If you’re wondering where you can get a list of the wedding decor items you need for your wedding — and what to skip — you’ve come to the right place. We created this wedding decor checklist and blog post to help you identify which wedding decor I need, why, and which ones your budget can totally do without.
In it, I’ll tell you the complete list of decorations you need for your wedding so you don’t forget any items. I won’t let you mess this up! I’ll even show you where you can buy cheap wedding decor — and some luxury splurges — so you can start crossing ’em off of your checklist.
YAY, PRINTABLE!: Read the list below and be sure to download the FREE wedding decor checklist printable so you can take it with you.
What does wedding decor include anyway?
Wedding decorations are used to personalize and enhance your wedding venue. You’ll need a few need items for the ceremony and the reception to add a little enhancement to the already gorgeous setting. In some cases, you’re beginning with a blank canvas and designing from there. In others, you’re simply adding a few flourishes to make it your own.
What are wedding ceremony decorations?
Ceremony decor items are what you’ll use for where you recite your vows. This may be in a place of worship, a chapel, a large ballroom, a small venue space, or an outdoor location where you’ll exchange vows and officially be married.
Here’s the ultimate wedding decor checklist including everything you need to decorate your wedding ceremony.
You’ll need a wedding backdrop in front of which you’ll recite vows. I covered this topic at length here if you need different styles, pricing, etc. Since this is a highly photographed area and the main focal point of your wedding, this is absolutely essential.
It is one of the wedding decor checklist items that might not even cost you anything if your venue has one.
For places of worship, you likely won’t need to add anything to the space. However, if you want to add your own personalized touch, a wooden arch, copper arch, chuppah with draping, or canopy are all fantastic options.
Here’s one wooden style to give you a visual of how to decorate a ceremony arch in an outdoor space. Easy, right? When you get something like this, less is more and you only need a few floral swag decorations on it.
This round arch looks awesome with boho wedding decor added to it. Available here.
Night wedding? Fun! Decorate your arch like this. The garden lights add the perfect illumination to your ceremony decor.
If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent an arch, canopy, or chuppah here.
In terms of decor, this is a big one: draping is one of the important wedding decor items you need.
If you choose an arch, you’ll want to add fabric draping to it. This is up to you, and whether you like the style or not; if you opt for no arch draping kit, be sure to include floral swag mentioned next. You’ll need wedding decorations for the backdrop or it will look unfinished.
Here’s another style I adore:
Add a hint of greenery, floral swag, or similar decoration to your backdrop or arch. You can browse so many beautiful options here. This is one of my favorites, as it’s easy to add wedding decorations to your ceremony in an instant for an affordable price. And it looks lovely and goes with every style!
If you’re decorating an arch for your wedding ceremony and love a boho flair, opt for something that features dried botanicals, florals, and pampas grass. This design by IntendedArtByJasmine is a beautiful decor item.
Unless your venue provides them, you’ll need chairs for guests at your ceremony. Although not the most fun ceremonial decoration, it is one of the wedding decor items you need. Make sure they are nice looking, clean, and comfortable.
If the chairs are not pretty looking — or you want a unique look — beautify them with chair covers. You can get cheap wedding ceremony chair covers here that are high-quality and top-rated.
If your chairs look nice enough, you’ll want to still add a little flourish. Whether you decorate each chair, which isn’t necessary, or the last chair in each aisle row, you’ll dramatically change how lovely it looks just by adding a few floral swags, draping, bunches of greenery, etc.
wedding ceremony chair decor by ling’s moment
[ WHERE TO BUY ] You can browse ceremony decorations for chairs here in different styles to match your style.
You’ll want to add two pedestals or wine barrels to your ceremony space. For a rustic touch, I like to use wine barrels; if you don’t want to buy a wine barrel, you can rent one locally in your area. Your venue may have one or similar stands, like a small table, as an alternative.
Place a large floral arrangement or similar — like pampas grass, very popular at the moment — on top. Place it near your backdrop. You’ll also add one near the entryway of your ceremony and use it to place a basket of programs on top, unless your ushers are distributing programs to guests upon arrival.
Although this isn’t totally filed under wedding decor items you need, I think it’s becoming more of a necessity and is certainly a nice touch for the ceremony.
