We get it…wedding budgets are tight. But after you’ve picked all your wedding vendors and are really deep in wedding planning mode, you’ll find there are a lot of options for you to choose from—and we’re not just talking about food and flowers.

Wedding décor and entertainment in particular are not one-stop shops. There are tons of upgrades you can choose from, and chances are, your wedding venue has some packages available as well.

So let’s talk about some of our favorite wedding upgrades—from lighting packages to your grand exit—that are with spending some extra dough on.

 

Wedding Ceremony Upgrades

Don’t make your wedding day all about your reception. Your ceremony deserves some love too.

After all, it’s the actual event we’re here to celebrate, and putting a bit more effort into it makes it a more special and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Here are some fun upgrades you can do to make your ceremony shine.

Live Musicians

Instead of recorded music, having live musicians can really enhance the romantic element of your big day. It can be the traditional string quartet or harpist, or someone who plays a particular style of music you and your partner are partial to.

If you have a family member or close friend who is musically inclined, consider having them play something as everyone walks down the aisle, making the moment even more personal.

Wedding Aisle Décor

Since you’re not spending much time in the aisle, this is an element of wedding décor that many couples forget about. But having an ornate aisle will really make your photos pop.

Aisle runners, flower petals, lanterns, wood barrels, personalized signage—all of these things will help make your walk down the aisle more special and more unique.

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, be sure to check with your venue about what items are allowed or prohibited and how to keep everything in place.

Customized Backdrops

It doesn’t have to be just you, your partner, and the officiant standing front and center. There are plenty of decorative upgrades you can add to make the actual ceremony feel more special which also look great in photos.

Consider religious or ritual elements you can add on or enhance. Add a flower wall backdrop, a unique arch, drapery, and more.

High-Quality Audio & Video

This is an upgrade your guests will love, especially for outdoor ceremonies. Make sure your guests can hear your vows (and every moment in between!) so they can truly celebrate the moment with you.

And for guests who can’t attend, consider live-streaming your ceremony. Be sure to talk to your venue about what’s possible and available to you.

But speaking of video, don’t forget to ask your guests to unplug and leave all the recording to your wedding team. You don’t want to look at your photos after the wedding and see cell phones in every shot.

Wedding Reception Upgrades

It’s time to party, and there’s so much more you can do than just hiring a fun band or DJ.

Make your wedding reception one everyone will remember with any of these upgrades.

Lighting Upgrades

The right lighting can really change the whole look and feel of your wedding reception, and there are so many options to choose from.

There’s uplighting, string lights, fairy lights, spotlights, and so much more. You can highlight certain spots of your reception—like the cake or your centerpieces—or add a unique element to your décor with decorative lighting, like lanterns.

Many wedding venues (like Kendall Point) have lighting packages you can add on to your booking, so don’t be afraid to ask when you’re on your venue tour!

Dance Floor Upgrades

We LOVE this one. A custom dance floor or gobo is something all your guests will remember.

You can have the gobo say your name or initials plus your wedding date, your favorite song lyric, a repeat of your vows, or whatever else you can think of. Meanwhile, a custom dance floor will help that area of your reception stand out and encourage more dancing from your guests.

Plate Chargers & Bright Linens

If you want to make your table settings stand out, go with a fun plate charger and brightly colored napkins or tablecloths.

The more these small elements pop, the more basic your plates and silverware can be.

Let People Lounge

Consider adding a quiet lounge area outside your reception for guests to relax and catch their breath. A few comfortable cushioned chairs, couches, or benches will go far into helping your guests enjoy your reception without having to leave early.

It’s the perfect place for your guests to mingle in between eating, drinking, and dancing.

Food & Drink Upgrades

This is already at the top of everyone’s mind when it comes to a wedding reception, so why not go big with it?

One wedding food idea we love: a late-night snack option before your grand exit. Simple finger foods or even your favorite fast food will suffice to just give your guests one last munch.

And when it comes to your wedding bar, we love seeing couples go big with drink walls, beer flights, unique bar set ups, and more.

Choose A Wedding Venue With Plenty of Upgrades & Add-Ons

Many wedding vendors will offer upgrades to their basic service or know how to get them. For example, your wedding planner may have a photo booth or trivia company they work with and already know their packages and pricing.

The same is true of many wedding venues. Plenty of venues, including Kendall Point, offer a range of upgrades to enhance your big day should you choose.

We offer upgrades to both your ceremony and reception—uplights, wine barrel decor, solid pine tables, sparklers, fireworks, and more. Anything we can do to make your wedding day truly magical, we’re ready to do it!

Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your dream wedding.