Divine Design

Add a touch of romance to your reception décor with custom draping and lighting.

by HOLLY ABNEY

Whether you’re hosting your wedding in a hotel ballroom or at a minimalist industrial loft, there are myriad ways to impart your personality into your event décor—from fragrant flowers to ambient lighting, personal details and, our favorite, drapery. Draping has the ability to completely customize and transform your space, whether you’re suspending fabric and chandeliers from the ceiling or creating a wow-worthy entryway. With her design eye and expertise, Monica Flynn of Drape Art Designs (drapeartdesigns.com) can turn any space into a dream space. We asked Flynn to share her tips for couples considering custom drapery for their events and also some of her favorite designs to date.

Budget First

If you’ve just started the hunt for your perfect venue, or you’re struggling to find one that really matches your style, consider reworking your budget to incorporate draping and lighting. Rather than choose a venue with a lofty price tag that cuts into your budget, rent one that’s less expensive and put those extra dollars towards the details. That way you can really personalize your venue and make it your own, explains Flynn.

Pinpoint Your Style

Couples often have a hard time articulating the specific look or feel they want. While some may prefer to feel wrapped in an intimate atmosphere, other couples may be aiming for a light and airy aesthetic. “By getting to know each client’s unique personality,” Flynn says, “I can nail down their ultimate vision and guide them through the process of selecting the décor elements that will bring it to life.”

Choose Draping And Lighting

It’s important your choices reflect who you are as a couple. “Playing with color and texture adds dramatic impact,” Flynn explains. If you’re aiming for a whimsical effect, run ribbons beneath tent swags or mix rosette satin with sheer fabric across the ceiling to add depth and movement to your design. Installing bistro lights above a clear-top tent with twinkle lights and star pendants filling the interior can create the illusion of a 3D nighttime sky. “For a bohemian-style wedding, I filled a tent with three layers of lighting: twinkle lights, exposed vintage bulbs and basket lamps, all under a canopy of garlands,” says Flynn. Whether timeless or avant-garde, the perfect draping and lighting can create your dream space.