11 Modern Wedding Decor Ideas

"To create elegant ambiance while incorporating the element of surprise and delight, consider a nearly all-white palette with a touch of color to accent the event space,” says Fabrice Orlando, planner at Cocoon Events. “Since white is so prevalent, guests are pleasantly surprised by pops of color in different places, including the tablescape.”

Orlando adds that glamour is all about the unexpected. Keep this in mind when selecting your location—aim for a not-so-traditional space that can be transformed with your design team. By incorporating luxurious details throughout the event, you can truly go big and blow everyone away with the design.

“An abundance of candles in varying heights pairs well with gold accents and mirrors, evoking a warm feel while not sacrificing elegance,” suggests Audrey Isaac of 100 Candles. Sprinkle rose petals around the lights to add a romantic vibe to the space.

Take your tablescape décor to new heights with a tall centerpiece that cascades downward, suggests Isaac. “Sprinkle in gold votives and white pillar candles, and remember that more is always better with a luxe event.”

If overly complicated and lush décor aesthetic is not your thing, go for an understated spin on glamour by using floating candles in footed containers running down the length of the reception tables. “Looking for a more unexpected take? Chat with your florist about blooms that can survive outside of a vase for the duration of the event,” suggests Isaac.

Crystals are the latest décor craze sweeping the wedding world, so having a geode wedding cake is guaranteed to make a statement. “What I love about these types of cakes is that they are a means to bring both texture and really rich color to your wedding cake. And that same color and texture can be easily incorporated into the rest of your décor, for example, by using slices of agate with calligraphy for escort cards or table numbers,” says Leah Weinberg, a planner at Color Pop Events.

"Geometric elements have been a huge trend in wedding decor for the last few years and I don't see that trend slowing down anytime soon,” adds Weinberg. “It's so easy to change up the shapes or the colors or the print in a way that makes them seem fresh. And you can bring [this trend] in anywhere — from linens to paper pieces to even the dishes.” Using terrariums, filled with anything your heart desires, is another modern way to use geometric elements in your décor.

"Lighting can transform a space and can also serve as a focal point for the wedding,” says Weinberg. It is a really fantastic way to set the tone stylistically for a wedding and to really impress your guests. And having a custom lighting piece is such an unexpected way to customize your modern wedding that will completely blow your guests away.

If you’d like a truly glamorous bouquet opt for a combination of white and blush roses, dahlias, and peonies, paired with some greenery for a pop of color. These fuller blooms look beautiful together and are the ultimate wedding flowers.

Opt for mismatched boutonnières—it’ll make for a modern twist on this classic wedding element. As long as you pick blooms that match the rest of your floral design, you are sure to end up with a cohesive look.

Fact—nothing looks more glamorous and luxurious than gold, and that’s what makes it so popular in wedding décor. But you can add some playfulness and natural allure to your event by incorporating green accents—napkins, say, or place cards. That way you keep the overall formality of your celebration but you also give it some softness and warmth.