With their big space and sweeping ceilings, ballrooms make the ideal venue for large wedding receptions. Ballrooms provide ample space for guests to comfortably mix and mingle, and also allow you to decorate with several eye-catching elements. 

Ballrooms are either stand-alone venues or designated event spaces in larger hotels, country clubs, and restaurants. You can rent them for private parties, and they may provide outdoor space as well. Some ballrooms feature patios or decks, and even lawn space, which is ideal for taking pictures or grilling if you plan on serving guests lunch or dinner outdoors. 

Because ballrooms are so big, they may have the tendency to have a cold appearance, but you can easily give them a personalized look with your own decorations. Choose pieces that match the overall theme or color scheme of your wedding for a customized, cohesive style.

Prior to bringing any decor, such as lighting or furniture, clear it with the ballroom staff to make sure they are allowed. Some venues have specific decorating policies, and you want to avoid any last-minute change of plans. 

Here are some decorating ideas for your wedding reception:

1. Lighting Elements 

The fastest way to add instant ambiance to a ballroom is through eye-catching lighting elements. As one idea, wrap white string lights around pillars, beams, and any other space you can to give the venue a twinkling, elegant look. If the ballroom doesn't have sufficient lighting, it will add a warm glow and illuminate the guest tables. 

If it's allowed, you may also be able to suspend sparkling chandeliers from the ceiling if the ballroom doesn't already feature them. As another idea, place either battery-powered or candle lanterns down the centers of guest tables. You can choose black wrought iron or silver, gold, or white lanterns, depending on the overall reception theme. 

2. Floral Arrangements 

Another option for giving a ballroom a personal touch is with floral arrangements. Fill elegant crystal vases with seasonal blooms, such as roses, tulips, and lilacs in the spring and summer months, and use them as sweet-smelling table centerpieces. You can also place them throughout the venue, such as on the gift or cake tables. 

Have the flowers work double-duty as table decor and favors by placing one small vase by each guest's place setting. Personalize the vases with the event details, such as the couple's names and wedding date. Depending on your decor budget, you can either use realistic-looking faux flowers or fresh blooms. 

For more information, contact a local venue like Russo's On The Bay.