It’s helpful to have when your wedding is held off the beaten path — like on a beach, in the woods, or a unique venue — or places where multiple events are occurring at the same time. Guests will know they’ve found the right place.
A wooden sign can be a lovely addition and won’t fall over or bend easily. You will need to place it on an easel: make sure it is heavy-duty and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the sign you select. This easel is a great option.
For welcome signs, this 3D-lettered sign is a popular choice and looks great! You can choose your favorite paint colors to use. This one is a favorite of mine and is by SmallTownTimbers.
If you don’t have an easel or simply prefer a tabletop style, this sign by WildWoodWedding is a nice option.
If you want an aisle runner, include it on your wedding decor checklist. If your venue does not allow one (some prohibit them due to tripping hazards), or you don’t want one, skip it.
A traditional aisle runner is white in color with a floral pattern or print, has a pull string, double-sided adhesive, and is wildly affordable. This is the best option if you’re looking for cheap wedding decor (that doesn’t look cheap, of course).
For a rustic look, we highly recommend this burlap aisle runner which looks great in outdoor settings, eliminates dirt underneath your feet, and sets an elegant tone. By PremierLinens.
But if you want something elaborate, choose a unique style like this mirrored aisle runner by EFavormartBoutique.
Or opt for a completely custom design, like this one with lines of text from Letter2Word:
You may want to place a few decorative items down the aisle. Here are some options that are easy to do and look great in photos.
Garland is one of the wedding decor items you need, since it can be utilized in so many areas. Plus, for lining the side of the aisle, it adds texture and a little color without overwhe,iong the space. Make sure you keep it off enough to the side so it does not pose a tripping hazard to your guests.
Eucalyptus or lamb’s ear garlands are my go-to’s, although greenery with flowers is also a nice addition. I’ve used this one and it’s always a stunning decor item:
Here is a faux eucalyptus garland I almost always use:
For more on this, read Where to Buy Greenery in Bulk for Weddings for suggestions and helpful tips.
Here’s one of the wedding decor items you need to have on your checklist, if you’re looking for signs to line the aisle. Taken from the popular 1: Corinthians 4-8 passage, these signs are placed along your aisle for a unique look. By BettysBeautiesShop. Perfect for a rustic wedding!
If you have a modern style, you can opt for these acrylic signs instead. Get them at LuckyShadowShop.
Instead of garland, you can use petals as wedding ceremony decor. Place the petals on either side of the aisle with a clear path ahead. Be sure you appoint someone in charge of picking them up after the ceremony is completed.
If you like the look of lanterns, they can be used instead of florals or greenery. Add them down the aisle in groups of two, every few rows. I like to include lanterns in our wedding ceremony designs: it’s the perfect romantic glow and adds fullness without overwhelming the space.
These are my favorite lanterns: they always look nice and they’re large enough to make a decorative impact.
They’ll go great with:
If you’re using lanterns or want to add candles to your wedding decor list, use these… they’re the only ones I trust for weddings! The battery life is great and they look realistic. Plus, with no open flame, you won’t worry about them blowing out accidentally or worse, posing a safety hazard.
Many venues are opting for flameless candles only, so be sure to double-check before you use any open flames. I much prefer LED, based on the worry of hazards alone! They’re the perfect alternative to “real” candles.
Whether you’re using them to adorn the sides of the aisle or for the flower girl to toss, you’ll need petals. Faux petals are a great, cost-effective option and no one will know the difference. These petals look fresh and won’t wilt or require refrigeration.
These multi-colored petals are nice for an added variety and pop of color. I ordered these exact petals and used them for a wedding; they looked so realistic and tied in the couple’s decor beautifully. The colors were vibrant and shipping, super-fast.
These ivory petals are perfect for tossing! They’re very affordable and have awesome reviews. Available here.
A flower basket is one of the essential wedding decor items you need if you’re having a flower girl at your wedding. The basket will hold the petals until it’s time to toss them down the aisle in the procession. You’ll want to choose one that has a style similar to your wedding, like a rustic basket if you’re planning a woodland theme or a gold wire basket for a modern theme. There aren’t many rules here, as long as it is lightweight to carry.
