The decorations for a royal wedding theme party should reflect the tone of the event. Is this a somewhat serious, elegant occasion, or it is a time for frivolous, over-the-top fashions and décor? The following ideas are suggested within these two categories. Chances are, however, that everything will become a bit of a mish-mash in the end as more and more great ideas emerge.
Decorating for an Elegant Royal Wedding Party
Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton will certainly appear at their most sophisticated on their special day. How can this kind of glamour be replicated in a typical home? These suggestions might help.
- Spacious. Even if some of the furniture has to be removed, the reception rooms should appear as spacious as possible. Get rid of all the clutter of smaller items too. Those family photos, trophies, collections of china dogs or anything else can be packed away temporarily. If more than one room or even a room and a patio are being used, redistribute the furniture so there is a sense of continuity.
- Sophisticated. Keep everything sleek and simple. This is not an occasion for balloons and party favors. Rather, use the best china, silverware, and crystal in the house, even if some of the guests will be eating outside. The details of setting a formal table are available on many web sites. Figure it out well in advance. Place cards with hand written names on them are suitable for formal dinners. Instead of table favors, everyone might be asked for a donation to send to one of Prince William’s favorite charities.
- Stylish. Use rich colors and textures. For a stylish look, use the best linens possible in just one or two main colors. This could mean pure white, damask tablecloths complemented with deep honeysuckle-colored napkins. To pull all the space together, use that same honeysuckle colour for cushions and candles. Order flower arrangements in similar colors.
Decorating for a Informal Royal Wedding Theme Party
A royal wedding party certainly does not have to be formal and sophisticated. Instead, it can be great fun with lots of games, casual food, and, of course, decorations that range from simple to funny. The royal wedding is a perfect opportunity for several families to get together. Following are just a few decorating ideas to jumpstart the host’s creativity.
- Bunting. This is a lightweight fabric used to make ribbons, banners and flags. Cut up old cotton sheets into large rectangles for flags, triangular pieces for attaching to a string to wave in the wind, and smaller strips for streamers. Invite all the children over the week before to use fabric paints to decorate these pieces. They can make royal crests, portraits of Prince William and his Kate, solid color streamers, or whatever else they can imagine. These can all be put up inside the house and/or out on the deck or patio.
- Balloons. It would be nice to have a few special balloons for weddings. In fact, there will be probably be some for sale that will have pictures of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on them. Fill up large vases with bouquets of balloons of many colors. Weight the vases so they do not tip.
- Tableware. Use paper and plastic for a casual meal eaten while watching the royal proceedings in Westminster Abbey on the television. Then, no one will have to worry about excited children breaking good china and crystal. Yes, it is possible to make a champagne toast with a plastic glass.
- Wedding party favors. Everyone loves to go home with a party favor. Check around for inexpensive mugs, spoons, or tea towels featuring the royal couple’s photos. There will be many retail locations selling souvenir items.
One website to check out for all decorations is Party Pieces, the company owned by Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton. Although they are not capitalizing on their daughter’s fame, they have many good ideas for wedding decorations. And, they do ship overseas.
Have a Super Royal Wedding Party!
No matter which style is chosen for decorations for the royal wedding theme party, all the guests will have great fun. April 29, 2011 will, indeed, be a royal day for everyone to remember.
Constance Woloschuk - 30 years experience in management and organizational development; extensive volunteer work with faith-based organizations.
Join the Conversation