Picture your big day. Close your eyes and try to visualize it. What do you see? It’s probably not just an image, but a feeling. An atmosphere. That intangible “something” that makes the space breathe magic, emotion, and, above all, smell like you. Wedding décor is so much more than metres of fabric, pretty flowers, and hanging lights. It is the silent language that tells your love story without uttering a single word. It is responsible for transforming a space into your own universe, for creating an immersive experience where your guests are not just spectators, but feel part of your story from the very first moment they walk through the door.
Planning your wedding décor can seem, at first glance, an overwhelming task. There are a thousand ideas on Pinterest, a thousand different styles, and a thousand details to think about. But take a deep breath. This process, far from being a burden, is one of the most creative and exciting parts of organizing your wedding. It is the opportunity to let your personalities as a couple run free and to create a world that represents you one hundred percent.
If you’re feeling a little lost about where to start, this guide is designed to be your roadmap. Let’s break down, step by step and calmly, all the elements that make up the wedding decor we use when planning weddings in Maresme at our wedding venue in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, so you can make decisions with confidence and, most importantly, enjoy every moment of the process. Because in the end, the goal isn’t to impress, but to excite.
Before the Details: Laying the Foundation of Your Style
Before you buy a single candle or choose the colour of the tablecloth, it is crucial to take a step back and think about the big picture. Décor does not come from nowhere; it arises from a central idea, a concept that unifies everything.
Finding Your Style as a Couple
This is the most important starting point. Take some time to sit down together and talk. What are you like? Are you a classic and elegant couple, or are you more bohemian and relaxed? Do you love rustic, rural charm or do you prefer the modernity and minimalism of urban style? It’s not about blindly following a trend, but about finding one that resonates with your essence. Brainstorm: words like “vintage,” “country,” “coastal,” “glamorous,” “modern,” or “romantic” can serve as initial inspiration.
Choosing a Colour Palette
Colours are the soul of the décor. They will be what set the mood for the day. You can opt for a palette of neutral and earthy tones (off-white, beige, sage green) for a serene and elegant look; for vibrant and cheerful colours (mustard, terracotta, cobalt blue) for a party full of energy; or for pastel shades (blush pink, mauve, mint) for a sweet and romantic atmosphere. The key is to choose two or three main colours and one or two accent colours to create harmony without being monotonous.
Defining a Concept or Theme
Don’t confuse “theme” with a costume party. A theme is a guiding idea that provides coherence. It can be as simple as “A Night Under the Stars” or “An English Garden in Spring.” Having a clear concept will help you make coherent decisions about all elements, from the invitations to the last detail of the sweet table.
The Ceremony: Creating the Perfect Frame for the “I Do”
The ceremony is the most emotional moment of the day and its décor should reflect that solemnity and beauty. The goal is to create a visual focus that frames you, the protagonists, as you say “I do.”
The Altar or Wedding Arch: This is the central element and the most photographed. The options are endless: an arch of lush, colourful fresh flowers, a minimalist geometric structure of metal or wood, a vintage door decorated with climbing vines, or even two tall columns with floral arrangements. Think about the architecture of the venue; an altar should complement the space, not fight against it. For an outdoor ceremony, a rustic wooden arch with flowing fabrics can be magical, while in a stately indoor setting, elegant and symmetrical structures may be the best option.
The Aisle: Guiding the eye towards the altar is essential. Aisle décor can include: small floral arrangements hung on chairs at intervals, natural petals scattered on the ground, or a runner that leads directly to you. If space allows, torches or low candelabras on the sides can add a touch of spectacle, especially for a sunset ceremony.
The Small Details: Don’t underestimate the power of small elements. A welcome sign with your names, a beautiful ceremony programme placed on each seat, or a basket of blankets for guests if it’s chilly are details that show careful attention and make everyone feel welcome.
The Cocktail Hour: Setting the Mood for Mingling and Socializing
After the emotion of the ceremony, the cocktail hour is a time of transition. The décor here should invite relaxation, conversation, and the fluid movement of guests.
Rest and Socializing Areas: Creating small nooks with their own personality can greatly enrich the experience. You can place poufs, vintage armchairs, or wooden benches around low tables decorated with candles and small floral centres. This encourages guests to sit down, chat, and socialize more intimately.
The Drink Station: The bar becomes a focal point during the cocktail hour. You can personalize it with a wooden structure, signage with a menu of signature cocktails with personalized names, or decorate it with garlands of flowers and fruit that match your colour palette. Don’t forget the details on the drinks themselves: personalized paper straws, citrus slices, or sprigs of aromatic herbs.
Ambient Elements: The use of textiles like rugs to define areas, ethereal fabrics hung from trees or structures to create ephemeral ceilings, and soft lighting with lanterns or Edison bulbs even before dusk, are key to creating a cozy and charming atmosphere.
The Reception: The Heart of the Celebration
The reception hall is where guests will spend the most time and where the décor can shine in all its splendour. The goal is to create a stunning tablescape that invites celebration and good conversation.
