Look up!

A lovely bride to be, Courtney, asked me recently what my thoughts were on creating the right mood for a ceremony. How do you set the ambience like they do in the Hollywood movies minus the million dollar price tag?

The answer? Look up!

The only way I could think to answer Courtney's question was to relate a wedding to a theatre production and think of the ceremony and reception like a stage. You want to cover the basics like sound and lighting but how do you tie everything together and create that lush ambience? Walls and ceilings are overlooked. We're so grounded by gravity that we forget that we can hang things from the ceilings, trees, roofs, marquees. We can erect poles to use as anchor points, nothing is impossible!

Fairy lights are increasingly popular for wedding receptions as they create these twinkly stars and fill the room with soft, warm light.

Use what you have. Surrounding structures can be tied into the ambience by adding matching ribbon and flowers. These little jars can be bought from Ikea for under $6 each, fake flowers from the craft store or $2 shop with the heads pulled off in some water and VwahLah!

If your budget can stretch to real flowers then these hanging balls add colour and fragrance to the scene.

Perhaps your aunt has enough rose bushes in her garden to create these hanging bouquets.

You can buy uncut, loose flowers from most florists - shop around and find your best price.

Paper lanterns are inexpensive and come in a range of colours, sizes and designs. Check out the Asian markets, craft stores, Etsy and Ebay.

Paper pom poms in shades of pink and orange scattered at different heights create a magical effect in this atrium.

A row of paper pom pom's line the bridal table and help to break up that high, industrial ceiling.

Single stems hung close together look delicate and soft above this bridal table.

If you're reception is going to be in a bland room then think about the space like a stage and create the set. This wooden board painted in a vibrant blue helps to break up the bland white wall. If hubby-to-be is handy then send him off to Bunnings to create something similar for your reception.