I love this handmade flower girl basket that features elegant wire and a flower accent. It is made by RaggaWedding.
From the same shop, you can opt for this woven basket instead, which is a great set paired with a coordinating ring pillow for the ring bearer (which we’ll discuss next).
Or opt for an elegant pearl-handled design, like this popular style by Atilove:
If you want to skip it, you can, but only if you plan to not have a flower girl (or you want her to carry something like this instead — fun twist!)
Next, if you have a ring bearer, a ring pillow or alternative is what your wedding decor needs. It will carry the rings down the aisle and be handed to the Best Man to hold until the Exchange of Vows.
There are several types of ring pillows you can choose as decor. Many couples elect to include the ring pillow, dish, box, etc. in their wedding prop photos, too, so keep that in mind when you decide which style you like best.
Here’s an example of a classic ring pillow, one of the traditional wedding ceremony decor items to choose from. I love these handmade designs by TheArtsyHippie with a sprig of eucalyptus and a sweet handcrafted initial tag. There are three sizes to choose from:
A glass ring box, like this one, serves as a gorgeous ceremony decoration and looks elegant in your wedding photos, too. By MUUJEE.
Or you can opt for a unique twist, like this alternative ring dish by LVWoodworks.
A ring box with a lid will keep the rings safe and secure, and you can reuse it as a jewelry holder after the wedding. This engraved box is an affordable yet elegant option by WeddingsDecorStudio.
This awesome alternative can be reused as a Christmas ornament during the holidays. It’s an original, handmade design available only at AlisaMayde.
Some ring bearers carry the actual rings, which is fine as long they are tied securely to the pillow or placed inside a ring box. If you’re nervous about the rings going flying, or being misplaced, you can have the Best Man hold the rings and give decoy rings for the pillow or ring box. ;)
Can I skip the ring pillow?
If you want to completely skip a ring pillow, you can do that, too. If you don’t have a ring bearer, a pillow is obviously NOT one of the wedding decor items you need.
Sometimes, couples elect for children in the wedding to carry signs like these, banners, or act as “Ring Security” instead. If you do, awesome! Just make sure you give the wedding bands to the Maid of Honor or Best Man to hold onto at the ceremony.
Are you planning to have wedding guests toss something at you while you exit the ceremony? Or blow bubbles? If so, these are the wedding decor items you need to add to your list.
For a Grand Exit at the Ceremony, you’ll need decorative wedding bags to hold the petals, lavender buds, biodegradable confetti, etc.
You can find cones like this at Mavora Art + Design. Other options available here.
Tossing lavender buds? These ceremony toss bags are perfect. Get them here.
Prefer bubbles? You can get bubble wands here. These are the ones I always use and they don’t leak. They’re super cheap yet make a big impact!
Place whatever you plan for guests to toss in a small box or basket with a sign for guests to take one.
If you’re including a unity candle in your wedding ceremony, here are the wedding decor items you’ll need for it: two taper candles and holders plus one main pillar candle. This set by BlessedBirdyBoutique is a best seller and looks great at all ceremonies.
If you prefer an alternative to a candle, you can opt for a wine ceremony (this one is a favorite), sand ceremony, or similar.
Here’s an example of a sand ceremony set by DaintyShoppeLLC:
This is one of the wedding decor items you should have, but only if you plan to have a unity ceremony. Otherwise, it is not necessary to have one.
You’ll want to place one large floral arrangement with or without candles on a table, wine barrel, pedestal, etc. You can purchase a large arrangement from your florist or choose a faux arrangement like this one as an option. This is wedding decor you need, but can use twice: at the ceremony and again on the head table or sweetheart table at the reception.
Choose an arrangement that matches the decor of your space and the blooms of your bouquet. You can find gorgeous ones at BlossomsandBranches.
Or get a botanical arrangement like this one from WildAutumnStore:
One of the most important wedding decor items you need is YOUR bouquet. In addition, you’ll want to add bouquets for each bridesmaid to the checklist. If you have a florist, great! They’ll advise you on what they recommend for proper florals during your wedding month based on your style, theme, colors, and seasonability of the blooms.
If you do not have a florist, or prefer faux wedding bouquets instead, where to buy flowers in bulk for weddings.
