Wedding reception decorations?

Question

I will be getting married next summer and we're on a budget, so I'm planning to make my own centerpieces and favors. The reception venue will be open for set up at 2pm, which is when the marriage ceremony begins. So, I have no idea how I can get my centerpieces and favors set up (along with all of the other reception decorations I will have; table numbers, escort cards, candles, etc). I can't think of anyone to do it that I wouldn't want at the ceremony, and I don't know if it's appropriate to ask the florist or caterer to do it for me.

Answer 1

Yes, this is always a problem where I live also.  The only thing is to ask if you can come in the night before and decorate.  Most places are good about this, but, obviously, this is ONLY if there is no event the night before.  And....you don't know that until about a week before your event.

IF there is an event the night before, I would PLEAD with them about getting in the morning of your wedding.  Try to get family and/or friends to go and decorate for you if you can.  I know it's a pain, but that is about all you can do.  I have dealt with this "pain" twice, so I know what you are going through.  

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

Answer 2

You may want to hire someone.  Contact your local community college - they probably have students willing to work for not outrageous fees that will be able to do what you need done.  

Answer 3

First, talk to the reception hall.  You may not have to ask them, they'll volunteer.  They already have to set the tables and put the linens out, they will also put out the centerpieces and table numbers.  Its part of the settings.  Reception decoration can usually be done hours before the ceremony.  Find a reliable friend who's not directly involved with your wedding.  They can have the place looking beautiful and still see your wedding.  If the reception decorations are floral item--ask you  florist to set them up.  Mind you, that may cost more, but its a small price to pay for your sanity.

Answer 4

You need to change the time of the ceremony so you can have your bridesmaids, groomsmen and family set up the reception, give them a idea of whatyou want and even take pictures of how you want the tables set. You can also have the florist add flowers where ever you want them and the caterer will decorate their area the way you request.

Answer 5

I would first try to check with the venue to see if there is a possibility of getting into the venue to decorate the evening before or even earlier in the morning of the wedding.  They might be able to work something out for you.  

It might be wise to ask your caterer or florist if they have someone you could contact who can help with the set up of the location.  It might incur another cost, but you would have the peace of mind of knowing that all of the loved ones you want at your ceremony are there.  

If that seems to have created a bust, start asking questions to anyone you have at your disposal.  You might have a friend who's teenage sister wants to make a little bit of money and would be willing to help set up the decorations for you. The main thing is that if you don't ask for help, help cannot find you.  So just start letting people know that you are looking for someone who can put it all together for you and someone will have an answer.  

Answer 6

You cant think of like an aunt that could just decorate for you or maybe someone from work? If you have a florist they might help set up everything with the flowers but they might not know much about the candles and other decorations. You are going to just have to choose someone to help decorate. So you will have everyone you want at your wedding and a couple will be putting decorations up. Ask people and see if they would mind not being at the wedding ceremony and if you cant find someone then you will just have to go over budget and get a decorater. Good luck!