contrast: If your venue is minimalist and neutral, feel free to add a bit of drama with bold colours or striking centrepieces. On the other hand, if your venue has a lot of character, stick to more simple, understated decor to avoid overwhelming the space.
Pro Tip: Take time to tour your venue at the same time of day your wedding will take place. Pay attention to natural light, colour tones, and architectural details. This will help you choose decor that fits with the space effortlessly.
Mistake 3: Mismatched Colour Schemes – Create Cohesion with Colour
The colours you choose for your wedding set the tone for the entire day. However, one of the most common mistakes couples make is choosing too many conflicting colours or not considering how they work together. This can result in a decor style that feels disjointed rather than harmonious.
Why It Happens:
With so many gorgeous colours to choose from, it’s easy to get carried away and pick a palette that’s too broad. Alternatively, some couples may not take the time to think about how their venue’s colours will interact with their chosen palette.
How to Avoid It:
Limit Your Colour Palette: Stick to 2-3 main colours and 1-2 accent colours. These shades should work together seamlessly. For example, blush pink, gold, and cream create a soft, romantic look, while navy, emerald, and copper offer a rich, elegant vibe.
Consider the Venue’s Existing Colours: If your venue has bold or standout colours (like a patterned carpet or coloured walls), make sure your decor doesn’t clash. Choosing complementary colours that enhance the existing palette will help everything feel cohesive.
Use Colour Sparingly: Your accent colours can appear in subtle details, such as napkins, ribbons, or signage. This allows your colour scheme to shine through without feeling overpowering.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which colours work well together, use a colour wheel to find complementary colours (those opposite each other) or analogous colours (those next to each other on the wheel). This is a simple tool to create a pleasing colour combination.
Bonus Tip: The Importance of Lighting
While decor is essential, don’t forget the power of lighting. The right lighting can completely transform your space, highlighting decor and creating an inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s soft candlelight for a romantic vibe or twinkling fairy lights for an outdoor evening celebration, lighting can tie your decor together beautifully.

By avoiding these common decor mistakes, you’ll ensure your wedding looks cohesive, elegant, and true to your personal style. Remember, your decor should enhance the atmosphere and tell your love story, so take the time to consider the venue, colours, and overall vision.
Need more inspiration or advice? Feel free to get in touch! I’d love to help you create the wedding of your dreams.
Conclusion/Call to Action:
By focusing on these details, you’ll have decor that wows your guests and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re just getting started with wedding planning or putting the finishing touches on your big day, I’m here to help with expert advice, decor inspiration, and personalised consultations.