The groom, Best Man, and groomsmen will need a boutonniere. You should also give a boutonniere to fathers, grandfathers, and godfathers.
I highly recommend the handmade boutonnieres by TheLadyEclectic for rustic weddings.
For classic weddings, go with a boutonniere by DreamWeddingsUS.
You will need corsages for the mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers of the family. You can purchase them from your florist or choose a handmade option, like this by BloemInc.
If ceremony programs aren’t your thing, you can skip them. They’re not technically one of the wedding decor items you need to have. However, if you want guests to be aprised of the Order of Events, introduce them to your wedding party, or include a QR code for photo sharing, it may be the wedding decor you need!
You can browse beautiful wedding programs here that add the most delightful decorative touch!
Be sure to pick up a basket of some kind to store the programs which guests take them. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy: something as lovely as this will do the trick! I happen to love this style from DutchGoldfinch.
For a more classic or traditional look, choose this wicker basket with handle by CornucopiaWicker.
Typically, the first few rows of a wedding ceremony are reserved for the wedding party (if remaining seated) and close family members. However, not everyone knows this unspoken “rule”, so reserved signs is wedding decor you need to have at the ceremony. I highly recommend these hanging reserved signs, which I’ve used myself and love how they look. You can get them here in a set of 6, which is more than enough: 3 on the first chairs of rows on either sides of the aisle.
If you love a more rustic wooden look, choose these reserved signs from DarwareStore.
If you crave a pop of color and a fun twist, definitely choose these reserved signs with ribbons (your choice of color) by TheRitzyRose.
If you don’t care to reserve rows, that’s OK! They are not one of the wedding decor items you need if you’re not particular on seating. Just be forewarned that guests may sit in those first few rows if you do not label them.
And last but not least, here’s the wedding ceremony decor you’ll want to have: an unplugged ceremony sign. If you’re not worried about guests taking photos during the ceremony, you can skip it and it’s not necessarily one of the wedding decor items you need to have.
However, I’ll admit that it is nice to have and it keeps guests from looking at phones or taking photos while the photographer tries to get the perfect shot.
Here’s another style for variation (by One2InspireDesigns):
And this one is hilarious! By AlbaMarieWeddings.
This is also one of the wedding decor items you need to pair with an easel like this.
Are there more ceremony decor items you could add to the list? Of course! But this is the list of wedding ceremony items you need. Feel free to add on “wants” as you wish! :)
Okay, let’s move on to the Reception. Here are the items you need to decorate your wedding reception.
Here’s your wedding decor checklist for what items you need at the reception.
This is a wedding decor item you need for the ceremony, but you can use it again at the reception! It’s not mandatory, but it’s nice to have.
This style goes with everything and even includes a reception timeline. By BeckyNimoy.
You can get a bundled set with this unique acrylic style by MoniquePaperArt. It includes the seating chart, which we’ll discuss next, and welcome signage. It’s beautiful!
Here’s an important decor item: a seating chart! A seating chart it absolutely one of the wedding decor items you need to have.
Why? Well, without it, chaos ensues! Your wedding guests won’t know which table is theirs. You can make a large poster sign like this or use escort cards instead.
This is important wedding decor you need at the reception: a card box! Guests will be bringing cards and some boxed gifts, so you’ll need a safe place to store them. This card box is a fan-favorite. Get it personalized at WildWoodWedding.
You will also want to add a “cards and gifts” sign on a table so guests know where they go.
Table linens are important to have. Lucky for you, they’re usually part of your wedding venue package with upcharges for colorful options and specialty linens. If you want to source your own, you can find table linens here in all types of sizes (rectangular and round) and for all types of tables (coctakil tables, head table, sweetheart table, etc.)
I love the way this satin tablecloth looks for head table decor! See this and other color options here.
If you don’t like the way your chairs look, add a cover to them! Although this isn’t a required wedding decoration, it is nice to have if the chairs aren’t as beautiful as you’d like them to be. You can rent chair covers or sashes in your local area or through your venue.
If you prefer to buy them, you can purchase chair covers here or get the sashes from here.
