When you envision your dream wedding, do you picture an event that exudes elegance, indulgence and luxurious touches from start to finish?

While true luxury can come with a hefty price tag, there are creative ways to infuse your celebration with an upscale, indulgent vibe without going over budget. We’ve put together some ideas that will help.

Set the Ambiance with Romantic Lighting

Lighting is key to incorporating a luxurious feel into your wedding celebration.

Work closely with your wedding venue and rentals company to incorporate different lighting elements that will make the space feel warm and inviting.

Strategically placed uplighting along the walls can give the illusion of an expansive room. Decorative string lights, flickering candlelight, or lanterns lining the walkways and surrounding areas add a romantic, luxurious glow. Dimming the overhead lights slightly also helps set a more intimate mood.

Wedding Decor: Choose Rich Fabrics and Lush Florals

Your wedding day deserves a setting that reflects the love and joy of your celebration. Luxury isn't just about expense; it's about creating an unforgettable experience through thoughtful design and exquisite details.

Wedding Backdrops

Your textiles are key to creating the feel of a luxury wedding, too. Wedding backdrops can truly elevate your décor and create a luxurious focal point. Here are some wedding backdrop ideas.

-Grand fabric drapes: Luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin, or chiffon add instant opulence. Drape them in voluminous folds behind the ceremony altar or sweetheart table at the reception. Consider using a color that complements your neutral palette.

-Floral arches and walls: A breathtaking floral wedding backdrop creates a stunning focal point. Use a variety of lush blooms and overflowing greenery for a dramatic and romantic effect. This works beautifully for both the ceremony and reception areas.

-Textured backdrops: For a unique and modern twist, explore textured backdrops. Consider panels with metallic finishes, damask patterns, or 3D floral elements. These can add depth and visual interest, creating a luxurious and fashion-forward feel.

Your Tables: A Luxurious Tablescape

Beyond the basic necessities, your reception tables are an opportunity to create a truly luxurious tablescape that sets the mood for your elegant celebration. Here's how to achieve that:

-High-Quality Linens: Invest in crisp, white tablecloths made from luxurious fabrics like damask or linen. You can add a touch of color or pattern with overlays or runners in a complementary shade from your palette.

-Charger Plates and Glassware: Charger plates instantly elevate the place setting, adding depth and dimension. Choose a metallic charger plate in gold, silver, or rose gold, or opt for a classic beveled glass charger. Don't forget high-quality glassware, including crystal clear wine glasses, champagne flutes, and water goblets.

-Luxurious Flatware: Consider using upgraded flatware with a heavier weight and more intricate design.

-Cushions and Napkins: Elevate the comfort factor with plush chair cushions and luxurious linen napkins folded into elegant shapes.

-Candlelight: The warm glow of candlelight creates a romantic and inviting atmosphere. Use pillar candles or hurricane lamps with flickering votive candles inside. Scatter them throughout the tablescape for a touch of magic.

Flowers: A Symphony of Blooms for a Lavish Ambiance

Flowers are a cornerstone of luxurious wedding décor, and your florist can be your partner in creating the opulent, lavish look you desire. Here's how to get the most out of your floral consultation:

-Communicate your vision: Describe your dream wedding aesthetic to your florist, including your color palette and desired level of formality. Share inspiration photos from magazines or Pinterest boards to give them a clear idea of what you envision.

-Luxury blooms: Discuss incorporating opulent flowers known for their beauty and fragrance. Roses, peonies, hydrangeas, orchids, and calla lilies are all excellent choices for a luxurious wedding.

-Dramatic arrangements: Opt for tall, overflowing centerpieces that create a dramatic statement on each table. Your florist can use a mix of blooms in varying heights and textures for added visual interest.

-Think beyond centerpieces: Don't forget about other floral elements that can add a touch of luxury. Consider floral garlands cascading down the table edges, bud vases scattered throughout the tablescape, or floral bouquets adorning each guest chair.

