When planning a wedding, there are so many details to work out (some of which are more fun than others…dare we even mention seating charts?). Decorating the venue in a particular style is great way to create a beautiful space for guests to enjoy, but it also can help to tell the story of you as a couple. A modern wedding theme can be minimalist in style, but can also feature playful designs that are fun, personal, and unique.
“Wedding decorations show the couple’s personality and create a memorable experience for guests,” says event coordinator Ashley Padalecki. “Florals are, of course, always a beautiful way to add personality and flair to your event, but don’t miss out on other decor elements,” she adds, noting that adding modern wedding decor like colorful glassware, tapered candles, and pretty linens can “transform your space to match the vision you and your partner have.”
Read on for the best modern wedding decorations.
Minted Kelly Schmidt Galeria Seating Chart
Minted
Add a creative boost to your wedding decor with this seating chart from Minted artist Kelly Schmidt. Available in seven different color theme options, the graphic, pop art-inspired design gives wedding day signage an elevated touch.
Price at time of publish: $112
FUNTEREST Gold Flower Vases
Amazon
These petite brass vases are perfect for small bud arrangements or floral moments throughout the wedding venue (think welcome table, bar area, bathrooms, coat check, and more). Choose all of one shape, or mix and match with rounded or taller shapes.
Price at time of publish: $17
The Floral Society Fancy Pillar Candles
Food52
Sculptural candles are having a big moment right now—there are so many fun molded and pillar options to choose from. While these sleek ones may be a bit pricey to put on every table, try adding a few as statement pieces in a few key areas like the dessert table or couple’s table. They’d look stunning on a modern pillar holder or inside tall glass votives for added drama.
Price at time of publish: $36
Two Lit Avocados Last Name Wedding Neon Sign
Etsy
Brighten up your reception with a bold neon wedding sign. It’s a great keepsake that lasts long after the big day is over—and if ordered in advance, you can also incorporate it into engagement party and bridal shower decor, too.
For Your Party Personalized Party Napkins
Etsy
Customized wedding napkins are an affordable way to add personalization to your cocktail hour. Look for a design that’s sleek and simple like this retro-inspired motif—we love the modern script font and graphic style that pops off the the paper.
Price at time of publish: $34 for 50 count
MTM Workshop Large Wooden Mid-Century Modern Letter
Etsy
If a neon script sign isn’t your style, but you want to add a touch of your monogram to the celebration, this mid-century-inspired design is a gorgeous choice. It’s another great memento that can be used as wall decor after the wedding day has passed.
Price at time of publish: $17 for 6 inches
Anding White Ceramic Vase
Amazon
Make a statement at your reception with these ceramic sculptural vases. Featuring a matte finish and a range of shapes and sizes, they look gorgeous on top of cocktail tables or arranged on large tablescapes with smaller glass vases mixed in.
Price at time of publish: $33
Borrowed Blu Cotton Crinkle Extra Long Table Runner
Food52
Modern weddings are all about mixing textures for an ultra-romantic setting. One way to do so is with your table runners—and we can’t stop swooning over this cotton-crinkled table runner from Borrowed Blu. Available in a stunning stone, pale blue, and rustic pinot color, this runner is the perfect addition to any modern wedding tablescape.
Hawkins New York Aurora Sphere Vase
Food52
Whether you’re going all out with florals or decorating with greenery, vases are a must. We love this sphere vessel from Hawkins New York, featuring a classic globe design with a variety of muted colors to choose from. For an even more modern appeal, mix and match shapes by adding in other sculptural pieces from the brand’s other earthy collections.
Price at time of publish: $35 for small
Minted Lindsay Stetson Thompson Goldfinch Wedding Program
Minted
Your wedding program is part of your decor, too. This style by Minted artist Lindsay Stetson Thompson is a great choice for the modern bride who loves a touch of retro-modern charm. Choose from eight rich background colors, or customize to match your wedding palette.
Price at time of publish: $175 for 100 count
Black Sea Eyes Terra-Cotta Pampas Grass
Etsy
Pampas grass and other dried botanicals are a continuing trend in wedding decor, both for modern or rustic settings. We love this terra-cotta-colored pampas grass as an alternative to the more ubiquitous snowy white version.
Price at time of publish: $4 for 20-22″
Hazel Gray Co. Custom Watercolor Wedding Drink Sign
Etsy
In addition to adding meaning and sentimentality, personalized touches make wedding decor stand out. And, while there are plenty of great bar sign options out there, we love this custom watercolor wedding drink sign. It’s a great option for couples who are featuring a signature cocktail at their reception—and it makes for a sweet keepsake to hang above your at-home bar, post-nuptials.
Price at time of publish: $150 for 8×10 inches
King Zi Yu Love Sign Vases
Amazon
Another sculptural wedding centerpiece or accent idea, these whimsical ceramic vases add a touch of fun and creative flair to any surface. Perfect for a dessert table, bar, or gifting area, this contemporary set is a great way to turn up the love.
Price at time of publish: $50
Sweet Gum Botanicals Ombre Flower Garland
Etsy
Think bouquets and arrangements are the only way to bring in the dried floral trend? Think again. This ombre floral garland is a creative way to add colorful touches to a white space without going overboard. Hung as as single strands or as a group, it makes for a stunning photo backdrop, bar decor, or dessert table decor.
Ethereal Wedding Gift Jigsaw Puzzle Guest Book
Etsy
Guest books are another fun way to create a personalized decor moment at your wedding. To mix things up, look for unique and specialized options that go beyond the traditional book format. Perfect for the puzzle-loving couple, this wooden version comes with the option to add a customized box and a sign to remind guests to fill out a puzzle piece before they leave.
Price at time of publish: $90 for 12 puzzles umber with box
What to look for when shopping for modern wedding decorations
Consider the venue
The first and most important thing to consider when shopping for wedding decor is your venue and consider whether or not you are starting with a blank slate, Padalecki explains. Find out what’s available at the site before you start shopping “Some venues feature massive chandeliers, so you don’t need to pay for hanging festoon lights or add tons of uplighting, while other venues offer an empty ballroom that is perfect for transforming in any way,” she adds.
The cost
Your decor budget is another important thing to consider. “Decor elements don’t have to break the bank,” says Padalecki. “You can pick up golden tapered candlesticks from Amazon instead of renting them from a company, and then you can use them again,” she suggests. “By choosing design elements that relate to your taste, you can reuse some of the pieces in your home or for future events.”
Why Trust Brides
Jessie Quinn is a bridal-obsessed lifestyle and DIY writer with a Bachelor’s Degree in fashion journalism. She got her start in the wedding industry in high school, when she worked for a wedding planner in Los Angeles and helped assemble wedding invitations, table numbers, menus, and more, along with assisting decoration set-up. She now writes about fashion, decor, and paper for Brides.