Amanda Somerville Photography, Springvine Florals, Morning Glory Farm
Everyone knows the impact a great first impression can have - and weddings are no exception. Everything from your wedding invitation to your ceremony entrance plays a part in your guests’ expectations for your big day. Once every detail has been planned and prepared, the time has come for the grand reveal! This reveal begins the minute guests pull into your venue’s locale. The scenery, decor, and little touches all contribute to the story people will tell when they reminisce on your special day.
Imagine a grand walkway adorned with florals leading to the ceremony..
a picture perfect sign welcoming in a new last name…
or a fresh beverage nodding to the celebration.
The perfect wedding welcome is one that compels guests to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the moment. Consider these design ideas when piecing together your wedding welcome.
The Welcome Sign
Trends may come and go, but a classic welcome sign will never go out of style. For a personal touch, consider incorporating your names into a beautiful welcome design. Feature your new last name, your wedding date, or other sentimental touches you want guests to know. If an unplugged ceremony is important to you, let your guests know with a sign that ties into your wedding design. Add fresh flowers, greenery, and other decor pieces to create a show stopping welcome your guests will love.
The Welcome Table
A welcome table marks the beginning of your guests’ involvement - writing in the guestbook, dropping cards into the box, and enjoying a beverage on the way to your seat are all important elements of the welcome experience. This table may very well be one of the first things guests see when they walk in, so they’ll notice your influence in the little details. (Trust us, we’ve heard it firsthand!)
Floral Touches
Note to self: flowers make everything look pretty. Greet your guests with bright florals as they make their way to the ceremony space for an unforgettable entrance.
Refreshing Drinks
Picture a gorgeous display of fresh beverages placed at your ceremony entrance. Fruit infused water, lemonade, or sparkling juices all make delicious options for a ceremony drink. In the warmer months, a refreshing drink will go a long way in ensuring your guests’ comfort throughout the duration of your ceremony. A reusable water bottle doesn’t go with most wedding outfits ;)
Enhance Venue Elements
Take advantage of your venue’s setting by enhancing certain elements. Consider dressing mossy trees, pergolas, or banisters in on-theme garlands of greenery and florals for a cohesive welcome design.
Champagne Wall
It’s never too early to celebrate! Treat your guests to a champagne treat they can enjoy while you tie the knot. A champagne wall makes the perfect welcome display: beautiful and delicious! Top it off with fresh fruit or a personalized garnish for an effortless pre-ceremony treat.
Welcome Music
Is there anything more romantic than live musicians gracefully playing love songs? There’s a reason so many of our couples choose live music for their ceremony - it takes your wedding welcome to the next level. I’d encourage you to imagine yourself as a guest at your own wedding - strolling up to the ceremony as the soft sounds of violin play in the background… sounds perfect, right? This also creates a seamless flow from your guests’ arrival into your ceremony music.
Pre-Vow Photo-Op
Depending on your venue, there may be a space to frame your welcome with balloons or fresh florals. Welcome your guests with creative elements that will make them stop, stare, and then take a photo! As guests arrive and mingle, they’ll want to document the occasion before the ceremony commences. Consider decor elements that can double as a photo op, like this stunning petal toss display or balloon arch.