Balloons?!?!?

I'm not hanging anything - I don't know if I'm allowed to or not, but I want neither the hassle nor the expense.

I don't have the most stunning venue either, but it is what it is. Food and entertainment are what make or break a wedding reception for me.

I don't hate balloons for weddings, and I like the pic you posted. Because I was looking into a balloon idea for my own wedding, I was told there is a helium shortage though (thanks to its use in the medical field) so if you go that route, make sure you're not going to have a problem getting them filled.

We are blowing up a few balloons at our reception that say Mr. and Mrs. on them, not for decor, but because there will be kids there and balloons are serious entertainment for the kiddos lol.

As for all the decorating restraints I would definitely take everyone's advice and see if the venue can give you ideas of how other people decorate it for weddings. Maybe show him some stuff you like on pinterest and see if he will approve of any of them if you assure him that no damage will be done. Or maybe he would work with you and allow you to pay a "decorating deposit" where you could pay like $50 or something and if there is any tape damage when all the decorations are taken down then he keeps the money.

I do like the space, I was completely in love with the ceremony space, and in order to keep the ceremony and reception close to each other, (across the street) I just went with it. . I agree maybe with just some uplighting and the linens and centerpieces, that is enough.

It's beautiful!!! Very quaint!! I'd so run with the vintage feel and just add touches, good lighting and ambiance!!

Will it be an evening reception?? If so- leave those gorgeous windows. Don't cover them!!!

I think the venue is perfect - I really do!

You could also decorate the staircase with tulle and lights to add a pretty glow or flowers on. They can wrap it versus anything sticking to it.

Thank you. the ceremony space is an outdoor garden. It is I think 2 blocks of old historically restored shops and wine store and restaurants. The whole area is so beautiful! Its like stepping back in time kind of!! I fell in love with the whole thing! The reception starts around 6 so it will be light for about 2 hours.

I actually really like it how it is!! I think just playing up the vintage feel (like Lisa said) would make it look amazing! I'm a firm believer in less is more!

Oh my gosh @Jessica D that picture is awesome!

Love the balloon pic.

This is a personal preference. Our venue doesn't allow anything to be hung either. We aren't hanging anything. Do you think you need to? We're decorating tables...don't feel like anything needs to be hung.

I love the space. I would just decorate the tables, and maybe the pillars. The balloon idea would really shrink the space, and bring the ceiling down. I, for one, would feel claustrophobic then.

Our venue is flexible, elegant and we let you hang baloons, and any decorations you want...www.bienvenue.us

Ooh yeah, those ceilings are WAY too low for balloons (just adding that, I know you said you've decided against them anyway).

I agree with everyone else, that is a beautiful site.. Add a few uplights, and get some great centerpieces. That space really doesn't need much - and you're lucky in that respect, you'll be saving a lot of money! Most people need to spend an arm and a leg to decorate a plain or ugly venue.

Hello Jessica,

I have a few ideas for you. If you would like to discuss feel free to contact us. We are also runing a free 1 hour consultation until April that you can take advantage of.

Gennifer

I LOVE Balloons... even for weddings - but I got for the oversized bulbous ones...with that said and after seeing the pics I personally don't think they would fit your venue.

As others said I'd play up the vintage, add floor displays... for instance little vignette - like get some old furniture - paint it and used it to put little displays on it...

Also look up backdrops for weddings as those are usually free standing...contact rental companies in your area they might have some for rent. Also using ribbon/fabric on freestanding poles would be really cute.

Play up the tables, maybe do a color linen to add a little more impact.

Your venue is great! All the vintage details are built into the building... so use that to your advantage! I think that if you do a few larger displays like the ribbons, (like a ribbon curtain), in between the spaces of the windows, great tables and you're set!

I do love the vintage feel of the place, I think you all are right, definately little touches to play off of that! I think I should do something with the poles in the center of the room, I actually made a WHOLE punch of pinwheels that I want to add somewhere in there. And some cute lights for the stairs railings. Thank you all so much for your suggestions!