Drapery
Visit the venue to inspect the ceiling material, height, and other details. Identify what the ceiling is made of, how high it is, and if there are any major obstructions (like HVAC ducts or pipes) that you need to plan around. Look for available anchor points so you can start mapping out your options. Ask the venue if there are any rules or restrictions before making any big decisions to ensure everything goes smoothly. For example, some venues may not allow you to use screws, nails, tape, etc. Some venues have anchor points, like eye bolts, in place for you to use.
Measure the ceiling dimensions and sketch out your design. Use a tape measure to get the basic dimensions of the ceiling. Then, create a simple drawing of the space, mark the dimensions on the page, and sketch out the drapery design you have in mind. This doesn't have to be perfect! Just get the basics down on paper so you can visualize your plan. A few ideas to consider: Emphasize high ceilings by draping gauzy panels from available anchor points Loosely wrap ceiling beams with gauzy fabric for a dream-like quality Hang a series of draped panels starting in the center of the room and attaching to the corners for a tent-like atmosphere
Calculate how much fabric you need for your design. Measure the exact ceiling dimensions for the area you want to cover and add 25% to account for draped fabric and mistakes. For example, let's say you want to loosely drape 6 panels of fabric from the center of the ceiling out to different points around the room. The ceiling is 18 ft (5.5 m) tall and each panel needs to cover 24 ft (7.3 m) of space. Don't worry, the math for adding 25% is pretty easy! This is how you do it: Multiply 24 by 1.25 (that’s 25%): 24 x 1.25 = 30 That means each panel of fabric needs to be at least 30 ft (9.1 m) long.
Pick the fabric that you want and buy bulk rolls to save money. Add about 10% on to the total amount of fabric to account for any mistakes or mishaps along the way. It's better to have too much fabric than not enough! The fabric type you use is completely up to you, but sheer, gauzy fabrics that match the wedding color scheme are popular and romantic. Lightweight fabrics work best. A few great options include: Sheer voile Poly satin Sheer chiffon Velvet (for a luxurious non-sheer option)
Drape the ceiling as early as you can and be prepared to get creative. How you attach the fabric to the ceiling depends on the look you're going for, the anchor points available to you, and the venue's rules. It's a good idea to gather this information early and start making a plan ahead of time! You may need to think outside the box. Tools and supplies you might need: Ceiling drape hardware kit Clear fishing wire Magnetic hooks Nails Double-sided tape Tension wire Zip ties
Embellish the drapery with decorative accents to add ambiance. Draped fabric looks beautiful on its own, but you can definitely take it to another level by adding a few accents in the mix. Consider the wedding theme and choose elements that complement it. You might consider options like: Hanging a glass chandelier in the center of the room so the draped panels fan out around it Backlighting gauzy panels with strings of LED lights Hiding anchor points with balloons, ribbons, flowers, or garlands
Lighting Options
Cover the ceiling with twinkle light netting to create a starry night look. This looks so lovely and romantic! Choose bright white or golden-colored LED lights on netted or individual strings. Cover the entire ceiling of the venue to create a densely packed "night sky" and leave the ceiling light fixtures off during the event so the lights will stand out. Be sure to check how many electrical outlets are available first! Pick up extension cords or power strips, if necessary. Consider battery-operated lights if there aren't outlets available. Attach lights to available anchor points with zip ties. Use adhesive hooks to create anchor points if there aren't any available.
Drape the ceiling and wrap ceiling beams with strings of fairy lights. Tiny LED fairy lights can add a lot of sparkle and atmosphere, especially if the ceilings are high and dark. Loosely hanging them from ceiling anchor points and wrapping them around ceiling beams looks great. Short strings of icicle-style fairy lights (sometimes called curtain fairy lights) can add dimension and an otherworldly quality to the room. Fairy lights are super lightweight, so you may be able to anchor them in place with clear tape. Adhesive hooks will also provide enough support.
Suspend hanging lanterns from anchor points for an intimate feel. Candle and wick lanterns work great in any venue, but they're especially popular at outdoor and barn weddings. They come in tons of styles, shapes, and colors, so keep your wedding theme in mind as you shop around. Use clear fishing line to hang the lanterns from anchor points, exposed ceiling beams, or adhesive hooks. For outdoor venues, suspend the lanterns from nearby tree branches. You might choose: Vintage metal and glass lanterns for a delicate setting Brass or iron frames for a rustic vibe Ornate designs for a glam wedding
Hang paper lanterns from ceiling anchor points for a subtle, warm glow. Paper lanterns come in every color in the rainbow, so go with lanterns that match the wedding color scheme. Consider getting lanterns in a variety of sizes to create visual interest and dimension—feel free to get creative! You can hang the lanterns at one level or create more depth by hanging them at varying lengths. Secure the lighting cords with zip ties. Paper lanterns come in a variety of styles and shapes; be sure to shop around and check out a variety of options. Alternate garlands with strings of twinkle lights to improve the décor and lighting of the ceiling.
Put candles in glass spheres and hang them from the ceiling. Glass spheres and terrariums look glamorous and the twinkling candlelight packs a dramatic punch. Pick up glass bubbles or spheres in a variety of sizes and hang them from ceiling anchor points with clear fishing line so it looks like they're suspended in mid-air. Light the candles right before the guests arrive so they'll last through the entire event.
Hanging Decor
Hang fresh flowers or greenery to complement the wedding style. Fresh flowers, vines, and other greenery can be a gorgeous touch for any wedding. There are endless options for approaching this, so it really depends on your wedding style, theme, and colors! Here are a few striking options: Suspend individual fresh flowers, like roses or tulips, upside down by their stems with hooks and clear fishing wire for a vibrant, rustic look Hide anchor points with curated flower arrangements that match the bridal bouquets Wrap ceiling beams with vines and greenery Hang delicate dried bouquets for a whimsical or vintage look Weave vines and flowers around hanging chandeliers to create focal pieces Let vines and green garlands dangle from the ceiling for a laidback, natural vibe
Buy hanging glass vases or terrariums and fill them with succulents. Fill lightweight vases or terrariums with fresh flowers or greenery that complement the wedding colors. Use strong, clear fishing wire to attach the glass pieces to anchor points around the room. Hang them at varying lengths to create a 3-dimensional look. Use flowers or herbs instead of succulents for a pretty alternative.
Drape long strings of crepe paper or ribbons throughout the room. This look is simple, classic, and festive! Use crepe paper or ribbons that match the wedding palette. Drape them from anchor point to anchor point around the room, wrap them around ceiling beams, or just let the colorful strips dangle loosely from the ceiling.
Go with balloons or tissue paper pom-poms for a fun, affordable option. Balloons that match the wedding palette can look very festive on the ceiling. Hang them in groups to hide anchor points or create center pieces. Tissue paper pompoms are another affordable option and they can add a nice pop of color to the room.
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