How to Elevate a Simple Wedding Space

Photo: Blaine Siesser Photography

Every element of your wedding is important, but your venue truly sets the scene for your big day. If you opt for a more simple space, you might feel like you need to spend a significant portion of your budget making it into something extravagant. 

However, there are plenty of ways in which you can intentionally elevate your venue without breaking the bank.

Simple Ideas for a Minimalist Style

Natural Surroundings

"The great thing about a destination wedding is that your natural surroundings are often jaw-dropping and stunning enough to really WOW your guests; it takes little to no decor to create a showstopping setting. Many destination wedding ceremony/reception venues come as a blank canvas, with beautiful natural decor around it (think palm trees in Mexico, rolling hills/vineyards in Italy, lush mountainscapes in Costa Rica or St. Lucia). To elevate these simple spaces, many couples opt for dramatic florals and installations to complement the natural flora and fauna of their surroundings." —Jen Avey, DestinationWeddings.com

Minimalist Decor

"Clean symmetry, thoughtful lighting, and statement pieces. You don't need 200 floral arrangements, just one incredibly designed floral arch, a long table lined with candles, or a dramatic ceremony setup can give photos that elevated, editorial feel. A minimalist space makes every design choice matter more, so scale isn’t as important as placement and emotion." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography

Blank Canvas

"Draping can dramatically alter and elevate a 'blank canvas' wedding space. You can add immediate color, texture, and drama using draped fabric, which is definitely a trend this year. A wild, whimsical, draping floral arrangement in a dramatic color can make a big impact in a minimalistic space! Windows and natural lighting show beautifully in photos, so play up those areas with florals and minimalistic decor or a pop of color." —Sarona Farrell, Gloweddings

Centerpiece Ideas

"An over-the-top tablescape can completely change the feel of a minimalist space. Layers of romantic candlelight, ambient lighting, lush florals, and thoughtful details like a beautiful charger, specialty glassware, and unique linens. These elements not only elevate the design in person but make a huge impact in your photos, too." —Emily Reno, Elopement Las Vegas

Showcase the Cake

"Be extremely mindful of the cake's location. Even in the highest-end weddings we film, we see the cake's location as an afterthought. Remember that your guests will be snapping photos of the cake, and you will have your formal cake cut, so make sure the background also looks nice and photogenic. The most common mistake I see is placing the cake table in front of walls with fire extinguishers, light switches, or other distractions. Instead, make sure the cake is positioned against a clean, visually appealing backdrop that complements the overall design." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films

Chair Decor

"Upgraded chairs are our number one recommendation when it comes to making a space feel more luxurious. Find a chair that works for your ceremony and reception spaces and have them moved during cocktail hour to get the most bang for your buck! Not only is this an upgrade every guest will see and use, but it makes a significant impact on the feel of the space." —Ashley Allan, Your Jubilee Weddings

Personalize Your Wedding

"Have something personalized. As simple as they are, name cards for each guest can create a more elevated experience for the guests themselves. If you've ever heard the saying, someone's favorite word is their name. They may appreciate seeing their names, take photos of their unique card, and this gives the couple an opportunity to bring their personality into the placecards with fonts/colors/paper type." —Nicole Back, nicole&photo

Highlight the Dance Floor

"Printed dance floors or dancefloor installations above guests can make a huge impact! Whether you use balloon spheres interspersed between greenery or lanterns/chandeliers hanging at various heights can really elevate the simplest of spaces. Bold, patterned dancefloors can also make a huge impact when trying to create a wow moment inside a ballroom or on a large lawn. It creates a focal point for guests & a sense of intimacy as well." —Kimberley Dunkley Watkins, Dragonfly Experiences

Planning Tips

Subtle details can really make all the difference — leaning into texture and adding dimension where you can will make your venue space feel more luxurious and intimate!

Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She also leads the OFD Collective, a PR membership community for industry pros.