Delight the Senses with Sounds and Scents

Creating a luxury wedding experience goes beyond just the visual appeal. Consider the other senses as well.

Sweet Sounds

Having a pianist, harpist, string quartet, or jazz ensemble can lend an elegant musical ambiance--and can add some magical moments to your big day.

Enchanting Aromas

For scent, have your florist provide fragrant florals like peonies, gardenias, or jasmine.

Taste of Luxury

You can also work with your caterers on offering luxurious hot beverage services like a coffee bar with delectable flavorings or a hot chocolate station with gourmet toppings.

Offer Gourmet Cuisine and Specialty Beverages

Speaking of catering, the menu is a prime opportunity to elevate your wedding's luxury factor. Work with your caterer on providing gourmet multi-course plated dishes, carving stations, raw bars, and other oppulent offerings.

Instead of just a basic open bar, offer a specialty cocktail or two, perhaps even with a designated mixologist service. For dessert, you could do a high-end dessert display or decadent treat boxes for guests to take home favors. Small bites and late night snacks are great ways to keep treating your guests as well.

Garden Settings

If you're lucky enough to have access to a beautiful outdoor space, take advantage of it by hosting your wedding ceremony or reception in a garden setting.

Utilize natural elements such as trees, bushes, and flowers to create a breathtaking backdrop for your celebration. String twinkling fairy lights throughout the trees to enhance the luxurious feel of your outdoor space, and consider incorporating water features or fire pits for added visual interest.

Working with Your Wedding Venue

Your venue plays an important role in delivering an elegant wedding. Collaborate closely with your chosen venue to determine what services and amenities they can provide.

Many venues offer packages that include everything from chairs and tables to linens and lighting, which can help streamline the decision-making process, elevate your wedding decor, and reduce costs.

Be sure to communicate your vision and preferences clearly, and don't hesitate to ask questions or request additional assistance as needed.

Focus on the Little Luxurious Touches

It's often the little special touches that can make elevate an event and create the feel of a luxury wedding. Here are some ideas to inspire you during your wedding planning.

-Incorporate custom signage with a sophisticated design into your wedding decor.

-Provide plush blankets for chilly outdoor ceremonies/cocktails.

-Have servers pass gourmet bites and top-shelf drinks during cocktail hour.

-Set up a lounge area in your reception space with cozy, elegant furnishings.

-Provide luxe toiletries in guest restrooms.

-Gift welcome bags to your out-of-town guests with local gourmet treats.

-Hire skilled vendors (photographers, florists, musicians, and others) at the top of their field.

Treat Your Guests to VIP Amenities

Work hand-in-hand with your venue to enhance the overall guest experience with some VIP amenities and services. This red carpet treatment will make the day feel extra luxurious for you and your guests.

From Here to There

-Offer valet parking to eliminate the stress of finding spaces.

-Have golf carts or shuttles to transport guests between locations.

Outdoor Moments

-Provide a luxurious "refresh" station with towels, fans, and cool drinks at your outdoor summer wedding.

Into the Night

-Extend the courtesy of keeping venues and restrooms perfectly refreshed all night.

-Set up an upscale coffee and snack bar for late night treats.

Focus on Creating an Elegant Yet Relaxed Feel

While you want your overall celebration to feel luxurious, it's also important not to make it too stuffy or formal.

The best luxury wedding will still allow guests to feel relaxed and able to kick back and savor the day.

Incorporate plenty of stylish yet comfortable lounge areas, serve gourmet yet approachable foods, and create an ambiance that's upscale but not pretentious. With the right balance of lavish touches and attention to your guests' comfort, you can absolutely pull off a stunning luxury wedding.

The Bell Tower on 34th is a leading Luxury Wedding Venue in Houston, TX.

Our elegant venue, featuring a grand staircase and beautiful garden setting, is a short drive from downtown Houston.

Contact us to schedule a tour.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355