Decor for receptions can vary depending on the theme and color scheme, but Ashley Thompson, owner of Thompson Traditions in Salisbury, said right now couples tend to go for more handmade looks.
“The do-it-yourself style is in,” she said.
Thompson said receptions are also playing host to more old-timey embellishments.
“Vintage shabby and vintage Victorian are popular right now,” she said.
Thompson said many couples like the idea of using glass bowls and vases to hold floating candles.
“You don’t have to go with traditional flowers as your centerpieces,” she said.
Errin Brown, owner of Virtual Sounds in Salisbury, said laser-cut disc monograms of the couple’s names or initials are being projected to light up the dance floor or provide decoration to a blank wall.
The company also gets a lot of requests for LED uplighting.
“When the daylight goes away, you can dim the house lights and get the party started with highlights of color around the room,” Brown said.
One of the most popular trends Brown has seen for receptions is the addition of a photo booth.
“It’s a way to entertain people who don’t want to get on the dance floor,” he said. “Your grandmother can have fun in the photo booth.”
Meredith Yost, who is getting married in May 2014, said she plans to have a photo booth at her reception.
“I like the idea of getting some fun, candid shots of my guests, something kind of different,” she said.
Soraya Avellanet, owner of The Cake Attic in Salisbury, said the wedding cakes she’s done lately tend to more natural with simple designs.
“But simple can sometimes be deceiving,” she said, pointing out a cake she made that has more than 100 flowers made of sugar. “It can be pretty time consuming.”