Decorating for a wedding close to the holidays can be difficult. You can’t ignore that everyone is in the full holiday spirit but you also don’t want your wedding to feel like just another holiday party. How do you decorate in that middle ground? This year West Elm stores are decked out in the perfect holiday décor so take some notes.

classy with a touch of holiday spirit

Steer clear of the obvious red, white, green and blue holiday color palettes and choose something neutral. Decorate in shades of cream, metallic and glitter. Try mixing paper flowers made from newsprint or book pages with silver plates and a shimmery table runner.

And these glittery XOs play perfectly into a loving wedding theme. Simply cover some wooden letters in glue and glitter than hang from ribbons for the perfect reception decoration.

Happy Thanksgiving! Today seems like the last chance to celebrate an autumn wedding theme since it is the first official day of the winter holiday season and we’ll soon be swept up into the glitter and wrappings that come with it. So take a moment to remember the rich, warm colors and delicious treats from the fall.

Fall is also a great season for simple, do-it-yourself wedding projects. Wrap votive holders with fake autumn leaves with a rustic tie to quickly dress up your reception tables. Build a tower of cupcakes sprinkled with fall color and/or bake miniature pies with leaf print tops for a laid-back dessert. Pull together your fall wedding with other autumnal color touches such as brown bridesmaids’ dresses, pumpkin centerpieces and foliage inspired escort cards.

I see this trend popping up again and again in real weddings – ghost guest chairs and I love it! They add such a clean, modern element to any wedding ceremony, whether it be indoors or out. Ghost chairs add character without being overwhelming or feeling over designed. They can easily transition to any wedding theme or design and add a chic touch to your wedding décor.

little pops of color stand out on a clear background

Ghost chairs transition well from wedding ceremony rows to reception table chairs too. If you have to rent chairs for both occasions, why not rent just one chair that will fit both spots? Most couples tend to have a time between the ceremony and reception for a cocktail hour (while bridal party pictures are taken) in a separate venue, even if they are all taking place on the same ground so using them in both locations will not be an issue.

you can't miss bride and groom signs on a clear chair

Whether you rent them for one event or your entire wedding day, you’re sure to be pleased with these chairs.

A few days ago I posted a blog about how to turn paper and string into wedding decorations. I know a lot of modern brides are looking for do-it-yourself, budget-friendly options but let’s be honest, not all brides are crafty. You may love these little do-it-yourself project but don’t have the time, tools or patience to actually do it yourself. Fear not, as always Etsy will come to the rescue.

use these mini garlands indoors or out

Decorate with paper streamers and garlands without owning your own sewing machine thanks to the kategreiner shop. She makes an assortment of adorable sewn decorations that are just as affordable as a do-it-yourself project. Check out her circus decorations – these little cuties can be used almost everywhere outside the big top.

origami wedding flowers

Marthastewartweddings.com loves to share do-it-yourself paper flower directions. Having wedding flowers that don’t need to be in season and will last forever is tempting, but those directions can be daunting. Box64Studios creates adorable origami paper flowers in your wedding colors for a completely affordable price. I love the bright papers!