Wedding Décor Ideas That Don't Involve Flowers

While you can't go wrong with flowers on your wedding day, there are definitely new and innovative design ideas to consider for your ceremony and reception. Here, experts go beyond the basic florals and offer other ideas to use throughout your nuptials. Sure, flowers are pretty, but so are these fresh ideas. And whether you're looking to cut back on your floral budget, have an allergy to those pretty blooms, or simply want to try something your guests haven't seen a thousand times before, there are so many reasons to think beyond flowers for your big day. 

We're not saying you have to give up on flowers entirely (unless you want to!), but rather to consider the idea of bringing in unexpected, alternative elements of décor. Nervous your event won't feel like a wedding without those classic floral arrangements? Don't be. Each of these fun options is backed by an industry pro, so you can rest assured that these are all entirely wedding-worthy. What are you waiting for? Check out these 11 great ideas, then get ready to depart from the standard and swap out petals and blooms for one or more of these unique, decorative options.

Design with Furniture

"Use furniture, like tables, chairs, and cushions, to create a unique environment. Incorporate your personal and interior style to your event space by including built-out lounge vignettes and walls with layered textures and patterns." —Allyson Levine Joseph, Executive Event Producer & Vice President of Sales, Bob Gail Special Events

"Consider the culture of the city and/or country where the celebration is taking place, and then incorporate distinctive items from the area. We designed an escort card display of compasses for a Colorado wedding at a yacht club and added personalized canoe oars as a finishing touch." —Emily Clarke,

Creative Director,

Emily Clarke Events

"Instead of focusing merely on table arrangements, we've been encouraging clients to look up! We have been installing beautiful, lush installations over the tables to create an al-fresco garden feel or over the dance floor to delineate a separate party space. It also helps to visually separate the dinner from the dancing portion of the evening and give the feeling of two separate environments." —Lyndsey Hamilton, Creative Director, Lyndsey Hamilton Events

"Try incorporating your sweets into your centerpiece. In the past, I've seen clients use mini cakes that we adorned with succulents, flowers, or berries as part of their centerpiece. Each table had their own small cake that they could cut and share after dinner. It was a great conversation piece that was not only beautiful, but tasty too!" —Tiffany Siladke, Owner & Floral Designer, Foraged Floral

"Think about innovative ways to use other delicate items, like dried flowers or preserved insects, throughout the celebration. We loved the use of butterflies for décor purposes from this wedding." —Alise Davis, Owner & Principal Designer, Olive Willow Designs

"Balloons are no longer just for birthday parties. Oversized and tasseled metallic strings are a fun way to mark locations throughout any event.  There are a variety of sizes and colors so you can choose whichever fits your wedding best." —Kate Ryan & Chelsea Dillon,

Partners,

Gold Leaf Event Design & Production

"Look up! Rethink your lighting installations and consider using something off-beat, like these chandeliers that were created for our clients' tented wedding. They were made using painted palm tree branches and then we suspended a single Edison bulb from each." —Candice Coppola, Owner & Creative Director, Jubilee Event

"From napkins and placemats to more traditional table coverings, linens can up your overall wedding design. For example, a textured table linen can be just the statement-making pop your tables are looking for." —Kristin Doggett, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Bellafare

"We love the idea of décor that is edible and interactive as guests sit down to their tables. You can create a family-style nosh for guests to enjoy that also enhances your overall design and color palette." —Brooke Keegan, Owner, Brooke Keegan Special Events

"Consider the point of entry and exit as a place for additional decor to welcome your guests. Lanterns, potted trees, floral or fabric draping at entryways can all set the tone for the event." —Melissa Porter,

Managing Partner,

Asheville Event Co.

"Hire a calligrapher to help design special items to bring your overall wedding day design together, from your seating chart display to your menus." —Tessa Brand,

Owner,

Tessa Lyn Events