Setting the Mood and Tone for Your Wedding

01/05/2012

OK lovebirds, while you are working your way through the first set of choices, here is the second set of elements that work together to create a unique setting that expresses the two of you as a couple.

Your choice of location is the No. 1 variable that impacts décor.

A historical church or home sets an entirely different tone than a white sandy beachfront or tropical garden. Using that as a foundation, let's build from there.

In the modern world we live in, most flowers today are available year-round. If they are not in season where you live, they are more than likely grown in hot houses or shipped in from another country. So if there is a favorite flower that must be part of your day, chances are you can make it happen. They may, however, be more costly.

How many flowers is a personal choice; some couples want a church brimming with sprays of fragrant flowers. Others like a simple bouquet tied at the end of the front pews. A florist (such as my wonderful co-star Kevin Lee of LA Premier) can guide you in which flowers complement the decor you are going for...i.e. roses and peonies say English garden, while infusing citrus fruits among greens is luscious in the springtime, and adding hibiscus, for example, invokes visions of the tropics.

Lighting sets the mood. Regardless of time of day, your choices can impact how people feel. Keep in mind that blues and greens are modern and cooler feeling. Reds and fuchsias are warm. Use of candles and fireplaces can also enhance a feeling of intimacy. Some people feel that the interior decor of a ballroom or restaurant restricts their choices. My experience has been that once you put your fingerprint on the event, most walls fade away. The focus is on you and your bridal party.

Now comes the music. And as with everything else, a huge range of choices are available: orchestra, classical ensemble, band, guitarist, DJ or combo. When choosing music, think about the celebration you have in mind. Is this a formal dinner, a champagne brunch, a beachfront family reunion or an upscale BBQ? Your musical choices need to be in harmony with the rest of the day.

Another thing to keep in mind, the maestro, DJ or bandleader will very likely be the emcee of your event...you and your fiancé need to be clear on how you desire the event to flow and how active a voice they will have in the day. Will you be providing sheets of direction, or will they be making a few important announcements during the day and improvising when necessary? It's your day. Make your wishes known.

The officiant plays an important role in the mood of the day and should be featured appropriately. Is a highly traditional religious ceremony going to be conducted, or is the pastor/rabbi a close family friend who will be making a more casual presentation? Whether he/she will be in full vestments or a suit or dress should help you in creating the setting you had in mind.

There are so many more details to include, but deciding on these key elements will give you a great start on creating the wedding of your dreams.

Stay tuned for more tips in future blogs because, you know, the best is yet to come!

The modern bride can get almost any flower she desires -- but any bloom should thoughtfully complement her wedding's tone and theme! (Credit: Steven Lam/Getty Images)

Comments

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The larger the crowd is, the more difficult it gets to setting up the mood in the occasion itself. There's just too much variations in personalities and current mood - and when the not so good ones gather enough: watch out. Unease can be really contagious.

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