If there is definitely one of the wedding decor items you need at the reception, it is a centerpiece at each table. Don’t skip this one! Each table requires one centerpiece, whether you opt for something floral, a botanical arrangement, or a lantern with a candle. There are several types of centerpieces from which to choose.
It can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, but you need to have decorations at each wedding table.
Here are some options.
For a simple DIY centerpiece idea, use these pampas grass arrangements and place them in simple bud vases at tables along with some votive candles in mercury glass holders.
Here’s another pampas arrangement to use for centerpieces! Get it from here.
And I love these GIANT fluffy pampas decorations by MariFioriDecor:
You can shop for fresh floral centerpieces from your florist. Or you can make your own, using cheap bulk flowers for your wedding.
As another option, you can purchase pre-made floral centerpieces with faux blooms, like these options.
This acrylic centerpiece is gorgeous! Get it here.
floral decor centerpiece via here
These decorative vases will require you to DIY your own bouquets or add faux arrangements to them.
I’m OBSESSING over these marsala arrangements (other colors, too!) available at DecorFlowerBar.
These unique hoops make perfect centerpiece decor for your reception! See them here.
Here’s another option with greenery and white roses by Ling’s Moment.
And these: I adore the collection of centerpiece decor available at PampasDesignCo, like this one:
And these wedding flower stands are a nice way to display florals different than a traditional vase. By Efavormartboutique.
Do you need candles and lanterns? Well, they’re not technically one of the wedding decor items you need to have, but they sure look great! If you’d like to use them as a non-floral centerpiece option, or in addition to your decor items, get yours from GFTWoodcraft.
They’re easy to embellish with your own touches or purchase varieties from the shop. I love this eucalyptus style!
I highly encourage adding lanterns to these wood slices for an added flair. They look amazing! By RusticWoodSlices.
Here’s one wedding decor item you need: table numbers! When guests look to the seating chart or escort card, they won’t know which table is theirs unless they’re properly labeled. You can get beautiful yet cheap table numbers here, or go for some fun and artful table numbers.
While menu cards are not one of the wedding decor items you need as an essential, they do come in handy in adding that unique touch to the tables. Plus, guests love to see what’s for dinner. ;) You can browse menu cards here for inspiration, as I covered it at great length.
Favors do add a dash of elegance to your wedding decor! You can add a festive touch by adding a favor to each guest’s place setting. These chocolates add an elegant touch from FavorsByPrc:
You can even combine wedding escort cards with favors, in one! See this blog post on how it’s done.
And since we’ve covered the ultimate checklist for wedding favors, you’ll want to consult it to pick out yours! Read: 50 Best Wedding Favors (Under $5!) for 2023.
Make sure you add a cake topper as one of the wedding decor items you need! Without it, your cake will look bare… and miss that special accessory. A cake topper doesn’t need to be luxurious or expensive, it just has to be personal to you as a couple. I like these personalized options from MintToBeUs.
If your venue doesn’t provide one for you, or you prefer a personalized set, you’ll need this wedding decoration: a cake server set! Get yours in any style you like. This one is handmade by TimsWoodDesigns and is a unique option.
If your venue doesn’t provide one, you’ll need a wedding cake stand as one of your decorations. It can be simple: most of the time, no one will really see the stand because the cake it on top of it. But couples like to use this opportunity to get a fancy cake stand that might offer a little personalization for a keepsake gift.
If that’s the case, then you’ll definitely want to check out these options.
I adore this personalized cake stand from Jeanette Zeis. It’s beautiful!
And this modern hoop cake stand by Efavormartboutique:
Once you do your wedding seating chart, choose whether you want a head table or a sweetheart table. From there, you can select the wedding decor items you need to decorate it as much as possible. This area will serve as your focal point at the reception, so make sure you decorate it accordingly.
A sign to identify the head table is a nice touch! This signage by OnWoodLt is a perfect decoration for a head table or sweetheart table.
Other things to add to your head table is draping, made with tulle or fabric; look here for inspiration.
You can place vases on the table and use the bridesmaid bouquets to add floral arrangements without having to purchase additional ones. And last but not least, add candlesticks like this with these taper candles for a picture-perfect finish.
taper candle holders via here
led taper candles via here
While not a requirement, and your wedding venue may provide it, it is nice to have a personalized set of flutes from your wedding. You can get these from Eugenie2.