Tables: Typology and Structure: The first thing is to decide the layout. Long farmhouse tables that foster a communal and festive atmosphere? Or round tables that promote more intimate conversations among diners? The choice of tablecloth is fundamental; a high-quality linen tablecloth in a neutral colour is usually the perfect base to then play with overlays of colours or textures to add depth.
Tableware and Glassware: This is one of the elements that adds the most elegance. Playing with different textures and shapes can be very effective. Classic white china never fails, but you can add dessert plates with gold or coloured edges, or cut crystal glasses for a touch of luxury. Glassware of different heights creates a sense of abundance and sophistication on the table.
Centrepieces: They are the stars of the table. They should be beautiful, but not so tall that they impede conversation between guests. You can opt for low and long floral arrangements for rectangular tables, or more compact and tall compositions (on candelabras, for example) for round tables. Also consider non-floral alternatives: candelabras with candles of different heights, compositions of seasonal fruit, terrariums with moss and candles, or even stacked books for an intellectual vintage style.
Signage and Lettering: Written details personalize to the maximum. An elegant menu at each place setting, name cards that also serve as favours (they can be tied to a sprig of rosemary or a mini liquor bottle), and creative table numbers (in miniature frames, painted on stones, etc.) are that final touch that shows meticulous and caring planning.
The Wedding Cake and Dessert Table: The Sweet Finale
The cake is not just a dessert; it is a sculptural piece of décor and a celebration in itself.
The Cake: Its design must, of course, coordinate with the overall style of the wedding. A cake with naked frosting and fresh fruit is perfect for a rustic or country wedding. A completely smooth white fondant cake with gold geometric details is ideal for a modern and glamorous style. Also think about the base or stand it will be placed on, which can be made of wood, faux marble, or metal.
The Dessert or Candy Bar: If you opt for one, it must be a visual display. It’s not just about putting cakes on a table, but about creating a composition with height and variety. Use stands of different heights, pretty labels for each dessert, glass jars for sweets, and decorative elements that follow the theme. A well-designed dessert table is a magnet for photographs and a detail that guests, especially the little ones, will greatly appreciate.
Lighting: The Magic That Transforms Everything
Lighting is possibly the most underrated yet most transformative element of décor. It defines the atmosphere when the sun goes down.
Warm and Ambient Light: Always avoid cold, white lights typical of offices or warehouses. Opt for warm-toned (amber) bulbs. Strings of Edison bulbs (or fairy lights) are a classic for a reason: they create a magical and romantic atmosphere instantly. Hung from trees, on structures over the dance floor, or framing an altar, they are always a hit.
Focal Points with Light: Candelabras with candles (real or high-quality battery-operated) are irreplaceable for creating intimate and elegant points of light on the tables and throughout the space. Uplighting projected onto walls or trees can be used to wash the space with colour and highlight architectural or natural elements.
The Dance Floor: This is the epicentre of the party. Here the lighting can be more dynamic. A classic mirror ball never goes out of style, and coloured spotlights or lasers can add energy and fun for the peak hours of the celebration.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Overcrowding the Space: Sometimes, less is more. An excess of decorative elements can visually saturate the space and make it look cluttered. It’s better to choose a few impactful elements and execute them well.
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Improvising the Layout: Don’t leave the distribution of tables and elements for the last day. Draw up a scaled plan with the help of your vendors or wedding planner. This will ensure there is enough space for guests and staff to move around comfortably.
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Forgetting Guest Comfort: Décor should be beautiful, but also functional. Make sure there is enough shade if it’s sunny, heating if it’s cold, and that pathways are clear of obstacles, especially for people with reduced mobility.
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Not Having a Plan B for Outdoors: If your wedding is outdoors, the décor must be able to withstand (or adapt to) the whims of the weather. Ensure structures are stable, that decorative elements won’t fly away in the wind, and that you have an equally well-planned covered alternative.
Conclusion: A Day That is Pure Essence
Planning your wedding décor is a creative journey that will bring you even closer as a couple. It is an opportunity to reflect on who you are, what you like, and how you want to be remembered on the day that will mark the beginning of your life together. Every detail, no matter how small, is a brushstroke in the painting of that day. It’s not about perfection, but about authenticity. About creating a space where your personalities can be felt in the air.
And for that painting to be perfect, you need a canvas that inspires you. A place that, with its own beauty and character, offers you the perfect foundation on which to build your dream.
Mas Nadal is that canvas. Nestled in the tranquil region of El Maresme, in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, our masia is the dream setting to bring your vision to life. Imagine celebrating your ceremony in our gardens, where nature provides the best décor. Visualize the cocktail hour under the pergola, with sea views as a backdrop. Think of a reception in our courtyard or hall, where natural stone and traditional architecture provide an unrivalled rustic elegance, a perfect frame for any decorative style you choose.
At Mas Nadal, we understand that décor is emotion. That’s why we offer you a space full of possibilities, charming corners, and the necessary tranquility so that your wedding is a faithful expression of your love. We invite you to visit us and turn Mas Nadal into the home where you will say the most beautiful “I do” of your lives.