You’ll want to choose one decoration to serve as your focal point at the wedding reception. Typically, this is the head table or the sweetheart table. To make it pop, add a statement piece of some kind: a backdrop wall made of lighted LED curtains, boxwood panels, a neon sign, hanging decor, etc.
This light-up panel is a wildly popular option and looks awesome in photos.
You can do something as simple as pipe and draping, like this:
Or do something more elaborate, like a boxwood wall and neon signage.
You can make your own boxwood wall with these panels. I used these myself for a patio project at home and I love them. They’re easy to use and last!
Here’s another neon sign, this one with your name spelled out and the year! By YatvroStore.
You’ll want something there because it will be heavily photographed, so you want that area to be as decorated as possible.
Chiffon table runners are a beautiful addition to any wedding reception decor. They’re one of the decor items you may not need if your venue offers it, but nice to have if they don’t offer it. Get table runners from here in bulk for cheap.
For an additional style, try cheesecloth aka gauze table runners. They offer a very natural, earthy vibe.
It’s the easiest way to infuse your decor with a rich pop of color and awesome texture.
Candles are one of the decor items you need to have on your checklist! Don’t decorate your wedding reception without candlelight. A few votive candles on each table will do. When the lights dim during dinner and dancing, it will illuminate your space so beautifully.
And pair them with these amazing LED candles, they’re the only one I trust to use at receptions!
A guest book can be as simple as a book of signatures, or as elaborate as a portrait illustration. Here are some fun ways to include your guest book, one of the best wedding decor items you need to have! You’ll want to remember who attended your wedding.
by whimsicalwhitefox
Cups are nice to have! While the bar staff will likely provide drinkware for your guests, it’s still nice to add decor to your reception with personalized cups. Whether you need all the cups or just a few to add a decorative flair, get them from GBDesignHouse. They’re amazing!
Ah, cocktail napkins! The best items to add to your decor list for the reception are the napkins with fun facts (read: Fun Facts Wedding Napkins). Additionally, having your initials or your wedding date on napkins is an instant way to decorate your space, especially at the bar! You can choose from a ton of amazing designs here with high-quality material.
If you’d like to add them, chair signs for you and your new spouse are a nice decor to add to your wedding decor checklist. They’re not mandatory, but they look fun in photos! These are by TheRitzyRose.
For more chair signs, see: these suggestions.
Ah, last but not least, garland. Garland is one of the wedding decor items you need at every celebration because it always comes in handy.
Add it to your entry table, decorate your wedding welcome sign, use it as texture with your table runners, layer it around a lantern, etc. There’s so many uses for garland and it’s not too expensive. You can buy greenery garland in bulk that looks amazing here.
• This wedding decor checklist is a guide, and while thorough, you may find you’ll need/want additional items not mentioned. Go with your gut!
• You do NOT need to use every wedding decoration on this list, and while tempting, you’ll overwhelm your space.
• Many of these items can be skipped from the wedding decor checklist, depending on what your venue(s) offers, or what you don’t like.
As with all wedding advice, take what you love, leave what you don’t, and make your day truly your own.
► If You Are Decorating ONE Venue: If your ceremony and reception take place at the same spot, lucky you! You’ll find many of the decorations can easily be used for both. And since you don’t need to overwhelm your space, you won’t need as many decor items as individually decorating two venues.
► If You Are Decorating TWO Venues: If you have a ceremony venue and a separate reception venue, that’s cool, too! Similarly, most of the items can be transported and re-used at the reception, just with a little extra effort and pre-planning. #NoWorries
DOWNLOAD: Download the FREE printable here to get your wedding decor checklist and take it with you!
Get your free printable wedding decor checklist here. Click and download to your device. Done!
And there you have it: the ultimate list for wedding decor items you need at your ceremony and reception! I hope it helps you to decide exactly what decorations for weddings you need to have, what’s important, and what is optional.
Remember, not every couple needs every. single. item.
But the ones that make your heart soar? Go for those. Those are the wedding decor items you need because they’ll make yours as memorable as possible.
If you have any questions, let me know in the comment box below!
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Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
